Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 58:229 (Jan 1901)
Article: The Valley Of Decision
Author: Robert Mark Wenley

BSac 58:229 (Jan 1901) p. 51

The Valley Of Decision1

Professor Robert Mark Wenley

On an eventful occasion like the present, you will be prepared to agree with me, that once at least, if never again, a time comes, red-lettered for aye in the career of every strong man, at which the smooth, noiseless current of daily life is stopped suddenly, and the hour, empty of vulgar little cares, compels reflection by its very strangeness. The past, stretching away back to a hazy horizon, looses its usual compelling grip, stands in abeyance almost. The future repels, because of that utter vacancy, always the main mark of the untried and unknown. x\s a result, we realize intensely that we are here now; realize this, too, with an unfamiliar thrill compounded of several conflicting emotions—hope jostling apprehension, joy mingled with solemnity, a certain sense of accomplishment or completeness restrained by unaccustomed hesitancy. Of course, as all who have served awhile in the ranks of the battle of life understand, many diverse, often sharply contrasted, circumstances may induce this peculiar tension, may bring one at a stroke into that quiet yet momentous period when he finds himself alone face to face with self, and only the still, small voice breaks the awful silence. But, in the career of the educated youth, it is plain that two occasions particularly tend to place a species of check upon natural exuberance, to concentrate lively attention upon practical problems that call for prompt decision, and yet,

BSac 58:229 (Jan 1901) p. 52

paradox though it be, are fraught with mighty issues, destined mayhap to make or mar a lifetime. Who among us can ever forget the last days of the last year at school? Or, again, who can efface from vivid recollection the weeks that brought the dying college career to terribly swift close? The common round ceased; the daily task filled the fleeting hours no longer; and beyond, the big, foreign world loomed up large, enforcing thought, conjuring apprehension, pressing the necessity for a personal interview with self. An enormous question-mark appeared to stare one in the face; what resources had we managed to assemble, what supports were at our disposal on which we might fall back?

Each returning summer, on these laughing June days, surrounded by the gay Commencement throng, those of us who are older know for a surety that the smiles, the brilliancy, the congratulations, the gifts, are often but as froth on the surface, concealing many a sad heart, or serving to distract attention for a brief interval; and these hearts are sad, because of perplexity. The responsibility thus cast upon the speaker of the hour waxes when he has the wit to call to mind that his words are m...