Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1859-06-15
From the Biblical Recorder.
OXFORD FEMALE COLLEGE,

DEAR BIO JAMES IL have Just returned from
the commencement at Oxford Female College, and
without falsely coloring putting that Institution,
desire to give the readers Of the Recorder short
account Of its public exercises, together with the i'm.
preston which was made on my mind of the lnstitu
ton. But first let me say one word about Oxford.
| think it is one of the most handsome towns in
North-Carolna. Its situation is all that could be
desired to make it healthy and pleasant: The in
habitants are unusually hospltabe, ndjudgng from
the number of its schOols, whchis six, would say
it is a most attractive seat OF learning
The President of this College, MIR. Mills. has long
since discovered that which is now beginning to be
seen and felt, the utter utility of public examna-
tons they usually conducted in similar lnSti
buttons; consequently there no examination.-
His examination are during the session, and are
open to all his patrons at any time. He points to
the daughters of his Institution as living monuments
Of his care and attention, and wishes his reputation
to stand or fall as his graduates stand the test Of
" time, scrutiny and talents" and not an hours
animation at the close of each session.
The commencement exercises were opened on the
evening of the a5th of May by the reading of orr
ginal essays and compositions by the young ladies.
These were well-writtcn, and, with but few excep-
tions read in clear, distinct and audible manner.
There were some little girls whose heads scarcely
rose above the table before them, who read COM
many of their essays would compare tavorably with
those of any of our male Colleges.
On Thursday morning, the Grafton before the Clio
Society was delivered by III, Rev. Mr.. Craven. of
Trinity College. His subject was Female Educa
ton. In happy manner he protrayed the benefits
of thorough system of female education, and con-
claded that it was equally as important that of
the males. 1t was fine Grafton, and was received
with much appreciation.
tI,D NJ, g
College preached the sermon before the Graduating
Class His theme was 'Ihc Pearl of Great Price y
tie was fortunate in his selection earnest in delivery
and the silent tears Of many eyes told of its impress
siveneSs.
Immediately after the sermon the following ESSAYS
were read by the Graduating Class:
THE SCHOLAR.
Miss Bette Barham, of Wake County.
AIR CASTLES.
Miss c. Hunter, of Oxford
CALICO
Miss z. S. Traynham, Va.
These were without exception the products of
much careful thought and investigation and evident
I ly showed "cutivated intellect a refined taste
and noble heart
At night the chapel was filled to ovcr1owng with
rare collection of beauty, wit and grace to wit
ness concert, in which all the young ladies' part
cipated. This was grand display of musical
talents and as was justly remarked they sang with
degree of inspiration which is scarcely equalled-
not the inspiration of the Bible, but that of Tho
poet-that which he felt when he penned the words
Nor was it confined to them alone Every hear
that was not dead to i'll sensby must have felt its
influence, and that deeply
| Thus ended the exercics of an Institution which
ought to be dear to the heart of every lover of Fe
male educaton-an Institution which bids fair t.
rank among the very best Female Seminaries of ou
State-an Institution whose great object is to SEM
forth maidens to bless as well as ornament society
to be good as we'll as do good.