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Of those who are thought worthy of honours, there are two classes in the branch of literature, and two in that of mathematical sciences; and nothing hinders a candidate from being distinguished in each branch: indeed this double honour is very frequent. The second class of each department is divided into two parts, an upper and a lower; so that in fact there are three classes of honours in literature, and three in mathematics. The individuals of each class are arranged among themselves, not according to merit, but in alphabetical order. It has usually happened, that above one third of the whole number of candidates have been placed in the list of honour: but of these by far the greater part are in the lower division of the second class. All these names are printed: the names of those who simply pass and obtain no honour, are not printed. If any candidate is rejected, it passes sub silentio. His certificate is not delivered to him.

The examiners are sworn officers, appointed for two years; they are four in number, and must all be present, unless prevented by sickness or some very urgent cause. The school is in general much crowded during the examination-weeks, especially when a candidate, who enjoys any previous reputation, is to appear. In such cases a strong interest is excited among all orders, and great attention is paid.

It will be evident, from the statement here given, that the students are prepared to pass this examination, not by solemn public lectures, delivered to a numerous class from a professor's chair, but by private study in their respective colleges. This method of study is the next thing which requires to be explained; for upon this point also the world are greatly, and in some instances purposely, misinformed.

The mode of instruction by college lectures, which prevails at both the English universities, is an innovation upon the original plan, which formerly obtained among them, and which is still practised in foreign universities, and I believe in those of Scotland. Some peculiar advantages there are attending each method, and the best method perhaps would be that which should unite both more completely than is the case with any modern university. If, however, they are compared one against the other, as means of instruction, the preference seems strongly due to that of college lectures.

Under this system the pupils of one tutor are easily classed according to their capacities, and the stock of learning and science they bring with them. When formed into these subdivisions, the choice of the lecture may be adapted to their peculiar wants, and the lecturer can perceive, individually as he goes along, how his instruction is received. The heaviness of solitary reading is relieved by the number which compose a class: this number varies from three or four to ten or twelve: a sort of emulation is awakened in the pupil, and a degree of animation in the instructor, which cannot take place with a single pupil, and which approaches to the vivacity of a public speaker addressing an audience. At the same time he can address himself to individuals, satisfy their scruples, correct their errors, and in so doing, the subject being thoroughly sifted and handled, is seen in a variety of lights, and fastens more durably on the mind of those who are listeners merely. Indeed, the impression thus made by theorems of science, and by processes of reasoning on every subject, is so much more vivid, and the means are at hand of ascertaining so satisfactorily how each pupil receives what he hears, that the business of teaching is made less irksome and fatiguing to both parties; and in a few weeks the tutor is enabled to form a juster estimate of the abilities, and quickness, and mental habits, of his pupil, than any other system could lain to him in as many years.

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In reading the principal classic authors also, which forms a great part of Oxford education, the advantages of this method are not less conspicuA habit of accuracy, the last habit which a young man acquires by himself, is thus created, A thousand points are remarked as he goes along, which would have escaped a solitary student. Bad school-practices are corrected. Principles of taste and criticism are conveyed in the most striking manner, because they arise out of the occasion, and are taught with the example before him. Opinions of men and books, and whatever else is connected with the topics as they occur, are easily communicated. The scheme of literature is gradually unfolded to his mind, according as he is able to bear it, and to profit by it. In fact, there is no work of the class here alluded to, which may not serve as a text-book; with which information of every sort may, as the occasion requires, be interwoven; and the mode of imparting it may be adapted to the individual who is addressed. It is thus that the stores of one mind may most effectually be transfused into another, whether concerning matters of literature, or philosophy, or religion, or the conduct of life. It is in these readings that the full merit of those ancient models is made prominent, and brought home to the feelings and apprehension of every one. They serve as specimens and exemplars, according to which private study may be formed and moulded; for in private study, after all, the great field of literature must be traversed. And hence is established that intercourse of mind,' which imperceptibly gives a tincture even to the most thoughtless, and marks a lasting stamp on others, who are hardly conscious of the successive impulses, by which the impression is continually worn in.

