The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-07-06

sentiments. is curse; for it transforms
man into something more than brute.
AS of old, let wisdom be pursued for it's
own sake, and not for show, for glory or
for applause. And now, as / speak to
you this day. hear voice from the
E ist. sounding the tocsin of alarm. The
edict has gone forth that the barbarism
of certain college games must be elimin-
ated. Harvard. the center Of our college
system, commands halt. The reports
OF her president breathe spirit Of re-
form. For the sake of sound learning it
is to be hoped that this spirit of reform
may pervade all our colleges. Let the
show and glitter that are so fascinating
to some. pass away. God forbid that the
time shall ever come when the future
scholar shall be obliged to get his in
struction outside Of college walls.
My young friends, 1 do not stand here
today to bestow upon you fulsome
praise; but stand here, rather. to speak
a parting word Of encouragement. You
have finished the course prescribed by
the authorities of this University. You
have been faithful in the work assigned
you, and you have kept steadily before
you the golden prize that comes to every
conscientious scholar. The pomp and
the glory that 30 easily beguile the
careless and.the purposeless,- eclat
that comes of victories that at last will
prove to be defeats. Shave had no power
over you. You have met Greek and Ro-
man on the arena where scholars are
wont to meet, and have conquered. The
rewards of victory are yours. Soon you
will return in triumph to your homes
and receive the plaudits of your many
friends. Well done!
But what of the future? What vision
so keen shall penetrate it? What proph-
ct or seer shall unroll the scroll and read
your destiny? What power shall lift
the curtain that you may see the Play of
Life. its varied scenes, in all their real
ity? Who shall bring you to see what is
to be? All. the secrets of your lives are
with the Almighty One, the Giver and
Sustainer of every human soul. With
him is the destiny of mortals, and moth
ing shall be revealed before the time
comes.
"Oh, blindness to the future. kindly given.
That such may fill the circle marked by heaven.
Who sees with equal eve as God of all
A hero perish or a sparrow fall"
i fancy that you stand today on the
shores Of an unknown sea and that you
are about to launch your barks for the
voyage of life. No billowss no whitecaps
ruffie the CLASSY surface, and the peace
full scene portends pleasant voyage.
Not cloud appears in the sky of your
hopes, and expectation stands on tiptoe.
But beyond the ken of mortal vision, it
may be, the storms are raging, the sea is
lashed into fury, and billow follows bill
low, mountain high. ready to engulf the
stoutest bark. The lightnings play, the
thunders roll, and the threatening clouds
lower. But fear not, for the storm shall
quickly pass away, and all shall be calm
again. Put your trust in God, the ruler
of storm and tempest. and the anchor Of
your hopes. An overruling Providence
will shield you with his right arm and
bring you at last into haven Of rest.
Go forth. then, my young friends. with
manly courage. Be brave in the work of
life. Much has been given you and
much will be required. Strive to do
good and benefit the world. Help the
unfortunate, support the weak. raise up
the fallen and degraded. Snatch from
the maelstrom of wickedness and despair
the wretch that is about to perish. Re-
member that living for others is living
for yourselves. Remember, too, that he
that saves soul from death shall wear
an everlasting crown.
Finally,do not forget your Alma Mater.
She has done for you what she could.
Her faculty have been untiring in your
conscientiously for your welfare. They
have striven to lead you into the broad
fields OF learning and truth that you
might be beacon-lights to the generation
that shall come after US. And now, as
you shall leave these college halls. en-
deared to many heart by thousand
tender ties. and as you shall go forth to
engage in the actual and responsible
duties of life, you shall have our prayers
for your success. our tears for your sor-
rows, our peans of Joy for every battle Of
life. nobly won.
Farewell. and may the loving Father
of all lead you by his right hand and
keep you from all harm, until you shall
reach the heavenly land where there is
Joy forevermore. Farewell. and FAREWELL
REPENTANCE, FORGIVENESS, SAL