52 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
already encountered some, — then it will be our duty stead- 
fast^ to contend against it; yet, we trust, in no factious or 
unbecoming spirit. 
It never was the case that any proposed measure, even for 
good, did not meet with some cavillers, some objectors. 
Must we, then, lay aside our resolutions and become false to 
our principles, and forego our plans? That were cowardly ? 
and unworthy both of us and our cause. No ! rather let us, 
being fully convinced of the rectitude of our intentions and 
the honesty of our motives, brave the opposition and deter- 
mine to surmount it. 
We will not say we may not sometimes profit by the 
censure of our enemies, for we know we are not faultless, 
perfection not being the lot of man; but we should be ashamed 
of ourselves did we, having put our hand to the plough, turn 
back and cease to labour any more in the field of science, 
in concert with those who have hitherto been fellow-workers 
with us. 
It possibly may be thought by some persons that enough 
has been already written, sufficient has been already done, 
and that it is ndt politic to communicate all that we know to 
the public. Unfortunately, we are acquainted with several 
who hold these selfish and mind-retarding views; but they 
forget the world does not stand still : it is not to-day what it 
was yesterday. All science is progressive. There was a 
time when but few thought; and then knowledge was con- 
fined to the cloister and the cowl* Wisdom now walks 
abroad ; she cries in our streets, and the many receive her 
soul-enlightening influence. These think in their turn, and 
ask the reason Why? It may be — and we believe it is so— 
that the ignorant only mourn this state of things ; but they 
can no more alter it than they can stem the tide or roll back 
the world. An impetus has been given to mind-progress that 
cannot be checked. The advance of knowledge is like the 
dawning of the day. Gradually it proceeds till the light 
becomes universally diffused, and all rejoice in its effulgence 
and glory, since it liberalises our ideas and expands and 
strengthens our mental powers, while it dissipates the 
darkening clouds of ignorance and prejudice. 
