Year: 1867

ed by Its needs. So richer and vaster
discoveries in mind and matter will be
made to match the worlds wants, when
the fulress OF time shall come.
There Is another natural way which
God has provided. Trial not only re.
vtai' but augmsnts our strength. Our
powers are capable Of indefinite expan-
sions and development under the sharp
tuition of our needs. 1t is the law OF
organic life that completeness Of devel-
opment shall be the fruit Of conflict and
trial, the crown of its victory over 10:
sisting forces. So consumate power In
body, mind, or character is always the
result of successful conflicts with trials
But In the tenderness of divine wisdom
it is ordered that we shall not be tried
beyond that we are able. Plying, but
not sparing, he holds US in the fame We
need, only tempering it, wisely not too
little, mercifully not too much; And 30
it comes, duty never transcends our
power.


Thus it Is God builds US into strength.
The furnace purlfles. The finest temper
is found under the hammer. Our nature
is indolent and God besets US with mer-
ciful compulsions and shrewd tonics Of
necessities, to drive US out Of our refugees
OF ease and contented littleness.


Our day is also our strength This
truth runs side by side with its compile
ment and converse. God gives no power
at random. When power keeps poise,
serving its intent, God ever lovingly
matches 1t with large and noble uses,
giving each day its strength, not only,
but to each strength its day, work for
the capable worker. When we attain
our majority and find our vocation in
heaven, we shall see as we cannot nowl;
why this trial, why our way was often
roughly laid for US in mystery and tears
and how all aloug, this was training
us for what God made US to be In our
manhood above.


The address to the graduating class
followed as the natural application of
the truths presented in the discourse,
was earnest and eloquent, full Of tender
ness, and yet with no attempt at rheto-
rical effect. 1t made deep Impression
l on every one in the vast assembly. 1t
closed as follows ...


"Count largely on the resources Of Ca
pability and development which God has
hidden in you against your time of need.
He has forearmed you in each critical
hour. Hold only strong, brave heart,
and when the duty comes, lay resoluta
hand to 1t, and you shall find strength
unknown before. When heavy laden
and sore perplexed, then-when pressed
by thousand cares, till you seem ready
to faint under the load, in every dark
day OF sorrow and trial, in all the sharp
crisis your life will surely bring, remem-
ber, beseech you, this promise of God,
and cheer your hearts by leaning on His
love. Year by year, as your broader,
deeper life shall roll its heavier burdens
upon you-as you tread the perplexed
and weary path-when hand and head
more, even more seems looming up
ahead in unknown shapes of toll and
grief-believe in this blessed promise,
"As your days, so shall your strength
be-" Only believe and in Christ you can
do all things. At His bidding, step
boldly out on the tossing sea, and fear
not though the storm be wild, and though
the night be black, and though it seem
mere water on which you are called to
tread-plant your feet on it, in the au-
dacity of simple and obedient faith,
and lo water shall be marble beneath
your steps, and out amid the storm and
the darkness, you shall hear him saying
again, and saying to you. at is l, be
not afraid !'