New-York tribune., 1894-06-25
THE GUIDANCE OF THE STAR.
DIR. BOOTHS BACCALAUREATE SERMON
AT UNION COLLEGE.
LESSONS TO BE DRAWN FROM GODS WAY OF
LEADING THE WISE MEN 10 BETHLEHEM
ELOQUENT WORDS OF ADVICE
To GRAD1-ATFS
TO THE GRADUATES.

Schenectady. ~ y June p (SpeciaD.-The bac-
calaureate sermon before the graduating class Of
Union College was preached this evening In the
First Presbyterian Church by the Rev Dr. Henry
NJ. Booth president Of Auburn Theological SEM
mary The senior class were present in cap and
gown. and the large church was crowded by the
students. alumni and friends Of the college. DR.
Booth took as his text ST. Matthew, x 9: And 10.
the star which they saw in the East went before
them till It came and stood over where the young
Chnd was" He said in part:
There are sermons in stones and parables in stars
God employs many teachers In HIS c.assrooms ,he
textbooks are numerous. The earth has voice that
is audible when the has been made sensitive by
whose music may be the gentle lullaby Of nursery
song. the Wild piercing shrieks OF anger ana
thus as we read the narrative Of the evangelist
that tells of the star of the wise men OF Beth-
lehem and of the young Child. we nave NO aiHl- i
in the East was starting lhtla,iol M N 10 b we
wise men that God had something to say TO them.
Second-The star which went before them was
the guide Of the wise men, as they eNchahsed them
ancestral beliefs for simple faith In the dlVlne
OF the star. the wise men were exchanging the
old for the new the familiar for the strange, the
We're severng their connection with venerable
centuries to form an alliance WIN yUuns Ratb mu
| lehem Thus they exhibit the control OF fath. as
| well as It's recompense Their faith responded to
Third-The star which went before them TIL it
came and stood over where the young child was be-
| came 10 the wise men an authoritative declaration
that God has appointed limit beyond which II *
nonld only learn this lesson of the star But alas,
We are seldom willing TO stop when we haye found
Christ We push our injuries beyond Him until
We become embarrassed and sceptcal Even In the
departments of natural science He Is discreet and
We may then inqu.re. 70 You see the sta star ana
| And finally, do YOU obey the star and now Ihem
let US offer did the wise men. our gold IN rec
to His perfect humanity. and our frankincense IN
reverent acknowledgment that worship Is his
due. because he Is the Son of God ., -
Gentlemen of the graduating c'ass Of Union Cox
lege: In response to The very courteous inynat ~
| II is my privilege 70 address you, as YOU are cosnS
your academic year. ! am grateful for me h9nor
| me- into association with the nob.e men VINO have
made this co-ege uiustrious IN ,he amp ana On Gi.
art ana in literature; and for the opportunity that
: itan ministry. who know him well. and love him
truly he is known expect from the adin!n!stration
OF Dr. Raymond IN the presidency oi n'on CO,
services Of a pastor have been secuIeI "hysr uraii
is mature and disciplined. and whose heart is ST.
fresh and youthful, whose interest IN lie ana IL.
pursuits IS keen, whose thought wh3S" SyinPaong
! and whose ambition are Christian. He mas seen
marger Of Be'hiehem, In hm YOU nave i piec.i &C..
and examPe the nun as i IS IN J.snS Anl ,. f,l
To u,'F honor him. TO obey him and love him. they
viii be the first company Of young men ~ho have
mira,ion ana affection. As he Is known hcre
am that he VII BE- apprecated May Goa
}.
| ! also prize the opportunity. gentlemen, of ciihs
your attention 10 ne lesson of IN" -''t y"i-
are trained r. elects The great problems ~ iHl'
century and Of the n.Xt 90 be- affected n} your
thoughts The world is entering upon ne" era
Clc,r and wise and bene0cent thinking j. q ptmnhi
Gods call Is evident. Toe star is above ihe h'rl| ID
| Bethlehem - on the map Christianity Will d7r''
it, p1,v.r Socia. NE mus be made christian, an
SO mus, government and 80 mus commerce. A'-
50 must religion. II not, then IN" d~ilg"- -,
The Sage Of Concord once stirred me a%prh'I""
OF Young men by the quaint advice liltch you
wagon 10 a star" \ wiser man 'han Mr. Emerson
and one whose services place him IN IN" iiot fdlF
of statesmen ana c.pators. an non'Itl az mn
OF Union College. stood up in the Senate hhtlb.
OF the United States. when slavery was WEiht, =
establish false principles by votes and majorlues
ana calmly said. There II h!gher ~ man 9"
Constitution" Mr. Seward was right H. had seri
the star that conducts 20 bethlehem. ~" ,Y"ui'
| child had taught him that freedom should De IN
Dirthrght Of all mankind -
! o. We and DO likewise BE Responsive 20 Goa, an
learn Of Jesus Christ. There In His lowllness. ih
son OF the Highest rebuk"s pride ana "n9"n.,r
service nere IN HIS patience. the dgn.iy "i s,,'
mission is beautifully illustrated. There IN ~,
fortfude the highest courag" IS granllr ciypaf'
forciby presented. can ask for more Nh'
| does not feel the upward pressure or such con
| straint? , a.
Stoop. then 10 the poor. the neglected. and IN
! despised that you may 1T them up Jesus Chr'
did Defend the weak and the oppressed WIN w
Make life sweet and pure and holy by your pt rs
ence. Jesus Christ dld Leave the word Whci
your work is finished with some Of your personn
A possession Jesus thIl-l nl ! l''
and will ind a cordial welcome In the Chufch ]
the State and throughout the world where men al
waiting, even uncOnsciOusy. for
nobler modes ~ lne