Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1904-06-14
The Baccalaureate Sermon.


graduating class of Paris High School
was given at the Universalist church
Sunday at the regular hour of service,
2 80 p. NJ, by the pastor, Rev, j. FL.
Little. The church, vestry and ladies'
parlor, which were all thrown open,
were filled to their full seating capacity.
The class, fourteen in number, marched
in marshaled by Ray Chapman, and took
the seats reserved for them in front.
Mr.. Little spoke from two texts:
ThesS. 5:21: prove all things; hold
fast that which is good" John S:32
"And We shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free" From these
texts he spoke in substance somewhat as
follows:
Students of the class of 1904, as you 60
out from this school, some of you to
higher studies, some to the active duties
of life, have this common word for
you: The equipment you have received
here is simply that which prepares you
for life's duties. In performing those
duties, it is to be presumed that you
have an ideal. Never lose sight of it.
But if it proves false or imperfect, then
change your allegiance to higher.
In seeking fuller conception of your
ideal, keep in mind our second text,
And We shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free" Seek truth.
Some truths may be fully grasped.
Others will unfold before you as you
advance. When you know as you are
known, all the mysteries of the unknown
shall be revealed to you, and you will re-
joice in having held to the search. Seek
persistently-to the end of time-tO the
end of your soul-existence.
Our text is true, because if the truths
are fully grasped, they will make us
free-free from fear and narrowneSs.
Ii you know all the truth, you will say
to all who may oppose you, whether as
doubling friends or bitter enemies, IL
know it. Nothing can overthrow it,"
And as you progress, you will learn that
all truths are related and connected
parts of one harmonious whole.
All this will call for certain qualities
First, courage. In seeking the best
things you will find yourself above the
masses. Because all are not seeking
high ideals, others will oppose you
some gently, as friends, some bitterly
Ii will try your soul, and test courage
such as the soldier should have. Guilt
waite that courage. In the end you will
overcome the opposition. Noble men
and women the world over appreciate
moral courage, even in mistaken cause,
and will give you the credit that is due.
With courage, patience. Gen. Grants
course at Vicksburg and before Rich
mond, bound to Eight it out on this line,
if it takes all summer" is one of the
finest examples of that patience which
the soldier should combine with courage
"a patience which astonished the world
Inch by inch, foot by foot, he pressed
forward, and won. Without patience,
your courage, impelling to rashness,
NAV even be source of defeat.
Have faith in others. l might say,
faith in yourself and in Others. Not
egotism, but just appreciation Of your
own abilities. Have faith in Others too.
There is good in them, even in those
who oppose you, and possibilities OF
good in every man.
Have faith in God. To attain your
greatest victory, you must hold fast to
the hand of the Infinite who placed us
here. Study the lives of the leaders of
the world, and you will find that the
greatest and best of them were those
who reached up in sublime faith, and
seemed 10 touch the Infinite and Eter'
nal. Abraham Lincoln's early life was
under rough conditions, and he made
little profession of any special degree OF
faith. Yet in the story of his life We
learn of his steadfast faith which
throughout all his years of several trial
kept him in touch with the Infinite
Especially is this faith needed by a
young man whose way lies, as some
seem to do, along the path of continu
GUS prosperity. Such man is in par
ticuIarly dangerous situation, because in
his prosperity he is likely TO regard him
self as the source of all his prosperity
and forget God.
Ever hold and cultivate reverent
spirit. 1t is not only churches ant
cathedrals and holy vessels that are
sacred. Everything is sacred. Life is q
sacred gift. Every day has sacred op
portunities. If we realize this sacred
ness, life will develop like beautiful
plant carefully tended.
Have a church home. Become affiliat
ed with that church whose faith is near
est yours. 1t will be strength TO you
1t will help you to realize the sacrednes
of daily life. 1t will help you when yo'
90 away from home, among stranger
and into temptations. 1t will help t
strengthen your faith in God and Il
humanity.