Last Sabbath we attended one of the afternoon services.  Our road passed for several miles through a lovely forest, with its soft shadows and calm repose.  The only sound to break the stillness was the song of the birds.  After a while we heard ringing out through the pine woods the echo of gospel hymns.  Following the sound, and wending our way a little farther through the woods, in a quiet glen we came to the school house where the services were to be held.  Here we found an earnest, attentive audience.  In one place an outdoor meeting was held.  It was a rare, perfect day.  The people came in twos and threes, finding places wherever they could.  One could almost fancy that other scene of centuries ago, beneath the blue skies of Palestine, where, when the multitude were gathered upon the mountain, the Master “opened His mouth and taught them.”

Among these mountaineers are young men and women eager in their desire for knowledge, and anxious for an opportunity to learn of a better way of life.  We believe that to the question, “What of the night?” the answer can be given, “The morning cometh.”

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COMMENCEMENT AT FISK UNIVERSITY.

By Miss Alice M. Garsden.

I cannot promise you a sketch of our commencement abounding in local color, for, if one were afflicted with color-blindness, he would probably be unable to discover many points of difference between commencement at Fisk and the same exercises at an Eastern college of about the same size.

As a mere reprint of the programs of the various anniversary exercises, which continued for three or four days, would occupy more space than is allowed for this article, it is evident that many things of interest must be crowded out.

The Department of Music gave a characteristic performance.  Every selection on the program was well rendered.  No music but the best is ever studied at Fisk, and the productions of the great composers are not only well played, but also well appreciated by our students.

The exhibition given by the Gymnastic Department showed that Fisk has athletes as well as musicians.  The young men went through a series of feats which showed both agility and strength.  If they fail in the work of life, it will not be for lack of hard, well-trained muscles.  This department has been under the direction of a student for the past two years.

Rev. Ira Landrith, D.D., of Nashville, preached the annual “missionary sermon.”  Dr. Landrith possesses true Southern eloquence, and was listened to with marked attention.  During the year he has, on several occasions, expressed himself as heartily in sympathy with our work.  Such friendliness on the part of an influential Southerner is pleasant to note.

Dr. Beard, our secretary, preached the “baccalaureate sermon.”  He presented in a very vivid manner the blessings to be won by those who conquer the hindrances of life.  He showed how the law of struggle is the law of strength and of possession.  The duty and necessity of overcoming evil, as well as the rewards, were illustrated and urged.