But it may still be asked, whether the great design of our existence, which is to secure our own happiness and to promote that of others, can be as well answered by devoting the mind to one ob ject, as by dividing it among many.

As to the first, viz. personal enjoyment, so far as it depends on the kind of pursuit, I appeal to you, whether those who are strongly attached to their profession, or to any particular departments in science, do not appear to be more happy on that very account.

As to the second, that is, the happiness of others, the case is still more clear. Eminence in a profession is important, we have seen, for the same reason, which renders the profession important. If the interests of society require one, they likewise require the other. And that eminence is to be attained only by concentrating the mind, cases of extraordinary genius being excepted, is too obvious to need proof. And further, as to making discoveries in science, or illustrating them, these are generally the result of attention, directed to a particular object, or department. But if the discovery be made, it is immaterial, whether by one person, or twenty, as it is henceforward held among scientific men, as common property, and its application to the purposes of life becomes general. In

fine, if the common arts of life are carried to a greater perfection by a division of labour, than if every man should undertake to fabricate for himself, his utensils, clothing, and furniture; and if the former be more favourable than the latter to the happiness of human society, it undeniably follows, as a general truth, that those, who embrace any one of what are called the learned professions, will, by assiduous attention to it, best discharge the debt, which they owe to the public..

Nor need you be under any apprehension lest the method here prescribed, should contract the mind, by confining its powers. For the more ardently and thoroughly you study a profession, the more numerous will its relations appear, and the greater, by consequence, will be the number of ob jects, which may be rendered subservient to it.

I would, by no means, encourage you to form romantic or extravagant expectations. But there is no propriety in a young man's aiming at a point of excellence, to which persons of his condition and talents have not usually attained; because the best use is seldom made of all the powers, which are given. An elevated stand, constantly in view, will stimulate to corresponding efforts. "To the exaggerated conception of eloquence, which perpetually "revolved in the mind of Cicero," I use the words

of an author, with whom you are all familiar, "to that idea, which haunted his thoughts, of ali

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*quid immensum infinitumque; we are indebted for

some of the most splendid displays of human ge"nius; and it is probable, that something of the "same kind has been felt by every man, who has "risen much above the level of humanity, either in "speculation or action."

In addition to the preceding remarks, I would observe, that different shades of character, are formed not only by different professions, but likewise by different offices and situations in life; and though the rules of morality are the same to all men, there are certain things of minor consideration, in regard to which, precisely the same deportment is not in all men equally proper. That, which in one character passes without any just animadversion, would not in another be thought either prudent or decorous. Attention to times, places, and circumstances is as essential to that harmony of character, without which no person, whether in conspicuous or obscure life, can accomplish all that good, which is placed within his power. Your obligation, therefore, to regard decency and propriety, even in respect to actions, in themselves indifferent, becomes in this view of the matter strictly moral. So thought St. Paul, who inculcates on his disciples whatsoever things are of good report.

But, though it is suitable, that there should be, in this life, a diversity in human pursuits, and the distinct parcels of character, so to speak, should be selected and arranged, in such a manner, as to produce a consistent and uniform whole, the particular characters, thus produced, are to be made strictly subservient to a more general object; I mean the glory of God, and the happiness and virtue of mankind.

In building a palace or a temple, the various parts are assigned to different hands; the immediate object is to finish that part, which is allotted to each. But, the ultimate and grand design being to complete the edifice, each part becomes important no otherwise, than as it contributes to the strength, symmetry, and beauty of the whole. The obligations of man as a rational and free agent, are, in no degree, dependant on his office, his rank, or employment. Particular actions become duties according to the varieties of human life; but, as to moral feelings, as to the end, which men are bound to pursue, religion, whether natural or revealed, admits no diversity. It is the same to him, whose brow is encircled by the diadem, and to him, who roams the forest, and seeks shelter among its rocks and caverns. It is the same to him, who commands armies, and him, who, to use the language of a christian poet,

"-Trains to glorious war

The sacramental host of God's elect."

Whether your lives be spent in action or study, you owe them to God, and to those interests of virtue, and order, which are now protected, and will be finally secured, by the perfections of his nature. Harmony of character will never be perfect, nor very extensive, until there be a fixed, moral principle; a cordial, as well as intellectual assent to the christian religion. Determine not to violate the principles of reason and virtue. Whatever objects. appear themselves to your judgment, as permanently valuable, let them be pursued with inflexible resolution. Dispel that mist, which gives unnatural magnitude to things present, and prevents any distinct vision of that which is future. The present will soon be past, and the future will be present.

As by retiring from academic walls, and presenting yourselves some what more conspicuously in the view of society, your sphere of action will be enlarged, permit me to remind you, that the period will soon arrive, when you will be introduced to scenes vastly more important and extensive.

Though the term of human probation is so short, that, on earth we scarcely commence our being, yet, even in this state, we form a character, to which eternity itself will but give enlargement, and durability.