The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-07-02 00:00:00

the pillitput wileisbit, haa formed pp:Ved sow tuasiption,
esel illtegiluslig k *kb an ardor Iss 14 aid 'Mtn
had WOW Ilielaloostalo in it. Se we together (A laugh.)
We k knee weeeChaechomo, and they woe Dieneenws; but we
tneeglik shit iiiipillul very little when We was all Mends to useful
kowledge I me wood se eentrovesaisa en Ate parity or the recti.
sub of religious euilims s yews we desuglilk !Might be right, or we
might be rit, the essolownee wo linhe to our purpose--our bu-
limia was smatter, mud est seenoioniem. (Applause.) Sir Hum-
Davy is a greatsulla algoniet sad a high churchman, hut yet he
only dly one way prig ehyenlatry. (laughter.) He did not
io hie itCllllO4lllllllll that to uodostaisel the pespenies of acid,
it was necessary as he a Presbyterian, or to Compreltecd the quali-
ties of Mull ••• Asti' he a Protestant ; or that to know how pa.
per was so he mud men or brews It was necessary to have a test
prepseed as hie pupils. (Greet lateghler.) It was not neccasary to
enter le lecturewese• that a Bishop &NW call you into • closet and
examine yes vow dee ow of your faith, or that my friend Cox
here, who 1a lad of shltep among the Dimmers, should ascer-
tain that you wee elusidleste fast in the principles of his creed. They
even thought -Phut the Pope himself might be Omitted to some
hole esispeaks utauluser In jest the same way. (Loud laughter.)
As we OilOoll Ooloolleten the subject of the necessity of teaching
isi duisednal theufere that there should be no cause of
in ONO subject of theology. Those who required a then.
=ollonelen might sail go to Oxford, or to Cambridge, or to
4 11•4 dug No dissensions upon that subject should retard
No susses of aur loath ution, we determined to exclude the pro-
Assombip of rbedigy from our walls ; not from any disrespect to
vellgims., we hes say dismseition to question the importance of its
MUNRO OR meal present or future happiness, but front an earnest
desire that the boowledga received from the Divinity should nit
some into contain with human science (applause), and with a
honfek persuasko that it was quite consistent with the
etuesse purity dbelief, that petering of all persuasions. Jew-
Ile at Gleasils, IPeseenrant or Presbyterian, might receive the
advantagratAsuslostitic education, without any absolute eon.
fiemity or is - opinion; that, in short, I might take my child to
learn climbing 4/ oaihematics, or any other branch of science, no
matter in who gam, where all classes were assembled for the same
rinbalk, dig
_should be taught the peculiar belief which
e dede• elf • below or parent to inculcate, either at Oxford
ae( we sane one of the dissenting schools, or wherever
she or a KC! migl.t render it desirable he should becost. lop I have had an opportunity to say thus much.
It will avoid p goolbility of misconceptions hereafter. I feel as
acutely upon the, abject of religion as any man--I khow its im.
maim importance—l know that it is important if true—l know
that It la of equal importance if not true; but I know, too, that it
is a subject upon which it is impossible to make all men agree, and
that though you may bring men to a compromise upon matters of
theory, you cannot force them to such a compromise upon religion.
I can mad my son to Sir Humphry Davy to learn chymistry, al-
though we may differ upon many points of that science, as we do
actually differ, bi.,t I cannot send my sou to every person who may
I differ fmm me on points of doctrine in religion. (Applause.) Thls
separation, therefore, of religious instruction from the means of
reientific acquirement'', so far from being a reason for undervaluing
this Institution, should have exactly the contrary effect. I have
taken this course of fairly, openly, and boldly stating our opinions
and intentions upon this point, that nothing might be left to con.
joture, and 1 hope lam well understood. Our enemies, if ene-
mies we have, will now have our answer to any attacks upon that
subject. Now, o e word more: professions are always to be dig.
trusted on any subject, and on none are they so little to be trusted
as an religion. We have abstained from all professions; and I
too. after what you have heard, that no man will dare to lithium
denstand us. 'rhe Council to whom the management of the affairs
of the Institution are to be committed will be invested with plenary
powers of suspending or removing all professors who may violate
the laws for its regulation, and it will therefore be their bounden
duty to take care that nothing is taught isteonsfstent with the duty
of a gonl subject, or at variance with the principle laid down on
the subject of religion. This has, therefore, a sufficient ground for,
seaming that no contention could arise, and the universal admission
that no tests were required, was a substantial pledge that nothing
irreliginue should ever cross the threshold of this Institution. (Ap-
plause.) I fear I ant detaining the meeting too long—(Applause)
—but I cannot avoid a short explanation upon those topics, which
have been urged against us on various occasions, 'Mice the first an.
