Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 11.djvu/857

 DRIFT TOWARD EDUCATIONAL UNITY 841

plan of reaching the Presbyterian students of that university, and contemplate ultimately the establishment of some form of theological seminary or college.

The Methodists of Illinois and herein is a remarkable coin- cident hit upon the same plan of co-operation as the Methodists of North Dakota, and at the same time, and this, too, absolutely without any communication. Three prominent Methodists of Urbana, 111., were working out a "tentative plan" for their state, while at the same time, but unknown to either group, two college presidents in North Dakota were working out the same plan for their state. The statement published by the Illinois Methodists is in substance as follows :

There are now over seven hundred Methodist students in the University of Illinois. They are here rather than in the Methodist colleges because they find here the best educational facilities of the state. Still the state university does not, and in fact cannot, provide systematic religious instruc- tion. Certain inherent difficulties prevent the local churches from doing the most effective work among these students. The need is overwhelming that something be done to enable the church to perform its full duty toward these young people. To help solve this problem, the following suggestions are made:

That a college be established in Urbana, in close proximity to the state university, under the auspices of the Methodist church of Illinois; that this institution be known as "Wesley College ;" that suitable buildings be erected ; that students of the college take their instruction in the University of Illinois in all those subjects for which the university adequately provides; that instruction be given in religious subjects, including the English Bible, Chris- tian evidences, church history, etc., and such other subjects, like ethics and philosophy for example, as may not be provided for in the university to the desired extent.

It is apparent that the existence of such a college in the heart of the university community would be a standing reminder to professors and students alike of the importance of the spiritual and religious elements in higher education. It would be a standing incentive to the young people to give attention to this important subject. There is little doubt that for the high-grade instruction given by the college the university would allow credit toward a degree. The possibilities of such an institution are great. The ablest men in the whole church could be brought in to impress the young people. Methodist resources could be devoted, in toto, to systematic religious work, leaving the state to provide for the expense of ordinary education. It would prove a strategic point for the church to reach the future leaders of