The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-05-21
BEACH INSTITUTE EXERCISES.
Rev. Richard bright Preached Bnc-
calnurcate Sermon Yesterday.

Rev. Richard Bright Preached Bnc-
cnIaurcate Sermon Yesterday.
The closing exercis S of Beach Institute
began yesterday. The final examinations
will be held during the week.
The wcrk in the grades closes Thurs
day, at IL o'clock, with appropriate exer-
eises, to which the public is invited. The
seating capacity of the Beach Chapel be-
ing limited. Tickets of admission to the
graduating exercises, which take place
Friday afternoon at o'clock, are being
given out to those desiring TO attend. The
principal. B. G. Miner, has a limited num-
her to give out upon application to him.
The haccalaureate sermon was given by
Rev. Richard Bright, D. D.. of st. Steph-
ems Church The text was from James
&c: This Mans Religion is Vain
The speaker endeavored to give a lucid
exposition of the underlying thought of
st. James Epistle, Works by Faith"
A religion absolutely improbable and
fruitless unless accompanied by Cody ac-
tons.
He contended that while the colored
people are very religious, the major por-
ton of their religion is vain they think
that the multiplication of churches and
emotion are pure religion. Emotion is
undoubtedly an el6Il6nt OI true Te1lBiOI,
but not the sum total; since it is neither
knowledge nor morality. 1t must be ac-
companied by right moral effort.
In order that people should have no ex-
cuse for a low STANDARD IN religion an
educated ministry is necessary. People
are exhorted to religion, but not instruct
ed in it. Their souls become like Be
thesda pool; but che virtue Of the stir
ring is but momentary. He admits that
the race Is progressing religously, but
maintained that the results are not COM
mensurate with the outlay.
Lay bare" he said, the fallacy prev
alent among some, that when getting re-
ligion. they must neither be clean, study
nor work. Tell them that work is
not incompatible with the deepest
spirituality. Jesus set the example
and St. Paul. who was a tentmaker, lab
ored with Aquita and Priscilla at Corinth."
Rev. Bright emphasized the fact that
the religion of the colored man Is predom-
mated by words rather than by Cody &C
items, and pointed out truthfulness, kind
ness, honesty, benevolence and charity as
some of the elements of true religion.
Like Longfeilow's Village Blacksmith"
they should be able to look the whole
world in the face, because they owe not
any man. Instead of throwing away their
money for unnecessary and heeting pleas
ures of the world, they ought to make
suitable and proper provision for their
MANNED and halt and poor. The streets
OF Savannah would be denuded of the
few negro beggars if the numerous negro
churches did their duty in almsgivng,
without which no worship is complete.
THE negro's progress is often checked
by envious members of his own race. The
practice Of true religion would overcome
this feeling.
I'm spite OF the frequent miscarriage of
justice. see to il that you are law-abiding
and orderly; whenever occasion requires
that you are strenuous supporters and
defenders of law and order, and that no
countenance can be gained from you in
tri6ing with or defying them"
"a religion that does not take hold of
the life that now is, is like a cloud mat
does not rain. A cloud may roll in gran
deur, and be an object of admiration, but
If 1t does not rain, 1t is of little account
so far as utility is concerned And a
religion that consists in the observance
OF magnificent ceremonies, but that does
not touch the duties of daily life, Is
religion of show and sham.
1--WE shall never attain to the full meas
ure end Stature of Christ until we become
disciples of action, until every movement
of ours demonstrates fully that we are
walking with God