New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-06-16
JEHIGH UNIVERSITY.
THE PRESIDENT OF TRINITY on PROGRESS
THROUGH CHARACTER.


south Bethlehem, Penn, June Is (specaD.-Thc
Rev. g. williamson smith, d. d., president OF Triny
College Hartford, Conn., preached the baccalaureate
sermon to the graduating Of Lehgh University.
the text Matthew xviii, 49,, " And Jesus came and
spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto Mo
in heaven and in earth.o The following is a synopsis
Of his remarks:
This astounding declaration together with the
command TO proclaim 1t to every creature, opened q
new era in the history Of the world. Only in faith
that the speaker exercised in the heavens the power
which lie claimed could they to whom the command
was given undertake its truth in the earth.
History becomes intelligble only as we recognize
that some power besides individual mans free choice
and purpose is renewing the world on plan marked
and for end reached which Is broader and moro
comprehensive in its results than ANY mans. This
power has advanced the webeing OF the Whole and
Of individuals. 1t would be the work Of lifetime to
recount the changes which have taken place. and trace
each back to its origin Vet II may be permitted On
this occasion, important in the lives OF those who
are going forth into the world which the DIVINE
speaker has redeemed and claims for His own, 10 call
attention to the dominant and directing influence under
which all work must be done, and only in subordina-
ton to which it shall be well done. We speak but
briefly of the state Of the world when the text
uttered In aspect its grandeur is indispensable.
The colossal fabric of empire reared by the hands and
cemented by the blood Of twenty generations, stands
on history's page in proportions OF unexamped ma
jesty. II was the fulncss Of time when the text
was uttered. Mans work was finished But, on the
other hand, the world more in need Of
new Ruler. Human society corrupt to the core
An things says Seneca, full Of iniquity and vice.
Men sought death because their conditions and Gus
toms left them other refuge Thus corruption pene
tlated the deepest springs Of life.
But, after all, 1t would be impossible for us 10
understand that old Roman society. Ii best excites
admiration, but its worst is inconcevable Suffice
it to say 1T was the fulness of time There is
method which deals with the facts Of history by
processes analogous to those which have been applied
with surprising success 10 the phenomena Of tho
physical world and which have there Vindcaed their
accuracy as methods Of research by proving u 10
methods Of discovery. This method Of inquiry. which
employing In other directions, Is valid in this
If we inquire what has done away with the slave
trade abolished the crueles of war; destroyed piracy,
humanzed punishments constructed hospitals elevatei
morality. advanced learning and science and art-n
short has directed and worked with the energies II
the most powerful nations Of to-day, there is but ono
answer Man and the world are controlled by Divine
power When we examine the ancient mind al tho
world over one very remarkable want is apparent in
Ii, true idea of the individuality Ol man. All
adequate conception of him as an independent person
substantial being IN himself, whose life and exist
Individuals AS Integers a. wholes He formed His
Church OF individuals gathered here and there
changes in individual character. Forms Of govern
nent contingent and variable; man IS permanens.
Human conscience and human affections are below
legislation Make them pure and right, and all things
become pure and right The institutions OF men SINK
into things Of little Importance when the sense ot
personal relationship 10 God becomes deep ana absorb
Ing sympathy for man burns with intensity mus
Christianity, dealing with the individual and aiming
at an entire change in the affections and conscience Is
found at the basis OF the great movements OF progress
in human history, and enliSts In it, service all tho
activities OF men. We cannot pursue the history *
tie world through the various changes when nave
resulted In the present order Of things Great causes
are working toward human advancement, but their
Is the influence OF the person ana teachhS *
Lord.
And 50, brethren. the world is different to-day.
We have other aims and other modes of thought aud
action than the men Of old. Materially Intellectually
and morally all different. Politically induStally
and socially, have other eyes and other standards
Of value. They who govern the world today are they
who bow the knee to Christ. He who felt so cN-
duisitely the loneliness Of the Palestine lilies and me
ideals Of beauty and devotion. lie who controlled the
forces of the material world, who hushed the stormy
sea to peace and multiplied the loaves, mas endowed
His peope with power master the secrets oil nature
and employ her ministries in their service, uhtl As
now the u Christian nations and they alone are
making mighty strides In science retaining inc "Wl'
riyen Inheritance OF dominion the eartl-are re
penshng and subdung II; hold IN their lands the
present and future, and command the destlnes oi 'o
world -, 49,,
Here Dr. Smith addressed himself in few bref,
noiuted remarks directly TO the graduates. and closed
in saving Nav lie vOuchsafe you His spirit, accept
your service and bless il 10 the advancement 81 us
glory In this world, and give you the portion OF Ills
elect in the world to Gomez