Princeton Theological Seminary - Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

Page 18 text:

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

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.

Page 19 text:

18 collection of pamphlets presented by the Rev. Dr. Sprague, and the valuable library of D1'. Addison Alexander, the gift of Messrs. R. L. and A. Stuart. The library has, from the generosity of the last-named gentlemen, a fund of ten thousand dollars, whose annual proceeds are devoted to its maintenance and increase. It is open two hours of every weekday for reading and consul- tationg and books may be drawn from it by students three days in the week. Text-books may be kept out during the entire term. Students also have the privilege of using the library ot' the College. The reading-room is under the management of the Alexander Society, and is well supplied with the leading newspapers and periodicals. Students are admitted on the payment of a small annual fee. Rooivrs, Eire. The eommodious buildings of the Seminary afford ample accommodations for students. The rooms, both in the original edifice and in Brown Hall, are furnished with a bed, bedstead, bureau, washstand, chairs, table, bookcase, and elothespress. Wliatever may be needed or desired beyond this must be sup- plied by the students themselves. Complete arrangements are made on the spacious grounds of the Seminary for gymnastic exercises, according to the most approved methods for sedentary men. EXPENSES. There is no charge for tuition or room-rent. The only fees required of students are S510 for the general expense fund, to pay the cost of warming and lighting the public rooms, the attendance of servants, doc., and 31 for the use of the library. Board is furnished at the refectory for 354 per week, and in private families for S55 or the students may, at their discretion, form themselves into clubs and vary the cost at their pleasure. Fuel costs from S8 to S515 per annum, and washing, 231.60 per month. Total of necessary expenses for the Seminary year from S5175 to 35200. ' These prices are nearly double what they were before the war, and it is hoped they may soon be reduced. Books can be bought at a liberal discount, and many class-books are provided in the library. 5 Gaslight may be had in the Seminary at the option of the student.