St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1888-06-21
BACCALAUREATE SERMON
Before the Academy Glass of ,ss.

Before the Academy Glass of '6S.
The baccalaureate sermon before the
graduating class of st. Johnsbury
academy was delivered in the North
church Sunday evening, nearly every
seat in the church being occupied.
The graduating class numbering SO
occupied reserved seats in front as is
customary. The platform and pulpit
were beautifully decorated with flow
ers, ferns and palms. The singing,
very pleasant feature of the service,
was by the regular choir of the church.
Rev. G. M. Lamson assisted in the pre-
liminary exercises.
The sermon was delivered by Rev.
III. T. Fuller, former principal of st.
JOhnsbury academy, at present at the
head of the Worcester, Mass, Polytech
mic Institute. 1t was thoughtful con-
sideration of the theme, Fixedness
condition of growth, the: text, Phil. 3:
16, "Nevertheless wheretO we have al
ready attained, let us work by the
y
words to the class concerning future
anticipations, attractive because un-
certain, the speaker grouped his
thoughts under these heads: ~ The
major part of what you are to be is al
ready fixed. With. your physical life
this is isscertainly true, and it will be no
easy task to- make your habits other
than they already are. (2) We may
not change the laws and conditions of
the material world. On these we base
all our calculations, we sow and plant
in hope and reap in due time. (3) 1t
is another fixed condition of our living
that we must company with other men
and women, and it is also fixed, un-
alterable fat of our cOnsciences that
with us. We should live and let live.
(4) 1t is matter of gratitude that the
outline and plan of our characters is
fixed for us. We do not begin life
rightly, do not find ourselves at home
in the world truly until we recognize
the fact that our lives are a part of
Gods great plan and put ourselves in
accord with it. (5) One more thing is
fixed for us, so unalterably that we
cannot change it, and SO attractive in
itself that when we come to know it
we would not change or exchange it.
This is the ideal character,-Christ.
In conclusion Mr.. Fuller, addressing
the class directly, said, that with all
that is thus fixed it must not be forgot
ten that with change of place and
work, with new objects of interest and
new cOmpaniOnships, there will be
new exigencies, and so need of new ap
plicatiOns of the principles already
learned. W You will decide wisely or
not, according as you apply or neglect
the principles and methods which yOur
instructors here in this academy have
faithfully endeavOred to commend to
you both by precept and example. (2)
Avail yourselves of the benefits of the
experience of those older and wiser
than yourselves. (3) Remember that
as you have had much wisely settled
and provided for you, so you are to fix
some things not only for yourselves
but for others. We use or misuse the
opportunities which are given US, but
in so doing we enlarge or restrict the
opportunities and blessings which shall
go to those who follow us. (4) Final
ly, among things permissible to you,
among things that are true, honest,
just, lovely and of good report, choose
the best-the best for you.