are to be consecrated to the common good.

Societies differ very widely in the type of character they impress.

Here and there we see a society, here and there a school, which has
somehow acquired the power to stamp on those who go out from it a certain
impress of nobility.

They go forth like the knights of our famous English legend--imperfect no
doubt and erring, but each one of them inspired with the consciousness
that his life is a holy quest.

There are other societies and schools among them which seem to possess
everything but this one power.

What, then, are we to say of our hopes? What is to be the mission of our
generation here? Shall we contribute anything to raise the common type?
Or shall we drift on as the world drifts, a little better, or a little
worse?

Shall we not rather pray and hope as we begin once more to weave the web
of mutual influence, that you may grow up here not altogether like the
herd of common men, but emancipated early from the life of selfish
desire, feeling the spirit of Christ within you, remembering your
baptismal vows, with eyes open to heavenly visions, and not disobedient
unto them?