Morning journal and courier., 1882-06-26
agew aaren 9ailg 9guning gonrnal aud Gonrirr.

the sacred virtues as practical force is fraught with disappointment for this life ana the future, and therefore it is pre- stunned to be false and deceptive I do not expect and do not desire that your faith should ln any particular go beyond evidence or assume any other form than rational con- vlctlon But do urge that this conviction should be large and liberal in the data on which It rests, and should include among these data of proof @ just estimate of the practical worth of faith in immortality in God and Christ as springs and motives of action and the inspiration of life
 This argument is thoroughly legitimate, l and IS especially appropriate to your condi- 1 tlon as you go forth into more or less wid- ened sphere of active service; a sphere in 1 which your culture here will be tried pre- em- lnently by your manhood and character. The 1 ott-quoted saying of Goethe, ''The worlds history Is the worlds court of judgment" :" l IS as true of our faith as it is of our charac- 1 ter, and for the reason that our faith in the long run forms our character. You will mo- tlce how quickly and sharply in these days men judge of those who were most admired when they were living the moment they are dead, and that it is only men of faith and fidelity who are honored by the worlds sec ond thoughts as it sits in judgment on it's l heroes.
 It is probably true that sharper conflicts of opinion await the present generation It is more than probable that the men of faith and the men of unbelief will be more and l more sharply divided. No evil can come of this, but only good-provided faith in the living God and the present Christ becomes more fervent and constant. The power of faith IS 1n it's energy, it's patience, and its fervor. Yeu are a small company in con- parison with the mass of humanity without, but were your solid convictions HIbo1l ln1 into Il. 1 might shake the earth. Fear not for the good cause that will prevail certainly as the heavens hang over us and the sun con- l tlnues to shine Let 1t be yours to trust in the living God by faith that Is as unshaken and fervent as are his unchanging truth and love.
 l Here you have had more than usually prosperous life. You go forth with the most cheerful recollections of the past and with hopefulprospects for the future. One of you, number who was with you at the beginning ot the present year has been gently called to the immortal life, heading the long procession in which each of you will take his place at the memorable call I shall not soon forget the pensive yet hopeful look which he gave me when he bade me good bye-hoping against hope to be with you this hour. I cannot but think that you all believe and know that the Christian hope in which we stand founded as 1t was on him who abolished death anc brought life and immortality to light, kindiec and rekindled as it has been in millions ot hearts in all Christian generations, is the greatest blessing and the noblest inspiration which the world has ever known
 | May you share abundantly in that blessing and be animated by that inspiration. May each of you fight the good fight of faith al any cost and any sacrifice, and thus lay hole on eternal life. These are my best wishes for you for this life and the life that may be 1 as I bid you an affectionate farewell.