The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1867-08-13

but dugmcatS our strength. Our powers
are capable of indefinite expansion and
development under the sharp tuition of
our needs 1t is The law of organic life
that completeness of development shall be
the fruit Of conflict and trial, the crown
of its victory over resisting forces SO
consummatc power in body, or char
acter is always the result of successful
conflict with trials. But in the tender
ness of divine wisdom it is ordered that
we shall not be tried beyond that we are
able. litying, but not sparing, he holds
us in the flame we need, only tempcring
it, wisely not too little, mercifully not too
much. And SO 1t comes,duty never tan
sccnds our power.
Thus it is God builds us into strength.
The furnace purifes. The finest temper is
found under the hammer. Our nature is
indulcnt and God bcsets us with merciful
compnlsions and sbrewd tonics of nccessi-
tics, to drive us out of our rcfuses OF ease
and contented littlcness.
Our day is also our strength !! This
truth runs side by side with its compile
mcnt and converse God gives no power
at random. When a power keeps poise,
serving its intent, God ever lovingly
matches it with large and noble uses,
giving each day its strength, not only,
but to each SIR myth It's day, work for the
capable worker. When we attain our
majority and find our vocation in heaven,
we shall see as we cannot now, why this
trial, why our way WAS often roughly
laid for us in mystery and tears-and how
all along. this was training US for what
God made US to be in our marhood above
The address TO the graduating class
followed as the natural application Of the
truths presented in the discourse, was
earnest and eloquent, fail of tenderness,
and yet with no attempt at rhetorical eff.
feet 1t made deep impression on every
one in the vast assembly. 1t closed as
follows
"Count largely on the resources of
capablity and development which God
has hidden in you against your time OF
need. lie has forcarmed you for each
critical hour. Hold only strong, brave
heart, and when the duty comes, lay
resulute hand to it, AMI you shall find
strength unknown before. When heavy
laden and sore perplcxcd, thcn-when
pressed by a thousand cares, till you seem
ready to faint under the load, in every
dalk day Of sorrow and trial, in all the
sharp crises your life will surely bring
remember, | bcscech you, this promise OF
God, and cheer your hearts by leaning
on His love. Year by year, Us your
broader, deeper life shall roll its heavier
burdens upon you-as you tread the
perplexed and weary path-whcn hand
and head and heart are piled to the ut
most, and more, ever more seems loom
ing up ahead in unknown shapes of toll
and grici-belicvc in this blessed promise,
AS your days, so shall your strength
be-" Only believe, and in Christ you can
do all things. At His bidding, step
boldly out on the tossing sea, and fear not
though the storm be Wild, and though
the night be black, and though it seem
mere water on which you ar. called to
tread-plaht your feet on it, in the au.
daciy of Il simple and obedicnt faith,
and 10 . water shall he marble beneath
your steps, and out amid the storm and
the darkness, you shall hear Him saying
again, and saying to yoa, st is !, be
net afraid"