Page:(1856) Scottish Philosophy—The Old and the New.pdf/39

Rh inventions of which he has been guilty. But all the essential points in his pamphlets have been now disposed of; enough—and more than enough has been said as regards the importance of his objections. It is only as the assessor and adviser of the Town Council of Edinburgh, who are persons of some consequence, and not either on his own account or as my opponent, that I have noticed him.

One cannot help being curious to know what the body who lately put their trust in him, now think of their "guide, philosopher, and friend." Are they likely to be influenced by this reverend gentleman's interference in filling up future vacancies in the University? I suspect not,—and for this change in their councils, whom will they have to thank but me?

My friend, the Rev. Mr Smith, in the excellent pamphlet in which he answered Mr Cairns, has complimented him highly on the ability of his performance. I am able to join in that compliment, to the extent of acknowledging that Mr Cairns has shown some dexterity in the management of his case. The Town Council of Edinburgh, finding that he spoke of me in high general terms, never suspected (good people that they were) that he could so extravagantly travesty and falsify my opinions. They rather supposed that this amiable tone argued good faith on the part of their adviser. They never suspected that it was assumed for the purpose of throwing dust in their eyes, and of making his own fabrications go down all the smoother, and be taken by them for my doctrines. People even less simple than they might have been imposed upon by such well-lubricated fictions.

Perhaps the electors may be now inclined to ask why I did not open their eye to these discreditable proceedings in time to save the election, and to prevent them from doing what they did. I may be permitted to reply, that the occasion which they may consider as in time, I should have considered as altogether out of season. So long as their decision was pending, so long as I had anything to gain by refuting my assailants, it is not to be supposed that I was going to plead my case before the electors. Much as I may have coveted their good opinion, and highly as I