The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1903-06-11
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION SERMON

| The annual sermon before the graduating
class of the Belfast High school was deliv-
cred at the Unitarian church Sunday, June
7th, by Rev. Harry Lutz. The pulpit was
decorated with the class flower, the pansy,
and in the class colors, purple and gold A
wreath of pansies hung on the front of the
cross at the rear. A large congregation was
present The members of the class, their
teachers and the Superintendent had seats
reserved for them at the front. The pro-
gram was as follows
| Jubilate Dec, Briggs
Reading "My Symphony" Claiming
Rev. Harry Lutz.
Solo, $50 Can Wait Briggs
Principal Hal r. Eaton.
Responsive reading, Psalms % and "a.
Prayer, Rev Harry Lutz
Solo, Light in Darkness, COWen
Miss Blanche L. Sullivan.
Scripture, Eph. 6; Ps. l19.
Rev. Harry Lutz.
Duet, "Abde with Me- Neven
Miss sullivan and Mr.. Thorndike.
Sermon, "Be Strong,' Rev. Harry Lutz
Psalm of Life, Longtellow
Choir and congregation.
Benediction, Rev. Harry Lutz
Mr. Lutz took his text from the 10th chap
ter of 1St Corinthians, 18th verse: Be strong
The same words were used as the text at
his own High school graduation by Rev
Edward Everett Hale. The graduation
from the High school is not an event to be
lightly treated. 1t is rightly named, com
mencement. as it is but the beginning Of
education and life. Young people will meet
with many disappointments and perplexi-
ties. The world is full of ideals and stand
ards. ! Ou are in great measure depend
ent on your own judgment in your course in
life. The road is only dark and disappont-
ing to those who have not the courage to
meet the trials. The one who is prepared
for it goes on from disappointment to ulti-
mate success. What is it to be strong {?
There must be bodily strength, and the
mind must be trained and disciplined, but
physical and intellectual strength are not
all that go to make up true strength. There
must be character, moral strength. In the
history of the world physical strength first
ruled This was followed by the rule of
intellect, when he who could plan the wiSest
had the greatest power. Now wealth is
powerful. But to achieve wealth is not the
highest human aim Character and moral
ity are powers that over-rule all others.
The physically strong man OvercOmeS his
opponents, the educated man may secure
his ends by tricks, the wealthy man has
the power to rule as he wishes, but if the
moral element is wanting We cannot call
them strong men. These qualities are all
good if rightly used. To be strong consists
in what one is in himself However high
or humble we should aim at the best, and
the world will be the better for our work.
The modern loom stops when a single
thread breaks, and the defect is repaired,
but the loom of life keeps on, each broken
thread leaving a defect in the fabric. Repu-
tation is persons market value, what peo-
pie think of him. Character is whag he
really is, his real worth. DR.. Hale says,
"Never attempt to use your influence Until
you have it." This is an age of specialties,
therefore we should be thorough Hobbies
are all right, but they should not be ridden
too much. We must sometimes get off and
walk. Mr.. Lutz advised the young to at
tend church, to engage in church activities.
He did not give this advice from the stand
point of minister, but because he believed
it to be for the highest good of all. Church
work is means of strength Be happy.
The day of long faces and solemn thoughts
has given place to brighter era. The hap
pier one is the stronger he will be. A hap
py life is far preferabl le to long-faced one
Be the yery best YOU can-be strOng-and
the end crowns the work.