The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-06-24
PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE.
BACCALAUREArE SERMON Ey PRESIDENT vALEN-
TINE-AcrING FROM PRINCIPLE.

BACCALAUREATE SERMON EY PRESIDENT vALEN-
TINE-AcTINc FROM PRINCIPLE.
GETTYSBURG, Pa, juno 20. 1878.
Tho commencement exercises of Pennsylvania COL
legs initiated this morning oy the baccalaureate
discourse OF President Valentine. D. D. His text was
from Hebrews VI, I-.sThersfoss lcsving the princi
pies Of the doctrine Christ let 60 unto perfec-
uon"-and tho subject, announced, was "4ctng
from Principle
Tho "lcavilg'' OF principles here meant no said, 8
not an abandonment Of them, but progress In and
upon them Principles are never to be left BEHIND
but held fast tho strong, infalbs lines o. progress
and ascent till he who ut first had nothing but them
has found all things through their action. Let as
frst understand distinctly what il Is TO
net from principle. In the broad sense
principles fuudamen forms OF Law, beginnings
and guiding forces Tor any kind OF movement phe
nomena .ney are seen and illustrated IN the various
laws oil nature. which determine and explain what
takes place. as the law OF sravitaton or vegetable or
animal lite. The moral world Is equally constitution
Of principles. We speak Of the principles OF truth,
justice, pIey or OF love, each being somo deep and
abiding reality the forces nections OF moral
life, established Law OF action and consequences.
out OF which comes the veal or woe OF men. The
.prino,plcs Of tho doctrine OF Christi stand Tor and
INCLUDE the whole circle OF life principles for
obedience TO them requires IN US a new and divine
lie which shall carry in itself as force
tian knowledge and power, BY tho law OF
cipie tnen Is TO adopt and follow with submissive
temper and steadfast flrmness all the groa archaic
laws OF right ana duty founded in the constitution OF
tho world and revealed through conscience and the
Word OF God, by which lie and activity have been
meant to be regulated and guided to their blessed goal
And the dcmaud Is not for the easy, elastic relation
which many TO think enough to fulAl IT. IL Is
somethng far beyond the playing fast and loose. the
Indiarubber elasticties the vane-likc swinging to
changing breeZes sxhibited in the vacaton, com
promising sesncess calculation, schening and sham
Of thousands who would like to DO considered men OF
principle.
RIGHT FOR RIGHTS sAKE
The obligation TO this duty is simply the grand OBJ
legation to do right for tho sake of gain. but Tor
It's own sake. 10 do right Ia, indeed always gain,
victory. gory but the right higher than It's gains
enforce it upon ALL Strict harmony OF lite with prin
ripic the way Of your best advance In knowl
The higher ana In your life tho action suprem-
Acy OF all that Is OF eternally abiding worth This Is
The only way Of safety. The mariner takes hold Of
The threads OF light that come down from the Rroat
stars OF the sky aud directs his across dangerous
Seas In triumph. so wc hold on TO tho iighlines OF
the great principles OF The moral world beanlng out OF
Inc ornament Of Gods Word, anu pass 10 security
over the Of e 1t Is necessary Tor The work YOU
have do day to help save aud lift up suffer-
ing humanity. The most blessed service you can
render accomplished by strengthening the sway OF
principle In men ana society arouAd yon.
II rHE ApUArEs.
Young gentlemen, have called your attention TO
this subject order to empuasizs tor you this great
duty. The great want Of our day 10 more principle
better grasp on all the mmutabe laws, In which alone
IL is ordained hie Is To nnd order excellence and
ordeal than others, or be more likely to como short
or tan. But the ordeal IS severe enough l0r every
young ian who passes through the gateway INTO ac-
tive ile II atme tor you 10 adjust your chart and
compass for the future, TO grid up the lons OF your
christian ic and put on tho whole armor OF God.
have eit that could you each he cd to make lie
life OF fixed iaith IN principle ana nrm fidelity
10 the doctrine Christ matter then
what comes how tried you would be
found always true successful and happy. gong
On 10 the ''perlcctiono God has set Tor you. The
Church, the world your country, society everybody
will ook they have right, Tor superior virtue.
wisdom, character and lie from you--for great or
strength OF principle ard consistency Of conduct than
from 9th OF less education and kn0 Hjedge. God
meaning 10 make you standard bearers Tor tho cause
81 truth on the eartn II by your dong. not only
we'll but The best made possible by your advantages,
that your part life Is 10 bc rightly accomplished.
TO forth to noble lie to which IL has been sought
by the principles OF Christ TO mould you. You bear
with you the aeconate interest OF your instructors,
Who feel bound to you by the ties OF years o Pheasant
association. Though your connection with the nsti
luton students is about 10 be dissolved, trust
that your anectonate attachment TO IL As alumni will
cease, but strengthen with the-apsc Of years.
II the Ink that binus us together Is kindredship of
soul In fealty the PRINCIPLES of Christ the tie will
be ever living, molly bond, and your future pros