ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS 



1888 



Young Gentlemen of the Graduating Class : — It 

 is not without emotion that I see you here to-day, for there 

 comes vividly back to me the time when, a quarter of a 

 century ago, I too stood, as you are now standing, on the 

 threshold of the great world, looking out on its busy scenes 

 and wondering where my place would be, and what the 

 work I should be called upon to do. I cannot help rejoicing 

 with you in all your glad hopes and aspirations, in your 

 generous enthusiasms and warm-hearted confidence, for in 

 the vigor of your young life everything now seems pos- 

 sible, and the difficult, easy. And yet there is a feeling of 

 sadness blended with it all, for I know that the way will 

 not be one all of ease, and many times you will be tempted 

 in your despair to give up the contest and turn your back 

 upon it. 



What better wish, then, can I offer you than that you 

 should fill your place in life, — fill it so completely that there 

 can be no question about it, — fill it with your might, — 

 fill it in all honesty of heart and sincerity of purpose. Let 

 there be no half-way work about it. If it is worth the doing 

 at all, it is worth the doing well, and the judgment of man- 

 kind will estimate you according to your doing. The world 

 admits no shirks, and the half-in-earnest man receives 

 but half recognition. Put your whole soul in your work, 

 and as sure as day succeeds the night your reward will 



