The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-07-29

Senior Essay, at Commencement Of Central Fe-
male Institute, Clinton, MssissiPPi
by MISS EMMA A. PARKMAS, BOTTOMS DEPOT
This world had been spoken into existence;
the many stars had sung together, and divine
wisdom pron on n ced this work good; but silence
Feigned throughout this new made world. No
bird, or beast, sound of human voice broke
the profound solitude. Then II was that the
mighty Architect conceived the idea Of hlllng
1cith 6tlsy hfe this beautiful globe, then rush
ing in silent grandeur with its prescribed or
bit. The sweet songsters Of the forest and
glen soon warbled forth their notes Of praise
and alteration from the sylavn house which IN
all the freshness Of primeval beauty, stood
ready to receive them. The ripling waters
reflected the flashing rainbow hues of its finny
tribes, and the wild beasts prOwled IN the I'M
broken forests without fear. Still higher
loftier creation was necessary, and God SAID,
LET us make man after our own image, the
last best work of hands OmnipOtence
then created the exquisite and perfect vessel
that was to be freighted with the priceless
Jewel, an immortal soul part Of the essence Of
God himself. He breathed upon this boat, and
il received the heaven-born passenger a hgtHg
soul perfect in its construction, prepared 10
combat and overcome all difficulties and dan
gers.
first Iife-boat was launched the stream of
time, that sprang from the Throne OF God ana
ran in crystal beauty through the garden OF
Eden Gently ii glided down the stream un-
stained by the turbid waters of sin. Although
surrounded by everything that could charm
the eye, feeling of loneliness came over the
solitary voyager. He longed for the compan-
ionship of congenial mind, and the kind
Father ever mindful of the happiness of his
children, answered the unspoken wish.
Sleep fell upon the lone yoyager and when
he awOke, he found beside him a bark of most
exquisite beauty and workmanship and laden
with the fairest flower of Paradise This fra
gile bark bore Woman, mans confdant and
companion, but, alas his temptress.
(ioI va fraa lcanga m AZ will
only commanding them not TO touch at one lone
island which stood in the midst of the stream
and on which grew the tree of the knowledge of
good. They launched their boats and hoated
on in undisturbed happiness until they
tempted TO explore the forbidden island which
reposed in beauty near them. The warning of
the Great Pilot was forgotten and the fair
banks were wrecked upon the hidden rocks
, losing their precious freig hts of innocence and
Immortality and taking in their place sin and
death.
From that sad disaster the frail banks Of hui
man existence start upon their voyage in utter
helplessness. God mercifully provided for
their protection by launching them first upon
the still calm waters of a mothers love. Rocked
gently on the soft pillows Of paternal affection,
securely tied by the cable of maternal watch
care, they ride in safety the little storms of
infancy, never venturing'out on the sea alone,
but learning each day how to manage their
own little boats. Slowly, almost imperceptbly,
they glide on through the narrow channel and
the winding playful brook of infancy. When
they reach out to grasp the bright flowers that
bend in beauty over their heads, the stream
hurries them on, that they able only
now and then to pluck a single flower.
The course in youth is along a wider, deep
er channel, The time has come when active
preparations must be made to brave the tur-
bid ocean to which they are fastening. Now
every part of the frail bark must be made
strong, and on board must be taken all the
requisites for such a voyage. So, turning
the prov from the swift and hurrying cur
rent, they glide into the deep calm waters
of the sea of Science. Having anchored
close beside its classic shore the pilot comes
on board and steers their barks on the still
waters, touching at the beauteous islands
and gathering treasures from all. Then may
be learned the art of steering safely through
the future voyage, always bending to the
rudder of conscience which will ever steer
us from che whirlpool and breakers of sim
Let Reason take the helm, being careful
that there is good supply of food from the
stores of knowledge, to keep him vigorous
and keen. Learn to be expert In furling and
unfurling the sails of hope and ambition.
Throw them out to the soft and gentle
breezes which come from the fragrant
islands of wisdom and christianity and
which will watt the light banks over the
bright waters of the sea of Love; but furl-
ing quickly when the rough gales from the
tempestuous dark and rock bound coasts
would hurry them on to the concealed rocks.
With the anchor of pure Religion made
fast to the throne of God by the imperisha-
n chart-the eye of Faith as a compass al
ways looking to the Star of Bethlehem.
which to the true and diligent will ever shed
its gentle radiance over their course and ever
be visible through the darkest clouds of adj
Versity and sorrow: thus equipped. each
little bark may brave the stormy pillows of
life. They will often be shattered but never
swamped, as long as they obey the COM
mands of the Great Pilot.
Thus we of the class of 1869, stand to-day.
mol In al,
shores of our "Alma Mater" To-day we
throw our sails,bright with the hues Hope,
to the breeze that will hurry us on to tie
surging ocean. The white crested pillows
teen with the barkS OF life, that have pre-
ceded us. We can see them in the distance
Some little barks, alas are laundering in
the dark depths. Others may be seen with
the undimmed eye of Faith and with their
prov pointing to the bright star of redeem
ing love, riding gently the mountain waves
and glittering with the hues of Heaven.
To-day we bid adieu to our beloved pilot
who has so faithfully guided US for the past
four years and has taught US to steer clear
of the whirlpool of yon houndless OCEAN
May we heed the lessons so patiently taught
set our sails for the port of Heaven, and
finally cast anchor on its golden shores,
where e'er basking In the calm sunshine of
Gods smiles, we shall have occasion TO fear
no hidden rocks, treacherous tides, nor tenn
pestuous winds.
0EN1AEMk-N VI Ahh DOAkD OF
In return for the many blessings which
we have received, and for the kind care with
which you have watched over us during the
time we have been members of your 1nsti-
tute. we turn to present to you our heart
felt thanks. Our hearts are filled with sad
ness at the thoughts of parting from tins
Institution of learning, where we have
passed so many pleasant hours, and where
we have amassed the golden grains ofknowl-
edge. Under the guidance of you, centle-
men, this school has stood the storms and /
trials of sixteen years. and by your hands |
It will still continue to be one of the best |
the United States can afford. We who are |
mere to-day TO receive our diplomas. have !
passed through literary course in every 1
respect adapted 10 preparing us tor positions /
OF usefulness and honor in life. With the /
nope InaL THIS Institution, which shall al /
W "sy pe .eNereu aud honored by us as onr
Aila n.asei, VII ever prosper, we bid you,
gentlemen arespeetful adieu.
Much LOVED PRJSctPAL:
1t is with mingled emotions Of sadness i
Joy that we turn TO address Won e. .a--
eral years of study under Your faifI 81 800
never wearied instruction, we have ac Sa.e
forth at last from the protecting walls of
our beloved Institute, and now stand No.
pared to take our station on the stage OF &C.
ton with those who have gone before M.
Their boats nave been launched, they have /
whatched with expectant eve. for tie e.
trace of the far of shore. oversize o 1ns
with mist as It Il. Some have rone eafelr-I
into harbor, and as their weary feet touchef /
the golden sands, have exclaimed. ssanchorer1 Il
mt last" 10u air, launched those boats /
To-day, three more win be set adrifk On i
the broad ocean OF uncertainty, and may /