6

[1820]
My audience. The subject to which I propose to call your attention
as most suited to the present occasion is the importance of a collegiate
life.

The subject to which I would respectfully solicit
the attention of my audience, as most suited to the present occasion is
the importance of a collegiate life.

And in the consideration of this subject the peculiar importance
of this period of life first strikes us as particularly intereting.
When we pass from the tenderness of childhood, so great is the trans-
ition that we seem almost to leave ourselves behind and to enter up-
on a new mode of existence. The innocent amusements that en-
gaged our earlier years, are now spurned with contempt; the pas-
sions assume their empire; the heart beats high; the frame expands
and a new train of objects and of pleasures engross our minds and ab-
sorbe our hearts. The plant; which, while it was putting forth its tender
buds and unfolding its green leaves, afforded no certain marks by which
to identiy its name and fix its character; is now beginning to bloom
and every rolling sun discloses in rapid succession the nature which it bears
and the fruits which it promises. Hence sages of every clime have enlarged
on the importance of the season of youth and bid us look at the morn-
ing sun to see whether the meridien would be cloudy or bright and
whether the evening would be tempestuous or serene.

The season of youth, so interesting in every situation is invested
with new and momentous importance when considered in rela-
tion to a Collegiate life.

Why is it? Why is a collegiate life of such vast importance? The
many great and noble opportunities it affords for the cultivation
and improvement both of the understanding and the heart
cannot fail to suggest a suitable answer to this inquiry. What
does the student stand in need of for the improvement of his intel-
lect that is not supplied here in his collegiate course? Buildings