The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-28
The Rev. Dr.. De Witt, of New York, then addressed

The Rev. Dr. De Witt, of New York, then addressed
the Throne OF Grace.
President Frelinghuysen then, in a calm and unu-
sualy forcible and happy manner, delivered on be-
half of the faculty the parting address and admoni-
ton
In opening, he spoke of the sal feelings which the
occasion was calculated TO call forth as il reminded
us that the venerable Cannon aud Miedoller were
more, and that DR.. Beck who filed 80 high
place in the department OF natural science, and was
generally esteemed as a CHI istan and man, had
so recently been called away. in the full prime Of his
usefulness Under these solemn impressions, young
gentlemen, sal he we are assembled TO give you our
parting words You have passed through the discipline
Of the college, have reached the age when even parsn
tai watchfnlness will follow you less vglanty, and
when You will be left freely to your own inclna
tons and principles. 1t becomes important, there
that you may be guided Alright amid the perplexities
and temptations which will beset you. BE then
folded the theme to which he should invite their At
tentisn-that the great and the highest means Of
commitment and happiness in life were the pursuit
of righteous cause by the use OF just means. Phis
he would wish them to adopt az their principle OF
action through life.
The world esteems and praises the successful and
triumphant only; but success is not the measure OF
faithfulness in action recttude Of principle and
will not necessarily lead Its v0taries to happiness;
but righteous and persevering action In just CAUSE
which anmates the true Christian This was The pro-
mnent trait which marked the greatness of Panl-it
animated the MISUNDERSTANDING. Luther's emblem of
bird nesting upon twig, with God to think for
him, was founded in true philosophy US well as
faith. IL showed soul that could triumph over
present trials and perpexities, and repose itself
firmly upon God. Nearer our own times, Washing
ton was an ilustrious specimen of this spirit and
success He was man OF prayer and in the dark
est period OF our history believing that he would give
success to righteous cause, when followed in a
righteous manner, he relied upon God His cross
ing the Delaware and risking the battle Of Trenton
when all seemed lost and the stoutest American
hearts failed exhibited his faith in Cod His success
sent electric thrill through the hearts Of our people
and astOnishedthe world mot much that the bowwas
struck, but that the American army, under these
circumstances, had the moral courage to strike it.
This portion Of the Presidents address was particu-
lary eloquent and striking He closed by exhorting
the young men to cultivate faith ia God, which
would enable them to persevere in doing right under
the severest dlscouragements, and secure for them
the most unfaing comforts.
A tter singing hymn, the audience were dismissed
The address was full of high toned sentiments,
forcibly and eloquently expressed, and was well
fitted to produce lasting impression upon those for
whose benefit it was given, and produced elevated
regard for the moral worth Of him who uttered them
in the minds Of his auditors
The Presidents annual levee was held last even
ing, and was well attended This is usually held on
are present. Then there is . terrible crowd-sn
awful jam. This arrangement is much pleasanter
for those who attend there is only comfortable
crowd and much easier for all, because they are not
public exhibitions. New York, Newark, Paterson,
Belleville Somsrvills, and nearly all the towns q
New Jersey, were well represented here. Bui
ment to herself She furnishes the orator for Il.
alumni, and also for the societies, and then ssna
her wit and beauty on here to try to monopo-
lie this social gathering. Newark is An aspir
the railroad! New Jersey must be wide
awake But this mingng of theology, law msS.
cine, philosophy, merchandise, the experience Of
age, appearing to renew its youth and Of youth 10
freedom, was decidedly pleasant and profitable.
Such sommingngs exert happy effect upon all,
and enable us to revive the friendship of former
years, and form new ones.
During the Leree thunder storm which settled
into a delightful rain, cooled the air and formed
one OF the best possible preparations for the exert
ses of to-day
Notwithstanding the storm. al large number Of the
alumni and friends of the institution arrived in town
by the morning trains and other modes of conveyance
The alumni met in council, for the transaction Of
business at halfpast ten o'clock.
The trustees also held session at the same hour.
Considerable interest was manifested by the Associ-
alton Of Alumni, in the prosperity of the College.
The reports OF several committees exhibited good
degree OF iberality and cheerful response to their
association for funds the part OF the reads of the
college.
AT twelve o'clock committee waited on the trus-
tees, respecting their attendance in the chapel to
hear the address before the association.
The assembly having been seated, prayer was Of
fered by the Rev. David ID. Demarest, of Hudson, n.
Y. The President, Rev. Abraham Polhemus, of
Hopewel, N. T., then introduced the orator Of the
day, Courtlandt Parker, Esq, of Newark, N. j.
The speaker introduced his Grafton by some very
happy illusions to this occasion as joyful meeting
to all those who were students within these
walls. With these sources OF joy there are mingled
sad remembrances Of those who once ming ed with
US in these college scenes. yet have passed away.
We are sensible, my brothers, that are not what
were, nor what, considering former hopes and
privileges, what we should be- We can hardly re-
cognize ourselves as the persons we once hoped 10
be- either in mental or moral culture, in active
usefulness The full spread sails of youth have been
tattered and stripped away by these storms which
have swept over the ocean Of life The speaker then
naturally passed to his theme, which was true pro-
fessi0nal eminence-what it is aud what are Is
hindrancss. Mental Development Is generally a.
ISOLATED with some one OF the learned professions,
and this connection will remain rs long as oiylzA-
ton exists. Eminence in of those will ever CON-
tnpe TO exhibit the hishest develo,css,,cn 81 mind
and Of society. There are other honorable and use
full occupations with which learning is associated,
and where true distinction Is gained but they viii
be found more or less connected with these True
eminence is found when one endowed with great
ability brings all the powers OF . cultivated mind
assiduously to any one of these pursuits. Success
is not evidence Of eminence. On the contrary it 10
generally pursued and attained by questionable and
dishonorable methods. There are quacks In all the
professions, and these are generally the most suo-
cessful. They practice upon ignorance or weak
ness, and thereby roll in popularity and wealth,
while the really eminent lack bread. True, ii iss
attanable but there reasons why it il nod oiteh
er found.
First-The want Of judgment on the part Of
those having the care Of youth in the selection Of
candidates for the professions and the mode Of their
education. Their capabilities are not regarded.
They are sent to college when neither they
nor their mothers should know that they are out OF
the nursery The ordinary method Of education ought
to be remodeled in some respects. Instead Of th4
invarabls system of scho0boy recitations, studenG
should be surrounded with good libraries and works
of art, and scientific apparatus; life prizes shouN
stimulate their ambition; examinations should b<
made the test of eminence and scholarship.
Secondy-We do not pay sufficient attention TO
our physical France our hurried system Of business
is really wicked; our Creator never gave al no
means of physical enjoyment which so abound, IN
order that we should throw them away Ihe
Englishman will not lose his dinner or his exercise
for anything unless his house be fired, or an earth
Quake astound him; and he Is right, and we are
wrong The maxim applied often to those who