The Seminary was founded, not to polish the manners, refine the
taste, or impart accomplishments, but to renovate the character by a
permanent inward change. The main dependence for bringing this about
was the power of the Holy Ghost--the only power that can impart or
maintain spiritual life in man. This dependence was expressed in
fervent prayer, offered for years amid discouragement and
opposition, and, instead of ceasing when an answer came, only
offered by a greater number. It is worthy of note that some of the
seasons of greatest revival were preceded by disasters that
threatened the very existence of the mission.
The principal text book was the word of God; partly, as we shall
see, through a providential necessity, but chiefly because it was
God's own chosen instrumentality for the salvation of our race; and
it was eminently adapted for the education of such a people. The
teachers could say, with a beloved co-laborer on Mount Lebanon, "To
the Scriptures we give increased attention; they do more to unfold
and expand the intellectual powers, and to create careful and honest
thinkers, than all the sciences we teach.
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