188 MEMOIR OF AUGUSTUS DE MORGAN. 



1853. statistical one. Great objection was raised. It was affirmed 



Peene that the College on its principle could have neither need to 



know nor right to inquire the religious status of any student. 



In deference to this objection, the force of which could not be 



denied, the practice was discontinued. 



This letter was laid before the Council. In reply to 

 it a copy of the resolutions passed in the following month 

 was received. My reason for giving them here will be 

 found in the first resolution, which contains a full ac- 

 knowledgment of the principle of religious equality. 



Copy of Resolutions passed by the Council on December 10, 1853. 



1st. That the Council cannot but regret that the late Dr. 

 Peene should have accompanied his valuable legacy by a direc- 

 tion with regard to the function of choosing the books, which 

 can, by any construction, be supposed to infringe that principle 

 of religious equality to which the present Council and their pre- 

 decessors have invariably adhered, as well in the appointment of 

 Professors, 1 the admission of students, and the award of honours, 

 as in the general administration of the affairs of the College. 



Considering, however, that the function in question is totally 

 unconnected with the ordinary duties of the Professors, and 

 might have been assigned by the testator to persons unconnected 

 with the Institution, and that it is to be regarded as a trust 

 under Dr. Peene's will, and not as a duty imposed by the 

 authorities of the College ; 



Considering, also, that any Professor will have the power of 

 declining the trust altogether if he should for any reason think 

 proper so to do, without being required to make any profession 

 of his religious opinions ; 



And, lastly, considering that the value and utility of the 

 proposed annual addition to the library are not likely to be in 

 any degree impaired by the terms of the bequest 



The Council have determined to accept Dr. Peene's legacy, 

 being of opinion that in so doing they do not violate that prin- 

 ciple of religious equality on which the College was founded. 1 



2nd. That, as some difference of opinion has existed on this 

 question, the Council, being anxious to prevent any misappre- 



1 The italics are mine. S. E. DE M. 