nouncement of our intention. Now, upon the subject of expoier,
it was a notorious thing. that no citizen of London could teach his
son Natural Philosophy. Chymistry. and the subjects connected
with it ; Agriculture'. Surveying, anti others ; 3latheinatics, or the
' ' - places-

Belles Letrees, in the only where he could acquire those
branches of knowledge with effect, unless he happens to have
two or three hundred pounds to bestow on Ins education;
while his plumber or his glazier, or his carpenter, or his bricklayer,
may learn all these thing. without any coat, in that Institution
which owes its origin to my indefatigable friend, Dr. Birkbeck.—
It is true they are not regularly taught ; for instruction is only
communicated for two or three hours in the evening; but they are
taught in the intervals of du ir labour ; and the sons of a London
merchant, or a country gentleman, are not therefore so well off u
one of the members of the London Mechanics' Institution. This,
in my opinion, decides the question. There must he an University.
(Great applause.) We may, it is true, put off the period till next
year; but it will be exactly its-if two very thirsty persona were de-
arous of drinking at the same spring, and because the one, per.
haps, happened to have a longer neck than the other, he was to I
stand upon ceremony, and for fear of offending, say, " No, 1
thank you, Ma'am, not till you are satisfied. (Great laughter.)—
Let us at once accomplish oar undertaking, and, without ceremony
or offence, erect a fountain, nt which, like the Mechanics' had-
lotion. all who stretch out their necks may slake that sacred thirst.
(Applause.) Another thing, a man may have DO/. to give his son,
and may have agreat respect for Church and Churchmen, but he
may not like, at the age of 17, when the character is just forming,
and the mind the most susceptible of impressions, he may not like
at that age to send him from the paternal roof ; in our institution
he may he sent to obtain all the benefits of a collegiate education
with no other danger than if he was sent to a day naiad. We have
Mead that London is on immoral place, but I think It will be
fiend that it will be preferable to send a young man to this Univer-
mite, under the eye of his mother or his sisters, than even to those
truly moral places, Oxford or Cambridge. (Laughter.) Not that
I mean at all to compare the n:orality of Oxford and Cambridge
with London ; but in the one place the fathers and mothers do not
go .o see their sons more than once or twice a year, and then leave
them to themse'ves ; while here, as I have said, they may see them
every day. Another thing deserves mention ; many respectable
men send their sons to different professions—one is sent to an at-
torney, another to an apothecary, a third to en architect, and so
on ; and 'hilt it is quite impossible for those young men to
obtain any instruction at present in an Untve:sity, and serve their
masters at the acne rime, there will be in our institution an oppor-
tunity affirded for any young man from 17 to •21—the time of
Isis apprenticeship, to obtain. by a walk of half an hour, and three
hours devetion of time, a course of collegiate education. as good as
can be hail at the present moment in either of our Universities,. (A p-
Pia... •N These, among many others, are the reasons for which I call
upon you to suppos. this institution. I don't call upon you to do
an act of unparalleled generosity, like that of toy friend Dr.
Birkbrek, who, when he found that the subscription to the Ale-
eitanic_' Institute did not pour in fast enough fat his impatience,
set down his name for 4,0001. at once, and the consequence is.
that the flail is to be opened next Friday. Such acts as that
cannot expect, but I ask you to invest your capital in the
shares of what must be a flourishing concern, or by donations
of WI., which are transferable to your heirs at your de-
maze, making you Governors for life, and giving you at the
Allitie time interest for your mancy. With that plat: we conic into
the City ..t London, where money is not perhaps, as it is said to be,
gnt exactly for the asking, but where I am sure no man ever came
with a fair, honest, straight-forward proposition without meeting
the support be merited. (Applause.) We hive excluded UI tests
from our Institution. We consider them as leading to hyporfisy,
and as calculated to make those men who form their opinions upon
them no longer to be trusted, forming only a system of exclusion,
taken some:Mica to obtain advantages sometimes. to procure admis-
sion to offices. artlforming that system of society which induced a
writer of the last century to write what had been termed his jean-
itizal chapter—that he was too poor to keep a conscience. The
Hon. and Learned Gentleman, after sonic high ercomiums on the
Ismil Mayor, conchtded by observing that althotigh interest might
mail the object of their desires openly, though bigotry might attack
it secretly—thoughptejudice might Ow its cyes to theadvantages to
be derived trout it,still in despite of all difficulties and all opposition,
" As wane tall cliff that lifts its awful torm,
Swells front the vale, and midway leaves the stmtm ;
Though round its breast the roiling clouds are spread,
Eternal atinskine 'settles on its head."
