Collegiate Speech

Note: No actual title was found for this speech.

Page 1:

Gentlemen: This day closed your collegiate life. For a series of years, you have been engaged in the fourfold object, of treasuring up material in the storehouse of memory; of enlarging, disciplining and refining the powers of the mind; of becoming acquainted with your own capabilities; and of learning how you may employ your native endowments and what you have acquired, with the best effect, upon the circle into which you may hereafter in the providence of God be thrown.

The past has fled at a rapid pace. But yesterday, seemingly, you commenced a regular course of study. When, however, at some future day, you look over the period intervening between this hour and that to which you will then have arrived, time will appear to have increased in the rapidity of its flight. And should you remain in this world, until age shall furrow your brow, you will be more and more impressed with the thought, that life is but a span; and that the figure, which represents our existence here as flying with the speed of the arrow, is an expression full of force and truth.

To detain you now with repeating the maxims, which those having charge of your education have often endeavored to impress upon the mind, would be inexpedient. Neither the time nor the occasion will justify the exhibition of such a minute detail of principles, as would be desirable so that no really important point be overlooked, and as would be necessary to approach even to the borders of doing justice to such a laborious and responsible effort.

Instead of such an attempt, let me fasten in your minds the thought and awaken the purpose, to aim at excellence in every worthy pursuit in which you are called upon to engage.

No obligation exists, binding us to enter upon any but worthy pursuits. …

Page 2:

on the other hand, such is the brevity of life, and such in this stage of our being the imperfect development of our powers, that it is evident we are not bound to attempt every enterprise which may be in itself commendable. Even if it were granted, that in a crude state of society a man, gifted with extraordinary genius, ought to aim at an almost universal range of pursuits; still, this concession would furnish an argument for such an attempt on the part of those whose lot is cast in the midst of an advanced stage of civilization, where division of labor is recognized, and where the boundaries of the different callings and professions are distinctly delineated. Some definite and worthy pursuit ought to be chosen by every individual.

But what is worth doing, is worth an effort to do as well. The aim for excellence should be entertained, whether the object is reached or missed. By this course, your progress at first may appear slow; yet, you will be acquiring, almost insensibly, the facility for more rapid advances; while, at the same time, a nearer approach will be made toward the desirable acquisition.

Excellence in our employments is never obtained by mere wishes. It never falls from heaven, by chance, upon the indolent. It is never found, in some listless hour, gushing from a source, where no toil has been expended, and where the rock has not been smitten by many an earnest blow. It never comes forth, in a moment, full grown, from the head or the hands of mortals.

The capability for acquiring this quality, it is admitted, must be possessed. But the capability alone will no more secure the prize, than Samson could have borne away the gates of Gaza, while reposing in the lap of Delilah; or Hercules have accomplished any of his exploits, while indulging himself in indolence. Excellence can be gained only by travelling one road. That road winds up the steep hill of constant effort. Effort is to be put forth, until the habit of performing what we have in our view is acquired. And the habit secured,

Page 3:

the aim should be, to make every performance as perfect as possible. While Euripides was composing three lines, a contemporary poet manufactured three hundred. The latter found readers for a day. The former has had admirers during twenty-three centuries.

That no mortal has ever yet obtained absolute excellence, instead of being a source of discouragement, is, when properly viewed, an exhilarating stimulus. If mechanical skill has not reached its finest models; nor music, its highest melody; nor sculpture, its grandest attitudes; nor painting, its richest coloring and most expressive exhibitions; nor poesy, its most beautiful and lofty strains; nor medicine, its deepest researches and best adaptations, nor law, its perfection as a science; nor the pulpit, its most powerful array of motives, pouring forth with burning, astounding, moving energy from three worlds; - then, by the two-fold influence of excellence already attained, and that not yet acquired, are we exhorted to “hope on, hope ever;” to aim high, and aim always; to strive for the mastery, and strive incessantly, undismayed, and with vigor. All the noble impulses of our nature combine their strength, as in one radiant focus of influence, and urge us to make advance. Our powers were not given to be dormant; nor bestowed, where are harvest fields on every side, that they might be satisfied with a dull, feeble, almost imperceptible effort, to gather its rich productions. As one of the sisters of this confederacy has pressed forward and onward in wealth, intelligence and refinement, under her expressive motto, “Excelsior;” so may the individuals scattered over this wide country, each in his different sphere, adopt as his purpose, “Excelsior,” higher, and pant after as well as attain much, at least, of the object of his desire.

