Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1839-07-31
Natural sciences, and English:branches.

have pursuedthe whole of their prepar /
atory coursehere. In every branch, as
far as theyhad studied, the students ap-
peared verymuchat home. Their several
parts had not been the subject of spe-
cial preparation but were selected promis
cuously from thecourse of lessons during
the term, and often the more difficult
parts. The great object of their instruc
ton seemed to havebeen to teach them to (
! think; not so muchto run over a given
amount of study, asto become thorough in
whatever branch they pursued.
At the close of the examination, COM
positions, by several of the young ladies,
were presented and some addresses
from the young gentlemen, quite in COM
mencement style. In these the effect of
religious influence was very manifest
Some of the former were especially of a
religious character and in all appeared
a deep vein of excellent morality. Nor
were such subjects selected because good
borrowed thoughts could easily be obtain
ed. The writers had thought for them
selves. None of the pieces could de-
serve any lower grade than respeetable.-
Some, for original and valuable thought
: for correctness and clearness of ex-
r pression-and for elegance and propriety
of language, were excellent As much
! should be said of the addresses of the
gentlemen; if perhaps we except a few
, instances of rather heathenish morality,
: and bombastic style But even these
!. blemishes were generally such as iadicat-
ed the existence of talent, that with prop
: er culture, may be turned to good account
!. It required no forced stretch of the mag
It ination, to behold there in embryo the fu-
+ ture minister OF Christ, burning with
:. zeal for his master, and love for the souls
of men-the future statesman, guiding
with ability the destiny of his country
the teacher, filling with dignity and use
: fulness the professors chair-and the pri
vate citizen, moving with equal honor s
at usefulness in his appropriate sphere.
l. Among the students are two literar,
u societies-another that has charge ola
N Reading Room well furnished with peri
lie odicals for general use. There is libra
TT ry, complete set of Geological speci
s. mems, and chemical and philosophica
Id apparatus.
er A strict, but mild and parental auth or
Is ty is maintained by the faculty, founde'
IN upon rational, moral and religious princi
" pie. In one instance where the re ha
he been little controversy on certain poir
of prerogative, it was highly gratifying L
discover that it had SO resulted as to i'm
,p- press the students with deep sense {
m the necessity of maintaining rightful au
OF thority. Intellect and moral feeling wer
d. called into exercise, in such a way a
he will doubtless be lasting benefit to a
ne concerned.
7e- Institutions of learning having assum
INT ed almost universally denominations
les character, while any denomination fails
ost do its part in this work, chasm must
use felt in proportion to its size and influence
nd And while the friends of science and Iii
We erature have had cause to regret our form
ms er backwardness in this respect, it must b
ac- to them, cause of much qualification, tina
MS our friends have taken hold so nobly /
sustain this Institution; and of heart-fe
gratitude TO the Father of lights that $
J" much success has crowned their efforts
est In speaking, however, of its denomins
We tional character, it would be unjust
u represent it as exclusively sectarian. Str
oh- dents of all sects attend, and while atten
ase ance on public worship is strictly requi
ne ed of all, each is allowed 10 choose h
, III own place.
i0n In conclusion, while | would by I
means disparage the merits OF iniure IL
interests of any other. would say of tn
" Institution, that it is believed it never W
&c in more fourishing condition, nor PROF
" ised greater usefulness.
'no Funds to a considerable amount a
ye' still needed to enable the trustees to me
een their liabilities; but should kind Pro,
If .