The Theological Department is larger than in any previous year. It numbers twenty members, young men of zeal and promise, not only willing but eager to be instructed in the truths and doctrines of God’s word. Four of the class are ordained ministers, of whom two are pastors of churches in New Orleans. Not all of them have the ministry in view. Those who have not, are hoping through this instruction to become more useful and efficient in the church. Three theological lectures are given each week, and there are besides sermons given by the students before the class for criticism, and discussions on religious topics. Our great lack is books of reference. We have no systems of theology, and no commentaries to which the young men can have access. In the “good time coming,” these we trust will be supplied, and so the efficiency of the department be increased.
Church Dedication.—In response to an earnest invitation from the Congregational Church in New Iberia, I went down on Saturday, the 14th inst., to assist in the dedication of their new church. The terrific windstorm of last September laid their tasteful and really beautiful house of worship in ruins. The building was a total wreck. The storm, as it swept up the bayou, left only desolation in its track. The people, with commendable energy and self-denial, bating not one jot of heart or hope, set themselves to the work of rebuilding. They purchased more ground, put up a larger and better building, and the machinery of the church is again in working order. They have expended something like $450, and urgently need $200 more for painting and furnishing. The people feel that they have exhausted their resources. It is a noble enterprise, and should be encouraged. Loyalty to our Congregational polity in Louisiana should call forth a hearty response to their appeal. At the service of dedication, the house was crowded to its utmost capacity. Both morning and night the word was received with all readiness and gladness of heart. Southern Louisiana is a beautiful country, unsurpassed for productiveness, and should be dotted all over with churches where the Gospel in its simplicity, clearness and power may be preached. God speed the day!
TENNESSEE.
Revival in Fisk University.
PROF. H. S. BENNETT.
A quiet but deep work of grace has been in progress since the week of prayer in our institution. The week of prayer was observed as usual with us, but without any special increase of interest. The question then came up, “Shall we pass through the year without our usual work of grace?” This led to earnest prayer and consecration on the part of teachers and Christian students. The result was soon perceptible in greater earnestness among Christians, and a wide-spread spirit of inquiry among the impenitent. At this point the attendance on the half-hour prayer meetings was largely increased. From six to ten inquirers presented themselves for prayers from night to night, and from this time the work went forward. Four students were converted on one Sabbath, and others were brought out into the light. Thus the work went forward hopefully but quietly, until, up to this time, fourteen students have expressed a hope in Christ. This is the second season of interest during the present scholastic year. Before Christmas, a brief season of spiritual awakening brought seven students out upon the Lord’s side, so that the results of the year have been twenty-one conversions. Several others are still inquiring, and the work goes on, though with less manifest power than a few weeks ago.
The results of the revival have been seen in the deepening of the earnestness of Christians, so that much of the power of the good work does not appear.