Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB

soul lift the mind, so prone to worry, out of the atmosphere where the tempests of passion are found, and place it upon a mountain height overlooking all beneath, and there it breathes the air which gives strength to the higher nature. Thus the highest good which is possible for us to attain is reached, and day by day we grow toward the complete harmony of the sons of God, fulfilling according to our measure the command of Jesus, "Be ye perfect." As the simplest form of animal life is as perfect as the more highly developed, so the complete obedience of him who may be compared to the little child secures the full peace of God, and for the wisest and the most learned God has no greater gift to bestow than "to sit with Him in heavenly places." Persecution and suffering could not separate the pure spirit of Jesus from the peace His Father gave, and near the close of His earthly ministry He comforted His disciples with the promise of that which He had atattained, feeling that this was a possession secure from the world's troubling. When He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you," He taught them that it was not such a peace as the world gives nor as the worldly nature seeks, but a power which should be in them reconciling to all that might befall. Filled with this power Paul says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us." So when persecuting Paul was brought to know the Christ he could triumph in afflictions, and every one to whom this spirit of truth is come can say, like him, "Neither heights nor depths. ... shall be able to separate us from the love of God.” Philadâ., 6th mo., 1883.

For Friends' Intelligencer.

W. H.

day severed their connection as pupils, with the College.

Sitting on the platform with the faculty and managers, were a number of prominent men among whom the Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia was noticed.

The vacant chair of the venerable president of the Board of Managers recalled the great loss the College has sustained since the last Commencement exercises were held, and tended to give unusual solemnity to this otherwise glad and festive occasion.

Edward H. Magill, President of the College, occupied the place of honor. The salutatory address, in Latin, was by Alice W. Jackson, of Wilmington, Delaware, who followed with an oration on "Dickens and the English People," in which the influence of Charles Dickens as a writer, his wonderful power of portraying the life of the lowly, the noble life that passes unnoticed in the by-ways of the nation, and the large-heartedness which enabled him to see the divine in fallen humanity, however degraded, were dwelt upon, as having led to the deliverance of the people from many wrongs, and given his name a place among the benefactors of man.

"America for Americans," was the subject chosen by S. Duffield Mitchell, of West Chester, Pa., who spoke well and thoughtfully of the inheritance of an American, and the responsibility that our free institutions entail of transmitting them to posterity with untarnished glory. The difficult problem of emigration, and the importance of education to the children of the new comers were dwelt upon. The rapid increase of the emancipated slaves, and the communistic ideas brought to our shores from other lands, were cited as affording no pleasant outlook for the future, but no evil has yet arisen, for which a remedy has not been found, the tendency of the government being to check the evil, and utilize the good.

COMMENCEMENT DAY AT SWARTHMORE. The eleventh annual Commencement of Lydia S. Green, of Media, followed in an Swarthmore College was held on Third day interesting and instructive history of the the 26th ult. The heavy shower about the" Influence of the Moors in Europe." We time of starting of the special train from Philadelphia did not appreciably lessen the number of passengers destined for that pleasant locality, who with those that went out on the regular morning train, and the arrivals from other points, crowded the large hall to its utmost capacity.

The decorations were simply festoons of evergreens, tastefully arranged. The class motto on the wall back of the platform, in large letters formed of evergreen, when translated, read, "We learn, not for school, but for life," a motto that promises well for the aspirations of the young people who, on that

have so long been accustomed to look upon the invasion of the Saracens into Spain, as one of the dark pages in medieval history out of which only evil to the church was evolved, that it is well to have the light of modern investigation turned upon its records. The story of the conquest is one of bloodshed, but when they had established a kingdom in the heart of Europe which they held for eight centuries, they founded colleges that became the resorts of students from every other kingdom. Literature, arts and science flourished, and every branch of knowledge was pursued with enthusiasm. When London could not

boast a single street lamp, the city of Cor- | rate of speed and insure safety to travelers— dova was beautifully illuminated.

Florence N. Haines of Woodstown, New Jersey, on "The England of Shakespeare," gave a graphic description of England at the time of Shakespeare's birth, and of the forces that had operated and were then operating to establish Protestantism as the prevailing religion, and develop a middle class in the nation.

George L. Pennock, of Philadelphia, followed with an essay on "Modern Science." The name of Newton was claimed to mark the commencement of a new era in the history of science. The advancements that have been made since his day were brought prominently forward, and compared with the meagre knowledge of the phenomena of nature that then prevailed, even the heavens seem to be brought nearer than they were of old. Much that was cast away as worthless has, through the discoveries of modern research, become exceedingly valuable.

"Word Teaching" was presented by Bertha Matlack, of Camden, New Jersey. Legend and history are bound up in words. A word is sometimes a legend in miniature. Some words have been dragged down from a lofty height, and others have been lifted up. Some nations have no word for thanks, because they have no sense of gratitude. The subject presented many interesting features in the use of words and the study of language, especially our own, was spoken of as offering a rich reward to the student.

