mind equal to any emergency, rising with the occasion, and an undaunted
magnanimous bearing, and an energy and keenness which is but made intense
by opposition. This is genius, this is heroism; it is the exhibition of a
natural gift, which no culture can teach, at which no Institution can aim;
here, on the contrary, we are concerned, not with mere nature, but with
training and teaching. That perfection of the Intellect, which is the
result of Education, and its _beau ideal_, to be imparted to individuals
in their respective measures, is the clear, calm, accurate vision and
comprehension of all things, as far as the finite mind can embrace them,
each in its place, and with its own characteristics upon it. It is almost
prophetic from its knowledge of history; it is almost heart-searching from
its knowledge of human nature; it has almost supernatural charity from its
freedom from littleness and prejudice; it has almost the repose of faith,
because nothing can startle it; it has almost the beauty and harmony of
heavenly contemplation, so intimate is it with the eternal order of things
and the music of the spheres.

7.

And now, if I may take for granted that the true and adequate end of
intellectual training and of a University is not Learning or Acquirement,
but rather, is Thought or Reason exercised upon Knowledge, or what may be
called Philosophy, I shall be in a position to explain the various
mistakes which at the present day beset the subject of University
Education.

I say then, if we would improve the intellect, first of all, we must
ascend; we cannot gain real knowledge on a level; we must generalize, we
must reduce to method, we must have a grasp of principles, and group and
shape our acquisitions by means of them. It matters not whether our field
of operation be wide or limited; in every case, to command it, is to mount
above it. Who has not felt the irritation of mind and impatience created
by a deep, rich country, visited for the first time, with winding lanes,
and high hedges, and green steeps, and tangled woods, and every thing
smiling indeed, but in a maze? The same feeling comes upon us in a strange
city, when we have no map of its streets. Hence you hear of practised
travellers, when they first come into a place, mounting some high hill or
church tower, by way of reconnoitring its neighbourhood. In like manner,
you must be above your knowledge, not under it, or it will oppress you;
and the more yo