--embracing all those things that are short in duration, perishable in substance, and inadequate in their nature to meet the high-born wants of the human mind. The treatment of the subject was able; its illustrations and poetical embellishments striking; its delivery very impressive. All seemed deeply impressed with the emptiness of earthly things, and the great folly of men in pursuing these deceptive gew-gaws, to the exclusion of nobler things. The latter part of the discourse was taken up in directing the minds of the young ladies to things worthy of their pursuit-such as intellectual culture, and its rich fruits; moral excellency, and its high rewards; usefulness of life, and its noble ends. The merit of the sermon is seen in the fact, that the citizens of the place have made application to the author for a manuscript of the sermon for publication.

On Thursday evening the literary address was delivered by Rev. N. F. Reid, of Raleigh, N. C. Con. The main drift of the address was to show that the perpetuity of our republican government was dependent upon general female cultivation-that virtue and intelligence are the two grand elements of republicanism, and that these are diffused widely and efficiently through the masses by educated women. This proposition was clearly unfolded, ably sustained by argument and historic allusions, and enforced with that power of apt illustration and eloquence of delivery, as never fail to make a lasting impression upon the mind of the audience.

The commodious buildings of this college, the beauty of the campus, the accessibility of the place, the healthiness of the locality, the ability of the Faculty, are sufficient reasons for its friends to expect ample patronage now, and a permanent prosperity in the future. H. T. HUDSON.

In the St. Louis Advocate of June 21, is a letter from Rev. W. M. Prottman, agent for Central College, from which it appears that he had obtained nearly $10,000 of the $30,000 proposed to be raised for the erection of new buildings.

ST. CHARLES COLLEGE, MO.

We extract the following from an editorial in the St. Louis Advocate of June 21: "Efforts which, to all human appearances, are likely to be entirely successful, have been made, and are still in progress, to revive this institution and place it on a more firm basis. The success of those efforts up to the present has been, we are informed, of the most gratifying character. A very handsome legacy was left the college by the will of the late George Collier, Esq., upon condition the friends of the institution generally would raise the sum of $10,000. To effect this, Rev. E. M. Marvin was appointed, at the last session of the Missouri Conference, an 'agent for educational purposes,' with the understanding, we believe, that his first work was to be the securing of the endowment fund. In this work he has been engaged, and now, as we have been informed, lacks comparatively little of having the entire sum secured. In the mean time Rev. Dr. Anderson, well and favorably known as an educator, has been for more than twelve months past teaching, in connection with others in the college, with a success which seems rather to have surprised the most sanguine the number of pupils increasing, and the college, its President and Professors, all steadily and constantly growing in public favor. At least this is the report which reaches us through different media, and which we regard as altogether reliable.

This college is regarded, we believe, as under the patronage and protection of the Missouri Conference. Why, we are not prepared to say, as from the very location and the circumstances attending its past history, it must necessarily, if it succeed at all, be of almost, if not quite, as much benefit to the St. Louis as to the Missouri Conference. But whether it belong to the one or the other, or to both, is a small matter compared to the importance of pushing forward and fully sustaining our general educational interests, as a people, in Missouri.

EMORY AND HENRY COLLEGE.

Through the kindness of a friend we have received a copy of the catalogue of this institution, from which we learn with pleasure its continued prosperity. When the connection of that college with the Holston Conference, where, with

scarce a day's respite, we labored for twenty-two years, is considered, it will not be thought strange that we should rejoice in its prosperity and success. But aside from any and all feelings of that character, we honestly believe it to be one of the very best institutions in the whole country, offering some advantages which are possessed by very few, if any others. It is located in a beautiful and healthy country, has connected with it more than six hundred acres of land, through which the Lynchburg and Tennessee Railroad runs; and as that road will very soon be finished, the college will be easy of access both from the east and west; while it is blessed with an able Faculty, and a vigilant Board of Tustees, all of whom labor to promote the true interests of the institution. With President Wiley we have had an intimate acquaintance for some fifteen years, know him to be suited to the position he occupies; and he is one of the very few men with whom we would be willing to intrust our sons. At present the college Faculty consists of a President, three Professors, and three Tutors.

During the collegiate year of 1854-5, there were two hundred and fifteen students.

In a few months there will be uninterrupted railway conveyance from Nashville, Tenn., to the door of Emory and Henry College. Then we shall have something more to say in reference to the advantages the institution offers to Missourians.St. Louis Adv., June 28.

[From the R. C. Advocate.]

