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After the separation of a few weeks we have again with joyous faces and hearts
elate with hope reassembled in the
Although our separation has been short yet on our reunion we find our little band
diminished in numbers. Those to whom we were accustomed to look for advice and
example and with whom we were knit in the closest bonds of amity, have gone to
act their destined parts in the great drama of life, and well are we assured
that they will discharge the duties which devolve on them with honour to
themselves and to their country. In the intercourse which young men enjoy with
each other, as members of this Macte nova virtute, sic itur ad astra." Be
it our care to imitate their good example in the increased attention shown to
our duties both as members of Society and as Students of the
So often, Fellow members, has the word of advice reproof and warning, been addressed to you from this chair, that were I to follow the same track my remarks would be as little heeded as the pattering of rain on the shingled roof. But the commencement of a scholastic year affords such an opportunity for giving advice, that to refrain entirely might be considered as a dereliction of duty. I hope that it will be received in the same spirit with which it is tendered.
It must afford sincere pleasure to every true friend of the rd June 1795 a few of the
Students of the
What means were employed to accomplish their object?
If we look back into the history of this body we will find one leading feature
characterizing its operations — the maintenance of a discipline which
knew no relaxation. A strict watch was kept over the conduct of members both in
the hall and in their rooms. Vice and immorality of every kind was firmly
discountenanced not only by the imposition of severe penalties but by the frowns
of the members. Profanity which can present no claims to indulgence, nor offer
any excuse to palliate its criminality, but which has become so fashionable of
late, finding no advocates for its practice, nor partners in its guilt was put
down by public sentiment or if indulged in was silenced by a fine. We have
members whose first application for admission was rejected lest they should
prove undeserving of the honour, but whose names now stand high on the roll of
fame in their native state.
Although many of the old laws were too strict yet we see what a rich legacy has
been left to us through their influence. From a simple "
It is obviously useless to crowd our Statue books with laws, resolutions and
motions in the hope of thereby restraining members from the commission of acts
at variance with decorum and destructive of wholesome discipline, whilst the
means of restraint lies with the members themselves. But a lamentable want of
disposition to enforce the laws is wanting. It has been observed that "public
sentiment is of more efficacy than the laws." If this remark holds good with
respect to communities at large, how powerful must it be when applied to a body
constituted as ours, where the happiness of each individual member depends so
entirely on his intercourse with his fellow members. Exert then this power in
behalf of the
It was to be hoped that the abuse of our Library would be reformed and this hope
was strengthened by the manifestation of opinion on the subject at the close of
the last session. But the same course is persisted in; no attention is paid to
the Library Laws, books are taken out on irregular days and without covers.
Access to many books is denied to some of the members through the neglect of
members in returning what they have read. Next to the conduct of
It is a source of pleasure, to learn that so many of the Senior Class are unwilling to deprive themselves of the means of improvement afforded by our exercises, and that they are ready to offer their experience as a guide to the younger members of this body where precedents have such a sway. The custom so lately introduced of releasing the older members from all obligations to attend its meetings could be productive of nothing but injury to the body.
In conclusion, Fellow members allow me to return to you my sincere thanks for the
unmerited honour, you have conferred on me and to solicit your hearty
cooperation in administering the laws and promoting the unity and prosperity,
individually and generally of the