DR. betiiune's oration. 47 



a step iu Christian duty, but leaning on their help? Can we be wrong 

 in attempting to follow their examples r" 



It is not merely by the study of books, whether ancient or modern, 

 that knowledge is to be acquired. A mere devourer of books, (hclhir) 

 lihrorum) is not the type of a true and proper man, our author being the 

 judge. He recommends intercourse with our kind. Men are to be stu- 

 died as well as books, and he rightly pronounces them, important teach- 

 ers. 



" It would," says he, "however be a grave mistake to draw know- 

 ledge only from books. Human nature, in all ages, is radically the same. 

 Books help us to understand mankind, and intercourse with mankind 

 helps us to understand books." Study is to draw its impulsive power 

 from no mercenary motives. The aspirations of the scholar are to be 

 lofty, noble. In decided terms, are they condemned who derive their 

 excitement to literary pursuits from their digestive apparatus, and who 

 would exchange their pursuit for another diflerent in character for the 

 paltry consideration of a little more bread. These are sterling views. 

 They are the only proper considerations to push us on in the path of 

 literature. Let his counsel on this point be well weighed — "The office 

 of the educated is to be benefactors of their race. While vve love study 

 for its own sake, we should love it far more for the sake of the facul- 

 ties it gives us to exercise the highest form of beneficence. Reputation 

 for talent and acquirements, because it increases our power, may fairly 

 be desired, and, within proper limits, sought. An intellectual laborer is 

 not less entitled to remuneration for his work, than those who till the 

 earth or ply the loom. Whatever in our studies, refines our taste, im- 

 proves our manners, or quickens our sensibilities, is to be ciierished, be- 

 cause, though the effect be not immediately seen, it prepares us for 

 greater success when we attempt to do good. Yet usefulness to man 

 for the glory of God, should be the student's ruling purpose. Tiiat 

 alone can maintain in us an unconquerable courage, lift us above the 

 dangerous temptations within and around, and purifying our thoughts 

 •from selfish and sensual defilement, sanctify our understanding for the 

 eternal sphere, wheie charity never fails, though tongues shall cease and 

 knowledge vanish away. The heart, not the reason, is the most noble 

 part of the soul." 



The sound moral and religious tone which pervades this address 

 renders it worthy of high commendation. Sound in its philosophy, it 

 is beautiful in its morality, because that morality is pervaded with the 

 doctrines of the cross. The maxims are good for the head, they are 

 good for the heart. Let no one think that he can approximate the ex- 