3lr. Ruer bore testimony, from his experience as a native of
London, to the want of an University, and observed, that although
it had been add this was something new, Cowley, in his "
Philo-
sophical College," had advanced a proposition of ninth the same
kind. Ile concluded amidst some diapprobation, by contending,
in the worded the ancient, that every man was bound to support
the Sparta in which lie was born, and he would say of the Institu-
tion, in the words of the banished Roman, " lisle Perreing."
Sir J. MACK I N T OSH bald, that in appearing before them to per-
form the duty allotted him, of proposing another Resolution, he
could only Ray, that it was one of a very few acts he could have
been induced to attempt in the present statenf his health. (Ap-
plause.) Atter considering the temperature of the air and the state
of bus strength, and the nature of the Subject and the abilities of
the speakers who had preceded hint, he thought it neither necessary
nor becoming that he should occupy their attention any great length
of time. They had by coming on that day given a pledge that
they approved of the principle of the measure which had been
proposed 'indeed
and

bf obtaining that Information cheipiy and near at hand tritieh
they were now deprived of from the distance and expense. In
that single consideration was emnprised all of noressity or use-
fulness which could be advanced in Its favour, for if that be true,
what other argument is wanted ? And he would say to thee* few
open enemies, and he was afraid their more secret ones, that there
was not only a fitness in the formation of this Institution, hut,
morally speaking, an absolute necessity for providing a %apply of
knowledge In anstrer to the great demand which poured In spa
them. Far it was not alone in London, or among the inhabitihts
of London, that this demand Sias likely to arise. Mirnerous per-
sons, as his lion. Friend obsneved, and justly, were daily sent op
from the country to be employed in various departments if life at
that age when Instruction was the most valuable. and then, from
the nature of their engagements; it was impossible they could go
elsewhere to obtain it. Was it a matter of no importance that a
place of education, cheap and accessible, should be ormided for all
these youths, and that they should 1;e able to pursue for souse time
longer their studies, is not under the parental WM and authority, at
least under the eye and tontroul of those periwig who were the best
substitutes for the exertion of parental discipinte, obeying at cmeinti
the same niontent their masters, becoming acquainted with the
various pursuits in life to which they may be destined, and caw
pleting their studies. Let it not be supposed that such a dig
or time would be incompatible with the powers of yontn. I la a
great mistake to suepose that industry in the common walks of nin
is at variance with the pursuits of knowledge. There is a pail%
whom if be was sure he was not in the room, he could point out ere
a splendid instance of the indefatigable employment of time, as a
i man whose unceasing industry has acquired an- ir.sight into every
department of human knowledge. He was sure he need not name
Mr. Brougham. Engaged in a thousand different pursuits, medi.
I tsting day by day on an Infinity of different subjects, he mita
instead of destroys the energy of his mind, and by every new eibot
'seems only to form a stimulant for more vigorous spoliation.
(Great applause.) lie did not think himself justified in d
; them any longer (cheers), and -would therefore more now the
Resolution, " that the proposed institution has for its object, the
i affording a liberal education at a moderate expense."
Mr. TuoMAs CmgrltEt.t., in seconding the Resolution, said,
i that he would have been inclined to yield to the indisposition which
oppressed him, and have retired from the Toole, had he not thought
iit would hate been deserting his friend, in the day of battle. 'H*
hoped howevet they would have sympathy with his situation in lb.,'
i few observations he would *lsola to them, -Awl that he Ira
solely persevering from tisedidiagthat man triumph ow
o.:lihe
j the wktress of body. In epiteofili as . of vead popes
!and venal writers they had teIIIMIIIIINS. bid 111.11.101 r INV Obis
bit in the immense assemblage MNM , ..'an la swim.
dent interest they had taken in the • All
the arguments of their opponentrhad benitientled, all digit fib: i
jectlons answered, and it remained only not Ow, like the peorsph;
son of Fortunatus's wishing-cap, to eau. ' and their taints
should steed erected. (Applause.) in the, course of his hum-
ble efforts, a singular fact had come to his loolledge, that there were
only three capitals in Europe which did not poison an University.
