[The Theological School of Cumberland University.
Inaugurated by the General Assembly in 1852.]

 

NASHVILLE, TENN.:
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN PUBLISHING HOUSE.
1895.

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Trustees.

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A. B. MARTIN, PRESIDENT, Lebanon, Tenn.
A. F. CLAYWELL, SECRETARY, Lebanon, Tenn.
E. E. BEARD, TREASURER, Lebanon, Tenn.
REV. J. D. KIRKPATRICK, Lebanon, Tenn.
J. A. LESTER, Lebanon, Tenn.
HON. R. P. McCLAIN, Lebanon, Tenn.
HON. B. J. TARVER, Lebanon, Tenn.
HON. W. R. SHAVER, Grant, Tenn.

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General Assembly's Visiting Committee for 1894-1895.

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REV. B. P. FULLERTON, St. Louis, Mo.
REV. J. A. McKAMY, Louisville, Ky.
HON. FRANK SLEMONS, Nashville, Tenn.

Seniors, 18.

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MIDDLE CLASS.

Bixler, Simon Peter    A.B., Waynesburgh College.	North Liberty, O.
Bixler, Mrs. S. P.	North Liberty, O.
Crawford, Walter Mitchell    A.B., Cumberland University.	Flat Creek, Tenn.
Hogan, Giles Hastings    A.B., Cumberland University.	Pulaski, Tenn.
McDonald, James Walton    A.B., Cumberland University.	New Market, Ala.
McVicker, Harvey Grant    A.B., Waynesburg College.	Billings, Ohio.
Molloy, John Thomas    A.B., Cane Hill College.	Fayetteville, Ark.
Molloy, Mrs. J. T.	Fayetteville, Ark.
Nason, George Frank    B.S. , Missouri State Normal.	Kirksville, Mo.
Perry, William Frederick    A.B., Missouri Valley College.	Watson, Mo.
Robinson, Martin Wilson    A.B., Cumberland University.	Blocton, Ala.
Vineyard, Daniel McKenzie    A.B., Cumberland University.	Lexa, Ark.

Middlers, 12.

 

JUNIOR CLASS.

Bates, Charley Dyer	Boonsboro, Ark.
Fisher, Henry W.	Weatherby, Mo.
Henderson, Arthur Weldon	Morrisville, Mo.
Lackey, John Fletcher	Whitfield, Tenn.
Laird, William Albert	Saulsbury, Tenn.
Needham, James Oliver	Bowie, Texas.
Parnell, William Hudson    Ph.B. Bethel College.	Newbern, Tenn.

Juniors, 7.

 

IRREGULAR STUDENTS.

Allison, James Albert	Nashville, Tenn.
McGaughey, Ely Porter	Lebanon, Tenn.

Irregulars, 2.

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GENERAL SUMMARY OF STUDENTS.

The Seminary is a Department of the University, and Seminary students have the privilege of pursuing, free of charge, such studies as they may wish to take in other Departments of the University.

Object.

While the Seminary's chief aim is to train men for the ministry, its advantages are also open, by direction of the General Assembly, to all persons, whether men or women, who wish to make special preparation for Christian usefulness as evangelists, missionaries, Bible-readers, workers in Sunday schools, Young Men's Christian Associations, etc.

Seminary Year.

The Seminary Year consists of two terms. The first will begin on Wednesday, October 2nd, and continue, with an intermission during Christmas holidays, till January 17. The second term will begin January 20, and close Wednesday, May 13, 1896.

Classes of Students.

Regular Students are those who pursue the regular three years' Classical Course, at the completion of which time the Seminary's diploma is awarded.

Special Students are those who take the studies prescribed in some particular department of instruction in the Seminary, on the satisfactory completion of which a certificate is given showing the work done.

Irregular Students are those who take elective studies, following their own preferences, entering and leaving the institution at pleasure. To these no certificate is issued.

Graduate Students are those who have taken a regular three years' course, and these will have the direction of the Faculty in pursuing graduate studies looking to the degree of A.M. and Ph.D.