RANDOLPH MACON COLLEGE.

We were prevented, by a most mortifying cause, attending the annual commencement of this college. Until now, it has seemed right in the eyes of no one, to give, through our columns, any notice of the proceedings on the occasion to the public. We gather the following account of the second day from the Tobacco Plant, of Clarkesville, whose editor was present, and participating as one of the alumni, and also as a Trustee. He says:

"On the second day the graduating class, ten in number, appeared before the public as the orators of the occasion. They performed their parts admirably, evincing a high degree of natural endowment and intellectual culture. We can not doubt that the training they have received at Randolph Macon eminently fits them for usefulness, if not distinction, in life.

Mr. Thomas A. Gatch, of Norfolk, delivered the Latin oration. The valedictory address was made by Mr. John E. Christian, of New-Kent. We did not have it in our power to hear Mr. Christian. We had to leave for home just as he arose to speak. We understand that he acquitted himself in the best style.

The venerable Bishop Early, at the call of the President of the institution, addressed the graduating class. His remarks were forcible, though without ornament, possessing the beauty of truth rather than that of rhetoric; they were entertaining and impressive, though neither tinged with the colors of fancy, nor delivered with the impetus of oratorical tone and gesticulation. What he said came spontaneously from a heart overflowing with truth and feeling, and it could not fail to impress the auditory. Among other things he told the young graduates, that he was about starting to Kansas to organize a Methodist Conference and to carry religious civilization into that frontier country, and that it would afford him pleasure to take any cf them with him on his holy mission. We were struck with the alacrity and even zest with which this venerable man, of more than threescore years and ten, was about to enter upon an undertaking, full of severe toil if not of personal peril, at a time of life when most men esteem it their right and privilege to retire from the service of the public, and to spend the remnant of their days in the ease and quietude of domestic privacy. From such an exhibition of self-dedication to the good of the human race, we can not withhold our admiration and even

reverence.

Dr. Smith, the President of the college, in a few exceedingly happy and impromptu remarks, excused himself from speaking on the occasion, saying that no time was allowed him to speak, and that he did want one sweet hour to address the people upon the interests of the college. He stated that the Rev. Henry B. Cowles, the present efficient agent of the college, had met with very flattering success in his efforts thus far at an endowment of the institution, and that well-grounded hopes were cherished that Mecklenburg county of itself would give $10,000.

The honorary degree of A.M. was conferred upon Samuel B. Paul, of Petersburg,

Rev. George W. Nolley, of the Virginia Conference, and Jno. G. Boyd, Esq., of Clarksville, were elected members of the Board of Trustees to supply vacancies. Richard Irby, Esq., of Nottoway, was elected by the society of Alumni to deliver the annual address before that body in 1856.

The Board of Trustees, in view of the fact that all kinds of labor, intellectual and manual, commands at the present day a larger remuneration than in years past, and in view of the further fact, that living is much higher now than formerly, wisely determined to raise the salaries of the officers of the college.

They raised the President's salary from $1200 to $1500, and the salary of each Professor from $1000 to 1200.* It seems to us that the tuition fees ought to have been increased in like ratio. The trustees also resolved upon pushing forward the work of endowment with all possible energy and dispatch. It is an important undertaking-no less so to then as the special guardians of the college than to the people, who are at last to derive the most essential benefits from its permanency and prosperity. The college buildings are to undergo thorough repair, and the adjacent grounds are to be rendered more inviting by the adornments of art. The plank-road from Boydton to this place, has been so located as to make a graceful curve in front of the college building. This improvement adds to the prospects of the institution by bringing it more conspicuously before the travelling public, and by rendering it much more accessible to students and visitors.

If our article were not already too long, we would say something about bright eyes, and blushing cheeks, and fair brows, and sunny ringlets, and throbbing hearts-but we must forbear. The theme is too prolific to be broached at present. We only have space to add, that the crowd of both sexes was as large as we ever saw on a like occasion.

[From S. C. Advocate, June 28.]

COKESBURY CONFERENCE SCHOOL.

The examination of the COKESBURY CONFERENCE SCHOOL took place yesterday, June 20: but as you will probably hear of this from those immediately concerned, it will be enough here to say that the examination, I think from what I heard, was regarded generally as being very creditable.

