Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1874-07-04
tReported for ths ReF':ter.l
A Synopsis Of the Q:dtions Delivered,
and Essays lead at the First Com
neneepant Of Shepherd College.

Grafton, "The Noble Character, by
w. P. Craighill.
That man is not a noble character,
who reserves his principles for display
on public occasions, or when it ''pays,
but he who delights as much in the ex'
ercise Of his principles in private life, as
! if the world was spectator OF his con-
duct. The jewel embedded in the
earth, is as pure as when it sparkles Ill
the diadeln of royalty. Nature is as
true to herself when she whispers to
the insect as when she thunders to the
philosopher. As true TO herself IN the
flower with its thousand resplendent
beauties blending, as in the heavens
kindled with suns and worlds without
number.
An essential element in a noble char
acter is sympathy. A kindred feeling
with others, in all that interests them,
as if we were bone of their bone
and flesh of their flesh.
4iodssiy is another lovely trait of a
noble character. nothing is more ludi-
crous than self-consegrence in men of
inferior abilities, and. nothing more be-
coming than modesty in men Of superb
or abilities.
For6eararcs is another trait Of no.
ble character. The warrior whose brow
is bouEd with laurels gathered from a
thoTsand battle-felds, and ''reads his
praises in nations eyes" is not to be
compared to him who maintains a reso-
late conflict with self in sparing the
feelings of others.
A noble character alone is indestruct-
ible. Everything else will have its day
and die. Yonder sun has shone upon a
thousand empires, which the stream OF
time has silently and successfully rolled
into the ocean of eternity. The monu-
ments erected to perpetuate the memory
of the dead have crumbled into dust,
and the whole earth is covered with the
melancholy fragments OF departed
goodness aud grandeur.
Essay, "Ine Euiue of Tine" by
Miss Ida Billmyer.
The infinite value of time is not real
lied by any one as it should be. Time
is the most precious thing in the world,
for when once we spend it in idleness,
we never more can regain the precious
moments that have passed by unim-
proved. There is but one moment IN
the world, at once, and that passes by
before another is given; and therefore
we ought to make good use OF every
moment, for one lost is never found
again. There is a time coming when
those who have idled away their time,
will wish for those precious hours, that
they might gain more knowledge. But
alas they are gone forever. Each mo-
ment should be employed in improving
our minds, for each moment has its
sickle, whose extended sweep strikes
nations from the earth; each moment III
the smaller sphere of domestic comfort
sways its tiny but mighty weapon, and
cuts down the brightest and fairest bios
SONS of all the flock. knowledge Is
the philosophers stone, the true secret
that by its slightest touch, turns every
thing into gold. 1t is the gilded scep-
tire that unlocks the storehousc Of crea-
ton and opens to us the treasures OF
the universe. We must cultivate our
minds, improve our talents, and acquire
the knowledge which is necessary to
enable US to act with honor and useful
ness, the part assigned to each on the
stage of life. The road to wealth and
honor, and usefulness, is open TO oil;
and all who will, may enter upon it,wlth
the almost certain prospect of success.
God has given us minds that wo may
improve them. He has placed us in
circumstances very favorable for making
Such Improvement, and for inspiring us
with diligence; 50 that in mounting up
in the shining course before us, He may
point US to the prospect Of an endless
existence beyond the grave.
Essay, "Tear,," by Miss Belle Byers:
There are few things more beautiful
than tears. Whether they are shed for
II,