The  followiiiiX.  written  on  the  spur  of  the  moment,  and
without  ON  on  j^remeditation  on  the  part  of  the  pupil»  is  a


REPORT    ON    EXAMINATION.  87

fair  specimen  of  the  general  excellence  of  these  impromptu
compositions :

"  Gentlemen  and  Ladies :

"The  last  sands  of  another  year  are  falling  from  the
glass  of  time.     To  us,  looking  back  from  the  milestone  of
annual  examination,  how  brief  seems  the  period  which  has
elapsed  since  we  were  called  to  go  through   the  closing
exercises  on  a  similar  occasion.     Now,  as  then,  we  would
express,  as  well  as  we  may,  the  feelings  of  gratification  which
we  experience,  as  we  observe  the  evidence  which  your
presence  affords  of  a  deep  interest  in  our  present  and
eternal  welfare.     Brief,  however,  as  the  period  has  seemed,
it  has  not  been  unmarked  by  important  events,  events  pro-
ductive of  sorrow,  as  well  as  others  which  have  happened
to  excite  gratitude  in  our  hearts  towards  Him  who  controls
all  things.     We  see  the  nations  of  Europe  engaged   in
mortal  strife ;  and,  although  our  own  beloved  native  land
has,  meanwhile,  enjoyed  peace  and  prosperity,  still  we  can
not  feel  uninterested  in  the  result  of  the  struggle  which
the  inhabitants  of  other  lands  are  making  to  secure  the
same  blessings  we  enjoy,  free  government  and  freedom  of
opinion.     Since  we  last  stood  here  on  an  occasion  like
this,  three  of  those  who  shared  with  us  the  fatherly  care
of  our  President,  and  the  friendly  shelter  of  these  walls,
have  been  laid  low  in  the  silent  grave,  but  we  hope  that  it
is  well  with  them.     As  we  look  back  through  the  twilight
of  the  past,  and  call  to  mind  the  many  wasted  moments
which  will  rise  up  against  us  in  that  day,  which  every  hour
brings  nearer  and  nearer  to  us  all,  when,  by  what  they
have  done  or  omitted  doing,  all  men  shall  be  judged,  may
we  feel  more  and  more  deeply  the  responsibilities  we  are
under  to   improve   the   advantages  with  which  we   are


88  REPORT    ON    EXAMINATION.