Conditions of Admission.

The Seminary is open to Christians of all denomination. Those coming from other seminaries with testimonials showing regular and honorable dismission, will be received to the same standing here which they had held previously.

Those wishing to take the regular classical course, must either have received the degree of A.B. or its equivalent from some reputable college, or stand such examination as will prove them capable of profitably pursuing the studies of this course.

Those wishing to take a special course or elective studies, are not required to have a diploma or to pass an examination.

Every student, before being enrolled as a member of the Seminary, shall subscribe to the following declaration:

"Recognizing the importance of improving in knowledge, prudence and piety, in my preparation for Christian labor and usefulness, I promise, in reliance of Divine grace, that I will faithfully attend upon all instructions of this Seminary, in that particular course of study which I shall undertake; that I will conscientiously observe the rules and regulations of the institution; and that I will obey the lawful requisitions and yield to the wholesome admonitions of the authorities of the Seminary while I shall continue a member of it."

Method of Instruction.

Instead of employing exclusively either the lecture or the text-book method, these are combined. Students are asked to supply themselves with text-books, and the text, which is freely discussed in the class-room, is supplemented by lectures from the teachers.

Examinations.

Special examinations, oral and written, will be frequently held, and general examinations will be conducted at the close of each term. All class-room exercises and examinations are open to visitors.

Yearly there will be a graded examination of each of the three regular classes, in the English Bible. These examinations, which will be conducted publicly by the entire Faculty, will be optional with other than regular students, but all will be urged to take them.

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REGULAR COURSE OF STUDY.

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JUNIOR CLASS.

Introduction to the study of theology, including lectures on Theological Encyclopedia, Methodology, and Bibliography. Systematic Theology, including the doctrine concerning the sacred Scriptures and Theology proper. Hebrew, including special attention to the forms with exercises in reading and writing Hebrew. Grammar of the New Testament Greek, with select readings in the Greek Text. Old Testament History, including Geography and Antiquities, and Contemporaneous History. Practical Theology, including studies in the preparation and delivery of sermons, accompanied with suggestions and criticisms. Each member of the class is required to hand in two sermons for private or class criticism. Mission Work, including lectures on its Aims, Principles, and History.

MIDDLE CLASS.

Systematic Theology, including the doctrines concerning Creation, Providence, Man, Sin, and the Person of Christ. History, including the Life of Christ and the Apostolic Times, and the History of the Church tot he close of the Ante-Nicene Period. Hebrew, including Old Testament Literature and Exegesis, translations and expositions of select passages, exercises in reading Hebrew at sight, and critical papers by the students. New Testament, including studies in the Greek Text of one or more of the Epistles, together with special introductions to the same. Practical Theology, instruction in the preparation and delivery of sermons continued; the theory and mode of public worship, hymnology, pastoral work among the people, etc. Each member of the class is required to hand in three sermons for private or class criticisms. Missions, including lectures on Comparative Religion.

SENIOR CLASS.

Systematic Theology, including the doctrine concerning the Work of Christ, the various Doctrines of Grace, of the Church, and of the Last Things. Hebrew, including studies in the Wisdom Books, and exercises in translation, analysis, etc. New [page 9] Testament, including studies in the Greek Text of the Epistles, special introductions and critical analysis. History, from the close of the Nicene Period to the present time, including the history of both the Eastern and Western Churches, and the History of Christianity in America. practical Theology, including sacred music, lectures, praxes, and test-book work in various branches of Christian activity. Each member of the class is required to hand in four written sermons for private or class criticisms, also to deliver one discourse in the Seminary Chapel, in the presence of the professors and students, these exercises being open to friends and visitors. Mission Work and lectures in practical Apologetics.

Special stress is placed upon the study of the English Bible throughout the entire regular course, and in this part of their work the students are expected to use both the Authorized and Revised Versions.

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DEPARTMENTS OF INSTRUCTION.

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The following additional statements will convey to the reader a clear idea of what is actually taught in the Theological School.

I.--ENGLISH BIBLE.

