86 
ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATES OP THE 
so gradual in their production; as in heavy bodies, the vis 
inertia* is greater which controls them ; yet by comparison 
they become apparent, and revolutions in public feeling, 
in government, in the arts, in science, and in literature, are 
steady and unceasing. In a land like that in which we 
dwell, among a people constituted as our own, fixedness 
of thought and action is not to be expected, transition is 
every where in operation. Augmentation in power, in re- 
sources, in intelligence, in influence is rapidly progressing ; 
and full maturity cannot be attained, until the elements 
that serve to nourish enterprise, have been all developed. 
To the young and enthusiastic, positive as are the advan- 
tages of such a state, yet numerous are the difficulties and 
dangers. Eagerness for advancement, miscalculation of 
measures for its attainment, imprudence in the adoption of 
such as are uncertain, and improvidence in the expendi- 
ture of means which should have been most carefully hus- 
banded, have been the causes of many a failure. Modera- 
tion, caution, self-control, and forethought, are qualities ab- 
solutely essential. I wish not to be misinterpreted, however. 
I am the advocate of no timid policy, no wavering line of 
conduct; a decided course alone can be successful. I only 
wish earnestly to enjoin discretion, and point to it as a polar 
star, steadily to be kept in view amidst the favourable 
winds and currents of circumstance, by whose aid the des- 
tiny of every human being is determined. 
To you, an extensive field of enterprise is opened. A 
wide-spread country, a growing population, industry, fru- 
gality, and information diffused in every quarter, are espe- 
cially fitted to abet your exertions. You cannot remain in 
supineness and inaction, and claim the apology of want of 
opportunity. All around you is in a state of activity; and 
lost to a sense of propriety or shame must he be, who be- 
comes imbued with no kindred impulses; and still more im- 
becile and worthless he, who cannot appropriate to himself 
some passing chances to advance his fortunes. Your pro- 
