ut their refinement, would degenerate into
comparative barbarism, and with that of learning, that the light also
of religion would be extinguished. It is the _worst_ of this spirit
that it would seal up the treasures of heavenly wisdom, and take away
the armor in which we trust for assailing the enemies of God. And
however it may be with other interests, we will hope that in this
respect, as well as ordinarily in all others, the pulpit will prove a
defence of the true interests of man. But, it may be questioned
whether, if the field of labor were narrowed, and instead of gleaning
as is usually done, from many writers, the student should be more
thorough in his application to a few of the most approved, the end of
this branch of study would not be as fully answered, and opportunity
be afforded for greater acquisitions in the literature of modern
times. It has been said, particularly in regard to our own language
and country, that the style of writing, of conversation, and of
public speaking, among educated men, generally fails of that accuracy,
propriety, and refinement which might reasonably be expected from
their course of preparatory and professional study. The college is
undoubtedly the place where the evil, if it be admitted to exist,
should be corrected. And its correction would be found in the greater
progress of the student, beyond the task of composition, to the
examination of the most approved vernacular writings. It is not so
much by his own imperfect attempts as by familiarity with the nature
and finished productions of other minds, that he may expect to
facilitate his conceptions, to extend the circle of his thoughts, to
correct his judgment and his taste, and thus increase the readiness,
propriety, and effect of his future efforts. A course of thorough
reading and comparison of accredited authors, in connection with
occasional researches into the history of English literature and
essays at higher criticism, will probably do more towards the
accomplishment of polite scholarship than all the principles of
grammar and rhetoric, however perfectly understood, without
opportunity for such an application.

"The actual instruction of college, and its general economy and
administration, are subjects, doubtless, of yet higher consideration.
But, in view of the recent measures of the Trustees of this
institution, to advance its interests in these particulars, remarks in
this place, and on this occasion, might be judg