JOACHIM ELMENDOKF. 21 



difficulties, a compromise of principle, a violation of 

 pledges and an abuse of our trust. 



The work of literary investigation and discussion is 

 accessible to a larger number of our members, than is 

 that of the scientific and art departments. It is easier 

 to discuss, in a general way, literary topics, than those 

 of science or art, because a superficial knowledge of the 

 former is more easily obtained and goes farther in talk, 

 than does a smattering of the latter. Nevertheless, in 

 that of literature, as in the other departments, William 

 Wirt's oft-quoted words will be found true : kk there is 

 no excellence without great labor." Careful preparation 

 only, will enable one to do justice to his subject or to 

 himself. Abundant scope is given for the exercise of 

 every mental quality in extemporaneous expression of 

 the thoughts kindled on the occasion, but the brightest 

 and warmest flashings of such, shall be of fuel gathered 

 before and stored in the mind. Not mental diversion for 

 the sake of a passing gratification, but real intellectual 

 refreshment, invigoration and growth, must be the aim 

 and result of our meetings, or they will fall below the 

 published and proper standard of our Institute. The 

 preparations have been too costly, the professions too 

 exalted, the possibilities are too grand, to permit without 

 reproach, its descent to the level of the ordinary debat- 

 ing club. In order to secure thoroughness of work, per- 

 manence of results and the avoidance of common-place, 

 thoughtful ones of our number have already anticipated 

 the need of carefully prearranged subjects, which will 

 demand lengthened, continuous study, and secure con. 

 nected discussions. Whatever the precise methods may 

 be which, from time to time shall be adopted, it is cer- 

 tain that Vassar Brothers Institute can fulfill its mission, 

 only in the measure that its members shall give it their 

 faithful, pains-taking, persistent, united labors. 



Moreover, in order to its continuous progress, the pro- 



