n loomed up before us in the shape of the alphabet.
Then the strokes and curves, and circles, how we puzzled our brains
over which was which, and how proud we were when we began to form
words and to air our knowledge of these mystic signs; only to be met
with such questions as these, "How many words can you write a minute?"
or, "Do you think you could take down a sermon?" "Let me dictate this
piece from the newspaper to you," all of which made us feel how
limited was our knowledge and how much we had still to learn.

Then the examinations; how they hung over our heads like dark clouds
threatening us at every turn!

But that is all past and gone, and time, with its never ebbing tide,
has brought us to this parting hour.

What our future will be depends upon our own individual efforts. Let
us remember: "What is worth doing is worth doing well."

In climbing the ladder of fame, let us gain a firm footing on the
bottom round, then, if we fail to reach the top, we will,
nevertheless, command the respect of our fellow beings.

Thoughts on Graduation

BY MISS S. J. SIRINE.

_Class of '87._

At last all the lessons are ended,
Our pencils and books laid away;
And gathered to-night in the class-room
There are many young hearts blithe and gay.
There are loving congratulations
From classmate, and teacher, and friend;
A smile! Then a sigh at the parting,
And the feeling that this is the end.

It is pleasant to know we are through, though,
Yet saddening to know we must part;
And 'mid the light jest and the laughter,
Comes a sharp touch of pain in each heart.
There's a hush in the happy assemblage,
While a prayer is upraised to the Throne,
And "We thank Thee, our Father," is uttered,--
And the minister speaks not alone.

For the tokens of love and remembrance,
And kind wishes expressed for our weal,
We would thank our dear friends and our teachers,
And voice the affection we feel.
And we thank Thee for these many blessings;
Yet most for the blessing that we
Can, by striving, attain to perfection
And Thy mercy and tenderness see.

Address of Rev. N. B. Thompson

_To the Class of '88._

I assure you that it is with a great deal of personal pride,
satisfaction and comfort, that I come before you to-night. These are
my girls,--that is, I am the father of thi