508 
JEROME RUCK. 
that calling, believe them thereby to be belittled, or that your 
yourselves, failing that belief, are unfit for your profession. Re¬ 
member your profession is esteemed by some as the noblest of 
human avocations, and in its ranks have flourished some of the 
greatest ornaments of physical and moral science. You must 
regard it not only as a noble but a liberal profession, and feel and 
act as if all those who enter honorably within its pale belong to 
the brotherhood. With the ancients, the fabulous Apollo was 
not only the god of physic but of poetry and eloquence. 
We all have our parts allotted in that single though apparently 
shifting scene of the great drama of time, in which we appear, 
walk or strut our brief hour, and then retire. It may be humil¬ 
iating to our pride to acknowledge it, but it is true that of every 
thousand educated men the memory of 999 survives not the gen¬ 
eration in which they live, beyond the circle of their own families 
or descendants. It ought not, however, to discourage us. The 
duty of every being possessed of reason and conscience is to im¬ 
prove the opportunities he may enjoy, in preparation for the 
responsibilities he may be called on to assume and bear. It is 
only thus he can hope to possess the contentment which flows from 
a conscience at peace with itself. It is thus only he can be as¬ 
sured that he can and will fill the measure of usefulness to his 
family, his country and mankind, which is the true aim of an 
honorable ambition. Your profession demands the heart of him 
who would succeed in it. He who does not love it and is not 
earnest in the pursuit- had better abandon it. The highest stan¬ 
dard of professional attainment must be his aim, and no means 
are to be despised which can aid in the accomplishment of that 
purpose. Do not exclaim with the gay-hearted Grecian, “ drink 
to-day, for to-morrow we are not.” Do not float down the current 
smiling if you can, silent if you must. Away from the dream of 
the heath-bells, soaring up to the sun. The keys of knowledge 
are in your hands, the portals of the temple are open to you. Go 
on in the utter and unpitying sacrifice of self. Follow His foot¬ 
steps, and reflect His beauty, and attain His blessing who went 
about doing good. Go on, and let your achievements in veterinary 
science add a new kingdom to the realms of charity, civilization 
and Christianity. 
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