Frederick Douglass, the Orator - Monroe County Library System

Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County · Historic Monographs Collection
IO8 LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
senting them as my humble contribution to these
commencement exercises.
" Interesting to me, personally, as this occasion
is, it is still more interesting to you; especially to
such of you as have completed your education,
and who (not wholly unlike the gallant ship,
newly launched, full rigged, and amply fitted,
about to quit the placid waters of the harbor for
the boisterous waves of the sea) are entering upon
the active duties and measureless responsibilities
incident to the great voyage of life. Before such,
the ocean of mind lies outspread more solemn
than the sea, studded with difficulties and perils.
Thoughts, theories, ideas, and systems, so various,
and so opposite, and leading to such diverse results,
suggest the wisdom of the utmost precaution,
and the most careful survey, at the start. A
false light, a defective chart, an imperfect compass,
may cause one to drift in endless bewilderment,
or to be landed at last amid sharp destructive
rocks. On the other hand, guided by wisdom,
manned with truth, fidelity and industry,
the haven of peace, devoutly wished for, may be
reached in safety by all. The compensation of the
preacher is full, when assured that his words have
saved even one from error and from ruin. My joy
shall be full, if, on this occasion, I shall be able to
give a right direction to any one mind, touching
the question now to be considered.