The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-07-25
athaniel Butler. jr., Alton, Ill.
Music.
Comforting the Degrees.
BenedictiOn.

DeueulCGlOn. 'H if
*Excused. 31ssF7
AT the conclusion of the usual exercises Rev.
Dr. Champlin, the retiring President of the
College, gave the keys of the inst tuition to
Rev. DR.. Smaller and said:
Mr. Chairman-These are the closing hours
OF our present anniversary, and the closing
moments of my connection with this Univer
sty-a connection which has now extended
through thirty-two years, one half of it in the
Presidency. As you may well suppose, sir,
cannot leave post which have so long occu-
pied without some emotion. Not that would
occupy it longer, far from it. Indeed ( resigned
it a year ago, but you pressed me into the SER
vice again and have kept me there till the
present tin e. But as no one can, without
feeling leave old scenes where he has spent the
best part OF his life, though in themselves these
scenes may have been rough and rugged, and
though anticipating the enjoyment of much
pleasanter scenes in the future. So 1, though
wearied by my protractod service amid the
trials and perplexihes of college life, yet can
not leave this service-I will not say without
regret, but certainly not without emotion This
service, such as it has been, 1 hope you and
your associates may think, has been honestly
and faithfully rendered, and l wish now through
you to thank the Trustees, that they INDUCED
me till L saw secured what had set nv heart
upon-a sound pecuniary basis for the institu-
ton, to say nothing about o4her improveme ats,
the erection on the premises OF those two noble
buildings, the one for the service of science and
the other for the service of God and the pres
ervation OF the memory of our fallen heroes
But Il will add no more Now, sir, 1 pass to
you these keys to signify that here lay down
the trust which has been committed to me,
happy in the thought that you will immediate.
ly pass them to other hand s,much more worthy
of them than mine. '-@
,a Rev. DR.. Smaller as the delegated representa-
tive of the Board of Trustees, expressed thei1
grateful acknowledgement and appreciation o.
the faithful services of DIR. Champlin during
the many years of his service. He referred to
the Jealous attachment and devotedness ever
shown for the interests of the college, by which
he had commanded the increasing respect OF
the board. 1t is their hope that while retiring
with the high respect of those with whom lie
had so strenuously labored, he might enjoy in
the more private walks of life, serenity and
peace through many remaining years, and that
when his earthly work draws to close and the
sun of his life shah set, it may 90 down as the
full orbed sun, more glorious at its setting.
Turning to DR.. Robins and transferring to
bin the keys of the college, DIR. Smaller spoke
of the arluous labors of the committee,in SEEK
ing and selecting the best man for this posi-
ton. They had sought man of broad culture
essential qualities, and the task had been no t
without great difficulties. Guided by an over
ruling Providence their unanimous choice had
selected, as they believed, the right man. The
deepest sympathy had been felt for him in the
scenes OF aff1ictiou through which he had but
recently been called to pass, and now with the
fullest confidence, they were ready to entrust
him with the important interests and response
bilties of the position. He would find in the
Board OF Trustees body of as true men as any
hyyl,n hn ,ctf hnr hany, lnI 1,la
and these men would stand by him in his efforts
for the advancement of the interests of the
higher education and culture, in this institution
ln behalf of the ministry of Maine, of the wide
ly influential body of Aumni, and all the
friends of Colby University, he pledged an ear
nest endeavor to sustain the new
president in the discharge of his Office not
doubling that the result would prove him to be
qualified and fitted to be a worthy successor to
the retiring president &.
DIR. Robbins replied in an informal address,
accepting the responsibilities of the position,
firm in the belief that it was the will of the
Master that he should do SO. In dependence up
on Him for strength and wisdom. and with un-
feigned self -dstrust because he must succeed
one, who after 50 many years'of honorable ser
work as well as of the. patriotic devotion
of the noble sons of the University
He promised a faithful discharge of duty
duty, recognizing that the Board have a right
to expect that their labors and their magnft.
cent gifts shall not be wasted, and mindful
that noble body of Alumni look back with
pride to their Alma Mater, and demand that
she shall increase in her beauty, crowned with
laurels from her sons. The position is one of
peculiar responsibility, because at this time pc
Christian people of this nation feel a deep
interest in the maintenance of sound
educational principles and institutions
well knowing. that these are to ex-
act a mighty Influence to restrain our coun-
try from the power of religious corruption
which has brought others to their ruin. We
must teach with faith in the living God; we
must train up men who with their feet firmly
planted on the Living Rock. may be able to
defy all the attacks of skepticism. The Chris
between the finite being and the Infinite
The office of the Christian teacher is to show
that as our Inspirations of knowledge and
light are drawn from God, so there must be no
fear of meeting facts when. shown to be such,
and no shrinking from inve stigation. The
cause of religion demands specie, cear-cut
statements Of truth, anc must be ready to prove
in turn that the gospel of Christ is based on a
firm foundation of historical facts. The teach
ing which is to set forth Christianity must be,
not dOgmatc but resting upon the word of
God as manifest in mans constitution and
drawn out In revelation, and exemplifed in
lives guided by an inspiration drawn from COM
munon with an incarnate God and sustained
by strength which comes only from leaning
on the arm OF God. oh
Referring to the marble copy of the Lion of
Lucerne at the Memorial Hall, DIR. Robbins
found in that touching symbol of devotion unto
DEATH lesson for those who go forth from tn S
institution, that they be ready wherever truth
is imperiled to offering themselves living
sacrifice for the right. In conclusion, while
looking to the Trustees for support, and ex-
tending h hands to the Alumni for their as
sistance, be lifted his heart to God with the
earnest prayer that he might become worthy
successor not only of him who now retires from
the Office, hut also of. those noble men who
sleep after lives of devotion the welfare of this
college.
The address of Dr. Robbins was received with
great satisfaction, and from the earnest and
manly tone pervading it the brightest assur-
ances OF the future of the University were
drawn.
AT the dinner, which was set forth in the
spacious Alumni Hall, DR.. Robbins presided
with the assistance of DR.. Champln in calling
out the speakers. . s.-....r....