The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-06-17
RICHMOND COLLEGE.
Beginning of the Fifty-Third Annual
Commencement.

beginning of the Fifty-Third Annual
Commencement.
The fifty.third annual commencement
week Of Richmond College began sunday
night, with an instructive and eloquent
sermon, at the First Baptist Church, by
Rev. JnO. 4. RrOadus, ID. d., President of
the Southern Baptist Theologicall seminary,
at Louisville, Ky. Prof Il. Purycar, chair
man of the faculty, Rev. DIR. Cooper, pastor
Of the church in which the service was
held. and Rcys. Drs. W. +. Hatcher, NJ. ID.
Hoge, j. NJ. Frost, and Hon. j. l.. NJ. Curry,
of this city, occupied seats on the platform.
The music was conducted by the choir OF
the First Baptist Church, and was excel
lent. DR.. Cooper read the 18th psalm, and
Dr. Hoge offered prayer. Rev. VIM. f..
Hatcher, ID. d., introducing DR.. John A..
Broadus, remarked that /, was the pride and
ioy Of good people everywhere to know that
Richmond College is Christian inst.tu-
ton. endowed and supported by the gifts Of
godly men, governed by Il Board OF Trustee,
composed of ministers and laymen, dis
tingIIished for piety and good works. The
faculty are Christian men-men true to their
convictions and loyal to Christ.
Further proof Of the Christian character
of the college is found in the fact, the hrst
night of every commencement week, is de-
voted to divine service, and to ackn0wledg-
ment ot divine authority and blessing.
DIR. BrOadus announced as his text as fol-
lows: "Aud Moses was learned in all the
wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty
in words and in deeds. Acts viii, -. Dr.
Broadls' sermon was full OF gospel truths,
and abounded in cloquence and original
thought throughout. He spoke for an hour,
and held the close attention Of the immense
audience from the beginning OF his dis
course TO its close.
The speaker emphasized three things in
connection with the life and character OF
MOses:
First. He was a learned man, who was also
wise Men OF great lea rnlng are frequently
chnroed with a lack OF practical common
sense The charge is often groundless, ana
certainly II could not have been said OF Moses
that he lacked common sense, notWlthstand-
ing the fact that he was ''lesrned In ali the
wisdom OF the Egyp ians." The Egyptians,
even at that day. had made considerable pro-
press IN the arts and sciences. They were
familiar with chemistry, AS the art OF en-
balming the dead clearly shows. They also
knew something OF astronomy, and even cul-
IivaIed the art of writing poetry. so IL was
no mean degree Of culture To which Mosesa
tained vel he was emlnently practical
Higher education does not disquallfy men
for business.
second. learned man who was a great
practicaI force in the world. lie was not an
sloauent man. and yet his words nad great
weight because OF his force OF character.
Fluency. OF speech Is not necessary IN oruer
10 have power among men.
Moses was "a great writer. our southern
Deople have given too little attention 10 liie-
rature. But especially was Moses mlghty IN
deeds. Mankind appreciates deeds more more
"a hateyer his profession, 10 take an active in-
terrst In public affairs.
Third, "A learned man who welcomed
revelation from God. lie couid not nave
been charged with borrowing his religious
ideas from the Egyptians; his IDEAS were en-
tireIy unlike theirs. Much OF the Bible was
gwen through great ana learned men. ihe
greatest men In history have believed IN q
higher power An old French philosopher
nronhesIed that The time would come when
Newton and kepler would De glorlhed Ior
their wonderful discoveries In astronomy.
but Newton himself giorined God.
The speaker paid a touching tribute 10
distinguished Virginians-Wa asningtop'
Lee. Patrick Henry, stonewali Jackson
Marshall and others-who were nrm De-
levers in divine revelation.
Lost evening select audience nlieu Tue
College chapel, on the occasion OF the hnal
celebration OF the literary societies ol the
college. The chapel had been tastetully
decorated, and choice band OF music en-.
Gagged: while the pleasant weather and the
excellent programme combined 10 make 'he
occasion delightful one.
The exercises were opened with prayer
by Dr. John A. Broadus. Mr.'F. Z. John
son, OF Virginia, VINO had been chosen !,
deliver the salutatory address, as ma
president OF the Mu Sigma Rho society
referred TO the successful work OF the ses
sion along various lines. Victory ha.
ma, ,.hed upon the banner Of our baseball
j ,.Iub' and effective work In classes and lit
er,ry societics has characterized the ses