In the more ambitious display of a public lecture, there are, beyond a doubt, advantages which private instruction cannot have. The effort of the lecturer is naturally greater, his matter more carefully prepared, his tone and diction more elevated and impressive. There are emotions which eloquence can raise, and which lead to loftier thoughts and nobler aspirings, than commonly spring up in the private intercourse of men: when the latent flame of genius has been kindled by some transient ray, shot perhaps at random, and aimed least where it took the greatest effect, but which has set all the kindred sparks that lay there, in such a heat and stir as that no torpid indolence, or low earthly-rooted cares, shall ever again smother or keep them down. From this high lineage may spring a neverfailing race; few indeed, but more illustrious because they are few, through whom the royal blood of philosophy shall descend in its purest channels, but will hardly be brought down to mingle with the baser alloy of the unschooled multitude. It is not, it cannot be, the most effectual means by which instruction is to be conveyed to the minds of the great majority of students; and to do this, surely, is the prime object in any system of national education. The succession of illustrious names brought into notice by the other mode, is apt to cast a delusive splendour over the prominent masses which it illumines, and to withdraw our attention from the thousand inferior objects which are crowded in the back ground, less captivating, it is true, to the imagination, but equally entitled to the care of true philanthropy. I would not undervalue these higher doings; but we must be cautious how they lead us out of the track of plain and sober industry. A thirst for distinction may interfere with homely duties more really important to mankind. Our husbandry is truly on a large scale; but let us beware how we sacrifice, after the example of vain, ostentatious breeders, the food of some twenty or thirty, for the sake of making a proud show of one. Such produce is not the true or certain test of skilful management. If we send out into the world an annual

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supply of men, whose minds are imbued with literature, according to their several measures of capacity, impressed with what we hold to be the soundest principles of policy and religion, grounded in the elements of science, and taught how they may best direct their efforts to farther attainments in that line; if, with this common stock, of which they all partake, they be encouraged afterwards to strike off into the several professions and employments of life, to engage in the public service of the state, or to watch over and manage the lesser circle of affairs, which the independent gentlemen of this country, and of this country only, conduct in their respective neighbourhoods; I think we do a greater and more solid good to the nation, than if we sought to extend over Europe the fame of a few exalted individuals; or to acquire renown by exploring untrodden regions, and by holding up to the world, ever ready to admire what is new, the fruits of our discovery..

Let not this be construed into an admission that speculation is discouraged. The fact is not so. But it is not, and it ought not to be, the business of a body. It is for us to execute an established system; to teach and to recommend what is thoroughly approved. Individuals may engage in the task of discovery; and they are better fitted for that task, if they be well informed in what is already known. In case they should be rewarded for their honourable search, "if truth shall have spoken to them before other men," let them in the name of truth not withhold the secret; it will be eagerly listened to here as elsewhere; and if, after due probation, it be found to be indeed the voice of truth which spake it, our systein will thankfully receive the wholesome aliment. But to expect that every crude opinion or untried theory shall enter as soon as it demands admission, and take its place amongst us, while we rise up and make room to receive it, is against all reason and the analogy of things. Let the experiments be tried, and repeatedly tried, in some insignificant spot, some corner of the farm: but let us not risk the whole harvest of the year upon a doubtful project.

There is one province of education, indeed, in which we are slow in believing that any discoveries can be made. The scheme of revelation, we think, is closed, and we expect no new light on earth to break in upon us. The sacred volume, we know, has been abused (as what gift of the Almighty has not been abused?) for the worst and wickedest ends. It has been hidden from the world, it has been corrupted, misinterpreted, and perverted, so as to become an engine of fraud, error, and blind fanaticism. These arts and these acts of violence we hold it our especial duty to remedy and to guard against; to keep strict watch round that sacred citadel, to deliver out in due measure and season the stores it contains, to make our countrymen look to it as a tower of strength, and to defend it against open and secret enemies. It stands conspicuous in all our streets: it catches the eye in every direction, and at every turning: and we should think all our views incomplete without it.

But I have, while pursuing these topics as they pressed upon my attention, left two or three points omitted, which belong to the detail of our proceedings.

Notwithstanding the high authorities quoted against the practice of composition, it forms part of the business of education in each college. These exercises, however, are all in prose, with the few exceptions before alluded to, and they are alternately English and Latin. In some colleges a selection of the best is made every week, and read publicly before the college by the authors. In others they are collected at the end of each term, some judgment is pronounced upon them, and those who have writ ten the best are thanked and commended.