In the evening eight original addresses were announced, and this attracted a large audience, presenting as much loveliness,-not to speak of the lords (?) as I'm one of them!-as might be found in any other assembly of the same size anywhere. The speeches were good-really better, I think, than any one might expect from those who are but just beginning, and evinced considerable research and no little study. Young Norwood's "Future Prospects of the United States" was a capital thing, well delivered. Some of our sapient statesmen might have learned lessons from it. I could not help asking mentally, will the man-Norwood basely truckle before the elements whose malign influences the boy-Norwood depicts with such force and indignation ?-and I had to leave the answer to the future. Stokes, on "Truth," was excellent. He should strive to improve his delivery. The clever Smiths have not all reached their majority; for there was a stripling of that name before us last night descanting on " Poetry," who, if his manhood belie not the promise of his youth, will make his mark where minds contend for the meed of fame. His delivery is faulty, but so perfectly unique that even the greatest stickler for rules must almost fall in love with it. The others, I repeat, were all good, and among them Alabama was well represented by her youthful son, Murphy, on "The Progress of Liberty."

One of the young speakers, Mr. S. J. Hill, was excused, having received intelligence only a few hours before of the death of his father, the venerable Jacob Hill, a superannuated member of the S. C. Conference. William Capers, James Dannelly, Jacob Hill-laborers together: now resting on high! "Our fathers" are passing away." Oh! might their mantle fall on their sons and their spirit imbue them!

At 10 o'clock this morning the Rev. Mr. Lester delivered an address before the Erosophic Society of the students, a full house being in attendance. The orator's

* We understand this is not a positive addition that involves the nature of an obligation on the part of the Trustees; but that it is made to depend, to a great extent, on tuition fees. At the highest point, considering the amazing increase in the cost of living, it is not more than a living salary.—ED. R. C. AD.

DEDICATION OF THE CHAPEL OF WOFFORD COLLEGE. 167

object was to urge the young men to a laudable ambition, seeking the greatest measure of merit, not the highest place of distinction-the greatest usefulness, not to occupy the largest place in the eyes of men; spurning the idea that genius without effort can accomplish any thing; and engaging in patient toil; seeking to sanctify all by the study of God's word and observance of its teachings-and well and nobly did he perform his task. Improvement and gratification must have resulted to all who heard, and if the young men, to whom the speech was addressed, will fully carry out its principles and injunctions in all after life, they can not fail to be useful and happy, even if they do not attain to eminence.

I understand that the term and sessions of the scholastic year are to be conformed to the same at Wofford College, being, however, a week in advance throughout. This will give the teachers and students respite from their toils in the enervating summer season, and keep them at study in the bracing wintertime.

The Free Masons are getting up a Female College here, which I have been told promises much usefulness. VOX VIA.

[From the S. C. Advocate, July 5.]

DEDICATION OF THE CHAPEL OF WOFFORD COLLEGE.

MR. EDITOR: On the way thither from Cokesbury the corn looks generally very promising, and should the season be propitious, a large yield must be realized by the farmers. The small grains, too, are good; but, with some exceptions, cotton is very indifferent, and the weather is rather wet, and frequently too chilly of nights for the best development of the plant.

Yesterday our picturesque college campus here was trodden by a multitude of feet pressing to the college to engage in the devotions and services dedicatory of the chapel. At 11 o'clock the choir (who performed admirably throughout) sang the 99th hymn: "Joy to the world, the Lord is come," etc., when the Rev. Dr. Wightman read part of the 8th chapter of 1 Kings, and part of the 1st chapter of the Gospel by St. John; after which the Rev. H. H. Durant gave out the 784th hymn, Behold thy temple, God of Grace," etc., and engaged in prayer. The second hymn, 785th, "Lord of hosts, to thee we raise," etc., was announced and read by the Rev. W. Martin, pastor of the church here. Then followed the sermon by the President of the college, Dr. Wightman, from the 1st verse of the 80th Psalm: "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel! Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock, thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth!"

The general course of the sermon was to show the leadings of God's providence among the nations, particularly the Hebrews, in order to the shining forth, spoken of in the text-this being by eminence the incarnation of the Son of God and the atonement of his cross. In filling up this outline, samples of the events of history, sacred and profane, were introduced with striking propriety and effect; and the sublime and soul-saving teachings of the Bible were presented happily and forcibly in their own clear, steady light. In that part of his discourse in which the preacher spoke of the coupling of religion and education together, he showed that a State college could not be under religious influence except by being made denominational, which would be a partiality in a State institution; or else, by electing the Faculty from the leading denominations, which would be likely to result in misunderstandings, and still exclude some; so that a denominational college was the only true mode of securing the end sought-the wedlock of religion and education. Besides, even if the Methodist Church, large, numerous and influential, were represented in the faculty of the State college-which is not the casethat Church would not then have done its duty or met its responsibilities with regard to education.

