aas8-L^?5fel Book Author. Title Imprint »e^i 1«— 30299-1 GPO FAREWELL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE. FAREWELL ADDRESS TO THE STUDENTS OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE, DELIVERED IN THE COLLEGE CHAPEL ON THE SIXTEENTH OP DECEMBER, 1831, BY THE RT. REV. T. C. BROWNELL, D.D. LL.D., ON HIS RETIRING PRESIDENCY OF THE INSTITUTION. HARTFORD: H. & F. J. HUNTINGTON. PRINTED BY P. CANFIELD. 1832. Xi WASHINGTON COLLEGE, Dec. 17th, 1831. Rt. Rev. Sir, — As a Committee in behalf of the Students of Washington College, we express to you ou'" sincere regret that your connexion with us as President no longer exists. Under your auspices the Institution originated, and under your auspices it has won its way to the esteem and confidence of the com- munity. For your active exertions in thus promoting its prosperity, we feel the warmest gratitude ; and tlie remembrance of your kindness and affection we shall ever cherish with the liveliest sensibility. You have exercised the Government of the College with a parental authority, which has not only urged us on in the attainment of knowledge, but has excited in us lasting sentiments of esteem for your private and official character. With such feel- ings, and desirous of retaining your affectionate counsels and kind injunctions, we request for publication a copy of your " Farewell Address." With sentiments of esteem and affection. Yours, E. E. BEARDSLEY, > Committee T. S. JUDD, } in behalf of J. W. FRENCH, 5 the Students. Hartford, Dec. I9th, 1831. Gentlemen : I have received your communication of the 17th inst., and ara gratified to find that my " Farewell Address" to the Students of Washington College was so kindly received by them. It was not designed for the press ; but if its publication can afford them any satisfaction, I shall not hesitate to comply with their request. I beg you to assure them of the continuance of my pa- rental solicitude for their success and usefulness in life, and of my best exer- tions for the prosperity of the College. For the affectionate terms in which you have conveyed to me the senti- ments of the Students, be pleased to accept my cordial thanks, and for your- selves individually, the assurance of my affectionate regard. THOMAS C. BROWNELL. To Messrs. E. E. Beardsley, T. S. Judd, and J. W. French, Committee in behalf of the Students of Washington College. ADDRESS. Young Gentlemen : The time is at hand when I am to retire from the imme- diate charge of this Institution. It is an event which I cannot contemplate without some emotion. Having made the first movements for the estabhshment of the College : — Having been engaged, with great solicitude, in all the measures for procuring its Charter ; for raising the Funds for its endowment ; for framing the laws for its organization and government ; — hav- ing presided over the instruction and discipline which has been dispensed in it, from its origin to the present time, it is naturally to be expected that my feelings should be strongly identified with its interests and its prospects. These feehngs of general interest, derive pecuhar force from the acquaintances I have formed, and the attachments I have contracted, with the young men who have passed under my charge. About eighty youth have already received the hon- ours of the Institution. They have carried forth into the world a measure of talents and worth of which its friends may well be proud. A little more than a month ago, I had the pleasure of meeting thirteen of these young men, at the Theological Seminary in New- York ; and I have seldom passed an evening with more unalloyed satisfaction than that which I then spent in their society. Of the students who remain in the College, I cannot be expected to speak, in their presence. Yet I deem it but justice to say that, at no time, has the Institution been more distinguished by the good order and good conduct of its mem- bers. But, young Gentlemen, though I cannot leave you without some personal regrets, yet I am well convinced that the new organization of the Faculty will prove highly auspicious to the prosperity of the College. My time and my thoughts have been, necessarily, much engrossed by other duties, which have but little connexion with its interests ; and nothing but the low state of its Funds, and its consequent inability to support a President, could have induced me so long to hold an office, the duties of which ought to occupy the undivided care of the incumbent. By the liberality of the Legislature, and of indi- viduals, the funds of the College are now in a somewhat more prosperous condition. A President has been elected, who will enter on his duties at the beginning of the next Term, and who will be enabled to devote his exclusive labours to the pro- motion of its interests. His learning and talents qualify him well for the station ; and I have full confidence in his zeal for the honour of the Institution, and in his devotion to the com- fort and improvement of the students. The other members of the Faculty possess my entire confidence and respect, as well as my affectionate regard. And I consider it highly favourable to the interests of the College that, hereafter, all the officers of Instruction are to reside within its walls, or in its immediate vicinity. In addition to these propitious circumstances, I have the satisfaction to know that there has been no period since the establishment of the Institution when so many valuable young men were preparing for admission to it. But notwithstanding my confident expectations of the in- creasing prosperity of the College, and notwithstanding the opportunities I shall have, as a Trustee, of exerting myself for its welfare, I cannot think of dissolving my more immediate connexion with it, or my present relation to yourselves, with- out the most lively sensibility. — I would fain believe, young Gentlemen, that there must be some emotions of a similar nature on your part. And that, though I have been unable to discharge effectively all the duties of a President, you have at least been convinced