The Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York : historical and biographical sketches of its first fifty years, Part 6

Author: Prentiss, George Lewis, 1816-1903
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: New York : A.D.F. Randolph
Number of Pages: 322


USA > New York > New York City > The Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York : historical and biographical sketches of its first fifty years > Part 6


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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The number of students matriculated from the be- ginning has been 2,230. Of these 2,040, or over 91 per cent, were college-bred; 1,856, or over 83 per cent, were actually ordained to the Gospel ministry ; and 164, or 74 per cent, went into the Foreign Mis- As nearly as can be ascertained, 1,774 of sion field.1


the whole number matriculated are still living. It would be interesting to know how many of our stu- dents received aid from the churches, and to what extent they were aided, in preparing for the ministry. There can be no doubt that a large majority of them owed their education, in whole or in part, to such aid ; and to this class belong many of the most honored names on the roll of American pastors, missionaries, and theological teachers during the last half-century. These names would, perhaps, surprise some of those who look with disfavor upon the old methods of. helping pious youth in their preparation to preach the Gospel, or who are inclined to consider theological students as a class inferior in personal quality, energy, and mental stamina to the students of our other pro- fessions and callings in life.


The glory of a theological seminary is its alumni ; and in unison with this sentiment we have desired


1 In Note E, p. 107, will be found the names of our Alumni who have entered the Foreign Mission field, together with their places of labor.


6


82


THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.


that the celebration of our Semi-Centenary might be as far as possible a family observance. None can gather around the old hearthstone with just the feel- ings of those who were reared and once worshipped there. Most heartily do we welcome you, brethren of the alumni, who are with us to-day, and only wish we could bid all who are absent welcome also. What an assembly would the more than seventeen hundred and threescore living alumni of the Seminary form, if from the different parts of our own land, and of pagan lands, where, standing in their lot and place, they serve the Divine Master, we could summon them all hither to take part with us in this glad reunion ! What crowns of glory would encircle the heads of not a few of them! What forms bent low by the burden and heat of the long day! What counte- nances marred by trouble and suffering, yet transfig- ured by the peace of God ! What youthful enthusiasm going forth to its work, or, after years of toil, ripened into the meek wisdom of experience and the full as- surance of hope ! What learning, human and divine ! What gifts of speech in the tongues both of men and of angels ! In a word, what a noble company it would be of true-hearted faithful men, young and old and middle-aged, who adore Jesus Christ, live for Him, and look forward with joy to His appearing! God bless them, wherever they are !


83


RELATION OF THE SEMINARY TO THE PAST.


X.


PRESENT CONDITION OF THE SEMINARY. - ITS RELATION TO THE PAST AND THE FUTURE.


I HAVE given thus a hasty sketch of the origin and growth of the Seminary. Before closing, let me say a word of its present, as related to its past and its future. Fifty years have wrought great changes in every department of human affairs,-in society, in government, in business, in literature, in science and philosophy, and in religious thought; in other words, during all these fifty years God has been busy in the world, still unfolding and carrying forward His eter- nal plan. It would be strange indeed, therefore, if the Union Theological Seminary all this time had not undergone a change, and that for the better. Wher- ever there is spiritual life and power, there will also be spiritual progress.


In 1836 the Presbyterian Church, though visibly one, was agitated by bitter controversies about policy and doctrine. Two years later, it was rent in twain from top to bottom. The Union Seminary found itself on the New School side. After more than thirty years of separate existence, - each going meanwhile its own way, and caring for its own interests, -the severed branches were happily reunited. As a reunited Church


84


THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.


