The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-05-30
AN ABLE SERMON.
Rev. j. Il. BRIGGS. DID. of Charlotte
to Young Mems Christian AssO-
citation OF A. & NJ. College.

The continuation of the opening
commencement events of the A. & NJ.
College was in the Presbyterian church
Sunday night where a splendid con-
gregation was gathered to take part in
the services Of the Young Mems Chris
tian Association of the college.
The service was a deeply interesting
one, the sermon to the young men be-
ing preached by Rev. Dr.J. X. Bridges,
of Charlotte, the talented president OF
1.-THE Presbyterian College for Women.
AS he began his address he said that
he had come because of his interest
in and love for young men, and MS
sermon had for its theme the upbulld-
ing of all who heard Il.
The Lords Prayer as a chant was
rendered by choir ana congregation, a
prayer by DR.. Bridges followed, the
choir rendered an anthem, Sing O
Heaven" by Tours. and then again
there was congregational singing.
After this DR. Bridges read part of
the first chapter of the prophecy OF
Isaiah. This was followed by a solo
from Mrs Horace r. Dowell, who
sang so Divine Redeemer," Miss
Emma Anderson playing the violin OBJ
ligato. A collection was then taken,
and of this about $11.00 was put in
the plate as an offering to aid in pay
ing the expenses of delegates from the
A. & M. branch to the State meeting
of the Y. NJ c. A, in Asheville.
Then DR.. Bridges spoke, first telling
of the pleasure he had I'm accepting
the invitation and addressing the
young men. He is pleasant speaker,
his face an intellectual one, the high
forehead telling of thought and ability.
He speaks warmly earnestly and nat
urally, his style being largely con-
versationaI one. The congregation
gave the closest attention to his able
sermon based upon a striking incident.
His theme, he said, was based upon
text from Isaiah which he held
would be of service to young men. its
import was that despite all surround
ings. all iniquities and sins, God can
lift up those who think themselves the
least worthy and use them for his
glory and honor, for the redemption
of the world. So, he declared, had ne
taken Isaiah from the midst of a
wicked people and used him,
Isaiah, in his prophecy had told of
the Jesus that was to come, and this
picture the speaker declared, was so
clear and true that all ages would De
convinced that the Christ of the New
Testament was the Christ of whom
Moses wrote
The preacher then took up the
chapter read saying that it showed
the iniquity of the people of that day,
and that so great was this that Isaiah
thought he was unworthy, yet when
the call came from on, high, and
Isaiah in the church saw that the coal
of fire had burned away all iniquity,
his response to the call of God as to
who should go on his mission was
Here am /, send me-" In this day, no
matter how base our surroundings God
can cleanse us and use us for his
work.
He called attention to the fact that
Isaiah was in the church when the call
came, and this as a fitting place for
young men was the thought he inn
pressed, that while good work could
be done out of the church, yet organ
lied work is the best for true worship,
for spiritual training and for service.
as God has linked spiritual blessings
and church attendance.
Isaiah felt his weakness to describe
the vision he saw. as would little
child but told of it as best he could.
No mortal language can describe the
Lord. as our terms are only in COM
parison and we can compare him with