John L Lincoln, Valedictory address, August 22, 1832, page 1

John L Lincoln, Valedictory address, August 22, 1832, page 1 Valedictory Address by John L. Lincoln Aug. 22, 1832 Mankind are seeking to gratify that desire for happiness, which they receive at their birth, in various but ever devious paths. Some are seen pursuing the mad career of the sensualist, and in the embrace of pleasure wasting the strength and powers which were destined for higher and nobler ends. Others are delighted with the acquisition of perishable dust, and take pleasure only in the contemplation of untold heaps of gold. Many are directing a longing gaze to the "steep Where Fame's proud temple shines afar." They toil with anxious solicitude for the possession of that bubble which breaks when just within their grasp, and make the grand object of their efforts the attainment of those honours, which await the successful suitor for the world's applause. But all these objects are incapable of affording substantial happiness. The possession of any earth-born enjoyment fails to satisfy the expectations which are formed by its eager pursuer, and disappointment invariably becomes the portion of the most successful. But he who turns away from such pursuits, to those which are more worthy of man's high rank in Author John L Lincoln Manuscript title Valedictory address Date August 22, 1832 Size x cm x xcm; x in x x in Penmanship Style Collection Boston Public Library File name John L Lincoln 18xx-001-001- student at Boston Latin School Links related to John L Lincoln