[ocr errors]

A short recess at this point gave opportunity for brief exchanges of kindly feeling. The exercises were resumed by Emma Webb, of Philadelphia, to whom the " Classical Oration was assigned. Her subject, "The Roman Catacombs," is one of great interest to the student of early Christian history, and was well presented by the young orator. The great length of these underground galleries, their use as places of worship by the Christian converts during the cruel persecutions waged against them, and as sepulchres where the beloved dead were laid away, the common custom of cremation being abhorrent to the disciples of the new faith, the sweet memorials inscribed by artist and sculptor, to the memory of the departed, were all portrayed, and we listened with attention to the graphic word-picture of devotion and sacrifice embalmed in these ancient crypts.

"The Scientific Oration," followed. Charles S. Pyle, of West Grove, Pa., discoursed of the "Locomotive," and the wonderful improvements that have succeeded the first efforts to construct motive power, propelled by steam; giving a brief history of the inventions that have been made to increase the

up to the present time. "Lessons of the French Revolution" was the title of the closing essay, by Edward A. Pennock, of London Grove, Pa., who spoke of the French Revolution as the surpassing phenomenon of history, showing the unconquerable spirit of freedom in the masses. The people of France, driven to despair, brought about a terrible vengeance. As wealth increases in power and influence, its tendency is more and more to encroach on the rights of poverty.

The French Revolution is full of significance for our nation, and out of it we may gather lessons of gratitude, hope, and faith.

The graduating class then arose and stood while the words of farewell were spoken by Edward A. Pennock, who, with manly dignity, performed the duty assigned him, urging upon them the necessity to "have faith in the Shaper of the destinies of man.”

Alluding to the bereavement the Board has sustained in the decease of its President, he expressed the hope that the same trust and confidence may be given to his successor. A neat tribute to the managers for the work of restoring the College building, and to the President, who had been their true and faithful friend, closed this part of the exercises.

All the addresses gave evidence of careful preparation, and reflected credit upon the institution under whose fostering care the minds and hearts of the students had been trained. We cannot but feel hopeful for the future of our society when such bright, intelligent, and cultured young people as these are brought into active service. The brain needs training that it may check or restrain the overflow of the heart-and the emotions must be cherished that their warmth and feeling may inspire the cold philosophy of the intellect, and culture and piety, twin sisters in the human organism, walk hand-inhand, leading to loftier heights of inspiration and clearer fields of knowledge.

Immediately afterwards the following degrees were conferred by President Magill:

Bachelor of Arts-Lydia S. Green, Media, Pa.; Florence N. Hanes, Woodstown, N. J.; Alice W. Jackson, Wilmington, Del.; Guion Miller, Sandy Spring, Md.; S. Duffield Mitchell, West Chester, Pa.; Edward A. Pennock, London Grove, Pa.; Emma Webb, Philadelphia, Pa.

Bachelor of Science-Clarence A. Bunting, Sharon Hill, Pa.; John L. Cochran, Folly Mills, Va.; William A. Kissam, Jr., Little Neck, L. I.; George L. Pennock, Philadelphia, Pa.; Charles S. Pyle, West Crove, Pa.; Frederick A. Seaman, Jr., Madison, N. J.

Bachelor of Literature-Edgar Conrow, Cinnaminson, N. J.; Bertha Matlack, Cam

den, N. J.; Helen C. Pyle, Wilmington, Del.; | have frequently been suggestions that a Annie E. Tylor, Denton, Md.; James E. Verree, Verreeville, Pa.

Civil Engineer-Henry S. Wood, B. S., Philadelphia, Pa. (Class of 1880.)

The awarding of a teacher's diploma and certificate to the following concluded the pro

gramme:

Teacher's diploma, to Lydia S. Green, Media, Pa.

Two years' certificates, to M. Elizabeth LaFetra, Manasquan, N. J.; Mary E. Wilbur, Middle Falls, N. Y.

One year's certificates, to Abbie Evans, Cinnaminson, N. J.; Martha M. Watson, Trenton, N. J.; Elma E. Willets, New York. The graduates, 18 in number, as their names were called ranged themselves along the platform, each one receiving his or her diploma. With the simple wish, most feelingly expressed, that their future career may reflect honor upon it and their alma mater, they were dismissed.

Before dismissing the assembly President Magill said: "Since the founding of this College we have never before failed to have with us on the occasion of our annual commencement the venerable and honored President of our Board of Managers, our greatest benefactor, Samuel Willetts, of New York, either in person or (on two occasions) represented by his written words, sent by him to be read to the graduates. A few months since, after a long and painful illness, which he bore with remarkable Christian fortitude and resignation, he was called from works to rewards, full of years and honors. To-day, in place of his venerable form, you see his vacant chair. It seems most fitting to close these exercises in a way which would be most grateful to his feelings, who, from his home above, contemplates this scene with affectionate interest, namely, by a period of solemn silence and waiting upon that Divine Being whose protecting arm has supported us in many a trying hour."

