Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/331

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HUTCHESON. 327' “Hibernicus's Letters.” He also published an answer to some letters in the “London Journal,” in 1728, sub scribed Philaretus, containing objections to some parts of his philosophical doctrines in the “Enquiry, &c.” Both letters and answer were afterwards published in a separate pamphlet. He had now conducted his academy with great reputa tion and success for seven or eight years, and by his works was favourably known to the whole literary world, when Ireland was doomed to part with this genius of her own production, and give him to be an ornament and light to another land. The university of Glasgow, induced by the desire of having distinguished men to keep up her high fame as a seat of learning, invited Mr. Hutcheson, in 1729, to become their professor of philosophy. He ac cepted the honour; and, as the chair of moral philosophy was assigned to him, he had now full leisure, and every inducement to pursue with increasing assiduity his favo rite study of human nature. His high reputation attracted many students from England and Ireland, and it was about this time probably he had his degree of LL.D. con ferred on him. The remainder of his valuable life was spent in a very honourable manner; being divided be tween his studies, and the duties of his office, except what he allotted to friendship and society. Regarding the culture of the heart as the principal end of all moral instruction, he kept this constantly in view ; and his uncommon vivacity of thought, and sensibility of temper, rendering him quickly susceptible of the warmest emo tions upon the great subjects of morality and religion," the strain of his discourses commanded the attention of the students, and at the same time left strong impressions on their minds. Having occasion every year to explain the origin of government, and to compare the different forms of i t , h e took particular care, when h e was upon this subject, t o inculcate the importance o f civil and reli gious liberty t o the happiness o f mankind; and o n this point h e always dwelt with peculiar pleasure, treating i t a t