Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/301

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others of your number, as well as of those who may follow in your steps year after year, will embrace the same profession, and distinguish themselves as much in the imparting of knowledge as in its acquisition. Of those however who graduate in Arts, the probability is only a comparatively limited number will seek a livelihood by teaching; the majority will, it is likely, enter other walks of life. These last must recollect that it may lie within their power to contribute to the improvement of their countrymen quite as much or even more than if they were professed instructors. In the revenue and judicial branches of the Government service, as pleaders, as medical men, as merchants, as landed proprietors, it may fall to their lot to possess far greater influence than would belong to a mere schoolmaster, and many of the prejudices and evils existing among the Native community can be attacked with effect only by distinguished members of that community, acting in their several social circles. Let each educated Native, then, regard himself as a Teacher, either directly or indirectly, of his less fortunate countrymen. As he meets with success in his path of life, and his sphere of influence consequently widens, let him exert himself the more strenuously to secure to others the advantages which have placed him in the position he occupies. And, above all, let him keep guard over his own conduct, that those around him may learn to attach additional weight to the measures he recommends, from seeing how beneficial his education has been in forming an energetic, intelligent, and honorable member of society.

Gentlemen,—I feel peculiar pleasure in being chosen to address you on this occasion, since I have been personally acquainted with almost all of you, ever since my arrival in this country. In my capacity as teacher, I have had the opportunity of watching your progress in various branches of study; and as few can be better acquainted with the zeal and energy which you have displayed, so I am sure that none can more sincerely and heartily congratulate you upon the success which you have won. And it is no empty compliment when I speak of this Degree as a success. In England the mere Degree of Bachelor of Arts has been so eclipsed by the Honor Examinations, that it has become little more than a matter of form, and as it may be attained with very slight merit, so its attainment carries very little weight.