of my affectionate regards, and of my anxiety and zeal for your welfare. Under these impressions I have been induced to believe that you would lend a fevoura- ble ear to my parting counsels, while you are assembled to re- ceive my parting benedictions. And may I not hope that these counsels, which are the last you can ever receive from me, will sink deep into your hearts, softened, as I trust they are, by the present occasion, and which I have ever found ready to welcome salutary advice. Young Gentlemen ; could I sum up all I have to say, in one single precept ; a precept equally suited to your collegiate hfe, and to your subsequent intercourse Avith the world ; it should be this ; — " Be careful to cultivate, and pre- serve, AN unsullied purity OF HEART, AND RECTITUDE OF LIFE." The respect and esteem of your fellow-men will contribute much to your happiness. Your own respect for yourselves, founded on integrity of hfe, and a good conscience towards God, will be essential to it. The " mens conscia recti^ is the fountain and centre of all true happiness ; and this cannot be attained and preserved without a strict adherence to the pre- cept I have given you. But any single precept, for the regulation of your lives, must 8 embrace so wide a range of action, that it will be useful to be more particular, and to advert to some points of conduct, and some situations in life, where you will be most hable to error, and most in need of salutary counsel. In the first place, then, I would caution you to be careful IN CHOOSING YOUR COMPANIONS, AND IN FORMING YOUR FRIENDSHIPS. The society of the world will be found very different from that of your college associates. It will be more diversified, and subject to fewer restraints. Now, to young men, like yourselves, the society of the gay, the idle, and the dissipated, will pre- sent peculia,r allurements. It will open before you a thousand avenues of seduction, and the syren voice of pleasure will be heard singing deceitfully at the entrance of each. While your passions are strong, while you are yet untaught by experience, and whUe you are so easily accessible through the frailties of your nature, there is danger that those who compose this society should exercise an undue influence on your minds, and on your conduct. They will greatly surpass you in their know- ledge of the world : — a knowledge which is very imposing to young men, confined to the retreats of a college, or just issuing from them. They will appear to you free from care, free from the drudgery of labour, and exempt from any restraints on the natural inclinations and desires. They will probably arrogate to themselves the exclusive possession of genius, contemn the labour of study, and despise the ordinary pursuits of life. They will endeavour to allure you to thek society, by all the frailties within your own bosoms, and by all the gratifications you can be made to fancy they enjoy. — But, my dear pupils, be well assured that their pleasures are all hoUow, and heartless, as their professions are deceptive and false. Should you cast your lot with them, you can expect nothing from their communion but disgrace and ruin. You must either avoid them, or be- come their victims and their slaves. If you join yourselves to their society, you will soon be induced to become partakers in their vices and their follies ; otherwise, your reserve will be regarded as a reproach on their conduct, which will not be endured. You will be charged with want of spirit, or with being influenced by some sinister motive. Incapable them- selves of acting on high and honourable principles, they will throw on you the imputation of being actuated by some super- stitious religious terror, or by some selfish desire to acquire the favour of a particular portion of the community. Under the smart of such imputations, or even under the weak apprehension of them, how many wavering youth have we seen carried away by the current of dissipation. At first, they yield a reluctant consent to conduct of a doul^tful charac- ter. Next, they become abettors and actors in scenes which they cannot approve. Bye and b)^e, they advance further in vice ; and rather than forego the approbation of their compan- ions, and incur the charge of motives, which they are conscious of being free from, they stifle the reproaches of conscience, and plunge deeply in guilt ; and in the end, are ready to commit, with greediness, actions which they formerly shunned with caution, and regarded with abhorrence. I now appeal to your candor : — Do not such young men sac- rifice every truly honouralDle, and every manly principle ? Do they not absolutely renounce all true independence of cliaracter, and become voluntary slaves to the iblly and caprice of their companions'? I^ike the poUtical demagogue, they stoop to 10 those whom they despise. They associate with those whom they cannot respect. They slander those whose worth they cannot emulate. They maintain opinions which they disbe- lieve, and withhold sentiments which they approve. And to complete their degradation, they find themselves compelled to pay the most obsequious court to those whom they know to be most contemptible, both by their ignorance, and their vices. Do not flatter yourselves, young gentlemen, that you can associate with such company, without suffering in your repu- tation, or without being contaminated in your minds. A man will be judged of by the company which he keeps. " Tell me whom you live with, and I will tell you what you are," says the Spanish proverb. We gradually assume the manners, habits, and sentiments of those with whom we associate, and it is impossible that we should hold habitual communion with the mean and the vile, without being degraded and debased. In choosing your companions and friends, then, seek the society of the reputable, the wise, and the good. It is indeed your duty to cherish kindly sentiments towards all men ; and, in your general intercourse with the world, to exercise a cour- teous deportment towards all ; but in selecting your circle of social intercourse, and