Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/344

The minute then proceeds to narrate, by way of making a record of the Commencement exercises : After which the Trustees repaired to the Academy Hall, preceded by the candidates|for Degrees in their Gowns, and the members of the Faculty in their Gowns, and were followed by the Masters and Tutors of the several schools at the head of the Junior Classes aud the Scholars, who walked in Procession, two by two ; and having respectively taken their Seats, the Commencement was opened by Prayers, performed after the Rites of the Church of England by the Reverend Mr. Peters, President. The honorable the Governor, several officers of the Army, a great many Gentlemen of this and the other Colonies and a number of Ladies and Citizens were pleased to favor us with their Presence. There was a great Variety of entertaining Orations and public Dispu- tations in the Latin and English languages, in which the Students, acquit- ting themselves with universal applause, the Rev Mr Alison, who presided according to Charter, in the absence of the Provost, conferred the several Degrees as directed by the two Mandates. * At the close of this Ceremony, which was performed in a very solemn Manner, the Vice Provost made a serious Address to the Graduates, exhort- ing them to fear God, prosecute their Studies, and make it the whole Endeavor of their Lives to become as useful as possible in their respective Stations, and to consider this World as preparative for the Fruition of our holy GOD, in that glorious State of Immortality, which through the Merits of our blessed Saviour, was to succeed this transitory life. And then con- cluded with a suitable Prayer. It gave the Trustees a very sensible Pleasure to hear the Commenda- tions that were given of the whole Performances by almost every Body present. Of the distinguished class who received their degrees this day, Andrew Allen and Samuel Powel in later years became Trustees of the College, the former being a member of the Council ; William Paca became a Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Maryland ; John Morris became Master of the Rolls of Pennsylvania ; John Beard a Tutor in the College ; and William Edmiston and Samuel Keene entered the ministry. By the Treasurer's books we find that Keene was tutoring during his last year at College.