New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-08
LAST TINE IN THE CHAPEL.
CHAPLAIN POSTLETHWAITE TO THE
GRADUATING CADETS.
AN IMPRESSIVE SERVICE IN HISTORICAL
BUILDING-Two HUNDRED MANLY YOUNG


BUILDING-Two HUNDRED MANLY YOUNG
VOICES mako THE RESPONSES.
West Point, June specialJ.-The chapel at West
Point Is an ancient edfce, with stone poFco facing
the cavalry parade ground from the south. The IN.
terror walls are lined with black marble tablets bearing
gilt inscriptions that commemorate the valiant deeds Of
American soldiers, Revolutionary and Mexican cannon
and bulletridc~i battleHags The ceiling Is painted
skyblue. over the altar is the National escutcheon
The front OF the gallery Is draped with red
CLOTH and Just above the TAIL to the right Is the shield
that once bore the Of Benedict Arnold but from
which all but his rank and the date his birth have
since been efaced. 1t Is historical curiosity and
stands as perpetual warning to the cadets who gaze
UPON ii. The chapel packed this morning by Wis.
itors at the post and strangers from Cransons who
had come 10 hear the Rev. william ". Postle-
thwae the post chaplain anf professor Of history at
the Academy, preach to tho graduating Class Of cadets
The young men marched over from the barracks Just
before O'Clock and occupied the body Of the church
Colonel Wilson present in full uniform, and Adju-
tant Carson and many other officers respondent
In glitterng epaulettes and festO0ning loops Of gold
braid. Mrs. Theodore S. Peck, Mrs James Peck, Miss
shattuck, of Burlington, VT Mrs Joseph A. Scranton
and Miss Scranton sat in the pew once occupied by
Lieutenant Winfield Scott and bearing his name on
brass plate at the door. The cholr composed excu-
sively of cadets, sat in the gallery.
and impressive. Cadet Isaac C. jerks, Of Massachu-
sets the possessor Of tenor voice Of singular sweet
ness sang an anthem and In the prayers and re-
sponses 200 manly voices mingled In deep chorus.
The ritual is modification OF the Protestant Epsco-
pal the lltany and communion service being omitted.
The chaplain, in a black gown, delivered an eloquent
and scholarly discourse text that emphasized the
paramount importance Of the "eternal verties.' At
the close he uttered short admonition 10 the gadr.
atm cIac I'm
standing. The chaplain said:
Gentlemen OF the Graduating Class The Apostles words
are most applicable you this occasion Of your
mencemcnt The whole world is open 10 you. All tho
discoveries yet TO be made waiting for you and
every discovery or invention only opens
the way to other inventions and discoveries.
With superior training you have received here
OF you ought distinguish yourselves All OF ought
good impression upon the profession OF tho
soldier so that you will leave It more advanced than
found IT, Your own manhood is battling for higher
expression in YOU The ideal soldier has not yet been
realized. The old Greclan school and the old Roman
yalor the valiant knight and the faithful manatasms.
the modern srategist and the arul tactician have all
contributed quota that IDEAL We have the record
of the skill Of philosophical commander, Epamnondas.
and the tumphs Of the myriadminded julius Caesar and
the Christian courtesy and knighty honor OF Bayad and
Sir Philip Sidney Of the heroic achievements in campaign
and on OF battle OF the great Frederick and the
greater Napoleon and OF the fortltude OF Washington
profession which calls out so many noble traits
OF character as the profession OF Military history
Illuminated all the way through with the most beautiful
examples Of Christian courage and fOttude. They
characters who only command but inspire the most
heroic deeds OF seacrfce. They men OF the puress
lives Of the highest sense honor and Of the
bravery. They who are apprOachable ~ tho
humblest private and yet wisely command the most
willing obedience Of the highest officer. W..o care
for the health and comfort OF their men.
while no detail OF great campaign escapes their
attention The pages of history show US character after
character of men who they make make it with
all It's fearful exacons and sevtes. and yet are always
generous TO their foes merciful prisoners. and
passionate to fallen enemies They who recover
themselves rapidly from the disasters, snatch
victory out Of the jaws of death. They receive victory
with humility and moderation, and accept defeat With
frankness without humiliation. They are men whose
one idea of war gain and maintain lasting peace
Let these be, them your ideals. Build up your char
acter in light and after the example of their ex'
periences.
And now, as your chaplain, allow me one final word
moral and spiritual natures are struggling within
you a higher expression and experience Remember
this world is only academy preparatory TO the LIE
hereafter pass then, through the things that are
temporal that you finally lose not the things that are
eternal So things of this word as viii oest nc
you for the things that in that higher world
So build I'D your characters will best ht them Tor
the armies OF Heaven. So your country and
Government viii best prepare you TO serve the
King OF Kings hereafter, who Is with you In love, 10
sympathy, honor. He is waiting. and holds The place
open your final promotion, when you shall ateF ne
service of the Kingdom OF Heaven forever and ever.