THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. tg 



Again, too close application to one pursuit or study is apt to 

 lead one into a narrow groove of intelligence and thought. A book- 

 worm is not a desirable character to imitate. 



To you my colleagues, ofificers and members of this venerable 

 association, who by means of your pursuits, hobbies or fads, have 

 now concealed about your persons such hoards of wisdom, let me 

 urge upon you to be zealous in doing, each your part, in making our 

 meetings interesting during the coming winter, and you will find 

 that the law of compensation will give you a large share in the 

 pleasure which your associates will enjoy. 



To one and all I would say, let us make the coming season one 

 of great enjoyment and brilliant achievements in the fields of litera- 

 ture and science. Let us seek to be worthy imitators of our prede- 

 cessors, the Craigies, Hamiltons, Ormistons, Hurlburts, Raes, or 

 others of the long list of useful men who, all along down the years 

 of the past history of the Hamilton Association have shed lustre on 

 its records. 



What more appropriate than the words of the wise man uttered 

 nearly three thousand years ago : " Happy is the man that findeth 

 wisdom and the man that getteth understanding. She is more 

 precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to 

 be compared unto her. Length of days are in her right hand, and 

 in her left hand are riches and honor. Ller ways are ways of pleas- 

 antness and all her paths are peace. Get wisdom, get understanding. 

 Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom, and with all 

 thy getting get understanding. Exalt her and she shall promote 

 thee. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace, and a 

 crown of glory shall she deliver to thee." 



