Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-01-16
COMMENCEMENT
AT THE RANDOLPH STATE NOR.
NAL SCHOOL.
BAccALAuREArE SERMON.

The regular commencement exercises
OF the Normal School at Randolph be-
gan Sunday evening, Jan. 9th, with the
| Baccalaureate sermon delivered before
the graduating class by Rev. j. o. Sher.
burne.
The discourse was a very instructive
one both to the graduates and their
friends: and was listened to with deer
attention.
1t was much regretted by those who
were present, that the unpieasantness OF
the weather detained many at home who
otherwise would have had the pleasure
of listening TO the words Of Mr.. Sher-
burne.
| His theme was taken from the seventh
verse of the first chapter of the Book OF
Joshua: "Only be thou strong and very
courageous, that thou mayest observe to
do according to all the law, which Moses
my servant, commanded thee.''
In an earnest appeal for the true use
of the powers Which God has given to
mankind MIR. Sherburne told how in the
olden time man was honored, even del
fled for great personal powers; it was
pre-emilently an age of physical action,
strength of body ruled the world. The
fiery dragons to be encountered, the mys-
ferrous journeys to be taken each in
their accomplishment demanded a Her
cules.
But is the command ''be thou strong
any less applicable to us in our times
than it was in the days of Joshua? Has
not today the dragon of intemperance
to be met and overcome? Is not the
centaur of RIGHTEOUSNESS still abroad ?
Far up in the scale of human ciyiliza-
ton our country has been elevated,
whether 1t remains there or moves still
higher depends upon the young man
aud young woman of today. Into their
hands devolves the guidance of the fu-
ture Look TO those whose lives are
now useful to their fellow men and
learn that physical endurance is necessa-
ry to life devoted to the interests of
others.
One cannot afford to impair his ner-
vous system by the Incorporate use of
stimulants, or rayage his vitality by
excuses of any kind. Be temperate in
all things. Our time is especially a
time of intellectual development. Men
talactivity has achieved results within a
few years before entirely beyond mans
comprehension. In the future the world
expects something of you. Lose no OPP
portunity in attaining mental culture.
A sound body is the abode of a sound
mind and both are the results of life
consistent to the laws of nature, the
laws of God.
Finally he told them of that better
strength; that strength of soul which
comes alone from God and comes not
only to the strong of mind and body
but to the weak and lowly also. Strength
which is in the reach Of all who live in
such an age. Everything yields to faith
and courage. Darkness will come but
there is light beyond. No life can fail
Of grand success when that life is link
ed to Gods. The greatest conquest is
that of self. 1t takes courage to break
with self and follow God but in our IN
efficiency He will keep us. His spirit
gives strength to those who faint. No
class has gone forth to such world.
His light is dawning everywhere, the
door already opens, beyond the harvest
overfows, God beckons thee. Do thy
duty in his vineyard and | pray that
when thy work is over TO his right hand
be will call thee in his everlasting king
dom.