The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-21
VASSAR COLLEGE.
THE NINTH pAccALAUREATE SERMON By PREs1-

THE NINTH gACcALAUREATE SERMON By PaEsI-
DENT RAYMOND INDIVIDUALITY THE THEME
PouGHKERPsIE N. Y, June 20, 1875.
The ninth baccalaureate sermon Yves preached
at Vassar College this afternoon by President Ray
mond before the faculty and pupils. He took his
text from First Corintnl ms, the fourth TO the
fourteenth verses inclusive, his theme being
'Inulyidualty.u He opened by reference TO the
laying on OF hands, some believing IL 10 be N
endowment OF physical nature and treating 1t in
literal sense, while by others ~ is treated DIFF
ferentlY. Whichever Is correct 1t is not esse nlla
morally or otherwise, to the lesson brought out
by the words OF the text In either case it is a
gilt OF God TO be devoted 10 such use as Is most
honorable. Adore sing the pupils present,
DR.. Raymond said that the gift which
is IN us is that which Is lnseparably owns that
endowment which constitutes our individuality
MARKS each for a separate career, to which
responsibility Is Attached For nothing are we
more indebted 10 our Creator than our distinc-
tive Individuality. We brought it WITH us when
we came into The world and found it when we
nrst lound ourselves. Grant all we may claim 70
circumstances, TO power OF education, to results
OF ancestral tendencies; still these concessions 90
not cnange our individuality. what we are and
what we nave been Is a git, The Doctor believed
that God 1xes the destiny OF his creatures, throw
Ing around them circumstances to that end. lie
gave US iree control OF our faculties and trans
ierred the ownership OF ourselves to US. the
lacuiLles he gave to Us are endoWments This
very
FREEDOM OF NATIONALITY
makes MS capable OF responsibility; and who can
measure our test OF obligation 10 HIN? Not as
slaves serving the master who owns them, but as
children receiving The masters love- and by the
grace Of God thus bestowed upon us we are made
debtors 10 The children OIL Goa. II our Individual
ity IS a gait o. God u is more tnan gt. IL is a
sacred trust 10 be cultivated and trained for Him;
enrlcned. Dedutned. nourisned and Strengthened
TO consecraten life; making the most ana best
selves. We should know what the gilt
Is or else we may make the whole OF
portant therefore. We must educate ourselves,
mind and body, and have q Just and adequate
knowledge OF sell. When we look at distant
crowd OF men We recognize only men, and the
snOwledge thus gained - OF the least possible I'M
portance. We must come nearer 10 them and Sc
lect The refined ana cultivated from the RUDE and
boIsterOus. Not TIL we Look at them one by one
In the face. do we know them as individuals. II
Ii tie close view that moves personal affections
and sympathy. TIE something IN eacn Individual
which separates him from all others is character.
tone OF voice, particular EXPRESSION instinct Of the
inner life, thought movement, &c. We must STUDY
ine laws wAicn govern all these, wnich Is the
STUDY OF HUMAN NATURE,
We need 70 know not merely What faculties We
p0ss IS, but We need 10 know IN every detaIl for
what we are best fitted, what Is characteristic and
peculiar 70 ourselves; our special virtues. II we
have any, and our special faults, making sure al
ways 10 guard against the latter. We must under
stand the gifts that are "a, their ready adapta-
tion 10 the exigencles OF social life; readiness or
resource; never-iaillng reserve OF self-rehance
anu the gilt OF simple patience.
In urging upon mis- hearers the virtues OF
patience aud fortitude DR.. Raymond said stand
Ike the faItaiul sentinel &C tie EXTREMIST 'front.'
OF exposure, where the IRE Is the hottest,
not knowing the reason he was placed there but
standing there TIL MS generals order Of relief
comes, or lie tails. An IN this battle OF life how
may are compelled 10 occupy suoh positions,
with no opportunity 70 SHINE, but 10 stand and
suner. Sucn nave patience anu fortitude. What
ever your gift may De, recognize ana comprehend
u; grasp u as your warmest friend; keep II and