The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-06-30
RESPONDER NOE.
commencement at Washington and Lee
University.
ABLE AND INTERESTING DIsooURsEs.

ABLE AND INTERESTING DISCoURSES.
LEXINGTON, VA, June oath, 80
4Ncssrs EdaorS,- The Commencement
exercises were introduced on Sunday
Goth inst, with the Baccalaureate" ser
mon by Rev. j. G. Armstrong, pastor of
Monumental church, Richmond His
text was: "Their rock is not as our
Rock, even our enemies themselves being
judges. "-Deut xxi 81
He showed that "our Rock" is Christ
and the system of truth that he has given
as; and that all other systems of teach
ing are far inferior to it. His leading
object, however, was to show the fallacies
OF the modern theory of evolution. He
made clear and strong presentation of
the following three positions:
l. That the doctrine of evolution is
mere theory, and that its advocates have
failed to support it by reliable facts
themselves being Judges
2. That they failed to take account of
all the facts involved-especially of those
relating to the human race They omit
all consideration of mind, and of moral
and spiritual phenomena in connection
with the nature of man They overlook
upon man in regard to his place in nature
and in history.
8. They fail to account for, and explain
many Of the facts that they recognize in
their own discussions; such as the chem
lcal atom and its properties and func-
tlons organic structures in the vegetable
and animal kingdoms; origin of life, etc.
But any brief outline must utterly fail
to give an adequate conception Of the
real character of this noble address.
which by its clearness of thought, strength
OF logic, captivating style, and impressive
delivery, held the undivided attention Of
every intelligent mind in the large audi
ence that crowded the University chapel.
THE Young Mems Christian ASsocia-
ton was addressed on the evening of the
same day by Rev. George D. Armstrong.
D. D., of Norfolk This distinguished
divine is so we'll known to the large mass
OF your readers, that they will be ready
to conclude in advance that his address
was both able and appropriate.
Without touching upon the same line
OF discussion pursued by the morning
speaker, he took up kindred line OF
thought. His text, "Ol Thou that hear
est prayer to Thee shall all flesh come. =
introduced the discussion of the nature of
prayer, and mastery answer to all the
objections. that scientific theorists have
advanced against prayer as a power in
the physical as we'll as the moral world
This, like the morning discourse, was re-
ceived with marked appreciation by the
same large and intelligent audience
The coincidence in the names of the
speakers, the kinship of their topics,
and the interesting and successful man.
ner in which both were handled, mark an
epoch in the history Of religious exercises
in our University chapel.
On Monday evening, 21st inst, the two
Literary Societies of the University did
themselves credit by their interesting and
brilliant celebration.
On Tuesday evening Rev. G. B. Strickler.
ID. d., pastor of Tinkling Spring church.
Augusta county, delivered the annual
address before the Association of Alumni
His theme was, The Conditions of Suc-
cess in Life. lst The selection of the
right kind of profession or pursuit-one
Tor which young man has the requisite
talent 2. Devotion to his profession
when once chosen-what DR.. Talmage
e, calls 'Stck-to-itiveness. 8. Hard work.
Ihese seldom fail of high success.
one OF the best illustrations we have
81 inns subject, is found in the career OF
tne worthy speaker himself
Wednesday, 23d inst, was commence
ment day proper The University nrize
oraton--a well-written productionfwas
gracefully delivered by L. G. Dav Of
n 6hsentucky the Law address bv W D
Harter' Of Kentucky and the Valedic-
tory by Glover Moore, Of Texas.