Some of the youths went soon to the theological seminary, and at once leavened that community with their own spirit.
The seminary--there was only one in all Protestant America.

As early as 1791 the Sulpitian fathers had organized their seminary at Baltimore.
But it was not until 1808 that any institution for theological studies was open to candidates for the Protestant ministry.

Up to that time such studies were made in the regular college curriculum, which was distinctly theological in character; and it was common for the graduate to spend an additional year at the college for special study under the president or the one professor of divinity.

But many country parsonages that were tenanted by men of fame as writers and teachers were greatly frequented by young men preparing themselves for the work of preaching.
The change to the modern method of education for the ministry was a sudden one.

It was precipitated by an event which has not even yet ceased to be looked on by the losing party with honest lamentation and with an unnecessary amount of sectarian acrimony.