Special provision has been made by the faculty for the study of the English Bible. The design is to meet in an adequate way the needs of such students as are not able to take the regular course, as well as to emphasize the importance of a thorough knowledge of the English Scriptures on the part of all candidates for graduation. References will be made by the instructor to the Hebrew and Greek originals whenever he may deem it necessary, but no knowledge of these languages by the students in this department will me required. The course includes a study of the historical surroundings of the books of the Bible, the circumstances under which they were written, the purpose for which they were written, and the great facts and truths which it is designed that we should learn from their contents. Books of the Old and New Testaments will be studied as a whole, analyzed, and yet further studied in its more important or difficult chapters, sections, [page 10] verses, and words. The English Bible will be, first and foremost, the text-book, and special pains will be taken to furnish the student therein in a manner adequate to his personal needs and to his needs as teacher or minister of the word.

II.--GREEK.

A considerable part of the Green Testament is read in the class room during the three years' course. The aim is to make the student familiar with the original text and to guide him in its interpretation. Each student who enters the Junior Class should have a good working knowledge of ordinary Greek. Special attention throughout the course is given tot he peculiarities of New Testament Greek, and to the study of the vocabulary and style of the various writers. The work of interpretation is begun by studies in the four gospels, and is continued by the exegetical and historical study of Acts and the Epistles.

The life and teachings of Christ are studied systematically with the aid of analyses and a Harmony of the gospels, careful attention being given to the parables and discourses of Jesus. Due prominence is given to the life and missionary activity of Paul.

Special introductions to the books will be given in their proper places. The students will also be given a brief course of cursory readings in the Septuagint and patristic Greek.

III.--HEBREW.

The first care of the student in the department of Hebrew and old Testament Interpretation will be to acquire a knowledge of the language. As soon as his advancement admits of the reading of connected passages from the historical books, these are taken up, with constant reference to the grammar and syntax, indispensable to correct interpretation. The poetical books are then studied, as connected intimately with the history of Israel, and as next to the historical books in simplicity of language. The subject of Prophecy is then introduced, and an exhaustive study made of one of the Minor Prophets. The knowledge thus gained of prophecy in general is then made use of in the investigation of Messianic prophecy, which is traced from its earliest to its latest appearance. The Wisdom literature then receives attention, with particular study of the prob- [page 11] lems presented in the books of Job and Ecclesiastes. Early in the course, a general survey of the field of Old Testament Introduction is given.

IV.--SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY.

A complete course in Systematic Theology is taught, each topic being assigned to its proper place, and to each such an amount of time given as its importance and the proper balance of the parts demand. The Junior Class first studies the introduction to theology in general in order to a comprehensive view of the whole field to be traversed, and then an introduction to Systematic Theology in particular, in which its nature, object, aim, methods, etc., are set forth. Then follows the discussion of some of the important topics of Bibliology; the Bible being the great source of our knowledge concerning divine things, it is deemed best to advise the student at the outset of his course of the Evangelical view concerning it, and thus prepare the way for his further study of the subject. Then follows a consideration of the doctrine concerning the Divine Being and of his relation to the world and the world's relation to him; the doctrine concerning man as a being in need of redemption and capable of redemption; the doctrines concerning Sin, the Person and work of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit; the doctrine concerning the nature, functions, etc., of the Church, and finally the doctrines of eschatology, the great consummation of the redemptive process. While in some matters of detail new methods, and new points of view, may be presented, it is earnestly sought throughout to inculcate the evangelical Protestant view of the great doctrines of the Scripture, as seen by the Church for which the Seminary teaches. A spirit of cautious, but free, inquiry, and personal investigation is encouraged, and the practical end of the study of Systematic Theology is kept constantly before the mind, this end being, we scarcely need say, the increased strength on the part of both pulpit and pew which comes of a thorough comprehension of Christian truth as an organized system.

V.--BIBLICAL HISTORY AND LITERATURE.

