true and beautiful, and to raise a man above the conventionalities of mere fashion.
In this paper, addressed as it was originally to a Society comprising men of different opinions, little is said of the foundation on which moral duty and religious fellowship must rest. But I do not forget, nor would I have others to forget, that there is a book suited above all others to train the young intellectually as well as morally, because it speaks to man as man, and that with that book are connected institutions of primary importance to domestic and national life. However much men may differ as to the interpretation of the one, or as to the authority of the other, no view of education can be considered complete without some reference to them. On these subjects, however, although I have not attempted to conceal, so neither do I think it necessary on the present occasion to obtrude, my personal convictions.
I may venture nevertheless to express the opinion that success in the efforts made for national education by religious bodies and by the State will to a great extent depend on the interest which the middle classes may be induced to take in it, and that it imports much to the welfare of the nation that the practical activity called forth in agriculture, manufactures, and the arts, should be guided not only by sound teaching of science, but by moral and humanising influences.
To the progress of this great work I offer a humble contribution, not unmindful of those who led the way many years ago, and with the hope that God's blessing may guide all who are now engaged in it.
