Chapter V – STUDENT LIFE, 1833-1846
The religious and intellectual interests which earnest youths preparing for the ministry might be expected to possess gave the dominant tone and color to student life in the 1830’s and ’40’s as it had in the previous decade. Most of them came from homes of modest or limited circumstances. If some lacked polish and sophistication, this shortcoming was offset by a resolute devotion to acquiring the training considered necessary for their chosen vocation.
The faculty scrutinized prospective students carefully and required them to furnish satisfactory written evidence that they were church members in good standing and that, in the opinion of the churches, they possessed “talents which may, with proper cultivation, render them useful in the gospel ministry.” After the testimonials had been presented, the faculty examined applicants as to religious experience, call to preach, and academic preparation. Those accepted were permitted to enter on trial. If at the end of three months they showed “sufficient evidence of personal piety, or of talent, or of a desire for improvement” they became students in regular standing. After 1840 they were required to subscribe to a declaration to obey all the laws and regulations of the Institution and “Divine Providence permitting,” to complete the course of instruction.
Both the faculty and Trustees went to great lengths not to seem to interfere with the acknowledged prerogatives of the churches in selecting the candidates for the ministry. To have done otherwise would have invited sharp criticism, especially from the many Baptists who distrusted “man-made” preachers, as they called those who had formal training. The faculty repeatedly urged, however, that the churches exercise “the utmost caution in recommending young men as proper candidates for the ministry.” The Trustees noted in their report for