The first was Constantinople, the capital of Turkey ; the second
Madrid; the capital of Spain i and the third our own metropolis.
the heed of this mighty empire. With the empires of Mfthomet
and Ferdinand it was quite in good keeping that there should be no
Universit It was in good keeping with the nature of the Sove.
reign of Madrid that his subjects should be ignorant, for they
might otherwise read (i-cek i they might read the odes
of Altaeus, which would put swords into their hands, and,
with the hereditary atiirit of their tutors, free themselves
from the bondage 'white bore thsm down. (Much Applause.)
for his part he prayed that no College might be raised there until
learning could be free from the fear of despotism and the Inqui.
sition. The Learned Speaker, after observing upon the necessity
of intellect in this country receiving the highest polish, so es to
show the intrinsic beauty of the diamond, concluded by hoping the
liberality of the people of England would enable them to erect and
endow such an establishment as would enable them to transmit the
blessings of knowledge and science through all time.
Lord J opt x Rvss r. t. L.—The gentleman who last addressed the
Meeting complained of the difficulty he felt in attempting to fol.
low the eloquent speakers that hut preceded him, particularly the
I Learned Gentleman who had an ably discussed the subject of this
Meeting, and whom it was so hard at all times to follow with even
the humblest share of success. If the last speaker might be
permitted the expression of such a doubt, much more did it
become him (Loud John Russell) to indulge a similar appre-
hension, more particularly after the eloquent address of that
- - - ' individual himself. -

distingt;ished _ n 0,.. who, as they all knew, had
contributed so much to the I.olite and agreeable arts that adorn
socety, and now came forward to lend his countenance and
ass stance to the more solid and useful branches of knowledge,
that were so beneficial to mankind. It was unnecessary for him
(Lord J. Huasall) to dilate upon the nieri of that exalted poet,
which were already so well known and appreciated by his country-
mee. The Resolution welch had been placed in his hands to pro-
pose he felt great pleasure in submitting to the attention of the
Meeting, the more particularly as it related to the absence of then.
logical education, for which, as ample provisions were made in the
Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, it would be the less neces-
sary in the Metropolitan University, where the pupils would be
wider the care of their respective relatives and religious instructors.
lie thought that in the consideration of the possible success of the
new University, there was not any danger to be apprehended in
its foundation, but whatever difficulty was to be apprehended was
much more likely to nr'se in the course of its future progress.
They might afterwards disagree among themselves, or perhaps
.even injure the minds which it should be their endeavour to assist.
But he trusted no such t vent was likelTie%e the result of their en-
deavours; and he could not ovoid considering that considerable
difficulty was likely to be removed nut of their way by the judi-
cious determination which had been adopted to ndmit no theo-
logical department in the proposed University. In Oxford and
Cambridge religious education was conducted under the super-
intendence of the Established Clergy of the country, and it might
be e tsy tor them to keep in a constant and consistent course, which
wood not be so readily attainable io the Metropolitan University,
where it was desirable that difference of creed should form no ob-
stacle to admission. lie did not mean to recommend a similar line
of proceeding to that adopted in Germany, where there existed
some Universities in which Christianity was taught, and others
where it was the contrary. Oxford and Cambridge wen Univer-
sities to which parents sent their children, and those seminaries
ntig:tt le said to be in the place of parents to the youth who were
instructed in them ; the Universities took the education of their
pupils into their own hands and out of those of the parents. But
inasmuch as is their University the pupils were to remain under
the guidance of their parents, there appeared no occasion to attend
to religious or theological dogmas. It had been justly said by his
Learned Friend (Mr. Brougham) in his eloquent speech, that. it
was important that the lower and labouring classes should be placed
in a situation to improve in knowledge and understanding. In the '
mean time there would be no hindrance to the remainder, and
such as could strait of going to Oxford or Cambridge as before.
In the present state of society, and this country, it was utterly im-
possible to stop the progress of even the lowest classes towards
knowledge and information, and certainly it was by no means el,-
sirable so to do. The only thiag that now remained for the upper
classes was, by. strengthening their own dikes, by aggrandising
their own acquirements, to provide against any sudden inundation
with which they might be threatened by the increasing information
of their Li firiors, and in that manner secure the superiority which
could not row be otherwise maintained.
