172 THE tresidext's address. 



broadly, that extension involves issues of the highest possible con- 

 sequence to society in general ; for, it not only helps to advance the 

 material comfort of individuals, but at the same time it enlarges the 

 capacity for intellectual enjoyment, carrying with it a higher sense 

 of the value of this present life. I should not be true to the views 

 I hold of the exalted aims and objects of science did I not deliber- 

 ately express the belief that the discipline of natural science exerts 

 an immeasurably greater power for mental and moral culture than 

 all the inculcations of ancient dogmatic systems of theology rolled 

 together into one. 



Other conditions being equal, the relative degree of personal 

 superiority which one individual acquires over another is dependent 

 upon and in strict accordance with the amount of culture and dis- 

 cipline of the mind. With this proposition I start ; and. though 

 the subject before us is a large one, even the few remarks I have to 

 make will, I think, be sufficient to prove its truth. 



Eightly or wrongly I am with those who hold that the intellec- 

 tual culture and moral training of the mind should go hand in hand ; 

 for the former process, unaided by the latter, is apt to induce a dis- 

 torted view of the economy of nature, leading finally to an unsatis- 

 fying phase of materialism. Some people are sufficiently illogical 

 to petition for a "right judgment in all things," who nevertheless 

 take no steps to promote the culture of their own proceedings. 



Now the most ordinary standards of mental and moral acquire- 

 ments demand, above all things, that we should be open, honest, 

 straightforward, and sincere ; and a yet higher principle teaches 

 that we should be gentle and unselfish. In the prosecution of our 

 various outside callings — no matter how humble they may be — we 

 soon find ourselves possessed of power over the minds and hearts, 

 so to speak, of those by whom we are surrounded. The higher our 

 intellectual attainments the greater our responsibilities, and there- 

 fore also the more necessary that we should exercise such powers as 

 we may possess discreetly and for the best ends. 



Some may think that in matters of science this high standard of 

 action is altogether out of place, and the caution therefore unneces- 

 sary. Pardon my freedom. All history proves that it is given to 

 few men to exercise power wisely and well. If you have any doubt 

 respecting the truth of this general statement, I invite you to consult 

 Lecky's " History of Rationalism." Read it attentively. Think over 

 its startling records. Generalize for yourselves. You will there find 

 quoted abundant instances of misdirected power. You will note the 



