Princeton Theological Seminary - Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

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16 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 origilpalsdiiifk courses, memorirfer. The weekly preaching of the Senior Class, which is likewise memoriter, is under the direction of DR. BICGILL, who also has exercises with all the classes in eztempore speaking, in writing sermons, and in preparing written criticisms upon the sermons of others. I 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 different 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 bc approved by him. OLD AND NEWV 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 indifference, 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, whilcit 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 is in Habakkuk and Zechariah. These are studied in connection with Kcil's, Henderson's, and Maurer's Com- mentaries and Hengstenberg's Christology, with a comparison of the Vulgatc and Septuagintg 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 departments which, in the general plan of the course, are assigned to the second year, viz. :

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15 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. . ,Q , A ECCLESIASTICAL, HOMILETIC, AND PASTORAL THEOLOGY. Sacred Rhetoric is made a study of the H1-st year, with the help of a text- book QVinet's Homiletics, at present,j and lectures, followed by exercises in the analysis oftexts, 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 polity, membership in the Church 3 the baptized, the full communicants, oiiicers of the Church 3 commission, succession, and parity of Ministersg ruling Elders, in the warrant, qualifications, duties, and tenure of the office 5 Deacons, in the origin, importance, distinct and perpetual use of the oiiiceg Church Courts, in their warrant, gradation, and power. Pastoral Theology is studied in the third year. A call to the ministry 5 the aptitudes and attainments required, the duties, relations, and responsibilities of tl1e pastoral careg the Ordinances of Divine appointment in the Churchg Ordinances of Worship, including the Sacraments and public prayer, preaching and praise in the pastoral administration, systematic beneficence, keg Dis- cipline, in its principles, forms of procedure, subjects, objects, Sze. 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. CHRISTIAINI ETHICS AND APOLOGETICS. This department, which Was instituted by the Directors at their annual meet- ing in 1871, is, as yet, only partially developed. The course this year includes a brief series of introductory lectures on Re- ligion and Religions in generalg their Phenomenology, Psychology, Relations to Morality, Criteria, Svc., a resume of the Christian Evidences as ordinarily presented, and a series of lectures on the historical nature of Christianity and its authenticating documents. , It is proposed to add next year an Ethical course, discussing Christian Ethics theoretically, historically, and in their living connection with various branches of Social Science, together with the moral and practical relations of Chris- tianity to civilization, thus illustrating and vindicating Christianity on its ethical side. ' I It is designed subsequently to treat in a similar way the relations of Chris- tianity- to natural and speculative science?

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17 Special Introduction to the Pentateuch, Historical and Poetieal Books, and the Life of Christ and Exegesis of the Gospels. P OPTIONAL srniorns. e rew 's ie n rien a :uiG'uafre W lie 1 is auv' ' in ie refru ar course- Hb 1tlolO tllgg ll tght tl ,gl , but such students as desire it ina be instructed in Chaldee S riac Arabic or 7 2 y 7 7 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 Professors. On Sabbath morning the Professors preach in rotation in the Seminary Chapel. In the afternoon a conference is held in the O1-atory, 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 lirst Monday of each month is under the direction 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, Src., Sze. 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 denoniinations, within seine 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