ondition of society. Its parts having kept their fair
proportions, each one performing its peculiar office, and all acting
and reacting upon each other, it is out of question that the results
of the whole, in the general diffusion of knowledge and elevation of
the public character, have been salutary to a degree unprecedented in
the history of the world; and its general adoption, with modifications
according to the different circumstances of society, may be
contemplated as one of the surest pledges of our national prosperity.
Apart from the multiplied facilities of instruction, which upon this
system are afforded at the cheapest rate to all who would enjoy the
benefits of education, that spirit of fair and honorable competition,
which is necessarily excited between so many kindred institutions,
would seem to insure improvements proportioned to the means which are
afforded them, and prove a check upon those abuses which have usually
attended establishments of more extended influence and less
responsibility.

"But it would seem important to the continued success of this system,
that its several parts should still be kept distinct and subordinate.
I will not say that they may not subsist harmoniously, and be
conducted usefully upon the same ground. I will not say that an
university, sectional or national, that shall, in its separate
colleges and halls, prepare our youth for the various departments of
life, may not consist with the spirit of our civil governments, and be
guarded against the evils which have generally attended establishments
so complicate, and of such numerous resort. However this may be
judged, it will be found, I apprehend, the wisdom of our scattered
institutions, to preserve their individuality, and remain true, as to
their general regulations, to the purpose of their foundation. With
respect, particularly, to the arrangements of a college, it would seem
not less true than in regard to the efforts of an individual mind, or
the operations of a machine, that however numerous and various these
arrangements may be in detail, the most beneficial results cannot be
expected without unity of design. Between that kind of cultivation and
discipline necessary as a foundation for professional eminence, and
that which is required for success in mercantile, mechanical, or
agricultural occupation, there is a very natural and obvious
distinction. And not only is it desirable that they who will be
successful mainly as t