236 ALMA MATER. 



from our literary parent, yet how true the prophecy ! How busy mem- 

 ory loves to revert to those scenes, to bring fresh to the mind the re- 

 miniscences of those halcyon days ! The recollection inspires pleasure 

 mingled with sadness, such as the exile from his native land experiences, 

 when he recalls to his remembrance the springs which slaked his youth- 

 ful thirst, but whose freshness he may never taste again. To what other 

 period do we refer with greater pleasure.'' What impressions are more 

 lasting ? What incidents do we recollect with greater zest, than those 

 which distinguished our collegiate course ? Meet in after-life, where 

 you may, the companions of your early studies, and what a sympathetic 

 feeling is at once established! The remembered facts and occurrences 

 all rush to the mind — the College-roll is before you, and you run over 

 the names in anxious inquisitiveness, with as much facility and accuracy 

 as if answers were still made to its regular calls. The Halls are visited, 

 the entries traversed, the rooms are named, and the occupants mentioned 

 as if they still retained their places. How familiar the sport! How 

 hallowed by delightful associations ! 



While, then, the recollection of College-days is yet fresh in our 

 mind, while the image of its classic halls dwells in our memory, Penn- 

 sylvania College must be dear to us! Her interest should we cherish, 

 for her prosperity should we pray ! Our relation to her as alumni should 

 awaken within our breasts a deep regard for her welfare. A tie, like that 

 which binds the heart of a child to a parent, subsists between us. To 

 this parent are we indebted for our intellectual training during youth, 

 and, in a great measure, to whatever position of society we occupy. If 

 we are qualified to take an honorable station in any of the professions, 

 no small part of our qualification must be ascribed to the faithful and 

 aflectionate culture received within the walls of our Mma Mater. Ev- 

 ery one, who has passed through a course of study in a literary insti- 

 tution, is greatly indebted to that institution, and ought to feel a strong 

 and permanent impression of that debt. That debt we should bear in 

 mind and gratefully acknowledge as long as we live. Recognizing these 

 obligations, and urged by motives of filial regard and gratitude can we 

 not do something for our Jllma mater ^ to strengthen her position, ex- 

 tend her influence, increase her facilities for communicating knowledge, 

 enlarge her means, and advance her interests .^ Can we not in some 

 way testify for her our good will and our deep attachment ? Can we 

 not become her benefactors ? She needs our assistance, our contribu- 

 tions, our sympathies, our prayers. Although regarded as the property 

 of the church, she has as yet received comparatively little patronage 

 from the church. The ajipropriation from the Cominonweallh was 



