Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-06-26

Yourselves with objects OF interest and suR.
gestion. Cultivate the society Of tho wise,
and your mind will daily grow stronger BY
voluntary exercise OF the intellect, however.
the greater part Of knowledge Is gained. Ii
IL for YOU TO determine the direction and de.
Gree of enthusiasm with which new truth IL
sought II frivolous and ophemeral books
are read, shall not a taste for the best be lost
II the eyes and ears are inattentive, will not
the mind become pitiably weak Throw out
the roots of the mind widely in every direc-
ton, that il may have a broad range and be
pourshed from many sources. Heed the
wise advice Of Dr. Arnold OF Rugby, know
A little of everything and great deal OF
something" for thus only can you escape the
two opposite dangers Of being narrow or su.
perfcial. Because the necessity of making
Rotations and passing examinations is re-
moved. | hope you will not lose your Ambi
ton for learning. Even IL leisure time IL
limited, you can gain an hour, or half an
hour each day for mental culture and this
time wisely used will accomplish much In
year. Always have a good book at hand to
read in spare moments, and You will be sur.
prised at the knowledge gained in these fraq.
ments Of time. Make II your ambition to be
familiar with the masters Of literature TO
be well informed upon the leading questions
of science and philosophy, and 10 be espe.
cially acquainted with the facts You most
need to know. Then the mind will ever be
fresh and vigorous, and life shall never be-
come monotonous. The sources of yonr
mental life will be superior to the changes of
time and fortune. In WEAKNESS you shall
have refreshment, inpovtrty enduring wealth.
in solitude the best society
T. II is most important to consider what
you will become. For native endowment you
are not responsible Some are born with one
talent, some with two, a few with FIVE. A
solemn obligation rests upon you to wisely
use your powers and opportunities The
potter may mould his clay into common
vessel Of little worth, but by skill the same
material may be wrought into exquisite shane
and adorned with such wonderful art that il
becomes an object of priceless beauty and
value.
Thus, by neglect, the higher facultios will
be undeveloped, while faithful discipline will
make them strong and regnant. Even more
important than mental training ia the forma
tion of character Tho impulses should be
restrained and guided wrong habits sup
planted by good; the emotions carefully dis
ciplined the reason and conscience made
supreme.
Have a high ideal of character, and steadi.
ly press on to its attainment Not like ships
upon an unknown sea do you enter active
life The example of many noble lives
should help and inspire you, but far above
the rest towers the perfect character of
Christ. His life was SO holy you cannot err
by initiating it, his spirit 10 sublime you can
not soar above it. The greatest men in his-
tory were weak aud imperfect, but in the
life of Jesus the closest study reveals untold
beauty and strength. Tempted in all points
like ~ We are, yet without sin, gifted with
divine power, he devoted his life to helping
the needy and sinful. The object of bitter
hatred, he loved his enemies Beaet by dis.
couragements far greater than you will meet,
he never forsook the path of duty, bnt fin
ished the work God gave him to do. Follow
the highest ideal. Initiate him who alone
has lived on earth free from sin and imper-
lection.
To-day, and always, the supreme need of
the world il Christ like men and women,
those who reverently and humbly show in
daily life the spirit of the Master.
Members of the class of 49, we hope and
pray that this may be your character. Wheth-
or your sphere OF action be wide or limited,
whether your life on earth be long or short,
take a noble part in the battle against ignor-
snce and sin. Amid the vicissitudes of life
show Christ-like patience and heroism,
fidelity and conservation which will inspire
others with the same spirit, and make the
world better for yonr presence in it. Make
a Jealous use of every talent and acquisition
in the service of God and humanity. Your
course of study is ended, but life is just be-
gun. Go forth to a world which stands in
need of earnest thought and effort Con.
slider what you do. May your tongues speak
helpful words May your hands be quick in
generous deeds May your minds be- full OF
noble thoughts May your characters be
pure and exalted
Go forth in the spirit of Christ, and may
the blessing of God abide with you forever
Amen.