It was a noble sermon. At its close the Rev. H. A. C. Walker called the assembly to their feet, and in a brief form of presentation and invocation offered the chapel to God through Jesus Christ our Lord, after which the 786th hymn, "And will the great, eternal God," etc., was given by the Rev. Mr. Baird, of the Presby terian Church, who, after the doxology, pronounced the benediction. Thus closed the services of this most interesting occasion. Well may the Methodist Church and its friends, as well as the people generally, congratulate themselves on the completion of this seat of learning. With such buildings, endowment, apparatus and Faculty as they have here, if God's blessing be sought and secured, great, incalculably great, must be the good that shall be accomplished. The Faculty is

composed of five polished gentlemen,* of mature Christian character and ripe scholarship, all tried as teachers, who may be trusted in every respect with the training of youth. And, now, will the friends of education come up to the support of this college by sending students and invoking daily the Divine blessing on it? Besides the college proper there is a Preparatory School. The next session commences on the fourth Monday in August. VOX COLLEGIO.

SPARTANBURG, June 25.

[From the S. C. Advocate of July 12.]

FIRST COMMENCEMENT AT Wofford College.

MR. EDITOR: We have had a lovely day, and a day of deep and thrilling interest to the friends of religious education. We have just passed through the first commencement of Wofford College; and as there was no graduating class, the President and Professors Duncan and Carlisle, in compliance with the request of the Board of Trustees, delivered inaugural addresses in the college chapel.

At 9 o'clock a procession-and a very respectable one for the first-formed in front of the Palmetto House and marched to the college, where already a deeplyinterested assembly was in waiting. The exercises were opened with prayer, to which succeeded the addresses, and the whole was closed with the benediction. The three addresses varied but little from fifty minutes each in delivery, and were listened to with marked attention, and can not have failed to produce a fine effect in the right direction. In the first the orator sketched the condition and circumstances of this new institution of learning, giving promise, as it does, of great usefulness, and paid a passing tribute to the memory of its munificent founder, the late Rev. Benjamin Wofford. College-life-its advantages, the manner of embracing and improving them, its exposures and the young man's defence against them was dwelt upon; then the blessings to the Church and the country likely to flow from this fountain of learning, besides other interesting topics, engaged the audience to the close. In concluding, the speaker took occasion to say that the Methodist Church had no representation in either Faculty or Board in the S. C. College. If this resulted from want of proper educational qualifications, it was time to wipe out this defect; and here, on these henceforth classic grounds, was the remedy; but if, on the other hand, the claims of this Church, in its numbers, its tax-paying wealth, and its educated men, had been ignored by those controlling the State institution, then it was high time that a decent self-respect should lead to a marked disapproval of such an odious caste, and to the education of the young where it did not exist; and so, without denouncing the State College, (or injuring it, for it has ignored our existence,) let Wofford be nobly sustained.

Prof. Duncan followed in a chaste and noble plea for the study of the classics. This address was marked with the profound scholarship, and forceful, elegant diction of the veteran teacher who delivered it, while now and again his quiet, resistless humor (he is an Irishman) would crop with delightful effect; as when at one time he concluded his picture of the young man who lounges through college, by representing him going forth with all his honors blooming thick upon his vacant head, utterly unfit to take his place among men, and scarcely qualified to govern asses; and in the close, while he introduced Mrs. Sigourney to translate one of his Latin quotations for the ladies, he himself rendered it for the gentlemen, to the effect that they should spit tobacco juice in neither parlor, church, or chapel; the quaintness of his rhyme and language highly increasing the effect.

Prof. Carlisle succeeded; and to those who know him, it will be enough to say, that the speech was one of Prof. Carlisle's own happy efforts, at once profound, simple, delightful. Finding Mathematics too dry a subject for an occasion of the kind to be dwelt on alone and strictly, he but sought to show the importance of the study, and introduced other matter, scientific and religious, making his address most interesting throughout-at times thrillingly so, and closing by extending a fraternal hand to all similar institutions, and paying a tribute to the S. C. College -"in some sort the mother of us all," said the orator-and hoping that when Wofford College should be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, as the State College is doing this year, that institution, still flourishing and vigorous, might be celebrating its own hundredth!

*One of them, Rev. A. M. Shipp, is not here, his services not being needed yet; but he waits the call of the Trustees.