because that in receiving our rights and our dues, the blessing or the benefit is confined to ourselves; but in discharging our responsibilities and duties, we benefit and bless others;—and how fay that benefit and blessing are extended, depends upon the nature and character of those responsibilities. And now, young gentlemen, we will endeavor to show you how far you may benefit and bless mankind, by meeting and discharging faithfully and truly all the responsibilities that devolve upon you, of will devolve upon you and the youth of our country, when you occupy the place of those who preside over the affairs and hold the interests and destinies of our country in their hands, whether in private or official stations. This we will do when we show you the nature and character of your responsibilities.
Human responsibility is, we have stated, a high and sacred thing. Like human rights, it comes from God, and should be exercised in reference to his honor and glory, in promoting the welfare of man. And God has ordained it as part of his moral economy, that no man shall live for himself alone; and no one can live for himself alone, much as he desires it and wills it. In one way or another, his life and conduct, however humble and obscure they may be, do exercise an influence, we cannot tell to what an extent, on the lives, fortunes and conduct of others; giving them a tendency and character which ultimately may result in consequences the most momentous, for good or evil, to society and the world. God rules over the nations of the earth; nor does he carry out a single purpose of his high and holy will in reference to the destinies of this world and the affairs of men, without employing therein man’s co-operation, directly or indirectly; and the individual, without knowing it or designing it, is made the agent of God for mercy or judgment, either to bless mankind or scourge them for their sins. And if we are not engaged in the cause of God and the cause of man, which are one and the same, we are engaged in the ignoble, dishonorable and unprofitable business of serving and promoting the cause of evil to man and his honor to God. And even idleness here is not a negative and innocent quality; it, too, subserves the cause of evil, not of God. And as no man under the government of God lives or can live for himself alone, much less can a people or nation
