Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-07-04

and you are about 10 leave IL TO enter on the da.
ties of active life. In dissolving the relations
which have existed for several years between
yourselves and the officers Of the Institution, they
are unwilling to par, from you without giving
you some testimonial OF their appreciation Of
Your department whilst under their charge, and
certiAeate OF your proficiency in the various
branches OF education to which your attention
has been directed. l take great pleasure, there.
tore. In now presenting to you respectively. on
their behalf, the Diplomas which hold in nv
hand. Permit me to add, as the organ Of the
Doara o. visitors, the expression Of the satisfac-
ton which they have derived from the contem-
Pla!ion oil your diligent and orderly department
during the whole period of your connection with
the school, II rarely happens that so many young
persons are assembled together for series OF
years. without giving some cause for censure and
Ieouke. But in your case, we are happy to state
that We have seen nothing in your conduct, in the
slightest degree excepionable.
GU are now abo6t to enter on a new career
Many o, the restraints which have been imposed
by the discipline Of the school are about to be
Withdrawn. Henceforth, the only rules Of your
conduct will be derived from the laws of the land,
and your own sense Of propriety, elevated. chas.
tened, and we humbly trust, sanciifed, by the
sound moral and religious instruction which YOU
have received from your enlightened and es,ima-
BILE teachers.
The position which You are about TO assume in
society is one OF much interest. and J. sincerely
hope you will he prepared to fulfil all the duties
which belong to it. 1t has pleased the Logisa-
lure OF your native State, IN the exercise Of
spirit OF benevoence, truly christian in its char
acter, to found This school, to supply, far as hu-
man means are competent TO do SO, the defects of
Your natural organization. Thus far the system
IN virginia is merely an experiment. But public
attention Is awakened to the subject, and public
sympathy is warmly enlisted in its behalf Every
'hing now promises the most favorable results,
and We may cherish the hope, that in few
years. our Institution will take rank amony the
foremost OF the noble charities which do so much
honor 10 our country, and TO human nature.
hu' much VIII depend on your future course of
HE. You are the first pupils who have left its
rooi. You are The first witnesses who 90 forth TO
the world, to bear testimony, by your lives and
conduct, Tor or against us. The eyes of the CON-
mnnty VIII be upon you. Your department will
be closely watched. All that you do, and all that
you leave undone, will be ascribed to the system
OF instruction which has been pursued here If
your conduct is upright, and honorable, and cor
rect you VIII secure public favor for yoursel Ives
and the school in which you have been educated.
On The other hand, it you suffer yourselves to
stray into the paths of immortality and vice, you
Will incur the contempt of all good men, and bring
reproach upon the Institution and its officers
iou see, therefore, that heavy responsibility
rests upon you, and pray you, for your own
sakes-tor the sake of others, who like yourselves
are deprived OF the sense of hearing and the fac
uity OF speech--for the sake of those who have
devoted their time and talents to your instruct
TO let your department through life be such that
we may be able to point to each one of you with
feelings of pride and satisfaction, as living mon.
umen's OF the wisdom of Virginia in founding
our institution, and of the fidelity, zeal and ab,
ny OF its officers, in administering their sacred
trust!
The scene was deeply interesting and affect
ing one, and we envy not the mind or the heart
that could witness it without emotion. The ex-
ercIses of the day were closed with an appropriate
prayer, in the sign language, by the Rev. Mr..
Tyler.
mot present.