Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/526

522 with the privilege of being distinguished with an under-graduate' s gown. The method of study to be prosecuted in the college for the term of three years follows in one general view.

[Given on pp. 236 to 239.]

Along with this plan, which was first published in August, 1756, and subscribed by the Faculty of masters, the following remarks were also published, viz.: "Life itself being too short to attain a perfect acquaintance with the whole circle of the Sciences, nothing has ever been proposed by any plan of University-Education, but to lay such a general foundation in all the branches of literature, as may enable youth to perfect themselves in those particular parts, to which their business, or genius, may afterwards lead them. And scarce any thing has more obstructed the advancement of sound learning, than a vain imagination, that a few years, spent at college, can render youth such absolute Masters of Science, as to absolve them from all future study."

"As far as our influence extends, we would wish to propagate a contrary doctrine, and tho' we flatter ourselves that, by a due execution of the foregoing plan, we shall enrich our country with many Minds, that are literally accomplished, and send out none that may justly be denominated barren, or unimproved; yet we hope that the youth committed to our tuition, will neither at college, nor afterwards, rest satisfied with such a general knowledge, as is to be acquired from the public lectures and exercises. We rather trust that those, whose taste is once formed for the acquisition of Solid Wisdom, will think it their duty and most rational satisfaction, to accomplish themselves still farther, by manly perseverance in private study and meditation."

"To direct them in this respect, the last column contains a judicious choice of the most excellent writers in the various branches of literature, which will be easily understood when once a foundation is laid in the books proposed in the plan, under the several lectures. For the books to be used as Classics, at the lecture hours, will not be found in this last column, which is only meant as a private library, to be consulted occasionally in the lectures, for the illustration of any particular part; and to be read afterwards for compleating the whole."

"The last book in the catalogue is the HOLY BIBLE, without which the student's library would be very defective. But tho' it stands last, we do not mean that they are to defer reading it to the last, it being part of our daily exercise, and recommended from the beginning. We only intimate, by this disposition, that, when human science has done its utmost, and when we have thought the youth worthy of the honors of the Seminary, yet still we must recommend them to the Scriptures of God, in order to compleat their Wisdom, to regulate their conduct thro' life, and guide them to happiness forever!"

"In the disposition of the parts of this scheme, a principal regard