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as by a round of original discussions on themes of varied character, it aims to induce precision and mastery. And all along this line runs and mingles harmoniously and felicitously that great branch of study for which, though often severely assailed because unwisely defended or inadequately pursued, the revised and deliberate judgment of the ablest and wisest men can find no fair substitute-the study of the classic tongues. Grant that it may be, and often is, mechanically or pedantically pursued: yet when rightly prosecuted its benefits are wide, deep, and continuous, more than can be easily set forth; and they range through the whole scale, rising with the gradual expansion of the mind. It comprises subtle distinctions, close analysis, broad generalization, and that balancing of evidence which is the basis of all moral reasoning; it tracks the countless shadings of human thought, and their incarnation in the growths of speech, and seizes in Comparative Philology the universal affinities of the race; it passes in incessant review the stores of the mother tongue; it furnishes the constant clew to the meaning of the vernacular, a basis for the easy study of modern European languages, and a key to the terminology of science and art; it familiarizes intimately with many of the most remarkable monuments of genius and culture; and it imbues with the history, life, and thought which have prompted, shaped, and permeated all that is notable in the intellectual achievements of two thousand years, and binds together the whole Republic of Letters. To such a study as this

we must do honor. We endeavor to add so much of the æsthetic and ethical element throughout as shall give grace and worth. And we crown the whole with some teaching concerning the track of that amazing power that has overmastered all other powers, and stamped its impress on all modern history. The college was given to Christ in its infancy, and the message that comes down through a century to our ears sounds not so much like the voice of a president as of a high priest and prophet - the "burden of Eleazar": "It is my purpose, by the grace of God, to leave nothing undone within my power which is suitable to be done, that this school of the prophets may be and long continue to be a pure fountain. And I do with my whole heart will this my purpose to my successors in the presidency of this seminary, to the latest posterity; and it is my last will, never to be revoked, and to God I commit it; and my only hope and confidence for the execution of it is in Him alone who has already done great things for it, and does still own it as his cause." God has never yet revoked the "last will" of Wheelock. The college is as confessedly a Christian college as in the days of her origin; and in the impending conflict she sails up between the batteries of the enemy with her flag nailed to the mast and her captain lashed to the rigging.

The college stands to-day, in its ideal and the intention of its managers, representative of the best possible training for a noble manhood. And I may venture to say, here and now, that if there be anything known

to be yet lacking to the full attainment of that conception, if anything need to be added to make this, in the fullest sense, the peer of the best college in the land, it will be the endeavor of the Trustees and the Faculty to add that thing.

Dartmouth College is fortunate in many particulars: fortunate in its situation, so picturesque and so quiet, fitted for faithful study, and full of healthful influences, physical and moral; fortunate in being the one ancient and honored as well as honoring college of this Commonwealth; fortunate in enjoying the full sympathy of the people around and the entire confidence of the Christian community of the land; fortunate in the great class of young men who seek her instruction. with their mature characters, simple habits, manly aims, and resolute purposes; fortunate in a laborious Faculty, whose well-earned fame from time to time brings honorable and urgent calls to carry their light to other and wealthier seats of learning; fortunate in her magnificent roll of alumni unsurpassed in its average of good manhood and excellent work, and bright with names of transcendent lustre. The genius of the place bespeaks our reverence and awe: for to the mind's eye this sequestered spot is peopled to overflowing with youthful forms that went forth to all the lands of the earth to do valiantly in the battle of life. Across this quiet green there comes moving again invisibly a majestic procession of the faithful and the strong, laden with labors and with honors. In these seats there can almost be seen to sit once more a hoary and

venerable array of the great and good whose names are recorded on earth and whose home is in heaven. And over us there seems to hover to-day a great cloud of witnessess spirits of the just made perfect. It is good to be here. I only pray that the new arm may not prove too weak to bear the banner in this great procession of the ages.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES.

BACCALAUREATE SERMON, JUNE 23, 1878.

And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.- John 8:46, 24.

IT seems at first quite singular that the elements of

morality and religion should be perpetual themes of disputation. The facts of science, once settled, accumulate as a fund. The skill of one generation is transmitted to another, and every invention becomes a stepping-stone to other inventions. Practically there are no "lost arts." But in the domain of religion first principles even continually have to be settled anew. The storms of controversy, if not the tide of time, wash up on the shore those rudimentary things which have their proper resting place on the ocean floor of life. The process accords, no doubt, with the law of personal obligation. Each human being confronts the great questions of duty for himself. He must meet them in person; he must individually abide the consequences. It is right therefore that he judge and decide for himself. We may not complain of the earnestness or the rigidness of his questioning. Whenever his aim is to know and to do, his inquiry is both legitimate and commendable.

But these questionings may be pushed in a way that is not legitimate. The end may be to deny the truth. and escape obligation. The best judgments of the

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