selled the admixture of the study of natural philosophy, of classics and literature, and that University honours should be accorded to all."

We entreat the reader to pause upon this testimony; to weigh deliberately the terrible truths it announces. For it relates not to a particular period, nor arises out of a rare combination of unfortunate circumstances; it is more true of Cambridge now, than it was then; because the increase of the University, by adding to the number of competitors, has proportionably heightened the difficulties of competition. If heads were cracked in Paley's time, heads are cracked now; if men were reduced, in that day, to such a state of bodily and mental debility as to unfit them for anything during the remainder of their lives; they are reduced so still. For there is no axiom more infallibly certain in geometry than that from like causes like results will flow. Our object is not to indulge in declamation, but temperately and respectfully to point out the magnitude of the evil. It rests with those who have the power to mitigate or remove it.

We pass on, in the next place, to notice two instances of what may be called omission, namely, the institution of a Classical and a Theological Tripos, distinct from, and entirely unconnected with, any other examination. It does appear a hardship, and as such we have frequently heard it

complained of, that while the path to mathematical honours lies perfectly open and uninterrupted, the candidate for classical distinction has to force his way to the classical Tripos through the mathematical; and this seems an unfair restriction, both directly and relatively: directly-because every study, worthy of diligent cultivation, ought to rest upon its own merits, and possess its own independent rewards; relatively-because the mathematical student has no claim to so partial an exemption. If the one is to be driven into this mental discipline of his thoughts; the acquisition of thoughts to discipline ought to be required with no less pertinacity from the other. Nor will it invalidate the argument to adduce the very rare examples of men who have carried off the highest prizes in classics and mathematics simultaneously. No rule is to be overthrown by its exceptions.

The institution of a Theological Tripos may be advocated upon higher grounds. A very great proportion of the younger members of the University are destined for the service of the Church, and to this object of supreme importance it strikes the reflecting mind that their studies should be principally directed. But strictly speaking, there is no provision whatever for the peculiar instruction of theological students; the College Lectures upon the New Testament being addressed to the members

generally. We are aware that a certificate from the Norrisian Professor, of an attendance upon twenty lectures in one term, is required of every Divinity Student; but the circumstance of there being no preparatory examination destroys any beneficial result from this regulation. It may be asked, how is the future minister of the Gospel meanwhile employing himself? The answer is plain,—supposing him to be a candidate for honours, he is necessarily engaged in the prosecution of those studies which promise to lead him to the goal. His energies are therefore diverted into an entirely different channel. It is emphatically true of mathematics, pursued with reference to the Senate House, that they do not admit of service to two masters. There may be minds and constitutions of sufficient strength to allow of other acquirements, but the union is very seldom seen. Let it then be granted that the student gains the object of his ambition, and establishes a high character for scientific or classical talent; for they are both obnoxious, though in unequal degrees, to the same objection. We say in unequal degrees, because an intimacy with the models of Greek and Roman eloquence and poetry, by familiarizing the taste with elegance and beauty, may afford great assistance to a clergyman in his office of instructor. Granting then, we repeat, that so far his course has been triumphant and honourable,-how does he

stand with reference to the sacred functions he is about to take upon him.

The average age at which a degree is ordinarily obtained, varies from twenty-two or three to twentyfour or five. In many cases ordination is applied for within a year after the degree has been conferred; within which period none but an intellect of very rare perseverance and power can possibly penetrate many steps into theology; of all studies demanding the most patient and unwearied attention, if approached in a becoming spirit.

The evils of this state of things are not hypothetical. Many years have not elapsed, since an individual, distinguished in this University for his extensive proficiency in mathematical knowledge, was refused ordination, upon the ground of imperfect acquaintance with the great truths of his religion. He referred, with pardonable confidence, to his character at the University, and the degree that had rewarded his exertions. "I do not doubt your talents or your learning," was the reply of the excellent Prelate to whom we allude; "but your duty in the church will be to preach Christ crucified, and with Him you appear to be very imperfectly acquainted." We give the purport of the observation without professing literal accuracy. Now, it is morally impossible that such a circumstance as this could have occurred, had a Theo

logical Tripos existed; for the industry and talent which reaped distinction from one study, would have reaped it from another. This subject has been urged upon the attention of the senate in a recent pamphlet, and seems to call for earnest and early attention; that its effect upon the rising ministry would be highly beneficial, cannot admit of a question. Every step taken in this study would be a step to positive and future usefulness. Every honour attained here would be permanent; the fame of a distinguished place in a Theological Tripos, as testifying the extent of his researches into sacred literature, would follow the student to his parish. His academical residence would then be only a season devoted to arming himself for the battle; and the Soldier of the Cross would issue forth, not having to forge his weapons and construct his armoury, but prepared for the combat, and furnished with the means of victory. In such a course of study the energies would be called into action; for he would feel that he was not cramming up a subject for a particular occasion; but fitting himself for a profession, at once the noblest, and the most important into which a candidate can be received. He would feel, in short, while exploring the works of a hundred illustrious Divines, that where his treasure is, there his heart should be also.