Page 4:

While it is believed, that some definite pursuit of life should be chosen; yet this choice should be consistent with our obligations to our country and our Maker. And as these are not  necessarily in opposition, but may be followed in harmony with each other, the aim after excellence should be entertained with respect to the whole excellence in our daily employment, excellence in our patriotism, excellence in our piety.

As to the profession or line of business to be followed, each of you, aided by the best advice which can be obtained, must determine for himself. The passing remarks, however, may be allowed, that in deciding this important matter, you should, 1. consider well your capabilities both of body and mind; 2. what would be congenial with your disposition, so that your daily engagements hereafter may not be a drudgery instead of a pleasure; 3. the demands for adventurers in any particular department, to which your inclinations may be directing you; and 4. the prospect of being useful in your day in that employment which you feel disposed to choose.

The regular course of study, prescribed by the literary institutions of our country, is intended to be a common channel; upon which all, enjoying their advantages, may profitably propel their bank. Arriving at the point, which you have this day reached, numerous arms of this ocean present themselves. Each is then to choose, if this has not been already done, upon which of these streams, now opening before his view, he will navigate for life. And if the opportunities presented, while advancing upon this common channel, have been properly improved, the navigator will have been much aided for the voyage upon either of these outlets bearing him onward during the remainder of his days.

A well-disciplined and enlarged mind is of immense importance, whatever may be our calling. To neglect this acquisition because the pursuit chosen may in a certain manner be followed without it, is more inconsistent

Page 5:

than for an officer to lead his forces into an engagement, without any preparatory drilling; because, forsooth, his men were enlisted to fight, not to be drilled. In a sudden invasion, proper discipline may be impossible. But what man, deserving to command his countrymen while the had threatened vengeance, would, if the act were possible, neglect that training which would qualify them for far greater execution in the time of trial? In the same ratio, therefore, that the mental powers surpass the physical, ought their discipline to be appreciated, and if possible, effected.

But, be the honorable pursuit, which you select, what it may, let your aim be high. In nothing depending upon man has perfection yet been reached. You are not urged to cherish an envious ambition; nor the spirit, that would tarnish others’ fair name; nor a wish,, to keep another from advancing improvement. The exhortation is based upon duty to yourselves, the employment worthy of a responsible being’s attention, and the obligations due to our fellow-creatures and our Creator. Is it right to be a sluggard? to be low in the scale, if we may stand high? to neglect to improve our powers to the utmost? Therefore, aim high in what deserves the employment of your time and energies; bend your strength fully and wisely after the acquisition; and rest not, if life continues, until you have attained an exalted point of excellence.

As citizens, this same object of an elevated standing ought to be kept in view. In every nation, be it ever so barbarous or oppressive, there are grades as to the manner in which the duties of citizenship  are performed. This government, it is thought, presents an opportunity for a higher order of the moral sublime, in the character of its citizens, than any other on the face of the earth.

If  there be a human bosom, in which there exists no love of country, that bosom is sadly deficient. Should it have other chords, capable of giving forth enchanting and ennobling strains, still it lacks one of the most important, powerful, and salutary, that can be possessed. Like some exquisite workmanship

Page 6:

of an Apelles’ skill, left destitute of some prominent feature; it would present a repulsive void, for which its other beauties could not compensate; a blemish, that would offensively haunt the memory at every recollection of the object.

“Breathes there a man with soul so dead,

Who never to himself hath said,

“This is my own, my native land?”

