21 G MEMOIR OF JOHN WILSON. 



was so able to assist him, as Alexander Blair. To him he un- 

 bosomed himself in all the confidence of friendship, and in several 

 long and elaborate letters —too long to be given entire — entered 

 minutely into his plans for the course, asking for advice and sugges- 

 tions with the eagerness and humility of a pupil to his master. He 

 gives a list of the books he has got, and asks his friend to tell him 

 what others he should have; what he thinks of this and that theory ; 

 how many lectures there should be on this topic and on that. He 

 sketches his own plan ; how he is to commence with some attractive 

 and eloquent introductory lectures " of a popular though philosoph- 

 ical kind," so as to make a good impression at first on his students, 

 and also on the public. Here he purposes to give eight or ten lec- 

 tures on the moral systems of ancient Greece, which Sir Walter 

 Scott approves of; and which he hopes Blair will also approve of. 

 "The subject is a fine one, and not difficult to write on. These lec- 

 tures, it might be hoped, would give great pleasure."* Then will 

 commence his own course in good earnest ; six or more lectures on 

 the physical nature of man ; then twelve more, " though for no cause 

 known," on the intellectual powers. On this he wishes to have 

 Blair's opinion, for at present he sees nothing for it but to tread in 

 the steps of Reid and Stewart ; " which to avoid, would be of great 

 importance." " Surely," he says, " we may contrive to write with 

 more spirit and effect than either of them ; with less formality, less 

 caution ; for Stewart seems terrified to place one foot before an- 

 other." Then might come some lectures on taste and genius before 

 coming to the moral being. " I believe something is always said 

 of them ; and perhaps in six lectures, something eloquent and pleas- 

 ing might be made out." Let Blair consider the subject. That 

 brings us up to forty lectures. Then comes the moral nature, the 

 affections, and conscience, or " whatever name that faculty may be 

 called." Here seems fine ground for descriptions of the operations 

 of the passions and affections, and all concerned with them. That 

 requires twelve lectures at least ; " indeed that is too few, though, 

 perhaps, all that could be afforded." Then comes the Will and all 

 its problems, requiring at least six lectures. " But here I am also iu 

 the dark." One more lecture, on man's spiritual nature, gives us 



* That anticipation was correct. No part of the course, I am informed, was more valued by his 

 Students. His lecture on Socrates, in particular, was considered one of his masterpieces in elo- 

 quence and pathos. 