we have walked together in such peace for more than half a generation, that the very memories of the strife and division have almost faded out. Old School and New School are antiquated names; they designate the honest differences of good men and good Presbyte- rians in a former age. And with the old party names, the old antipathies, prejudices, and misunderstandings have also been buried in oblivion. In that better country, where, resting from their labors, and in the goodly fellowship of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, evangelists, and saints of all ages, they follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth, how little Robert J. Breckinridge and Absalom Peters, Lyman Beecher and Joshua L. Wilson, Albert Barnes and George Junkin, Charles Hodge and Thomas H. Skinner, William Adams and James W. Alexander, or Henry B. Smith and that eminent servant of Christ who has just passed so suddenly within the veil, Archibald Alexander Hodge, - how little do these glorified spir- its trouble themselves about the points of either Old School or New School theology which they once deemed so important! And even here on earth, al- though our eyes are not illumined like theirs by the beatific vision, we can yet see plainly enough that on both sides there was more or less of truth and right, and on both sides more or less of error, mistake, and passion, - as was to be expected of poor fallible mortals.


But while so many doctrinal speculations and burn-


WHERE DOES THE SEMINARY NOW STAND? 85


ing questions of fifty years ago have vanished away, how many new ones have sprung into existence and are clamoring for both a hearing and a decision ! Where does the Union Theological Seminary stand in relation to these ? I think I may answer confidently, with the hearty assent of my honored colleagues, that its position is still in harmony with the spirit of its revered founders, -those men of "moderate views and feelings, who desired to live free from party strife, and to stand aloof from all extremes of doctrine and practice." But moderation, as they understood and practised it, was not apathy, or neutrality, or timidity touching Christian truth and duty ; it was the patient forbearance, candor, self-restraint, and kindly temper that have their root in humility and depth of convic- tion; it was the sweet reasonableness that is born of faith in the power and ultimate triumph of the divine ideas and principles of God's Word. It was what Paul meant when he wrote, " Let your moderation be known unto all men; the Lord is at hand." Armed with such Christian moderation, both of opinion and feeling, the Union Seminary is neither affrighted nor thrown off its balance by the hardest problems of the hour, whether in science or religion, - whether they relate to the origin, nature, and eternal destiny of man, or to the wonderful works and ways of God in creation and providence, or to Jesus Christ and His gospel. On these questions, and all other questions that puzzle the will and task the intellect of the age,


86


THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.


this Seminary is ready to adopt as its own the words of Lord Bacon : -


Let no man, upon a weak conceit of sobriety, or an ill- applied moderation, think or maintain that a man can search too far, or be too well studied in the book of God's Word, or in the book of God's works, - divinity or philosophy ; but rather let men endeavor an endless progress and proficience in both ; only let men beware that they apply both to charity, and not to swelling; to use, and not to ostentation; and again, that they do not unwisely mingle or confound these learnings together.


As to the future of the Union Theological Semi- nary, I for one believe assuredly that it is destined to perform a great part in the coming struggles, labors, and triumphs of our free American Christianity, and of the Gospel in all the earth. How otherwise can we interpret the marks of providential design and favor which are stamped so indelibly upon its entire history ? And to the end that it may rise to the height of its vast opportunity, let us pray earnestly that those who have charge of it, whether as directors or teachers, and those who shall have charge of it hereafter, may be true men, full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. May it please God to endue them plenteously with the spirit, not of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. May it please Him also to impart more and more to our Christian laymen whom He has over- whelmed with worldly goods a magnanimous, free- hearted devotion to the interests of His kingdom, - especially to the grand object for promoting which


87


THE FUTURE OF THE SEMINARY.


this institution was founded. It was, to use their own words, because they were "deeply impressed with the claims of the world upon the Church of Christ to fur- nish a competent supply of well-educated and pious ministers of the Gospel, that a number of Christians, clergymen and laymen in the cities of New York and Brooklyn, after several meetings for consultation and prayer, resolved unanimously, in humble dependence upon the grace of God, to attempt the establishment of a theological seminary in the city of New York."


The history of the Union Theological Seminary, during fifty years, shows what has grown out of their attempt, made thus in humble dependence upon Divine grace. If, faithful to the trust committed to us, we, and those who shall take our places, continue to be animated by the same high motives and the same humble dependence upon the grace of God, our next half-century, I do not doubt, will surpass even that which is just closed in the record of eminent useful- ness, by " calling forth and enlisting in the service of Christ, and in the work of the ministry, genius, talent, enlightened piety, and missionary zeal; and by quali- fying many for the labors and management of the various religious institutions, seminaries of learning, and enterprises of benevolence which characterize the present times." So may we and our successors be worthy followers of the noble men who through faith and patience founded and built up this school of sacred and inspired theology.