This department aims to bring vividly before the mind of the student the times and customs of the bible, the individual events of the history, their relations to one another and their [page 12] significance. Biblical Geography, and Archaeology generally in so far as it has a bearing upon the Bible, are included. The course is divided into three parts: (1) Old Testament History. Under this head the history of the chosen people is traced from Adam to the close of the Old Testament Canon, together with so much of Contemporaneous History as had an influence upon the Hebrews. (2) The history of the Jews and neighboring nations after the close of the Old Testament until the coming of Christ. (3) New Testament History. This embraces the Life of Christ, and brings the history down to the close of the first century.

VI.--CHURCH HISTORY.

The first year's study includes the Apostolic and Ante-Nicene Period, the planting of the Church in Asia, Africa, and Europe, the conflict of Christianity with paganism, etc. The second year views the church in its union with the Graeco-Roman Empire, its struggles and missionary operations in the midst of the confusion of the great migrations of the nations, and the Mediaeval period; the planting of Christianity among the Teutonic, Celtic, and Slavic nations, missionary labors in England, Ireland, and Scotland, the various relations between Eastern and Western Christianity, etc., to A.D., 1249. The third year, the decay and decline of the Mediaeval Catholicism, and the presages of the Reformation and modern Christianity; schisms, reformatory councils, the decay of scholasticism, the growth of mysticism, the revival of learning, the great Reformation, etc. This department, in short, seeks to present the student as definite a view as possible of both the external and internal history of the Church from the first century to modern times.

VI.-- PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AND CHURCH WORK.

This includes the nature, character, material, form, and delivery of the sermon; sacred worship, or the principles and methods of the public service of the church; the pastor in his relation to himself, to his flock, and to the world. Missions, Church Polity, with Moot Presbytery once or twice a month; practical instruction in sacred music and in elocution. One hour and a half of every Thursday forenoon in devoted to chapel preaching, missionary meetings, and other homiletical and rhetorical exercises, all of the faculty and students being [page 13] present, friends and visitors also being welcome. These are all essential and important parts of the course. Everything that is taught or required to be done has an intimate relation to the student's growth and future usefulness.

Library and Reading Room.

The Library is open daily, and the Reading Room is furnished with the standard papers and magazines. Grateful acknowledgments are here made to the following persons who have during the year, in money and books, made valuable contributions to the Library: Mrs. Norvella Marks, Nashville, Tenn.; Mrs. I. H. Goodnight, Franklin, Ky.; Mrs. W. W. Hendricks, Nashville, Tenn.; Hon. Andrew Price, Washington, D.C., Rev. R. F. Patton, Springfield, Tenn.

Literary Society.

Seminary students are urged to become members of some of the literary societies of the University, as by this means they gain literary culture, also a practical knowledge of parliamentary law and usages which cannot be had by any other means.

Religious Exercises.

The Faculty and students meet in the chapel daily for devotional services.

Preaching by Students.

Without exception, it has been found that when a student undertakes regular preaching while pursuing his seminary studies, he seriously injures his standing as a student, if not his health also, hence it is insisted that students shall not make such engagements to preach as will interfere with their studies. In no case may a student statedly supply a pulpit without permission from the Faculty.

Vacations.

The long summer vacations afford suitable opportunity for preaching and teaching and other remunerative employments. Students are encouraged to devote themselves during these months, as far as possible, to active Christian work, as this gives an important supplement to the instruction and training of the Seminary.

Occasional Lectures and Addresses.

In addition to the instruction of the Faculty, lectures and addresses on various topics are given, from time to time, by visiting [page 14] pastors, evangelists, missionaries, physicians and other specialists. During the past year some of these addresses have been as follows:

