The Portland daily press., 1881-06-27
WESTBROOK SEMINARY.
The Semi Centennial Of It's Establish
rnent.

The exercises of Commencement week al
Westbrook Seminary began yesterday fore
noon with tho Baccalaureate sermon by the
Rev. DR.. j. p. Weston, the principal of the
school. The church was completely filled,
and all the services were interesting. DR.
Weston was assisted by Rev. Messrs. Hayden
and Thompson.
The subject of the sermon was the means by
which God directs men in their actions, sug.
gested by the words of Paul. in Acts ike
Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" The
miraculous character of the incident in this
chapter was conceded, and q clear and con-
Vlnclng argumentswas made in favor of the
supernatural element in Christianity. Jon
est doubt was not censurable-but was to be
commended; for it leads to investigation, and
the attainment of truth. The preacher, how
ever, had no sympathy with the skeptcism
that would deny well-attested scriptural mar
ratives. Although no voice from heaven
speaks to man to-day in the manner it was adj
dressed to Paul, yet God speaks through
swers his aspirations and his prayers. In all
this he acts in conformity to law.
In general way the question of the text
may be answered by saying that man should
make the most of himself, OF all his powers
God requires of man that he should study to
lures. He should also develop his religious
being. He insisted that in whatever callings
we found ourselves, we should feel our re-
sponsibility. Not in merely priestly profess
sions, and in religious services, but in all
honorable labor and enterprise we may work
vice for man in obedience to Divine CON-
mands is the worthy and the faithful doer.
In regard to the peculiar occupation a
young person should choose, the questions of
fitness and opportunity are the important ones
to be considered. Fitness for important posi-
general cultivation and special preparation,
but fitness, however acquired, would be fruit.
less OF results without opportunity,
School training is not alone needed to fit one
thoroughly for professional life, but to give
culture, knowledge and strength To know
ones strength is necessary to enable person
to make wise choice.
The preacher discussed the position of
women in regard to the various occupations of
life. He would have her do whatever her
nature and qualifications fitted her to do. As
he would have man manly and do the things
womanly and do that which becomes woman
1t was shown that he who would do we'll
must also think we'll. He must have worthy
conceptions and high ideals. So, too he must
have his calling, and give himself to it with
enthusiasm. By love the hand Of labor is
inspiration, poesy sings her sweetest songs, and
art makes her divinest creations. He that
would be an effective doer must not be a
changeing; success is incompatible with vacil-
lation OF purpose. Although persistence is
commendable, it does not follow that change
is never advisable. When serious mistakes
are made, person should be ready to correct
them as soon as possible.
The importance of Self-reliance and the
need OF firm trust in higher power were
strongly emphasized, and in closing the
preacher earnestly exhorted faithfulness in
the doing OF what is expected and required
The graduating class. numbering nine young
men and nine young women, then arose and
were addressed by the Principal in a few part
ing words in which he babe them an Affection
ate farewell.
THE PROGRAMME.
Tomorrow and Tuesday forenoon the ex-
aminations take place in the recitation rooms.
The Rev. DIR. Capan, President of Tufts Col
lege, and Mr.. Prescott, of the Biddeford
Union and journal will assist the committee
to examine the classes.
Tuesday afternoon at o'clock the annual
meeting OF the board of trustees will be held.
The junior class will give their exhibition ia
the church on Tuesday evening at 7.sO o'clock.
The exercises will consist of music, original
orations and essays.
Wednesday morning at 9.45 the graduating
will be given; the commencement
dinner and post-prandial exercises at o'clock
p. NJ; the anniversary exercises Of the Asso-
citation Of the Alumni, with historical adj
dress by the Hon. Israel Washburn, Jr, of the
board OF trustees, at p. M; the general meet
ing of former students at 4 p. NJ; the business
meeting of the alumni at p. NJ the reunion
in Hersey Hall at p. m.; the social enter
tainment by the alumni at s p. m.
This is to be the flftieth anniversary Of the
of the seminary, and there is ex-
pected to be large attendance of former stu
dents. Many of them are filing important
public positions and their interest in the Sem
mary is such that they are to cooperate with
'he trustees in making the next commence
ment memorable occasion.
The graduation of such a large class and at
tendance of students of moro advanced stand
ing are indications that the former prestige of
the institution is soon to be restored