Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-07-31

complished what had set my heart upon
the securing of a sound pecuniary basis
for the Unversity-and, TO say nothing OF
other improvements. the erection on the
premises of those two noble buildings, the
one dedicated to the service OF science, and
the other to the service of God and the
preservation Of the memory OF our fallen
heroes.
But will add no more. And now. sir.
pass to YOU these keys. to signify that
he e lay down the trust which has been
co nmitted to me, happy in the thought that
you will Immediately pass them to other
hands far more worthy orthem than mine
DIR. Champlin spoke with much feeling
and it was very evident that a great por
ton of the large and hushed audience
shared in the feeling as they listened with
closest attention to this closing act Of his
long and arduous service as an officer of
the College.
REV. DIR. SMALLER, as the delegated rep
resentative of the Board Of Trustees. eN-
pressed their grateful Acknowledgements and
appreciation OF the faithful services of DIR.
Champlain during the many years of his
service. He referred to the Jealous attach
ment 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
he had SO strcnuously labored. he might
| enjoy in the more private walks of lite.
serenity and peace through many remain
| ing years. and that when his earthly work
/ draws TO a close, it may 90 down As the
ful-orbed sun. more glorious at its setting.
Turning to DR.. Robins and transferring
10 him the keys of the college, DR.. Smaller
/ spoke of the arduous labors of the com
mttee in seeking and selecting the best
| man for this position. They had sought a
J man OF broad culture and thorough chris
tan spirit united with other essential quail
ties. and the task had been not without
great difficulties. Guided by an oyer-rul-
! Ing Providence. their unanimous choice
had selected. a. they believed, the right
man. The deepest sympathy had been felt
for him in the scenes OF affection through
which he had but recently been called 10
pass. and now with the fullest confidence.
J they were ready To intru>t him with the
importance and responsibility OF the posi-
ton. lie would fiul in the board of 1rus-
tees body of as true men as any with
whom he might have been called to labor.
and these men would stand by him in his
! efforts for the advancement of the interests
! of the higher education and culture in this
! Maine. of the widely influential body of
Alumni aud ell the friend, of Colby Uni
verSity. he pledged an earnest eudcayor 10
sustain the new president in the discharge
| OF his office. not doubling that the result
would prove him to be qualified and fitted
10 he a worthy successor of the retiring
president.
DIX. Robins replied in an informal adj
dress, accepting the responsibilities of the
position in the belief that 1t was the will OF
the Master that he should dc -. In de
pendence upon Him tor strength aud wis
dom, and with unfcigncd >eli-Ji>tru,t /. be-
cause he must succeed one who after 20
many years of honorable service leaves be-
hind speaking memorials OF his work, a.
well n of the patriotic devotion Ia the no
bic sons OF the University, lac promised 4
faithful discharge of duty, recognizing that
the Board have a right to expect that their
labors and their muuiGccnt gIits shall not
be wasted, and mindful that noble body
of Alumni look back with pride to their
alma mater aud demand that She shall in
crease in her beauty. crowned with lAurels
from her sons. The position i one OF pc
culiar responsibility, because at TIL, time
peculiar trials bc-ci the Christian teacher.
The Christian people of this nation feel a
deep interest IN the maintenance OF sound
educational principles and institutions we'll
knowing these ar To exert mighty intlu-
cucc To restrain our country from the pow =
. or of religious corruption which hl-
brought Others To their ruin. We mG-i
teach with faith ia the living God We must
train up men Nho with their feet firmly
placed on the Living Rock mas be able to
deiy all attacks Of >kcpticl>m. The Chris
tan scholar Will affirm communion OF
spirit between the huitc being aud the Iuh-
mite. The Office OF the Christian teacher
. j. To show that aS our inspirations of
knowledge and Light are drawn from God
so there must b. no fear OF meeting facts
when shown To be such. and no shrinking
from investigation. The cause az religion
demands specific. Clear-cuf statements oi
truth. and must br ready 10 prove In turn
that the Gospel Of Christ j. based on a firm
foundation Of historical facts. The teach
Ing which is TO set forth Christianity must
be not dogmatic. but resting upon the won
Of God a. manifest IN mans constitution
aud drawn out in revelation. and eNcmpli
fed ia lives guided by an in> piration drawn
from communion with an incarnate God
and sustained by a strength which comes
only from leaning On the arm of God.
Referring 10 the marble copy of the Llor
Of Lncerne, In Memorial Hall DIR. Robin.
found In that touching symbol of devotion
J unto death lesson for those who 90 forth
from this Institution. that they be ready
: wherever truth Is impcrlled. To suffer
themselves a living sacrifice for the right
r Ia conclusion. while looking 10 the Trus
tees for support, and extending his hand
TO the Alumni for their assistance. h,
. lined hi hear; to God with the earnc,
prayer that he might become worth,
successor not only of him who now retire,
from the office. but also OF those nobl,
men who sleep alter lives OF devotion Il
tho MnllArt. OF Iii. cnllrtt.