74 



nothing beyond the first four rules, and some curious proper- 

 ties of triangles and numbers j and in Physics he has merely 

 exercised his memory with a vocabulary of facts. He is told 

 that his education is finished when it is but just begun ; and 

 the laxities of the counting-house form an agreeable contrast 

 to the discipline of the school. What wonder then that a love 

 for the severities and sobrieties of learning is not carried into 

 middle age ! Pursue a wiser course, and possibly as much 

 zeal for the acquisition and diffusion of knowledge may be 

 found among Traders as among Doctors and Clergymen. 



But a spur to effort will be required. Let it be precisely 

 that which works successfully elsewhere — the prospect of Uni- 

 versity degrees and honours. 



The organization of the London University, with some 

 new adjustments, comprises machinery adequate to this end. 

 Moreover, many thoughtful and instructed men are of opinion, 

 that in the grant of degrees in England, too much stress has 

 hitherto been usually laid on College forms and attendances, 

 while the main tiling to be looked to is the actual possession 

 of knowledge as tested by stringent examinations ; — and some 

 brightest lights in the constellation of English learning and 

 science have shown, that the lonely evening and the midnight 

 lamp may lead to triumphs not less brilliant than do the Col- 

 lege Class and Chair. 



Gaudy Churches and empty pews ; Public Charities of the 

 noblest character, but usually crying out under a load of debt ; 

 Libraries undisturbed, and Lecture-rooms deserted ; Museums 

 of Science, and Galleries of Art — monuments, and only monu- 

 ments, of a respect for knowledge existing without a love of 

 knowledge ; Intellectual circles, in which Mesmerism finds its 

 most credulous believers, and Phrenology its least inquiring 

 disciples ; the means of demoralization which, with all but 

 literal truth, may be said to stand at every corner ; and the 

 means of pollution, which there is little exaggeration in say- 

 ing, exist in every street : — these things, and such as these, 



