Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/309

16 literature of the West, it must be through the medium of educated Hindoos. All that we can do is to form here and there certain large reservoirs of the waters of knowledge; but you, and such as you, must be the channels to convey its fertilizing streams, far and wide, over the dry and thirsty land. What a noble and beneficent course lies then before you. It is quite allowable that you should find gratification in the distinction conferred upon you this day, and that you should regale yourselves in the walks of literature to which you have been introduced; but you will fall altogether short of the true object of the one and of the happiness of the other, if your aims and your desires terminate in self. Regarding then, your Degree as the starting point of a career of distinction and usefulness yet to be run, go forth upon the errand on which we now send you, and learn by actual experience the luxury of doing good, how much more blessed it is to give than to receive.

Upon you who have attained the degree of Bachelor of Laws, I would impress the momentous character of the promise specifically made by you. You have pledged yourselves faithfully and carefully to fulfil the duties of your profession, on all occasions to maintain its purity and reputation, and never to deviate from the straight path of its honourable exercise by making your knowledge subservient to unworthy ends. Act out this promise, and the University will have no reason but to rejoice in any success you may attain. It is well known that peculiar temptations assail a Lawyer, and he must be a man of strong moral purpose and principle, who can put those temptations away from him. To advert to one instance only in illustration. The defence of a criminal may devolve upon you ; you may become aware that he is guilty of the offence with which he is charged, you are not bound, therefore, to abandon his defence ; on the contrary it is your duty to afford him the aid which the Law recognises and sanctions ; but you are bound, even though you might thereby save his life, not to employ any false or unworthy artifice, such as asserting your own conviction of his innocence or diverting suspicion to another person. Such artifices have too often been employed. The temptation to use them may be strong, but you must arm yourselves with vigorous and manly principle to resist it. Shun, as injurious to others and degrading to yourself, all unworthy, tricky, pettifogging action, and by the purity and straightforwardness of your own practice, rebuke and discountenance such action in others. We send You forth into the arena of your profession to be champions of truth and equity