* * * * * * * *

The wretch, concentered all in self,

Living, shall forfeit fair renown;

And doubly dying, shall go down

To the vile dust from whence he sprung,

Unwept, unhonored, and unsung.”

True patriotism has ever been admired. The minstrel’s strain has celebrated its praises. The historian has recorded its existence with approbation. The statesman, pronouncing its eulogium, has been stimulated to plan for its wants and to encourage its growth. And even the haughty tyrant, with his foot upon the victim’s neck, and his spear within the sufferer’s heart, has been compelled to do homage to the spirit that preferred death to an oppressor’s yoke, a grave upon the green sod and the wild winds for a requiem rather than life at the expense of the nation’s liberty and the nation’s honor.

But, not on the battle field alone may we show our love of country. The discharge of civil duties, though unattended with the impulses of the war-cry and the excitement of conflicting hosts, presents a wide and inviting field for the exhibition of our patriotism. Whether exalted to stations of honor, or pursuing the calm track of private life; in either case, the wreath conferred for noble, praiseworthy, patriotic citizenship is attainable. By avoiding practice tending to undermine the foundations of the government; by acknowledging the supremacy of righteous laws; by patient endurance, if any enactments are deemed unwise and injurious, until in the proper manner they are repealed; by establishing and sustaining

Page 7:

institutions and measures adopted to benefit the community; by a correct …; and by the incubation of virtuous principles; - in all these ways may be seen the path of excellence as citizens. And next, in commendation to a life of sincere, humble and ardent piety, is the conduct of the man, whose course is such, that when life is over and the slab or monument is raised above his grave, there may be truly inscribed as his memorial, “Here lies the friend of his country.”

In piety, also, a high attainment should be kept before the mind. This involves intelligence in religious things, correct feeling, and right practice. If it be proper to acquire muscular strength and activity; or if it be suitable to give vigour to, and furnish material for, the mental powers; it is, at least, as appropriate to attend to the moral and spiritual part of our nature. Were life the whole period of our existence; and man constituted as he now is, his immortality alone excepted; he would owe to his Maker and himself an attempt to cultivate his religious capabilities. But how imperative becomes the obligation, when an everlasting state of being enforces the claim; every moment which demands, with the sanctions of the Infinite Being adding their weight to the myriad-mouthed requisition, that man should live in accordance with his high endowments, and qualify himself for an exalted condition of existence.

No firm and intelligent believer in the truth of revelation need be ashamed to advocate the cause of piety; nor be dismayed, when its claims are judiciously presented. By the Bible true or false, it is an invaluable book. If, however, it is what it proposes to be, it is inconsistent to neglect it, withhold ourselves decidedly and perseveringly from its influence. But apparently, the reign of infidelity is fast passing away. The evidence in favor … inspiration stands forth in such multiform, imposing, and unanswera…

Page 8:

…des, that men are rapidly giving it the homage of their intellect, even where they refuse the surrender of the heart. What once seemed its advocates stood through their faith, they now find themselves sustained by sight. The earth itself, as geology unfolds its lessons, gives her willing and long-desired tribute, as testimony that the God of nature and revelation is the same; that the Bible is in harmony with truth; that real piety, instead of being deceptive superstition, is a duty, which man owes not only to himself, but also to his creator.

Excellence in this matter is commendable, beneficial, and, by the aid of Heaven, attainable. How salutary to society! How sustaining to the individual enduring the unavoidable ills and trials of passing events! How fragrant to survivors the memory of the truly good man’s life! And in this connection, how appropriate is the language, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Urging these considerations upon your attention, we separate. Great will be the gratification afforded, when hereafter we hear of the excellence of your attainments in the chosen pursuit of life, in your citizenship, and in your piety. Your relation to us, as students, is dissolved. The boisterous sea is before you. Many are the wecks on every side. Under God, the future depends upon yourselves. Bright as the scene may now appear, be prepared for delusion and trials. Fill up wisely the hours of your probation.

Sincerely beseeching our common Father to guard, guide, console, and relieve you, I bid you an affectionate farewell!