Portland gazette and Maine advertiser. (Portland, Me.) 1805-1818, 1806-09-15
GENTLEMEN,

College, on commencement: day.
GENTLEMEN,
HAVING finished the course Of
studies prescribed by the laws Of this
institution, you are now 70 receive its
first ncnors, and soon TO enter upon
public life. trust you need not be AS
sured that the governors and patrons
of the society, and we especially who
have had the immediate direction of
your studies, feel deeply interested in
your usefulness and happiness In LITE.
AS instruction here commenced with
you, on you, more than on any succeed
ing class will depend the reputation Of
this infant seminary.
As the broadcast, hrmcst and surest
foundation of your future usefulness
and responsibility, let me earnestly re-
commend to you piet! towards God,
and life of virtue founded upon evan
gelical principles. You will make a
very dangerous mistake, If you think
1t sufficient 70 maintain decent char
acter, formed on worldly principles
and governed by worldly motives.
am not unwilling that religious priaci-
pies and resolutions should be strength
ened by regard to reputation; but
the gospel of our blessed Redeemer di-
reefs our supreme regard to Him who
knows the secret springs Of all our &C
lions. And God forbid that YOU should
ever be ashamed to be governed by the
principles Of the gospel Of Jesus Christ.
IF you heartily embrace the religion Of
the Redeemer, it viii furnish you with
xhe most powerful motives to practise
the things that are virtuous and praise
worthy and in humble dependence
on divine aid you will resolve with holy
Job, that your heart shall never re-
proach you SO long as you live. Would
you maintain consciences void OF Of
fence towards God and man, without
which you cannot be happy, shun the
presidential society of those who are en-
emies to the religion of Christ. In the
commerce Of the world you must some
times fall into the company of such,
but let them never be your chosen com
panions. Evil communications cor
rupt good manners. Let your chosen
companions be men Of virtue, men who
fear God and Keep his commandments.
He that walxeth with wise men shall
be wise, but companion Of fools shall
be destroyed.
Whatever profession in life you may
choose, whether law, physic, or divin-
ity, you ought never to imagine that
the talents which the Author of nature
has given you, or the Instruction you
have had In the first elements Of science
Will supersede the necessity of dill
gence IN the prosecution Of your stu
dies. Inquire among the living, or a.
nong the dead, and you win find no
example Of great eIninence without in
dnstry.
And in whatever stations the proyi-
dence of God may cali you to act yonr
respective parts, let your whole con-
duct be directed BY an inyiolable re-
gard to duty, and that delicate sense Of
honor and propriety, which shuns the
appearance of evil. In your inter-
course with the world let your beha-
vlor be marked with candor, and guild
cd by sincerity and truth. Avoid every
dishonest art to advance your interest
or reputation, and probably the world
viii do justice to your characters bat
II not you will have for your consolation
the testimony Of your consciencss
which IS infinitely better than the plau-
dts Of millions.
Honorary degrees were conferred on
the following gentlemen -