I stand on the border of mortal life, but I face eternal life. I look backward to the years of the past to see all pettiness, all triviality shrink into nothing and disappear.
Adverse criticism has no meaning now. Only the worthwhile things, the constructive things – the things that have been built for the good of mankind and the glory of God count now.
There is beauty, there is joy, and there is laughter in life – as there ought to be. But remember, my students, not to regard lightly nor to ridicule the sacred things, those worthwhile things. Hold them dear, cherish them; for they alone will sustain you in the end. And remember, too, that only through work and oft times through hardships may they be obtained. But the compensation of blessing and sweetness at the last will glorify every hour of work and every heartache from hardship.
Do not face the future with timidity and fear. Face it solidly, courageously, and joyously. Have faith in what it holds.
My own faith as I approach eternity grows stronger day by day. The faith I have had in life is projected into this vast future toward which I travel now.
I know that I go toward an all-powerful God, wherever He may be. I know he is a personality who created man in his image. Beyond that I have no knowledge – no fear – only faith.
-Dr. S. P. Brooks,
President of Baylor University.
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