n College; and the adjacent walks, had they been frequented by
Plato's disciples, might have been compared to the Attic shade on the
banks of the Ilissus. Such was the fair prospect of my entrance (April
3, 1752) into the university of Oxford.

A venerable prelate, whose taste and erudition must reflect honour on
the society in which they were formed, has drawn a very interesting
picture of his academical life.--" I was educated (says Bishop Lowth) in
the UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. I enjoyed all the advantages, both public and
private, which that famous seat of learning so largely affords. I spent
many years in that illustrious society, in a well-regulated course
of useful discipline and studies, and in the agreeable and improving
commerce of gentlemen and of scholars; in a society where emulation
without envy, ambition without jealousy, contention without animosity,
incited industry, and awakened genius; where a liberal pursuit of
knowledge, and a genuine freedom of thought, were raised, encouraged,
and pushed forward by example, by commendation, and by authority. I
breathed the same atmosphere that the HOOKERS, the CHILLINGWORTHS, and
the LOCKES had breathed before; whose benevolence and humanity were as
extensive as their vast genius and comprehensive knowledge; who always
treated their adversaries with civility and respect; who made candour,
moderation, and liberal judgment as much the rule and law as the subject
of their discourse. And do you reproach me with my education in this
place, and with my relation to this most respectable body, which I shall
always esteem my greatest advantage and my highest honour?" I transcribe
with pleasure this eloquent passage, without examining what benefits or
what rewards were derived by Hooker, or Chillingworth, or Locke, from
their academical institution; without inquiring, whether in this angry
controversy the spirit of Lowth himself is purified from the intolerant
zeal, which Warburton had ascribed to the genius of the place. It may
indeed be observed, that the atmosphere of Oxford did not agree with
Mr. Locke's constitution; and that the philosopher justly despised the
academical bigots, who expelled his person and condemned his principles.
The expression of gratitude is a virtue and a pleasure: a liberal mind
will delight to cherish and celebrate the memory of its parents; and the
teachers of science are the parents of the mind. I applaud the filial
piety, which it is impossible f