Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-06-24
For the Eastern Times.
Letter to my Pupils.

Ny DEAR PUPILS The close of another
term has come, and we are about TO separate !;
probably to meet no more in the endearing re-
lation of teacher and pupils. And now, what
shall | say TO you! cannot give utterance to
the emotions of my heart. did not count the
struggle ikwould cost me to say farewell.
have labored for your improvement, and
rejoiced in your success. have endeavored to
hold up to your view the pleasures of life, of
study and contemplation. have tried 10 per-
suade you to break away from the destinations
of sense, and to cultivate those powers of in
intellect and heart, which the God of grace has
given you. Many of you have been under my
care for years, some for the entire period Of
your Grammar School pupilage, and finish
yonr course this term.
The family circle. the play ground, the reci-
tat;on seat have been delightful places 10 u.s.
The memory of those morning gatherings, the
song of praise, and the sweet incense of prayer
ascending from young hearts, will not soon be
effaced the impressions them will deepen as
years roll on; and mingled feelings of JOY and
sadness will fill the soul, as we glance over
the catalogue of those familiar names. The
cold hand of death has been laid upon one and
another of our number ere the beauty of youth
had lost its freshness. How checkered is hui
man life But there is point to which al
earthly distinctions are converging. There is
no knowledge nor device in the grave to which
we are fastening. Individual character will
alone remain. Decay cannot touch the SOUL
1t will live when worlds dissolve. Live, then
my young friends, for God and Heaven.
have loved you as never loved school be-
fore. 1t is with deep regret that leave this
vineyard which we have taken SO much pleas
ure in culivating together. You -ske shHsS>.
with me in its tolls, in lis responsibilities non
its rewards. How delightful has been the
privilege to train the tender vines, and watch
their growth. These are pleasure peculiar to
the school room. Here the world cannot en-
that kindle, known only 10 the teacher and
pupil. If have known my heart, it has been
my desire 10 alleviate your burdens and
strengthen your hands. / have ever tried to
aid and encourage you. | have sometimes
failed where my intentions were good If
have given one unnecessary pang; if | have
said an unkind word or done an unkind deed,
beg you TO forgive me. And now, in extend
ing to you the parting hand, shall bear away
with me the recollections of the many happy
days we have passed together. May your
days of usefulness and happiness be long con
tinued.
Finally, to you, dear scholars of the GRADU-
ATINe CLASS, would say a few words. You
have now finished your studies here. But bear
in mind your education is just commenced
You have but laid the foundation. 1t is your
privilege to go forward and rear superstruc-
ture becoming your talents and the age in
which you live. You and snch as you are TO
exercise an influence on this continent such as
the world has never witnessed 1t is privi-
lege TO live now, and see the amazing trans
formations which are taking place among the
nations. May yon be prepared TO act well your
part To accomplish this, there must be la
Dor. If you would drink at living fountains
and breathe the bracing air, You must leave
the couch of sloth and climb the mountain tops.
You must look upon this glorious world and
study its matchless beauty; you must look
within yourselves, and see miniature of the
Deity-a living soul, and train it for the skies.
This is education-seJ educdtion, and in truth
there is no other Be faithful, then, to your
selves: listen to the voice of Heavenly wis
dom; live for God and the good of others
And then, when redeemed, what vistas of glo-
ry will break upon your vision, and ravish your
souls when mortality is swallowed up of life,
and you ascend upon those swift-winged char
lots into the bosom of the Eternal Then you
shall be clad in vestments of everlasting beau
ty; you shall become the companions Of an
gels you shall behold those sapphire thrones,
those crystal palaces, those temples not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens. May we
all meet again amid thoss undying splendors,
and Join in the acclamations of praise to Him
who sitteth upon the throne, and 70 the Lamb