upon my model, will
result in nothing better or higher than in the production of that
antiquated variety of human nature and remnant of feudalism, as they
consider it, called "a gentleman."(1) Now, I have anticipated this charge
in various parts of my discussion; if, however, any Catholic is found to
prefer it (and to Catholics of course this Volume is primarily addressed),
I would have him first of all ask himself the previous question, _what_ he
conceives to be the reason contemplated by the Holy See in recommending
just now to the Irish Hierarchy the establishment of a Catholic
University? Has the Supreme Pontiff recommended it for the sake of the
Sciences, which are to be the matter, and not rather of the Students, who
are to be the subjects, of its teaching? Has he any obligation or duty at
all towards secular knowledge as such? Would it become his Apostolical
Ministry, and his descent from the Fisherman, to have a zeal for the
Baconian or other philosophy of man for its own sake? Is the Vicar of
Christ bound by office or by vow to be the preacher of the theory of
gravitation, or a martyr for electro-magnetism? Would he be acquitting
himself of the dispensation committed to him if he were smitten with an
abstract love of these matters, however true, or beautiful, or ingenious,
or useful? Or rather, does he not contemplate such achievements of the
intellect, as far as he contemplates them, solely and simply in their
relation to the interests of Revealed Truth? Surely, what he does he does
for the sake of Religion; if he looks with satisfaction on strong temporal
governments, which promise perpetuity, it is for the sake of Religion; and
if he encourages and patronizes art and science, it is for the sake of
Religion. He rejoices in the widest and most philosophical systems of
intellectual education, from an intimate conviction that Truth is his real
ally, as it is his profession; and that Knowledge and Reason are sure
ministers to Faith.

This being undeniable, it is plain that, when he suggests to the Irish
Hierarchy the establishment of a University, his first and chief and
direct object is, not science, art, professional skill, literature, the
discovery of knowledge, but some benefit or other, to accrue, by means of
literature and science, to his own children; not indeed their formation on
any narrow or fantastic type, as, for instance, that of an "English
Gentleman" may be called, but their exercise and growth in