Pulpit, Physics, and Politics: The Curriculum of the College of New Jersey, 1746-1794

Abstract

O _ N November 9, 1748, College of New Jersey, then two years old, conducted its first commencement in President's house at Newark. Jonathan Belcher, governor of province and patron of college, was present to accept degree of master of arts, honoris causa. Sixteen trustees of college subscribed to oath of their office and elected Reverend Aaron Burr president, an office which he had filled informally for several months. This done, assembled company-trustees, candidates for degrees, governor, and newly elected president-walked in formal procession to public hall, where Burr delivered his inaugural address. In high-sounding Latin, president praised manifold Advantages of liberal Arts and Sciences, in exalting and dignifying humane Nature, enlarging Soul, improving its Faculties, civilizing Mankind, qualifying them for important offices of Life, and rendering them useful Members of Church and State. Burr then awarded degrees to six baccalaureate candidates and to Governor Belcher. Thus, William Smith, a trustee reporting proceedings for New York Gazette, remarked, the first appearance of a College in New-Jersey, having given universal satisfaction, even Unlearned being pleased with external Solemnity and Decorum which they saw, 'tis hoped that this infant College will meet with due Encouragement from all public spirited generous Minds; and that Lovers of Mankind will wish its Prosperity and contribute to its Support.' If solemnity marking occasion appears now to be out of all proportion to cause-the graduation of six men as bachelors of art-it did not then seem so. To founders, these ceremonies served as a climax to their successful efforts to establish in Middle Colonies a seminary for training of Presbyterian ministers. The need for such an institution had long been evident and was becoming more acute each year as influx of German, Dutch, Scottish, and Scots-Irish immigrants crowded