University Reform. 293 



that favourite dogma. His business is to see that 

 the pupil is thoroughly prepared and equipped 

 with the implements of intellectual research, that 

 he knows how to deduce a conclusion from its 

 premise, that he properly estimates the value of 

 evidence and understands the nature of proof ; 

 he may then safely leave him to build up his 

 own theory of things. His first crude conclu- 

 sions may indeed be sadly erroneous, but they 

 will be worth infinitely more than the most sal- 

 utary truths acquired gratis, or lazily accepted 

 upon the recommendation of another. It is de- 

 sirable that our opinions should be correct, but 

 it is far more desirable that they should be ar- 

 rived at independently and maintained with intel- 

 ligence and candour. Sceptical activity is better 

 than dogmatic torpor ; and our motto should be, 

 Think the truth as far as possible, but, above all 

 things, think. When a university throws its in- 

 fluence into the scale in favour of any party, re- 

 ligious or political, philosophic or aesthetic, it is 

 neglecting its consecrated duty, and abdicating 

 its high position. It has postponed the interests 

 of truth to those of dogma. These are matters 

 which our own university should seriously pon- 

 der. It does not always strive so earnestly to 

 make its students independent thinkers as to 