After a few minutes of impressive silence

the audience retired.

LOCAL INFORMATION.

L. J. R.

The Proposed School at Abington. For many years the members of Abington Monthly Meeting of Friends have labored under great disadvantage with reference to educating their children at their own school, on account of nearly all of them residing from two to four miles from the school-house. The meeting-house and school-house are a centre around which the members dwell at distances as stated. In stormy weather the children have to be taken or remain at home. This being burdensome to parents, there

proper building should be erected on the grounds of the meeting, near the schoolhouse, to accommodate the children of Friends living at a distance with temporary board, by the week or day, or even for a night, in case of very inclement weather.

At the Monthly Meeting held Fifth month 29th, 1882, a large committee of men and women Friends was appointed "to take into consideration the propriety of buiding a boarding-house for school children on these grounds, and to see what funds can be raised for the purpose; and also to confer with the Quarterly Meeting's School Committee on the subject."

At that time Friends will remember Abington Quarterly Meeting had a committee feeling after the propriety of establishing somewhere within its limits a Quarterly Meeting school.

The Monthly Meeting's Committee canvassed the subject quite thoroughly. They called conferences of the members, and held free consultations. They started a subscription paper, which showed quite a goodly amount of money ready to be invested in the undertaking. They also conferred with the Quarterly Meeting's Committee, as directed, and with members of other Monthly Meetings.

The committee found a decided feeling in the meeting, and still more in other Monthly Meetings, that the proposed plan was too small. They found many Friends who think there is room in our Society for a large Monthly Meeting boarding-school, and that Abington, with its healthy locality, ample grove of fine old trees, good water, and its exceptionally good railroad facilities, is the best place for such a school.

There is also another point which would greatly favor locating such a school at Abington. The grounds of the Monthly Meeting, containing 120 acres, were donated for the support of a school to be under the care of Abington Monthly Meeting. Thus, so long as the meeting exists, the school must remain in the care of Friends.

On 26th of Third month the committee reported "that they have given the subject earnest attention. They are united in believing it would be best to change the wording of the original minute so as to read 'boarding and day school for children,' instead of boarding-house for school children.'

"The Quarterly Meeting's School Committee were very willing to leave the whole matter in the care of Abington Monthly Meeting of Friends.

"The report was satisfactory to the meeting, and the changing of the words of the original minute, as recommended, united with."

The committee were continued, to labor | holiness reflects the image of God in this further in the matter.

"At an adjourned session of Abington Monthly Meeting of Men and Women Friends, conjointly, held Third month 29th, 1883," Friends decided to issue the following subscription paper:

"At an adjourned session of Abington Monthly Meeting of Men and Women Friends, conjointly held Third month 29th, 1883, the following form of subscription was approved: We, the undersigned, hereby agree that we will contribute the sums set opposite our names for the purpose of erecting a building to be used as a boarding and day school on the triangular piece of ground on the opposite side of the road from the grounds on which the meeting-house stands, to cost about twelve thousand dollars, and to be under the care of Abington Monthly Meeting of Friends."

The papers were procured and placed in the hands of a large committee, who have been quite active in the matter and reasonably successful, but the amount subscribed is not considered sufficient to commence a house even of the above limited proportions.

A committee has been appointed to procure plans and specifications for a building to cost about the sum specified, of a style of architecture that can be added to in the future should success warrant it.

Inasmuch as the school would have to be under the care of Abington Monthly Meeting of Friends, they feel no liberty to ask assistance from any, but a freedom to thus lay the matter before Friends, to show them what we have been doing thus far, and to furnish an opportunity to any one who may feel inclined to help us by a free-will offering.

Of course all will understand that Abington Monthly Meeting needs no assistance for its own accommodation in the school. The question seems to be, "Is such a school as Abington Meeting is moving in required by Friends for their children, and will it be built up and supported at the place proposed?"

L.

In proportion as the heart becomes sanctified, there is a diminished tendency to enthusiasm and fanaticism; and this is undoubtedly one of the leading tests of sanctification. One of the marks of an enthusiastic and fanatical state of mind, is a fiery and unrestrained impetuosity of feeling; a rushing on, sometimes very blindly, as if the world were in danger, or as if the great Creator were not at the helm. It is not only feeling without a good degree of judgment, but, what is the corrupting and fatal trait, it is feeling without a due degree of confidence in God. True

respect as well as in others, that it is calm, thoughtful, deliberate, immutable; and how can it be otherwise, since rejecting its own wisdom and strength, it incorporates itself into the wisdom and strength of the Almighty.

FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. PHILADELPHIA, SEVENTH MO. 7, 1883. A CALL TO THE YOUTH.-Those who assem

bled at Swarthmore College on the 26th inst. to witness the commencement exercises at that institution must have experienced a thrill of gratitude in view of the good measure of success which has attended the efforts

of the many among us who several years ago laid, in faith, the foundations of a school for advanced education in this Society. The aim of the first projectors and founders of Swarthmore was not alone to benefit individuals, or to promote such measures as might tend to the advancement of what is deemed worldly good; but they sought to plant a seed, the germination and growth of which would bring forth such practical fruits for the nourishment of the spiritual and religious life as should bless the unborn generations of our people.

Holding as we do principles of Divine. Truth of universal application, our most dedicated and our wisest men and women deemed that sound culture of the intellectthe brightening of the mental powers-must tend to the advancement of our eminently reasonable and practical religious cult. Our reasonable and practical religious cult. Our house is founded on a rock, and no bulwarks of superstition. No barriers of ignorance are required for its protection against the storms of time.

That which falls before the arrows of experience, or is not able to bear the light of the educated intellect, cannot be eternal verity, and we only desire the conservation of what is in its nature invulnerable. In all confidence, then, this work was commenced and carried on.

Libraries and museums of natural science were accumulated; the learned and gifted labored in the work of instruction; a delightful educational home was provided, and year after year graduates have gone forth from this prayer-founded institution, until now the alumni number some 140

men and women, many of whom are filling important posts in life, and are showing conclusively what are the practical results of the kind and degree of culture furnished by Swarthmore College.

What does the Society of Friends justly ask of those of her children upon whom she has lavished such rare and costly gifts? Desiring only the highest good of the beloved youth, the fathers and mothers have done their utmost to advance their symmetrical development-moral, mental and physical. Will they not render unto our Religious Society somewhat of that loving allegiance which they so loyally render to their Alma Mater?

The Religious House of their Fathers needs the care of the children of the household of faith. There are waste places to be rebuilded, and there are renewals needed in order that it may still continue to be a place of refuge and of help to those who feel a crying need of security against the hollowness of much which is called Christianity. The cry goes - forth still, “Come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty!" The real intent of our body is only to secure a sincere and truehearted faithfulness 'to the will of God as this is made known to the seeking soul. This earnest search after Truth, this hunger and thirst after righteousness, naturally unites disciples into a loving brotherhood, and creates a religious organization fitted to the needs of its members. The Society as it stands is an inheritance from another age. But vital principles remain the same through every age, though the apostles and martyrs of Quakerism would have been the last to suggest that the revelation of Divine Truth was limited to their lifetimes. The Truth sets free—it does not fetter the conscience or the mind of any; though a certain unity abides with the children of light, and blesses all their incomings and outgoings. An invisible chain of love is the bond of true discipleship.

The Society of Friends has need of the youth which she has nurtured, and she has work upon the wheel which will worthily employ the zeal and strength of young life, and which will engage the powers of the

developed intellect. That which is lacking or inadequate in our organization, or no longer appropriate in our practices, it will be the proper function of the incoming gen

eration to amend.

But that the great foundation principles of the spirituality of Divine worship, of an untrammeled ministry of the Gospel, and of the recognition of the high vocation of woman, as well as of the doctrine which is the sum and substance of all Heavenly wisdom. -the humble recognition of the inspeaking word, and a faithful following of its monitions, may be the guiding light of the children of this people, is our continual aspiration.

The inspired apostle of the early Christian age recognized that knowledge resting

on faith and virtue is essential to the building of Christian character. But to knowledge must be added temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. Then follows the confident assurance, "If these things be in you and abound, they make you neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

THE DEEPEST WELL IN THE WORLD.

Buda Pesth, Hungary, was commenced as far The sinking of the deep artesian well near back as 1868, and during its progress many interesting facts relating to geology and underground temperature were brought to light. The total depth is 3,200 feet, and the temperature of the water it yields is nearly 168 demud brought up by the borer was taken every grees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the day, and was found to increase rapidly, in spite of the loss of heat during its ascent, down to a depth of 2,300 to 2,700 feet. Beyond this point the increase was not so marked. At degrees Fahrenheit, giving an average ina depth of 3,000 feet the temperature was 177 crease of one for every twenty-three feet bored. Water first commenced to well up at a depth of 3,070 feet; here its temperature was 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and from this point onward it rapidly increased both in quantity and temperature. Thus, at 2,092 feet, the temperature had already risen to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and the yield in twentyfour hours from 9,500 to 44,000 gallons. Finally, when the boring had reached 3,200 feet, at which point it was stopped, the temperature of the water, as it burst from the

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »