Princeton Theological Seminary - Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

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16 Special instruction is given in the art of elocution, with appropriate vocal exercises, by Prof. S. G. PEABODY, who is in constant attendance at the Semi- nary, and by Professors IVIARK BAILEY, of New Haven, and ROBERT KIDD, of Indiana, by whom the institution is successively visited at different periods in each session. This is without cost to the students, the expense being borne by generous friends of the Seminary. Every student is required, prior to graduation, to exhibit to the Professor of Horniletic instruction two lectures and four popular sermons, which shall be approved by him. ' OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT. During this year and next, by way of experiment, the Senior and Middle Classes will be united in the studies belonging to these departments. The sub- jects assigned to these two years, though related, are so far distinct that the order of succession is of comparative indifiercnceg and the facility of the two classes in the original languages of Scripture, is so nearly on a par as to admit of this combination being made without prejudice to either, while it is hoped that it will prove serviceable and stimulating to both, and be a useful economy of time. During the present term, accordingly, both these classes are engaged in the study of Prophecy in general and of Special Introduction to the books of the Prophets. Their Hebrew reading consists of extracts fchiefly Messianicj from the book of Isaiah. These are studied in connection with A1exander's abridged and unabridged Commentary, and Hengstenberg's Christology, with a comparison of the Vulgate and Septuagint, and a careful examination of the etymologies of words, the derivations of roots and synonyms 3 each student being allowed his option, within certain limits, as to the method of study which he shall select. In the New Testament they are engaged in the study of the Acts of the Apostles, which is read in the original and made the basis of lectures, in which not only the labors of the Apostles therein recorded, but their writings are discussed in their appropriate place in the history. Next year these classes will be occupied with the studies in those depart- ments, which, in the general plan of the course, are assigned to the second year, viz. : Special Introduction to the Pentateuch, Historical and Poetical Books, and the Life of Christ and Exegesis of the Gospels. K

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15 to the present time, including the history of the separate church organizations in Europe, America, and the East. The whole course is conducted by lecture and recitation upon the subject of the lecture, with constant reference to original authorities and the best books for collateral reading. Special attention is given throughout to the historical order of revelation and development of doctrine, to Christian life, and the rela- tions of the Church to the world. ECCLESIASTICAL, HOMILETIC, AND PASTORAL THEOLCGY. Sacred Rhetoric is made a study of the first year, with the help of a text- book QVinet's Homiletics, at present,j and lectures, followed by exercises in the analysis of texts, and writing of skeletons. Church Government is made a study of the second year, mostly by lectures. These embrace the nature of the Church, and the different schemes of Church polityg membership in the Church, the baptized, the full communicants 5 ohicers ofthe Church, commission, succession, and parity of Ministers, ruling Elders, in the warrant qualiications, duties and tenure of the oflice 3 Deacons, in the origin, importance, distinct and perpetual use of the oiiice g Church Courts, in their warrant, gradation, and power. Pastoral Theology is studied in the third year. A call to the ministry, the aptitudes and attainments required 5 the duties, relations, and responsibilities of the pastoral care, the Ordinances of Divine appointment in the Church, Ordinances of worship, including the Sacraments and public prayer, preaching and praise in the pastoral administration g systematic beneieence, Sze. 5 Dis- cipline, in its principles, forms of procedure, subjects, objects, Src. These and other topics connected, are treated historically, as well as discussed in the light of Scripture, and according to the standards of the Presbyterian Church. RHETORICAL EXERCISES AND SERMONIZTNG. DR. C. VV. HODGE presides at the weekly speaking of the Junior and Middle Classes, each member of which is, in his turn, expected to deliver original dis- courses, memoriier. The weekly preaching of the Senior Class, which is likewise memoriier, is under the direction of DR. MCGILL, who also has exercises with all the classes in extempore speaking, in writing sermons, and in preparing written criticisms upon the sermons of othcrs.

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17 OPTIONAL STUDIES. Hebrew is the only Oriental language which is taught in the regular course, but such students as desire it, may be instructed in Chaldee, Syriac, Arabic, or in the elements of Sanscrit. Private classes may also be formed for classical reading, Biblical exegesis, or other subjects collateral to the course. On application to the Professors of the College, students can have the privi- lege of attending lectures in that institution. Instruction in the French and German languages can be obtained from com- petent teachers at the students' expense. RELIGIOUS EXERCISES. Daily prayers, which every student is expected to attend, are conducted in the morning by members of the Senior Class, and in the evening by the Pro- fessors. On Sabbath morning the Professors preach in rotation in the Seminary Chapel. In the afternoon a Conference is held in the Oratory, at which the Professors conduct the discourse on a subject previously announced, and the students conduct the devotional exercises. Missionary meetings are held every Sabbath evening among the students. The concert of prayer on the iirst Monday of each month is under the direc- tion of the Professors. Various other meetings for devotion or mutual exhortation are maintained either by the students as a body, or by each class separately, by the graduates of the several Colleges, etc., etc. Opportunities for active usefulness and observation of pastoral life, are afforded in the churches of Princeton and its vicinity, there being nearly twenty Presbyterian Churches, besides those of other denominations, Within some ten miles of the Seminary. LIBRARY. The elegant library edifice is the gift of James Lenox, LL.D., of New York. It now contains upwards of twenty-one thousand volumes, chieiiy theological, including, in addition to many rare and costly works, the large and unique col-