88


THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.


NOTE A.


THE COURSE OF STUDY.


THE Course of Theological study in the Union Theological Seminary, New York, occupies three years, of two terms each, and Students are admitted on a pledge to complete a full course, here or elsewhere, unless unavoidably prevented.


In most of the departments the Students are required to write essays on the more important topics of the Course. Lectures are given in the Parker Lectureship on the laws of Health, with spe- cial reference to its connection with religious experience ; in the Morse Lectureship, on the relation of the Bible to the Sciences ; and in the Ely Lectureship, on the Evidences of Christianity. Lectures are also given on the relation of the Civil Law to Eccle- siastical Polity, Discipline, and Property, by Lecturers selected for the purpose on account of their special eminence in the respective departments. Every public exercise is opened with prayer. De- votional exercises are held every day in the Chapel, at 5 o'clock P. M., conducted by the Faculty. A daily prayer-meeting is main- tained by the Students.


On the first Monday of each month, the hour from 4 to 5 o'clock P. M. is appropriated to the exercises of " The Society of Inquiry concerning Missions," and on the third Monday the same hour is devoted to a general meeting for religious Conference and Prayer.


THE JUNIOR CLASS. - FIRST TERM.


PROPÆDEUTICS. - Lectures on Theological Encyclopedia, Method- ology, and Bibliography, once a week by Prof. SCHAFF.


PHILOLOGY. - 1. Introductory Hebrew Grammar, with Exercises in Reading and Writing Hebrew, five times a week with Prof. BROWN until December.


2. Grammar of New Testament Greek, with reading in the Gospel of Matthew, once a week with Prof. BROWN.


EXEGESIS. - 1. Historical and Critical Introduction to the New Tes- tament, once a week with Prof. SCHAFF.


2. The Higher and Lower Criticism of the Old Testament, twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


89


THE COURSE OF STUDY.


3. Exposition of select chapters of the Old Testament, five times a week with Prof. BROWN during December.


4. Exposition of the Gospel of Mark, twice a week with Prof. BROWN.


The Greek Gospels of Matthew and Mark entire are assigned, and will be required in the Examination at the close of the Term.


MISSION WORK. - Its Aim, Principles, and Claims, with outlines and biographical sketches of its history, twice a week with Prof. PRENTISS.


THE ADVANCED CLASS IN HEBREW (1) enters at once upon Hebrew Exegesis with Prof. BRIGGS twice a week. They read selec- tions from the Historical Books of the Old Testament and from the Mishna illustrating the several periods of the Hebrew language. They also (2) meet Prof. BROWN once a week for grammatical drill and exercises in the unpointed Hebrew Text. Students entering this class are excused from the Introductory Course with Prof. BROWN ; but they are required to present a certificate from the Institute of Hebrew, or from their Hebrew Professor, showing that they have sub- stantially completed the Introductory Hebrew course. Otherwise they must submit to an Entrance Examination.


SACRED MUSIC. - Instruction is given by Prof. HERMAN to all the Students in graded classes throughout the Course.


THE JUNIOR CLASS. - SECOND TERM.


PHILOLOGY. - 1. Exercises in Hebrew Etymology and Syntax, with sight-reading once a week with Prof. BROWN.


2. Grammar of New Testament Greek, with reading in the Gospel of Luke, once a week with Prof. BROWN.


EXEGESIS. - 1. Exposition of selections from the Pentateuch, twice a week with Prof. BROWN.


2. Exposition of the later Historical Books, with especial reference to their illustration from Assyrian and Babylonian history, twice a week with Prof. BROWN.


3. Exposition of the Gospel of John, twice a week with Prof. SCHAFF.


The Greek Gospels of Luke and John entire are assigned for class- room work or private reading.


