Concerning the foregoing plan, it is to be remarked that life itself being too short to attain a perfect acquaintance with the whole circle of the sciences, nothing can be proposed by any scheme of collegiate education, but to lay such a general foundation in all the branches of literature, as may enable the youth to perfect themselves in those particular parts, to which their business, or genius, may afterwards lead them; and scarce any thing has more obstructed the advancement of sound learning, that a vain imagination, that a few years, spent at college, can render youth such absolute masters of science, as to absolve them from all future study.

Those concerned in the management of this seminary, as far as their influence extends, would wish to propagate a contrary doctrine; and though they flatter themselves that, by a due execution of the foregoing plan, they shall enrich their country with many minds, that are liberally accomplished, and send out none that may justly be denominated barren, or unimproved; yet they hope, that the youth committed to their care, will neither at college, nor afterwards, rest satisfied with such a general knowledge, as is to be acquired from the public lectures and exercises. They rather trust that those, whose taste is once formed for the acquisition of solid wisdom, will think it their duty and most rational satisfaction, to accomplish themselves still farther, by manly perseverance in private study and meditation.

To direct them in this respect, the last column contains a choice of approved writers in the various branches of literature, which will be easily understood

when once a foundation is laid in the books to be used as classics, under the several lectures. For these books will not be found in this last column, which is only meant as a private library, to be consulted occasionally in the lectures, for the illustration of any particular part; and to be read afterwards, for completing the whole.

In the disposition of the parts of this scheme, a principal regard has been paid to the connexion and subserviency of the sciences, as well as to the gradual opening of young minds. Those parts are placed first which are suited to strengthen the inventive faculties, and are instrumental to what follows. Those are placed last, which require riper judgment, and are more immediately connected with the main business of life.

In the mean time, it is proposed that they shall never drop their acquaintance with the classic sages. They are every day called to converse with some one of the ancients, who, at the same time that he charms with all the beauties of language, is generally illustrating that particular branch of philosophy or science, to which the other hours of the day are devoted. Thus, by continually drawing something from the most admired masters of sentiment and expression, the taste of youth will be gradually formed, to just criticism, and masterly composition.

For this reason, composition, in the strict meaning of the term, cannot well be begun at an earlier period than is proposed in the plan. The knowledge of Mathematics is not more necessary, as an introduction to natural philosophy, than an acquaintance

with the best ancient and modern writers, especially the critics, is to just composition; and, besides this, the topics or materials are to be supplied, in a good measure, from moral and natural philosophy.

Thus, it is hoped, the student may be led through a scale of easy ascent, till finally rendered capable of thinking, writing, and acting well; which are the grand objects of a liberal education. At the end of every term, some time is allowed for recreation, or bringing up slower geniuses.

No doubt, those who compare this plan with what is laid down in the preceding essay, will think the term of three years too scanty a period for the execution of every thing here proposed. And it must be acknowledged that a longer period would be necessary. But circumstances must always be regarded in the execution of every plan; and the reason of confining the execution of this to the term of three years hath been mentioned in the postscript to the former number.

College.

Acade

my.

THE WHOLE IN ONE VIEW.

SCHOOLS.

Three Philosophy Schools.
Latin and Greek Schools.
Students and scholars in this
English School.

MASTERS.

The Provost and Vice-provost. The Professor of Languages, 3 Tutors, a writing-master, &c. part about --- 100 SThe Professor of English and

Oratory, with one Assistant and a Writing-master. School for practical branches The Professor of Mathema

of Mathematics.

tics.

THE CHIEF MASTERS ARE

William Smith, D. D. Provost of the Seminary, and Professor of Natural Philosophy; Francis Alison, D. D. Vice-Provost, and Professor of Moral Pirilosophy; Ebenezer Kinnersley, M. A. Professor of Oratory; John Beveridge, M. A. Professor of Languages; Hugh Williamson, M. A. Professor of Mathematics.

THE PRESENT TRUSTEES ARE

Richard Peters, Esq. President of the Board, by an

nual election.

The Honourable James Hamilton, Esq. Lieutenant Governor of the Province.

The Honourable William Allen, Esq. Chief Justice. William Coleman, Esq. Third Judge of the Supreme Court.

Alexander Stedman, Esq. First Judge of the Common Pleas.

Edward Shippen, Esq. Judge of the Admiralty.
Benjamin Chew, Esq. Attorney-general.

Benjamin Franklin, Esq. L. L. D.