The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-06-26
VISIT TO LEXINGTON.

ton of his feelings to any one else. And who
ever visits it during this beautiful June, as the
Valley stands dressed in living green; when
it is covered over with corn "a golden har-
vest, such as hardly comes, even there, more
than few times in generation, must feel
how well he is repaid for the dust of travel,
and the thorough joltings Of twenty miles OF
stage-ride over the rough roads from Goshen.
Last week was one of much interest in Lex
ington. The Commencement of Washington
College brought together the large concourse
ofinterested friends from the vicinity and from
distance, who seemed to enjoy the occasion
exceedingly Our limited space upon return
ing home, when the columns of the paper were
nearly filed, admits of only very brief notice.
Before coming to College matters, word or
two concerning the Ann Smith (Female)
Academy, which has been for several years
under the care of the Rev. John A Scott
The closing exercises of this school were held
in the Academy on the morning of Tuesday,
18th inst, after which an address was delivered
by the Rev. DR.. Plumer, Professor of TheOlo-
gy in the Theological Seminary at Columbia,
s. G. With copious notes in hand, which
may be used at some future time, we can only
say at present that the address was stored with
sound and useful sentiments on the subject of
female education. The whole course of study
beginning most appropriately with spelling,
was discussed in the peculiar style of the
speaker. The production abounded in things
of racy richness, and was listened to with evil
dent satisfaction by the large assembly present.
Before leaving this subject, it may be proper
to say that, passing through Staunton week
before last, we heard the address of the Rev
DR.. Moore, of Richmond, delivered at the
closing exercises of the Augusta Female Sem
mary, under the care Of Miss Mary Julia
Baldwin, spoken of as one of peculiar excel
lence, and which gave the highest qualification
to all present.
The exercises connected with the Commence
neRt at Washington College, were as follows
l. The Baccalaareate Sermon which was
preached on Sabbath morning, the 10th, by
Rev. John A. Broaddus, d. D., Professor of
Theology, in the Baptist Theological Semina-
~, Greenvine, s. G. His text was in Acts
XIV: 10. "ORe Jesus
2. AT night, dr. Plumer having preached
in the afternoon Rev. B. NJ. Smith, D, D.,
Professor in Union Theological Seminary,
preached before the Young Mems Christian
association of the College, on the text "The
truth as it is in Jesus.
1t was not our privilege to hear either Of
these discourses, but they were both spoken Of
IN our hearing rs sernons-7sf- 5~sss-~i ,:ts, -
suucuve and impressive, and both deeply i'm
bued with the spirit of evangelical religion, as
the texts selected would indicate, and as all
wouldexpect who know any thing of the preach
ers. Long may the day be distant when our
young men at College shall assemble expecting
to hear sensational sermons about politics, sci
ence and philosophy
3. On Wednesday, in the forenoon, the two
literary societies of the College 1.-THE Graham,
and the Washington were represented by ap-
propriate speeches from two of their members,
respectively, Messrs. Edison, of Augusta Co.,
Va, and Ewing, of Tennessee.
At night the Society of the Alumni were ad-
dressed by Dr. Plumer, General Echols of
Staunton presiding His theme was, the i'm
portance of the classics as part of liberal ed
ucation. This subject was discussed in very
able manner, and enriched by copious and ad-
mirable illustrations drawn from the most emf
nent sources. The latter part was taken up
with brief, but remarkably pertinent and in
teresting references to eminent alumni of the
College, before and during the speakers per-
sonal acquaintance with it. It's enough to say
that the address fully met the expectations of
all DR.. Plumers friends, and copy was unan-
imously requested for publication.
4. On Thursday we had Commencement
day, when all the authorities and students of
the College, and many invited guests marched
in imposing procession over to the Presbyte-
rian church, where the other assemblies had
been held, and where we were highly enter
tanned till the close of the exercises.
First came the comforting of certificates of
distinction and proficiency in the severalschools.
Then came the class who have completed the
whole course. The certificates and diplomas
were conferred by the llustrious President of
the Institution, General Lee, with that simple
dignity and grace which so well befit an occa-
sion Of this kind.
Next came two speeches from Students
Mr.. I. T. Eaton, of Tennessee. delivered the |
College Grafton, and Mr.. Charles A. Donegan,
of Alabama, the Law Class Grafton; both |
quite appropriate and satisfactory to those
whom they represented.
Then came, in conclusion, the speech of the
Rev. DIR, Hoge, Of Richmond, who delivered
the address before the two literary societies.
The admirable address last year, of the Rev.
Dr. Duncan, was upon the Duties of the Hour;
Dr. Hoge very skilfully selected its counter
part, the Dangers of the Hour. We have no
space for even an outline, except to say that
the following sources of danger were dwelt
upon:
a. In imagining that, as our material In
terests are of such immediate importance, the
attainment of high standard of scholarship is
not needed.
e. There is great danger of our losing that
ardent love of liberty, which has hitherto so
strongly marked the history of our people.
(3.) Danger from the generalization which
has ever followed on the heels of revolution.
a. Danger from the sceptieism which In
ects the literature of the present times.
We hope to give fuller account of this adj
lress at future time, and will leave it at pres
INT with the remark that the impression made
BY it was in every respect such as the friends '
If our Colleges would wish. These are grand Z
occasions, when the ear of the public and of Q
'ur young men is wide open, to FIJI them with S