THE ADVANCED CLASS IN HEBREW has critical exercises in Hebrew Text twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS, and is excused from Exegesis, Course 1 (Pentateuch).


BIBLICAL THEOLOGY. - The Religion of Israel, with a discussion of the principal institutions and laws, twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


HISTORY. - The Life of Christ, with references to Schürer, Robinson,


Neander, Edersheim, Andrews, and Farrar, twice a week with Prof. HITCHCOCK.


90


THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.


APOLOGETICS. - Christ and His Apostles as defenders of the truth.


A sketch of the history of Apologetics. Grounds of the Christian evidence. Strength of Unbelief in our day and the best way to meet it. Lectures twice a week by Prof. PRENTISS.


VOCAL CULTURE. - The Class is divided into sections, and each sec- tion will have exercises once a week with Prof. ROBERTS for the development, strengthening, and management of the voice, and in the principles of Expression in Elocution as applied to the reading of extracts in Prose and Verse.


THE MIDDLE CLASS. - FIRST TERM.


EXEGESIS. - Hebrew Poetry: Exposition of selections of various kinds of poetry from the earlier periods of Hebrew History, once a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


The Psalter : Its Poetry, Structure, and Exposition, twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


Exposition of the Book of the Acts, and the Epistle to the Gala- tians, twice a week with Prof. SCHAFF. The Epistles to the Thessa- lonians are assigned, and will be required in the Examination.


HISTORY. - The Apostolic Church, with references to Neander, Schaff, Conybeare and Howson, Lewin, and Farrar, twice a week with Prof. HITCHCOCK.


DOGMATICS. - Theological Introduction : Method, Nature, and Defini- tion of Theological Science. Bibliology: Revelation and Inspiration, Authenticity, Credibility, and Canonicity of the Scriptures. Theology (proper): Nature and Definition of God; Innate Idea of God; Ar- guments for the Divine Existence; Trinity in Unity. Lectures four times a week by Prof. SHEDD.


CATECHETICS. - The Christian instruction of the young, and their preparation for Church ordinances, with special reference to the West- minster Catechisms, including also a History of Religious Nurture and of the Sunday School, twice a week with Prof. PRENTISS.


VOCAL CULTURE. - Exercises in the reading of the Scriptures and Hymns. Each section of the Class once a week with Prof. ROBERTS. HOMILETICS. - Introductory instruction as to methods of pulpit prep- aration, with practical exercises, once a week with Prof. HASTINGS.


THE MIDDLE CLASS. - SECOND TERM.


EXEGESIS. - Hebrew Poetry : Exposition of selections from the later periods of Hebrew Poetry, twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS, includ- ing portions of Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes.


Exposition of the Epistles to the Corinthians, the Ephesians, the Colossians, the Philippians, and Philemon, twice a week with Prof. SCHAFF.


91


THE COURSE OF STUDY.


BIBLICAL THEOLOGY .- Theology of the Old Testament, twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


DOGMATICS. -- Theology (proper): Divine Attributes, Decrees, Crea- tion, Providence, Miracles. Anthropology : Man's Creation, Primitive State, Probation, Apostasy, Original Sin. Lectures four times a week by Prof. SHEDD.


CHRISTIAN ETHICS. - The Moral Principles of Christianity, and their Application to Human Life and Conduct, twice a week with Prof. PRENTISS.


HOMILETICS. - Lectures with Practical Exercises, twice a week with Prof. HASTINGS.


VOCAL CULTURE. - Exercises in Pulpit and Platform Speaking. Each section of the Class once a week with Prof. ROBERTS.


THE SENIOR CLASS. - FIRST TERM.


EXEGESIS. - Exposition of select portions of the Prophets, with special reference to the development of the Messianic idea, twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans, and of selections from the Epistle to the Hebrews, the Catholic Epistles, and from the Apoca- lypse, twice a week with Prof. SCHAFF.


