Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-02-23
A District School Teacher's Farewell Rec
ma rl4s to the Scholars.

Friends and Scholars We are at the close
OF another term; we have met 10 finish the toll
and labor of another period Of our existence,
to retrospective view DER past studies, and
bid farewell to scenes in which we have been
wont to participate daily; scenes that hereafter
shall seem bright picture, and which have i'm
pressed a stamp on our minds, never 10 be eff
faced.
| said we were here to close the labor of
term, but not to terminate labor or study: these
are TO be continued if we would accomp psh
anything great or good There is time when
more than in any other we need to labor. In
the sprng-time of lie when the faculties are in
growing vigor, while hope is high and the heart
and mind most susceptive both to external and
internal influences, we can. lay the foundation
best for acquisition Of religion, science and art.
II this base is not begun now, it is too proba-
BILE the desired form will never become COM
plete. and doubtless we shall pass this life des-
titute of those graees operative in elevatng the
degree of our usefulness and happiness.
Your requirements here depend in great
measure on your own energies. Unless you
are aroused TO action, enter upon educations
work willingly, think on the teachers instruc-
tinn and resolve to shape your own minds in
accordance, YOU can obtain but little real knowl-
edge or practical benefit. Remember too that
education is completed with going TO school .
rev years anu yleiuiug tho 'ni''l 10 DO oPerAt-
ed upon by teachers this work is indeed COM
menced in infancy, but each revolving year
makes education's circle greater and greater,
extending $50 nfnity." 1t is a pleasure for
your teacher to instruct and help you in every
difficulty, yet greater qualification 10 direct
scholars who will work themselves and have
that independence OF mind that seeks aid from
its own indivinua force. Examples are before
you in the biographies of such distinguished
men and patriots as Washington, Jefferson,
Adams AMI. Franklin, illustrating what purpose
and resolution do, not only toward intellectual
attainments, but also in the practice OF good
ness. virtue and moral excellence. And though
YOUR positions in society may be widely differ
ent from theirs, yet by following their standard
YOU cannot but accomplish good in the world,
and do all duties with equal honesty and faith
fulness; whether toiling in the field, shop,
counting -room,-a profession, politics, or any
! OF the avocalons that engage the American
people. We each and all have par. to per.
form in the drama of life; hence, be each and
all faithful in its acting.
| Scholars. our connection here has not been
unpleasant, hut we must now part. As among
YOU see some who have been gathered in for
mer schools ! would feign ask how many OF
YOU will have the occasion OF being pupils IN
another school, and meet on similar day? 1t
is possible not ALL
"For time rolls on and year by year,
We change, grow up, or pass away
Not twice the same assembly here
Has hailed tine scholars festive day.
Therefore | will but say, cease not your Efforts
for Others welfare and your own. For, save
the finite capacity of man, there is no limit TO
your requirements in knowledge. therefore,
continually open your minds TO the comprehen,,
sion of those things that tend to expand and
improve the mind and soul let your motto oe,
Truth we Love, and seek it diligently, and it
shall free YOU from errorsand guide you safely
through the tempests on iite's Ocean to the
Haven OF Happiness beyond.