Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
Barre Academy.

The anniversary exercises Of this institution
commenced upon June Sth, by sermon before
the graduating class by Rev. Matthew II. Buck
ham, D., OF the University Of Vermont. At
half-past one O'Clock p N. the church was filed
with large and appreciative audience. Dr.
Buckham took for his text Romans, sixteenth
chapter and nineteenth verse, last two clauses
The speaker first gave the idea that st. Paul
wished to convey in the words Of the text, I. g.,
to know much concerning good, but to avoid by
all means the knowledge OF evil. lie went on to
speak Of the ideas formed In the minds OF the
young men Of to-day in regard to the great prob
lens Of life, and how they can be most easily
mastered; that many young men consider, In or
der to be eminently fitted to fill high social po-
sition, they must contend with variety Of evils.
They find or seem to find, that 1t Is necessary to
have knowledge Of the dark phases Of the world
in order to succeed. "They dwell long in the
current maxim Of society that no man can do
great deal Of good unless he is a reformed rep
robate'' As II has been maintained in a master
piece Of American felton, with strong theological
tendencies, " that great crime Is developing
power in the human character" thus 1t is not
strange that the youth Of to-day entertain In
correct ideas in regard to this subject Professor
Buckham explained why these false notions are
prevalent In society, and why their effects are
so injurious. The reason that St. Paul had in
giving this advice might be inferred, that by
knowledge Of evil the elasticity Of the spirit Is
checked. The sight Of physical evil, in whatever
form, Is disheartening. This is none the less true
OF intellectual deficiencies and OF moral evils, the
sight Of which chis and arouses feelings Of indig
nation within us. Noargument. however plausible,
can be adduced to prove that knowledge Of evil
Is necessary for the true development Of the
human character. The more man becomes ac-
quainted and famarized with evil, and Its result,
in just such proportion are his physical, mental,
and moral powers impaired. Morality must be
cultivated, virtue must be nurtured, evil must be
avoided. He who follows the advice given In the
text is not only better prepared for the duties Of
this life but is better fitted for the life to come
| The speaker then alluded to the various classes
OF society, their tendencies, ETC., they are rep.
resented in every community and the feelings
awakened In the minds Of men. The true secret
OF real happiness is the knowledge Of good. II
is a secret power whose influence when known Ii
appreciated. Happy is he who can say with the
Psalmist, "Search me- God, and know my
thoughts, and see II there is any evil way in me.
DR.. Buckham's closing address to the class wal
filled with good advice. He urged upon then
the necessity Of making a practical use Of thu
education they had acquired, and in whateve
position in life they felt called upon to assume
to make that position not only worthy OF thei
own Abilities but also of the Christian influence
with which they had been surrounded. The re
naming anniversary exercises will be given II
next weeks WATcHMAN.