BIBLICAL THEOLOGY .- The Old Testament doctrine of Redemp- tion, once a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


HISTORY. - The General History of the Christian Church from the death of the Apostle John, with reference to Gieseler, Neander, Hagen- bach, Winer, and Schaff. Special prominence is given to the secular environment of the Church, and to the development of Doctrine. The Ancient Church, four times a week with Prof. HITCHCOCK.


DOGMATICS. - Christology : Christ's theanthropic Person, Divinity, Humanity ; Soteriology : Christ's mediatorial Offices ; Vicarious Atonement. Lectures twice a week by Prof. SHEDD.


HOMILETICS. - The composition and delivery of sermons with practi- cal exercises. Sermons to be delivered by each Student both in private and before the class. Exercises twice a week with Prof. HASTINGS. At least two sermons must be submitted by each mem- ber of the class to the Professor for private criticism during the year.


PASTORAL THEOLOGY .- The Calling, Qualifications, and Work of the Christian Pastor. Hymnology and Psalmody. Lectures once a week by Prof. HASTINGS.


VOCAL CULTURE. - Exercises in Pulpit and Platform Speaking. Each section of the Class once a week with Prof. ROBERTS.


92


THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.


THE SENIOR CLASS. - SECOND TERM.


BIBLICAL THEOLOGY. - The various types of Theology in the writ- ings of the New Testament, and their comprehension in a higher unity, twice a week with Prof. BRIGGS.


HISTORY. - The General History of the Christian Church continued. The Medicval and Modern Church, four times a week with Prof. HITCHCOCK.


SYMBOLICS. - Comparative Theology: exposition of the doctrinal dif- ferences of the various Churches, twice a week with Prof. SCHAFF.


DOGMATICS. - Soteriology: Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Sanctification; Eschatology : Intermediate State, Second Advent, Resurrection, Final Judgment, Heaven, Hell. Lectures twice a week by Prof. SHEDD.


HOMILETICS. - The composition and delivery of Sermons with prac- tical Exercises, once a week with Prof. HASTINGS. Private criticism and preaching before the Class.


PASTORAL THEOLOGY. - Lectures once a week; and Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, once a week, with Prof. HASTINGS.


CHURCH POLITY. - The New Testament idea and constitution of the Church of Christ: How far the ecclesiastical polities of later ages embody the same. Denominational organizations : How far justifi- able. Presbyterianism. The Sacraments. Lectures once a week by Prof. PRENTISS.


THE COGNATE ORIENTAL LANGUAGES.


All the studies in this department are optional.


The class in Biblical Aramaic will study the Grammar of that lan- guage with selections from the Aramaic of the Bible, in the second term, with Prof. BROWN.


Those who have already studied Hebrew and Biblical Aramaic may unite with the Syriac and Arabic classes, which are organized in alter- nate years (1885-86, Syriac; 1886-87, Arabic), so that in regular order the three classes may pursue Biblical Aramaic, Syrias, and Arabic. The Syriac class will study Syriac Grammar, and read selections from the Peshitto version in the first term, and read selections from Bar-Hebraeus and Ephraem Syrus in the second term with Prof. BRIGGS. The Arabic class will study the Arabic Grammar, and read selections from the version of Saadia in the first term, and read selections from the Koran, in con- nection with a more particular study of Arabic Syntax, in the second term with Prof. BRIGGS.


There will be two Assyrian classes, composed of those who have already studied Hebrew and two of the Cognates. The one will study the Assy- rian Characters and Grammar, and read selections from the historical Inscriptions, during the second term, with Prof. BROWN. The second


93


THE COURSE OF STUDY.


class will consist of those who have already passed through the first class. They will read selections from the historical and mythological Inscrip- tions and the Syllabaries. Lectures will also be given on Babylonian and Assyrian Literature, and on the relation of the Assyrian language to the Akkadian and Sumerian. This course will be extended through both terms with Prof. BROWN.


SCHEDULE OF LECTURES FOR 1886-87. - SECOND TERM.


Days.


Hours.


Juniors.


Middlers.


