Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-06-15
COMMENCEMENT.
SUNDAY AT WASHINGTON AND LEI
UNIVERSITY, LEXINGTON
The paecalaureaae Preached by Dr. Cooper,
Of Riehmond-The Address Before
the Y. N. G. A..
,,o,rs.nopdeuce of the Rich n,o.d Dispatch,


LEXINGTON, Va, June Is, 1886.
The closing exercises OF Washington and
J.eo University commenced this morning In
the University chapel with the baccala''-
yeate sermon by the Rev. George Cooper,
u. D., Of Richmond, Va.
A loyelier day than this beautiful sabbath
never dawned upon Lexington. The cam
nus looked like q stretch Of yelyety green,
and the cool shade afforded by the trees In
The Park made the day delicious aud refresh
ing.
After the usual Introductory services OF
pray er and praise, in which all the town
ministers participated, DR.. Cooper came
forward and announced As his text, He
Jrews Sd chapter, 18th verse: "Take heed,
brethren, lest there be In any OF you an
evil heart OF unbelief IN departing from
the living God" Dr. Cooper cOngratu-
,atcd himself on having the honor and
pleasure OF taking part in the commence
ment exercises Of Washington and Lee
University. lie loved young men, and
was glad 10 have this opportunity to
sneak word OF advice TO them
lust as they were leaving college
10 enter Upon the great battle OF life.
He did not want TO be classed with those
who were continually complaining and
grumbliDg with the age in which we live {;
vet ut the same time he could not disguise
The fact that unbelief IN some aspects mas
never been more comfortable and COM
posipy 10 men OF culture than at the pre-
.ent time. 1t Is becoming conspicuous in
high places, and In it, more common
foIm il is simply negative. II does not
say YOU believe IN fallacy, no God and ~
iulure, There is q demand for Young men
in our laDG-y Dung men OF high moral
cl aractei Christian young men. Man
must have belief Of some sort t.; il was absO-
lutely Indispensable 10 his nature. He
must have God. Religion Is morality to-
wards God. \ life without faith in God is
a hie without height, aud that Is an I'M
Symeirica life. llunbelicf i,iO be peiied
and nursed by the cultured and the edo
csted, who can reason Is intelligent being.
what Is 10 become 81 the great masses, VINO
cannot and do not think for them
selves, but are led on by the force
and will of superior intellect. :
Man n bis best is never better than his
ideal; and he asked the Young IN before
him 10 take ~ their ideal Christ, and for
their RUE and guide OF life the Holy Bible.
An evil heart u unbelief will separate you
iron the hes; and pureSt, and will shut You
of from the brightest and happieSi side Of
this present world. Go forth, then, young
men, to the duties which await you as SER
wants Of the living God. DO not he mised
from the only true and living way; live up
TO the teachings OF your fathers aud drive
back the hosts Of modern iniidelity, and a.
long as you live. no matter where your lot
may be, down deep IN your heart OF hearts
you carry with YOU the practical work and
inestmable value OF faith in God. These
are nv best wishes for you, and play God
may abide with YOU through all the future.
The sermon Of DR.. Cooper. necessarily
imperfectly outlined above, was a grand
and able discourse, and exceedingly ap-
propriate and timely. He was listened 10
with unlagging attention and increasing in
terest during the whole time occupied in
It's delivery.
At night the Rev. r. y. Sledd, ID. d.. OF
Norfolk, delivered the annual address be-
lore the Young Mems Christian AssOcia-
ton, subject "Chri>tian Character In its
Relation 20 Civil Liberty" The remarks
Of DR.. Sledd were IN keeping with his repu-
tation as fine pulpit orator, and were full
Of practical advice 10 the young men before
him. Or. Sledd had large audience to
hear him, and he never appeared ID better
advantage than he did tonight. ;.
M. SNat.h.atNa.. or