Strength and Beauty

Strength and Beauty a Baccalaureate Sermon on Ps. Xcvi. 6 Delivered at Williamstown Ms. Etc by Mark Hopkins (President of Williams College). The sermon discusses the combination of strength and beauty in nature and character highlighting the rare instances where these qualities are perfectly blended. It emphasizes the importance of blending qualities that tend to exclude each other to reach the highest excellence. The highest excellence whether mental or moral can only be achieved by blending qualities in their most perfect proportions. The sermon delves into the nature of strength and beauty in nature contrasting the strength of animals like the ox and the elephant with the beauty of flowers and birds. It also explores the combination of strength and beauty in the human form particularly in the Greek conception of the Apollo. The sermon then transitions to discussing strength and beauty in the character of man emphasizing the importance of self-control obedience to a rational end and the ability to withstand external influences. It discusses the manifestation of strength in active effort and patient endurance using examples like George Washington to illustrate strength of character. The sermon also touches on the beauty of character which is dependent on the affections and moral rectitude. It explores the symmetry and completeness required for beauty of character highlighting the importance of spontaneous movements and moral affections. The sermon concludes by asserting that strength and beauty are in God's sanctuary and that true strength and beauty of character can only be achieved through the religion of Christ. It calls on individuals to strive for the highest combinations of strength and beauty in their characters emphasizing the importance of faith and holiness in reaching this ideal. The sermon encourages individuals to seek the strength and beauty that come from a deep connection with God as this combination will lead to eternal blessings and growth.