622 
INTRODUCTORY LECTURE. 
The mind of man is as much constituted for intelligence, as 
the eye to receive the stimulus of light, or the ear the 
impression of sound ; and the inspired penman has told us, 
that “the soul to be without knowledge is not good;” 
therefore it is I would not have you confine your inquiries 
to the subjects that may be brought under your notice within 
these walls only. You are about to become members of a 
recognised profession, and your intercourse will be with those 
who move in an equal or a higher sphere. General knowledge 
is consequently required, so as to enable you to pass through 
life with credit to yourselves and advantage to others, for this 
should be the aim and desire of every one. Napoleon said, 
“the power of science is the science of power.” Probably he 
meant this in a political sense. I will accept it in a higher 
and nobler one, that of Bacon, — “ Knowledge is power.” 
This the ignorant man never attains to, for he is always 
either servile or presumptuous ; or if the accidental possession 
of wealth precludes the former, he becomes the proud and 
overbearing despot. Vary, then, your inquiries, for science, 
in its every division, is making rapid strides around you. 
Nor think — and here I feel a pleasure in quoting from a 
veterinary writer — “ that general knowledge enfeebles its 
possessor, or renders him less qualified for discharging the 
active duties of life. Nothing is more fallacious. There has 
been some radical defect in the moral or mental training 
which is the real cause of the evil. Soihe indolent habit has 
been allowed to exist unchecked ; some favorite propensity 
has never been curbed ; and thus the due balance has not been 
preserved between the moral and the intellectual powers. 
There is no kind of knowledge which the hands of the skilful 
and diligent will not turn to account. Honey exudes from 
all flowers, the bitter and the sweet, and the bee knows how 
to extract it.” 
It is both your privilege and your duty, at this momentous 
period of your lives, to apply your minds to know and to 
search out the reason of things. Let not the soul-impo- 
verishing and disheartening thought that “it is no use to try” 
obtain for a moment a place with you. Give it not the least en- 
couragement, but banish it from your mind, and take per- 
severance for your motto. Trust, and try, are but little 
words, yet they are full of import. Well grounded and long 
sustained efforts cannot fail in the end to accomplish the 
wished-for purpose, these being coupled with a humble yet 
confident dependence on Him, who giveth strength to the 
weak, and wisdom to those who ask, and asking seek 
for it. 
