beauty which was unknown before. Such has been our course in the Civil Administration. We examined the existing systems — retained whatever of them we found to be right and just, and then engrafted on this basis new maxims derived from our own institutions. And thus we have succeeded in forming a system, which is generally admitted to have been easy in its operation, and happy in its effect. There is every reason why a similar course should be pursued in philosophy and literature. We have not found the people of this country an ignorant or simple race. They were possessed of a system of philosophy which we could not ignore. Some persons, in the pride of political superiority, may affect to despise it, but it has roused the curiosity and excited the wonder of the learned in all countries of Europe.
'Dr. Ballantyne's publications enable the most superficial reader to discover that it possesses a depth of thought, a precision of expression, and a subtlety of argument, which are amongst God's choicest gifts to his creatures. These may be misused, but they may also be reclaimed, and devoted to the highest purposes. There is no obstacle to the success of this effect, but its innate difficulty. Admitting, however, that it is a desirable end to attain, no difficulty ought to prevent its accomplishment.'
Hereby he indicates a conviction that religious truth must ultimately prevail. But he makes further allusion to religion in these terms: —
'We are here met together this day, men of different races and creeds. If any one section of this assembly had met to dedicate such a building as this to the education of their youth in their own peculiar tenets, they would have given a religions sanction to the act, and would have consecrated the deed by a ceremonial of their faith. But this we cannot do. Unhappily, human opinions, on the subject of
