Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/302

Rh Here the reverse is the case. It has been wisely considered that an infant University, like that of Madras, which has still got its name to make, should commence by only acknowledging realmerit. It has been determined that as far as can be, her stamp should only be impressed upon sterling gold, and not upon tinsel or pinchbeck. And accordingly the Examination for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts has designedly been made very arduous both from the number of subjects, and from the high standard of answering required. It is the unanimous opinion of the Examiners that it is fully as difficult to obtain a first rank among the Bachelors of Arts in Madras, as to obtain a second Honor in England, and those who receive the diploma of this University will go forth into the world, stamped as the possessors of knowledge far more extensive and accurate than would be evinced by the acquisition of a similar diploma at home.

But, gentlemen, while I congratulate you upon this high distinction, I must still, ungracious as it may appear, warn you against assuming that this success will ensure a similar measure of success through life. I know it is common enough to tell those who have gained prizes as students, that the same qualities which placed them before their fellows in early life, will procure them equal prominence in their after-career. This is partly true, but it is not the whole truth. It is partly true, for industry and talent will always bear a market value; but it is not the whole truth, otherwise we should not see so many instances of clever school boys and brilliant University men who turn out utter failures in after-life. Every one who has watched the career of their own contemporaries, will know how often this happens. I believe the fact to be, that distinguished success in practical life calls for qualities, mental and moral, which you have not been required to display as students, and that it is upon the possession and exertion of these qualities that it depends, whether you will ever emerge from the rank of respectable mediocrity. Not only is this so, but there are habits of mind engendered by a long course of study which are in themselves unfavourable to active exertion in real life. It is only in proportion as you guard against the one and develop the other, that you will maintain your present position in after-years.

I have seen it remarked, I forget by whom, that reading is often only a form of indolence, where we study what others have thought, in order to save the trouble of thinking for ourselves. Now this is a form of indolence into which successful students are very