The Rev. J. FLETCHER (Stepney) expressed the great and
sincere pleasure he fait in seconding the motion of the respected
Nobleniao who had just sat down, and were it not for the advanced
hour of the day, and die clear end conclusive arguments of the
eloquent speakers who had piecetied him, which rendered his feeble
Ohne the .ess necessary, he would have considered it as his duty
to have given his opinion on the present interesting subject. The
history of the last week had been one of the most important that
had occurred fir many years. On Mot day last he had attended at II
the formation of an institution which had originated under the
auspices of va loss individuals, for the purpose of promoting the
diffusion of Christianhy by the 'study of various living languages,
and rendering their knowledge subservient to the extension cf
Christianity over tee wattle face e 4 the globe. On Tuesday the
foundation of a new Coll.ge had been laid for the education and in.
struetion of intlividurls intended for the Christina ministry among
the Dissenters; and this day they were assembled to celebrate the
foundation of a Metropolitan University, to lie esiablielied on an'
extensive basis. lie was extremely glad that in the resolutions of
the Isoriety they had manifested every disposition to pay every de-
served degree of respect and homage to the venerable and ancient
Universities, and other estaidistiments, set on foot for the
purpose of communicati g theolojical education. Hut by omitting
that branch of know), sis in tit or projected University, they cut
lea a fruitful caese and source Ilt. II ibsui.ion. Ile felt forced to con-
gratulate the Assembly (bough lie was not a native of their justly
celebrated metropolis), on the proceedings they had already adopted,
and on the tranitactiens of that day. lie well knew the advantages
of an education extensive and unlettered in its nature, and was ex-
ceedingly happy that the models to be found in the Universities of
the North, and which were doubtless well worthy of imitation,
were now about to be followed. Edinburgh and Glasgow were in
this respect as centres of liberty and knowledge, from which the
streams of intellect, energy, and character, flowed out to liberalise
and benefit the empire. Whoever was acquainted with their his-
tory must know, that next to the parochial schools which were
most instrumental in the diffusion of knowledge, the elevation of
the Scottish character in intellectual attainments wax clearly attn.
butable and to be traced to the various learned Universities through.
out Scotland. Next to the sacred influence of religion, which
acted to save the minds of the young in their weak and unconfirmed
state from the contamination of vicious habits and practices, wax to

-ell to them, and .... the object was clear, plain, simple, be classed the effect of science, literature, and the arts. Such
..4.1 self evident, that he thought little could be said to give it any an institution was calculated to give habits of industrious op-
greater force, or that perhaps it was even clearer by a bare explana. plication, and afford a most excellent superstructure, and one
Lion than it possibly could be made by any explanation which lie or worthy to be reared upon the foundation already laid iu pub.
others could have the merit of submitting to them. Instead of en. lic schools. It altogether held out the promise of afford-
&avowing to prove by any arguments or deductions the necessity ing a cheap and superior &oration, and a means of giving
of an establishment of this kind, it might be more natural to ask to their future merchants and men of business a degree of
for some satisfactory explanation of the phenomenon, that this moral intelligence are] power not otherwise attainable. They had
metropolis has been so long without an Univetsity for the education it on the best authority that " a wise man was strong," and that
of its youth ; that the greatest city of modern or even ancient times expression, to be found in holy writ, was the source of the cele-
and he would add, that the city which more than any other on brated aphorism of Bacon to the same effect. If knowledge were
the entitled globe OWEN its greatness to knowledge, and to the power, it was important that that species of it conducive to the
force and alacrity with which .t purstics the discoveries of science, benefit of society, and the elevation of national character should he
should have been so long without a collegiate institution of its own, promoted, and this was the object of the new University. Ile
was a matter of equal aatonistiment and regret. When they con- trusted and indulged a sanguine expectation, that ages yet unborn
sidered too that it owed its strength mainly to those who consider would at stint. future period have to look back to the transactions
their interest only to be advanced by making men virtuous and happy. of that day with a proud and grateful recollection resulting from
After the eloquent address of the Learned Gentleman who preeened the beactits which would emanate from the Metropolitan Vat-
him it was needless for him to say much. He believed all that versify.
could be said on the subject was comprised in the single sentence The resolution was then put, and unanimously agreed to.
that the Institution' was to be placed in the centre of a shy, whose Mr. ABERCROMBY, M. P. said a resolution had been tine:-
inhabitants were calculated upon the lowest at 10 or 1200.0110 per. pectedly placed in his hands in consequence of the temporary ab.
sons, rind he would venture to say that there was not in any other sence of his Hon. Friend, Mr. S. Rice ; and although he was not
part of the world an equal number so desirous of knowledge, or at present fully prepared to apply himself to the subject df the reso.
whose habits would be so much aided, or whose characters and int. Immo' he could not avoid availing himself of the opportunity ft af-
portance would be so much raised if the means were afforded forded him to express the sincere and cordial interest he took in the

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