The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-06-05
COMMENCEMENT AT
ELON COLLEGE
BacCaIaureate Sermon By
Rev. C.. S. Blackwell
The Literary Address BY Hon. Locke Craig Of
AsheviIIe, Possibilities Of North
Carolina.
Especial to News and Observer.


Elon College, N. c., June 4.-'rhe COM
mencement exercises of Elon College
opened on Tuesday evening with the
baccalaureate sermon by Rev. c. S.
Blackwell, ID. d, OF Wilmington N. C.
Preceding the sermon was an anthem,
"Rjng All Glorious" by the college
choir. Following this was the invoea-
tion by Rev. DIR. j. L. Newman. of the
faculty Scripture Lesson: Matthew
V, read by President Stalcy
Prayer by Rev. w. G. Clements, Of
Morrisville, N. c.
Dr. Blackwell was introduced by
President StaleX. He took for his text
Rev. 1920. saying that he selected this
verse as a text not because of the great
line of thought suggested by the verse
but because it contained tho word
book He stated that it was his pur-
pose to present this book" (the Bible)
il all of its fragrance and sweetness
He compared the Bible with the modern
novel. The main difference, he said be-
tween the Bible and the novel of today
is that the modern novel describes the
personal appearance of the characters
whom it portrays; the Bible tells nothing
Of the color of the hair. the shape of the
mouth or the fashion of the dress, but
tells what moral and spiritual senti
ment dwelt in the human heart
4. If we would enjoy the reading of the
Bible we must read it as we read the
noVel-from lid to lid-and not verse
mcst charming the most romantic novel
IT, in, > l,n
beauty of romance, the biography of
every living man and woman of today.
On Wednesday the exercises began at
II o'clock. The Philologiap. Clio, and
Fsirhelion Societies marched into the
auditorium in body while the band
discoursed appropriate music. The ex-
ercises were opened with prayer by Rev
P. H Fleming, of Burlington. Hon.
Locke Craig, of Asheville, who delivered
the literary address, was introduced by
President Staley. Mr.. Craig began his
address by expressing his appreciation
OF the privilege of appearing before a
bcdy of students on glad commence
nlent day. Advancing upon his subject
lie reviewed his usual graphic way the
achievements of the past century aid The
lnHItllNC OL liliS III Oe- to> tlpit tlAc NIlstl
aCter of our race. He called sttention
to the influence of the little country
school house on the hill in Shaping the
destiny Of the nation. The boy or the
girl who goes out from college walls 10
his old country homo reshapes the lives
of all with whom he comes in contact.
True to his patriotic spirit, Mr. Craig
dwelt at length upon the possibilities of
North Carolina in industry, education
and wealth.
Mr. Craig reached the climax OF his
powerful address by procIaiIning the
fact that all men are good and nGple,
and it is this qualification which gives
to mankind the possibility of accom-
plshing anything great. The pagan re-
lietons of the world are evil. but it is the
little good in them which brings the
millions of souls to bow before them in
superstitious worship.
The greatest achievements of the COM
ing century viii not be accomplished by
wealthy men and fashionable women,
but by the plain. awkward country lad,
or the homely girl who educates himself
or herself and a life to noble purpose.
Joliet, Ills. June 3.-Joliet is in the
grasp of the worst flood in its a1stCry.