President W. H. Black, of Missouri Valley College, lectured on "The Metaphysical Ground of Theistic Belief," "Divine Immanence," "Universal Fatherhood of God," "The Preacher's Spirit," "Womanhood and Christian Progress." President A. B. Miller, of Waynesburg College, gave a series of seven lectures on "Psychology and Ethics." President B. D. Cockrill, of Trinity University, lectures on "The Planting of City Missions," "The City Mission Pastor," "The College Pastor," "The Essential Characteristics of a Model Pastor." Rev. B. P. Fullerton, of St. Louis, Mo., lectures on "The Minister and His Book." Rev. J. A. McKamy, of Louisville, Ky., spoke on "The New Minister." Rev. J. W. Laughlin, St. Louis, Mo., lectures on "The Pastor's Relation to Missions,: "Thorough Equipment for the Pastor," "The Minister's Need of Tact." Dr. J. Berrien Lindsley, Nashville, Tenn., spoke on "Sociology." Dr. J. H. Bryson, Huntsville, Ala., lectured on "The History and Growth of Scotch-Irish Presbyterianism in America." Geo. C. Savage, M.D., Nashville, Tenn., spoke on "The Proper Use and Preservation of the Eye." Dr. W. J. Darby spoke on "As We Are Seen From Without."

Next year Rev. R. G. Pearson, D.D., a Cumberland Presbyterian evangelist of national reputation, will give a series of lectures on the English Bible and Evangelistic Work.

Expenses.

No charge is made fro instruction, but every student pays a contingent fee of $10.00 and a library fee of $1.00 at the beginning of each of the two terms of the Seminary year. In case a student cannot stay through the entire term he pays only for the time he remains.

Students so desiring may room in Divinity Hall, free of rent, taking their meals either with the Hall Club (at a cost of about $7.00 per month) or with families.

Board in private families from $3.00 to $4.00 per week.

Financial Aid.

The Seminary has no scholarships with which to aid needy probationers, but deserving students seldom fail to get aid from presbyteries, from Christian friends, or from the Board of Education. Communications on this subject should be addressed to Dr. W. J. Darby, Secretary of Board of Education, Evansville, Ind.

Prizes.

Through the generosity of friends of the Seminary, prizes are often given for proficiency in different departments in the institution. During the past year prizes have been bestowed as follows:

The "Williams Prize" of $25.00, given by Dixon C. Williams, of Chicago, to that member of the Senior Class who showed himself most proficient in his knowledge and use of the English Bible.

The "Cobb Prize" of $25.00, by Mrs. J. C. Cobb, of Odessa, Mo., to that member of the Middle Class who proved himself most proficient in his knowledge and use of the English Bible.

The "Harris Prize" of $25.00, by Dr. D. M. Harris, of St. Louis, Mo., to that member of the Senior Class who was most proficient in New Testament Greek.

The "The Manton Prize" of $25.00, by Rev. Chas. Manton, of Paris, Texas, to that member of the Middle or Junior Class who might attain greatest proficiency in Hebrew.

An "Anonymous Prize" of $25.00 given to that member of the graduating class who, during his Seminary course, made the best record for regularity of attendance, punctuality, promptness in bringing up his work, application, general scholarship, and Seminary deportment.

Changes in Curriculum.

The faculty reserve the right to make, at any time, such changes in text-books, course of study, or Seminary exercises, as their judgment may approve, or as may be directed by the General Assembly or the Seminary Board of Trustees.

Progress, Prospects and Needs.

During the year the walls of the new building have been finished and the roof put on, and it is hoped that it will be ready for occupancy in the early autumn, and friends are asked to send contributions for this object. There have been but small additions to the endowment during the past year. All Cumberland Presbyterians are asked to remember the sore needs of this our own and only Theological Seminary. In order that the church may [page 16] have a well equipped training school for her young preachers, and for others wishing special training for Christian labor, she must furnish money for an adequate endowment, for establishing fellowships and scholarships, for putting much-needed books into the library, and for supplying such other facilities as this sacred and important enterprise imperatively demands.

October Opening.

At the opening exercises of the Seminary, the second day of October next, Prof. F. K. Farr, who has been elected to a professorship by the General Assembly, will deliver an inaugural address and be regularly installed. All students are urged to be present on the opening day, as by tardiness they miss many advantages with reference to their boarding places and Seminary work.

Correspondence.

Those desiring further information or counsel are asked to address the Chancellor, the Dean, or any other member of the Theological Faculty.