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laid, which is Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for-
ever: God over all, blessed for evermore, in whom we have redemp-
tion through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: for there is
none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we
must be saved.
Then followed immediately the Benedicite omnia opera
Domini to the viii. Gregorian Tone, 1st Ending. Two
priests in surplice, standing on opposite sides of the
circle formed by the multitude about the cornerstone.
sang alternately the first half of the verses, the people
joining in the chorus. The effect would have been very
admirable but for the sorry though well meant attempt
of the band to accompany the chorus.
Immediately on conclusion of the Benedicite, the
procession was again formed, and escorted by the band,
marched to the immense shelter prepared for the
accommodation of from three to four thousand persons.
As soon as the multitude had taken their places, the
orator of the day, the Hon. John S. Preston of South
Carolina, was introduced by the Chancellor, the Bishop
of Tennessee. The oration was worthy of the occasion
in style of delivery no less than in subject matter. The
speaker was continually interrupted by applause, and
the apostrophe to Bishop Polk, "the Founder of the
University of the South," convulsed the auditory with
tears, and elicited tremendous applause.
A recess of about half-an-hour followed upon the ora-
tion, when the playing of the band summoned all to a
beautiful collation, in a similar building to that provided
for the oration, and equally as large. Grace was sung
in Doxology, "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,"
to the Portuguese Tune, the band accompanying.
The speakers for this occasion, together with the prin-
cipal invited guests, were on a raised platform across
the end of the building. Dinner being over, the Chan-
cellor introduced Commander M. F. Maury, of the
National Observatory, Washington, whose address was
remarkably happy, in its clear assertion of the unity
between Nature and Revelation. His illustrations of the
uses of physical geography were exquisitely beautiful:
and at his final climax, showing that Christian science
was really singing that same Benedicite that had just
been sung by a thousand voices, and was continually
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calling on showers and dew, and winds and fire and
heat,--the round world and all that is therein--to "praise
the Lord and magnify Him forever," the overwhelming
applause of the whole vast assemblage was such as
could not be surpassed.
Next was introduced President Barnard of the Univer-
sity of Mississippi, who cordially gave his adhension to
the great principles adopted for the conduct of the Uni-
versity, and endorsed the wisdom with which the site
had been chosen.
Then Bishop Smith of Kentucky was introduced, who
made a brief address, contrasting the scene before him
with its solitude as known to the Indians of old, and
setting forth the Mission of True Religion and Learning
in union with one another, for the elevation of the
human race.
The next and last speaker introduced, was the Hon.
Mr. Bright, of Tennessee, who specially enlarged upon
the necessity of bringing in science to further the im-
mense agricultural interests of the Southern States.
Other speakers were on the programme, but the
conclusion of the last speech brought us literally to the
shades of night; and as we had no means of lighting our
vast dining-hall, the exercises of the day were brought to
a conclusion. The speaking was all admirable, and
enthusiastically received. The band alternated its en-
livening airs with the speeches, and everything connected
with the exercises of the entire day passed off to the
satisfaction of the projectors of the University, and the
admiration of invited visitors and friends.
I would like to say a great deal more, but dare not add
a single word, lest the length of this communication
should exclude it altogether. Indeed, I am sure it is
quite too long already; so you must take the fullest
liberty in abridging and adjusting it to the space you
may have to spare. J. F. Y.
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