Page:The History of the University of Pennsylvania, Wood.djvu/19

Rh course of instruction having thus been adopted equal in extent to that usually pursued in the highest seminaries, nothing more was requisite to place the academy of Philadelphia on the footing of a collegiate establishment, than the right of assuming the title, and the privilege of conferring degrees upon the students. The hope of obtaining collegiate honours has always exercised a powerful influence over the youthful mind; and every seminary, however extensive may be its plan, and whatever the qualifications of the teachers, must labour under great disadvantages, if destitute of that command over the diligence of its pupils, with which the power of giving or withholding these honours invests it As the effects of this deficiency in the academy began to be experienced in the desertion of some of the best students, who sought in other seminaries that testimonial of their proficiency which was denied them in their own; it was recommended by the teachers to the board of trustees, that application should be made for such additions to their charter as might invest them with the rights of a collegiate body. The application was accordingly made; and an additional charter was granted by the proprietors, dated June 16th, 1755, by which the former style of the board was changed into that of "The Trustees of the College, Academy, and Charitable School of Philadelphia," and all the powers conferred upon them, which are usually attached to such a title. The condition, however, was annexed to this charter, that the trustees and professors, before entering on the performance of their offices, should respectively take and subscribe the customary oaths or affirmations of allegiance to the King of Great Britain.