Seniors.


Monday,


3


BROWN.


SHEDD.


HASTINGS.


Conference Meeting.


4 11 3


" HITCHCOCK.


Prof. PRENTISS


SCHAFF.


Tuesday,


4


SCHAFF.


"


BRIGGS.


SHEDD.


11


PRENTISS.


SCHAFF.


" HITCHCOCK.


Wednesday,


3


"


BRIGGS.


SHEDD.


HITCHCOCK.


4


BROWN.


BRIGGS.


HASTINGS.


11 3


SCHAFF.


"


BRIGGS.


HITCHCOCK.


Thursday,


4


BRIGGS.


HASTINGS.


PRENTISS.


11


PRENTISS.


SCHAFF.


HITCHCOCK.


Friday,


3


BROWN.


HASTINGS.


BRIGGS.


4


BROWN.


BRIGGS.


SHEDD.


Class in Biblical Aramaic, Mondays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BROWN. Class in Arabic, Mondays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BRIGGS.


Class in Assyrian I., Tuesdays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BROWN.


Class in Assyrian II., Thursdays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BROWN. Class for Juniors advanced in Hebrew, Mondays, 3 to 4 P. M., Tuesdays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BRIGGS.


Vocal Culture, daily, in sections: Juniors, 9 to 10 A. M., Middlers, 10 to 11 A. M., with Prof. ROBERTS.


Sacred Music, all classes, Thursdays, 7:30 P. M.


SCHEDULE OF LECTURES FOR 1887-88. - FIRST TERM.


Days.


Hours.


Juniors.


Middlers.


Seniors.


11


Prof. PRENTISS.


Prof. HITCHCOCK. Prof. SCHAFF.


Monday,


3


BROWN.


SHEDD.


HASTINGS.


4


Conference Meeting.


Tuesday,


11 3


PRENTISS.


Prof. HITCHCOCK.


" SCHAFF.


BROWN.


SHEDD.


BRIGGS.


4 BROWN.


BRIGGS.


SHEDD.


11


Prof. HITCHCOCK.


Prof. PRENTISS.


Prof. SCHAFF.


BROWN.


SHEDD.


BRIGGS.


66 HASTINGS.


BROWN.


SHEDD.


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THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.


Days.


Hours.


Juniors.


Middlers.


Seniors.


11 Prof. SCHAFF.


Prof. PRENTISS.


Prof. HITCHCOCK.


Wednesday, 3


3 4


BROWN.


BRIGGS.


SHAFF.


HASTINGS.


Thursday,


11 3 4


BROWN.


SHEDD.


BRIGGS.


BROWN.


PRENTISS.


HASTINGS.


11


BRIGGS.


SCHAFF.


HITCHCOCK.


Friday,


3 4


¥ BROWN.


HASTINGS,


BRIGGS.


BROWN.


BRIGGS.


SHEDD.


Class in Syriac, Mondays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BRIGGS. Class in Assyrian II., Fridays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BROWN.


Class for Juniors advanced in Hebrew, Thursdays, 2 to 3 P. M., with Prof. BROWN; and Mondays and Wednesdays, 3 to 4 P. M., with Prof. BRIGGS.


Vocal Culture, daily, in sections: Seniors, 9 to 10 A. M., and Middlers, 10 to 11 A. M., with Prof. ROBERTS.


Sacred Music, all classes, Thursdays, 7: 30 P. M.


EXAMINATIONS.


The Academic year consists of two terms : the first beginning with the third Wednesday of September and ending with the Christmas holidays: the second beginning immediately after those holidays, and ending with the Tuesday next preceding the second Thursday of May. Examinations will be held during the last week of each term upon the studies then completed. These examinations are conducted by the Faculty with the co-operation of Committees of the Directors and of the Alumni of the Seminary. The Presbytery of New York is represented by a Committee of examination at the Intermediate examination, the Synod of New York at the Final examination.


NOTE B.


THE PROFESSORSHIPS.


Six Professorships have been endowed, as follows : -




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