WEST OXFORD SOCIETY. 203 



this earth, a distinguished personage. The wisdom of the East was 

 placed at his feet. Angels ushered in the advent with their pres- 

 ence, and with the song of pe^ce on earth, and good will to men. 

 A few years, and even he, who claimed a divine mission from heaven, 

 found the death of the vilest on earth ; his friends scattered, and his 

 power apparently gone. Shall we not be allowed to call this the 

 middle period of his history ? Need I tell this enlightened audience 

 that that period was immediately followed by one which ushered in 

 all of civilization and Christianity that has made the world what it 

 is, and what it will be when it shall have completed its glorious 

 mission on earth? 



But I dare not pursue this train of thought any further. Let 

 these illustrations serve to encourage and stimulate you to develope 

 every thing noble in your natures. Stick closely to your farms, 

 gentlemen, whatever you do to-day, do it in such a way as not to be 

 compelled to undo it to-morrow. I know men among you, who, no 

 matter whether they hold a plow, or go on a foreign mission, whether 

 they swing a scythe, or the destinies of the nation, will be found 

 capable of doing their work well. 



There is a tide in the affairs of men, and you can afford to wait 

 until the opportunity shall present itself, when you can be easily 

 borne along on its flow. Aim then at nobility of character. Think, 

 think, think, as well as act in your calling. Let there be a happy 

 combination of all the powers which have been given you in their 

 fullest development, until you shall become a living walking epitaph^ 

 of whom it shall be said, there goes a noble man. 



