Princeton Theological Seminary - Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

Page 17 text:

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 MARK BAILEY, of New Haven, and ROBERT KIDD, of Indiana, by whom the Institution is successively visited at dii'l'erent periods in each session. This is without cost to the students, the expenses being borne by generous friends of the Seminary. Every student is required, prior to graduation, to exhibit to the Professor of Homiletic instruction two lectures and four popular sermons, which shall be approved by him. OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT. The Senior and Middle Classes are united in the studies belonging to these departments. The subjects assigned to these two years, though related, are so far distinct that the order of succession is of comparative indiiierenceg and the facil- ity 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 the Typical Institutions of the Old Testament, and of Special Introduction to the Pentateuch, and the Historical and Poetical Books. A selected portion of the Book of Psalms is also read in Hebrew. This is studied in connection with the Commentaries of Alexander, Hengstenberg, and De- litzsch, a comparison of the Vulgate and Septuagint, and a careful examina- tion of the etyrnologies of words and synonyms, 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 Gospels and the Life of Christ, this is presented in detail and in its successive periods, the labors of various harmonists reviewed, and the course of events and the progress of our Lord's teaching examined. 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 third year, viz. : Special Introduction to the Prophets, and the Acts of the Apostles, and Special Introduction to the Epistles.

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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 ofthe Church to the World. ECCLESIASTICAL, HOMILETIC, AND PASTORAL THEOLOGY. Sacred Rhetoric is made a study of the first year, with the help of a text- book tVinet'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 ofthe second year, mostly by lectures. These embrace the nature ofthe Church, and the different schemes of Church polityg membership in the Church, thc baptized, the full communicantsg oftlicers of the Church 3 commission, succession, and parity of Ministers 5 ruling Elders, in the Warrant, qualifications, duties, and tenure of the oiiiceg Deacons, in the origin, importance, distinct and perpetual use of the otlice, 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 praisein the pastoral administration, systematic beneicence, Src., Dis- cipline, in its principles, forms of procedure, subjects, objects, dmc. These and other topics connected, are treated historically, as well as discussed in the light of Scripture, and according to the standards ofthe Presbyterian Church. RHETORICAL EXERCISES AND SERMONIZING. DR. C. W. 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 memorizfer, is under the direction of DR. DICGILL, who also has exercises with all the classes in efctempore speaking, in writing sermons, and in preparing written criticisms upon the sermons of others.

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17 OPTIONAL STUDIES. Hebrew is the only Oriental language which is taught in the regular course 5 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 student's 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 first Monday of each month is under the direc- tion of the Professors. Various other meetings for devotion or mutual exhortation are maintained either by thc students as a body, or by each class separately, by the graduates of the several colleges, Sac., dsc. Opportunities for active usefulness and observation of pastoral life, are ailorded 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, chiefly theological, including, in addition to many rare and costly works, the large and unique