Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-10-22

Charles W. Kent. brother OF Mr.. Linden
Kent. a brilliant master OF arts of the
University, a Phi. II. OF one OF the Ger
man universities, a scholar OF rare attain
ments. especially In this department. and
a teacher OF experience. enthusiasm. popu-
larity and success. His superb intro
ductory lecture on Literature and Life,'
his lectures TO his classes. and his work
in his classroom, which / have had the
privilege OF enjoying, all give the most
ample proof that the board made no mis-
take in adding Professor G. w. Kent to
our peerless corps OF professors.
The sudden death of DR.. Lowles, the
able. accomplished. and very popular pro-
fessor OF anatomy cast a gloom over The
opening of the session. But his assistant.
DIR. Christian, was put In charge OF his
class. and the work has gone on without
n break ] ought 20 add that while there
have been certain changes In the require
merits for degrees about the propr1ety
Of which there may be ana are honest
differences of opinion) there has pcen no
lowering OF the standard OF scholarship
required 10 graduate In particular
school," and that now. g. always uhe
university requires that man shall reach
very high standard before bearing OH
her unrivalled honors.
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCES
But I must speak, last, but by no
means least" OF the moral and religious
Influences at work in the university
There are here OF course. no renglous
texts or constraints. no rules or regula-
tions requiring attendance on religious
services. or connection with amp church,
and yet. by n happy Providence, nearly
everS professor and Instructor IS mem
Der OF some evangelical church. a very
large proportion Of the students are
church members. and the religious infiu-
ences in the university are active ana
pronounced.
The chaplain breaches twice on Sunday
teaches a Bible-class in the university
Sunday school. conducts morning prayers
every day. and conducts weekly service
besides his private work.
Y. VI. c. a. WORK.
The Young Mems Christian Assocla-
ton has an efficient secretary, MT. j. l..
Curtis. and conducts prayer-meeungs'
mission Sunday schools and Bible classes
besides maintaining well-furnished read
ing-room and doing other important worK
I'm the line Of such an organization.
Besides this there is being arranged
scheme OF comprehensive Bible study
in which Professor John y. Minor. Noah
X. Davis. +. II. Smith Shele de we're,
lanes NJ Garnett and others are eXpectep
TO teach classes and there VIII be SUM
illus and opportunity for the STUDY OF
the Scriptures such as s. rarely auorded
i'm our schools or colleges.
Resides these opportunities and ini1u-
ences at the University, the-students nave
free access to the churches and sunday
schools I'm Charlottesville, ana then
earnest and efficient pastors nave
free access 10 the University, so that
there Is a really an admirable comDl-
nation OF religious influences brought TO
bear on the students.
Let me add that while dor reasons
which YOU Messrs. Editors, viii appre-
cia,) your present correspondent
may not say much about the
work Of the present chaplain, yet
ne happcns TO know that the chaplain
has been greatly encouraged by the cor
dial greeting and hearty cooperation OF
both professors and students ana the
large attendance at the chapel ana AT
morning prayers and that he Is LOOKING
forward very hopefully 10 the Work OF
this session. Let me close by asking that
christian people everywhere will pray Tor
Gods blessing upon our great university
without which all labor will be In Vain'
and with which there will go out with
these noble young men gathered mere
hallowcd. wide-reaching influences 10 Dless
our country and the world.