Page:M F Maury address before the Philodemic Society.pdf/9



It has often been remarked, that the most sublime moral spectacle which the world affords, is an honest man struggling with adversity. But to me, the most beautiful is that which we here have before us—a band of generous youth, full of gay dreams, and bright hopes, just ready to launch out upon the world; their untried barques freighted with college treasures, many noble resolves, and high aspirations.

The business of life, the world and its ways, are to them like an unknown island to the mariner in the midst of the ocean—beautiful in the distance, rich with verdure and enchanting to the imagination, but surrounded with shoals he knows not where, and peopled with inhabitants he knows not whom. The prudent sailor, after he has passed, like my young friends here, the difficulties of the first approach, proceeds to land with the utmost caution. Dreading nothing so much as the snares which may be laid for him in treachery or deceit, he goes armed; but his arms are only for defence. Firm of purpose, unjust to none, true to himself, he is resolved to follow the line of his duty. If difficulty and danger beset in such a path, he faulters not, but meets them with a will.

Whenever and wherever I meet a youth just starting out upon this sea of life, my heart instantly warms towards him. I always feel a desire to come within hail, to run alongside and speak him kindly; to mark down upon his unbeaten chart, those shoals and quicksands, sunken rocks, and hidden dangers, which experience has taught me are in his course.

Cherish a taste for the pursuits of science; it so chastens the mind, and ennobles the man. The age teems