Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1856-08-15
From the St. Albans Messenger
Commencement of the Univer.
sitV of Vermont,

The exercises Of the University
commenced Sunday, Aug. 3d, with
Baccalaureate Sermon, by President
Pease. His text vas Show thy
self a man. q Kings &c, 2y) The
principal points Of the sermon were
clearly and definitely stated. Iic
began by aging that 10 show one
self a man is to be the noblesl work
Of God. The seer, the prophet and
poet have strlven to give form 10
their highest idea Of manhood -
When II is said that a person is
man, all is said which can add dign-
lty, worth and beauty to his charac-
ter. The chief points of the sermon
were the following ~. Mans re-
lation to God. A definite knowl-
edge of this relation is the all import
ant thing. 1t may be called the
method by which manly character
is attained.
,. Observance Of the law of God.
This gives vitality and steadness of
purpose. This observance and stead
mess of purpose will lead man TO
the truth
g. The ends of truth are certain.
A man who is in harmony with him
sell, following the high behests Of
his reason, will attain to ruth, and
tina, truth, whatever it NAV be, will
live and vindlcate itself Loving il,
seeking for il through all difficulties,
is the duty Of rational being with
responsible will.
These points lead to the way in
which one could show himself man
in the duties, relations, and calling
of life.
|. Fidelity TO ones trusts. Fldel-
ity to them is the only way to develop
manly character.
?. Ones calling, that it may de-
yelop manliness, should be suited 10
ones ability. Success will not be
likely to attend man who is con-
slandy changing from one thing TO
another There is but one way up
ward, aud that is by work, constant,
| perseverlng work.
3. One must be true to his friends.
He who is so much of philanthrop-
Ist, reformer and pa riot that he has
no particular friends, cannot be relia
BILE. And if he negIects his wife
and children for mankind, he cannot
/ be true man. A man may he so
universal as to lose his distinctive
character as man.
A. He must be independent. Not
seek to show it, not Try TO make a
constant declaration of his independ-
eucc, for this would show a great
want Of manhness and true charact-
er. He must, TO be independent,
be faithful TO duty, do that at all
events, and in that way he shows
an Independence becoming man.
~ OhlllNdAAbils II Nluc iitAh Ni'i
constantly seek for the highest means
of culture within his reach. 1t is
cultivation which makes the differ
ence between barbarous and the
civilized man. And therefore culuv-
alton is one Of the methods OF be-
coming true man.
These were the main points IN
this excellent sermon. 1t was de-
livered in an earnest, yet snbdued
manner, which is effective pulpit
eloquence. The style was neat,
chasle and intelligibe. 1t was re-
lreshIng 10 hear sermon so full OF
practical truths, put in such telling
classic form, SO plain that all could
understand, without any attempt TO
catch the car and eye by tricks of
style or delivery. ln this respect
President Pease showed himself a
man. As | hope the sermon will be
published, will say no more about
II, hoping that all who may read this
may also read the sermon.