translation of the word ; and that, instead of being a reproof, saying, " Ye do covet" (and covet impro- perly) the best gifts, it is a co?icession. " Covet ear- nestly the best gifts ;" for that is an ambition, which, if duly exercised, I cordially approve. I observed, that this view of the word had an important bearing on my subject : and that bearing I shall now point out. There are religious persons who undervalue learning ; and therefore undervalue it, because they want either the talent or the industry to attain it. But I must bear my decided testimony against all such persons ; and must declare, that their notions are erroneous, their conduct evil, their example per- nicious. It is an error to suppose that religion dis- countenances attainments of any kind : and they who are sent hither (to this university, I mean) for instruction, and neglect to improve their talents ac- cording to the plan of study here prescribed, are highly criminal before God and man : nor can they conceive how great a stumbling-block they lay in the way of others, or what injury they do to religion, which is condemned for their sakes. I therefore would say to all, " Covet earnestly the best gifts ;" and not only " covet them earnestly," but pursue them diligently. And, if I may be permitted to ad- dress myself more particularly to those with whom, as a partaker of the same benefits with them in our early education and our present means of prosecuting our studies, I am more immediately connected, I would say, ' Inasmuch as your advantages have been greater than perhaps those of any other persons, your proficiency ought to be proportionably great : and, inasmuch as the lines in which you have an opportu- nity to distinguish yourselves are, through accidental circumstances, more contracted than those of others, you are doubly bound to excel in those lines, where the scope for competition is open to you^'
Yet I must go on, with the Apostle, to say, good
e Preached before the University, in King's College, on the Foun- der's day, March 25, 1820.