There are some facts connected with the Theological Seminary, which ought to universally known among Baptists of the South, and which may be interesting and profitable.A hall, formerly a large hotel, has been secured and fitted for the accommodation of students. The only necessary expense on the part of the student arises from the furnishing of his room and the payment of his board. This will be comparatively small, if he acts judiciously. When he leaves home, let his mother, or sister, prepare spreads, sheets, pillows and pillow cases, towels, etc., and send them along with him. The board is a very small matter. There are now forty students in attendance. The board of these for December was but $7. 13 cents a piece. Of course, the board will be more or less according to the number of students.
Now, is there a single church that cannot support a brother here for one session - eight months? The will, or most probably some one to attend to it is all that is lacking. Bro. Pitman, cannot the Yazoo Association send Bro. McMath, or some other brother here next session?
Young brethren, whether you are now engaged in the work of the ministry, or are looking forward to it, make any sacrifice that you may spend at least one session at Greenville. You will never regret it.
You are perhaps impressed with the fact that I lay great importance upon the opportunities to be enjoyed here. Well, I do, and they cannot be too lightly valued. But it does not follow that I think a brother ought not to preach unless he has had a theological training; nor do I believe, which some have kindly warned me against, that no one can preach save those who have been at the Seminary. This much is true: other things being equal, the man who has been at the Seminary, will make a better pastor and preacher, than one who has not enjoyed such opportunities. God must make the preacher. The Seminary cannot do it. It can only assist him in his preparation.
To those who may come, let me say, leave home so as to be here the first day of September. Those who come in late labor under disadvantages throughout the session. I have written these few lines in order to get some brother to make it his purpose to attend the next session, and to work to that point.
Greenville, South Carolina, Jan. 3, 1869.=========== [From The Baptist newspaper, Memphis, January 23, 1869, p. 2. CD edition. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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