in choosing the friends of your bosom, your duty, your interest, and your happiness require, that you should restrict yom'selves to the intelligent and the virtuous. Next to a careful and judicious choice of your friends and companions, I would recommend to you habits op indus- try, AND A DILIGENT APPLICATION TO YOUR APPROPRIATE BUSINESS IN LIFE. Industry is congenial to the nature and constitution of man. By bodily exercise the physical powers are strengthened and 11 invigorated, and by habits of meditation and study the mind is enlarged and improved. Even the elements of nature require constant action to preserve them in a healthful state. The standing pool soon becomes noisome ; and unless the atmos- phere is fanned by the breezes, it becomes noxious and impure. It is a general law of Providence, therefore, and a law admka- bly adapted to the nature of man, that nothing shall be per- fected without activity and labour. Who has ever made ad- vances in learning and knowledge, without assiduous study and contemplation ! All the wealth of the world cannot buy the knoAvledge of a single science, or even purchase a single idea. And virtue itself, the richest ornament of the soul, the noblest endowment of which man is capable, is that which of ■all others requires the most laborious efforts, both in the acqui- sition and the practice. Indolence is mean and grovelling, and renders a man's life as miserable as it is useless. Who would be an insignificant cypher in the world— standing alone, and contributing nothing to its value ? Who would be a mere drone in a community — adding nothing to its stores, and feeding upon what others have gathered ? Who would be a very excrescence on society — contributing to it neither ornament nor use, but actually de- forming its proportions Avhile deriving nutriment from its sub- stance ? None but a base and degenerate mind can be con- tent with insignificance. No man can be happy but fiom a consciousness of active endeavours in the cause of usefulness and of duty. Young Gentlemen ; if it shall please God to prolong your days, you have much to do in life. After the completion of your collegiate course, you have yet much to do in perfecting 12 a liberal education. Think not that a young man's education is completed when he receives his Diploma, and leaves his Al- ma Mater. A collegiate course can be but a mere introduc- tion to the several branches of learning which it embraces. The graduate is still a tyro in knowledge. If he has ascended the steps, he is still in the vestibule of the temple, and has yet to penetrate its recesses. I do not indeed recommend that you should exhaust your powers b}^ boundless excursions through the regions of learning. I would have you limit your pursuits to objects not sui-passing your grasp, either by their number, or their magnitude. But by a judicious appropriation of your time, in the study of your professions, and in the avocations to which they lead you, you will find much leisure for the successful prosecution of those studies which have constituted the business of your collegiate life. Such an appropriation of your leisure hours, wUl be equal- ly profitable and delightful. It will recreate and refresh the mind, while it enlarges and improves it. By continuing the study of the Ancient Languages, your taste will be refined and improved, and the avenues of know- lege will be extended ; and by a familiarity with their gram- matical construction, your minds will become habituated to the most profound philosophy. The study of Belles Lettres, will assist you to express your thoughts with clearness, strength, and elegance ; and by enabling you the better to instruct, per- suade, and delight your fellow-men, will enhance your influence, and extend your usefulness. The perusal of History, will enlighten the understanding, and hold out the most lively in- centives to virtue. It will supply to you the lessons of experi- ence, and furnish you with wisdom and prudence, at the ex- 13 pense of your predecessors. Tlie Mathematical Sciences^ will supply the mind with useful subjects of speculation, will strengthen the reasoning powers, and enable you to make im- provements in the arts and business of life. The study of Physical Science, the contemplation of the order and harmony of the universe, and of those laws which regulate its pheno- mena, will elevate the mind above grovelling objects and pur- suits, will inspire you with pious affections, and will increase your reverence towards the great Creator, whose glory it de- clares, and whose eternal divinity it clearly evinces. There is no branch of classical learning, and no department of science, which will not improve your mind, increase your knowledge, and enhance your usefulness. Such portions of time, then, as you can redeem from your appropriate occupations and business in life, should be zealously devoted to the pursuits of literature and science. But if your very relaxations from business are to be charac- terized by industry, what diligent application should be devo- ted to your peculiar pursuits in life. No profession can be learned or practiced without study and labour. It is the order of Providence that nothing shall succeed of itself The plant springs not up unless the seed be sown, and there is no har- vest without culture. " Nihil movet 7ion mot^im^'' is a law of nature. And so it is in the business of life ; — nothing moves without being moved. Whatever design is to be accomplish- ed, whatever object is to be effected, it is the economy of divine Providence that it shall be originated, conducted, and brought to a successful issue, only by enterprize and industry. Young Gentlemen ; — I might advert to many other points of conduct, in regard to w^hich all youth are liable to error, and 14 concerning' which sahitary advice might not be out of place ; but the present occasion will not admit of minute detail. I can- not, however, forbear one other caution, relating more particu- larly to the discipline of your minds and tempers, and the regulation of your affections : — it is that y