Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/376

Rh

trust I shall not be misunderstood. I do not desire to exalt the office of the professional teacher above other equally honorable employments. I say only that, wherever you may be placed and whatever positions you may fill, it will still be your duty to diffuse around you the light of your knowledge and in the words of your promise," to support and promote the cause of true learning." Nor, in speaking as I have done, has it been my intention to imply that this duty has been hitherto altogether neglected. More, no doubt, might have been done than has actually been accomplished, but I could mention the names of several graduates of this University, who have nobly exerted themselves to benefit their fellows, and whose quiet and unobtrusive labors have been "all for love and nothing for reward."

Gentlemen, you have further promised that you 'will uphold and advance social order and the well-being of your follow-men.' Here as always, your true interest and your duty will be found to be coincident. For, if there is any one truth in morals more clear and indisputable than another, it is this : that the highest good of the individual is not only consistent with, but is absolutely inseparable from an earnest desire for the public welfare. Look abroad and see what men are most to be envied, or, since thus you may be deceived with outward shows, look rather within, examine your own hearts, and consider whether the gratification arising from the attainment of any purely self-regarding object is likely in any way to compare with that exquisite pleasure which will stream in on you with-the blessings of all good men, if you nobly devote yourselves to the service of your country. This country is, as you are aware, undergoing a process of transformation, and you will have countless opportunities of aiding in the good work. These I shall not stop to particularize, but I may observe that all reforms are viewed with suspicion and distrust by an ignorant people, and you may do good service in one way by faithfully interpreting the motives and the measures of Government to those with whom you come in contact. The provisions of two important Acts lately passed by the Local Legislature for the raising and administration of local and municipal likely, for a long time to come, to be subjects of frequent discussion. Now, many of those who pay these taxes have little or no perception of the benefits they are to receive in return. Steeped in ignorance themselves, they do not desire improved schools for their children,