It is also the practice of most colleges (certainly of all the larger colleges) to examine every student at the end of each term in the studies of the term. On this occasion he presents written notes and abridgments which he has formed, and gives an account of any other things he has read, connected with the main course of his studies.

There have also been for about forty years prize exercises, proposed by the chancellor, in Latin verse, and English prose; to which our present chancellor has added one, at his own suggestion, in Latin prose. These are open to the whole university; and the successful compositions are recited in the theatre, in the most public manner, at the annual commemoration. The number of exercises usually given in is fifty or sixty; and occasionally a prize in English verse is added, which has brought forth poems of no common merit.

Such is the outline of the studies of this place: an outline, which I do not say is incapable of being improved and enlarged, but which does seem to comprehend all the leading objects of liberal education. In particular, it might, without danger of interfering too much with the more efficient studies of private colleges, admit of more frequent public lecturing than is at present practised. But to suppose that there is no such lecturing, is a great mistake. Besides a course, and sometimes two courses, in divinity, I have already mentioned that lectures in this way are read by the several professors in natural philosophy, astronomy, chymistry, mineralogy, botany, anatomy, to classes drawn from different colleges, at the option of the individuals, or under the advice of their tutors. Public lectures, which are rather detached dissertations, are also read, one in each term, to the whole university, by the professor of poetry and the professor of modern history. There is likewise a course in modern history often read to a select class, in which the doctrines of political economy have by the present professor been much introduced and discussed.

That political economy therefore is unkown or discountenanced as a science, is equally wrong with many other imputations against us. The best works in that branch, as well as in the elements of law and politics, are in the hands of many students, with the full approbation of those who regulate their studies; although it is never forgotten that to lay a foundation of liberal literature, ancient and modern, before any particular pursuit absorbs the mind, is our main business. Any student also may obtain assistance from the professors of Saxon and oriental learning. But it is seldom that classes are formed in these branches. A few individuals, enough to keep up the succession unbroken, have always made them their favourite study. But no account is taken of these matters at the examinations for degrees.

Harold says, in the five pieces of Runic poetry, p. 78, " I know how to perform eight exercises: I fight with courage; I keep a firm seat on horseback; I am skilled in swimming; I glide along the ice on skates; I excel in darting the lance; I am dexterous at the oar." The editor observes on this, "In the preceding poem Harold mentions eight exercises, but enumerates only five." But there are plainly six enumerated, and in the last stanza the two others are clearly mentioned-" shooting with a bow, and navigating a ship."

FOR THE PORT FOLIO.

ON PUBLISHING PRIVATE LETTERS.

MAN is so completely surrounded by evils which sagacity cannot foresee, nor prudence avert, that there is scarcely any epithet sufficiently strong to designate the crime of enlarging the circle of infelicity. A weak judgment may be rectified by experience; industry can supply the deficiencies of idleness; irregu larity may be persuaded to abandon her volatile course, and arthritic pains are soothed by patience. But how shall we guard against that species of perfidy which tears away the veil that has been wrought in the cave of secrecy, by the fingers of confidence and good faith, and exposes to the garish eye of day, letters intended for a single eye? These missives are the chosen messengers of love: they waft its sighs from remotest regions. Sympathy selects them to solace the unhappy. Through their medium friendship converses without fear of any impertinent listener. They flatter hope, they cheer adversity, they confirm the weak, they caution the unwary, dissipate doubt, relieve anxiety, and enable us to distribute the busy troops of thought throughout all the quarters of the globe, without the chain of Xerxes. Instead of being an obstacle, the waves seem proud to speed the soft intercourse from pole to pole, and the sails which waft the expected bark are

-Courted by every wind that gives them play!

If epistolary correspondence be subjected to suspicion, civil society will lose one of its most important inventions, and individuals must relinquish an incalculable blessing. The publication of private letters will produce this effect, and the person who contributes, directly or indirectly, to so flagitious an offence against good morals, ought to be regarded as an enemy to the human race. Such a wretch would not hesitate to drop poison into a fountain, where the traveller slakes his thirst. On the character of an eaves-dropper, or a listener at a key-hole, there is not a dissenting voice; and to acquire a knowledge of the contents of a letter in any surreptitious manner, is an act, which the vulgar as well as the polished unite in condemning. Yet by an extravagant application of a false and pernicious maxim-the end justi

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