HONESTY IN THE C. L. S. C.
BY CHANCELLOR J. H. VINCENT, D.D.
The system of examinations which prevails in secular schools has its advantages, but is not an unmixed benefit. It is an incentive to study. It aids the teacher in determining the proper time and degree of the promotion sought by the pupil. It is an approximate test of the place which a candidate may be able to command in the advanced grades.
But the examinations may become an end instead of a means. Pupils may work for success in a process rather than for the possession of power to think on any subject at any time. Examinations may give advantage to an inferior type of mind, rewarding mere memory and facility of expression, thus putting to a disadvantage the steadier, calmer, slower movements of a thorough student.
While in the day school, which deals with youth, we think the examination in some form or other is indispensable, in our Circle it is entirely impracticable. It is equally undesirable and unnecessary. We aim at reading and not study, except as reading by mature minds, eager to know, must necessarily induce the most fruitful kind of study. This, our aim, is the highest and wisest. People join the C. L. S. C., not for degrees in college, not for recognition as competitors in departments of exact scholarship, but for direction in useful reading, and for the pleasures of association in literary pursuits. It gives no pecuniary reward in the shape of prizes or professional diplomas. It would seem to present no inducement to dishonesty on the part of its members. They read for personal profit. Their compensation lies chiefly, if not wholly, in the joy of knowing, in the sense of increasing taste and power, and in the delights of high and honorable companionship.
In our Circle moral worth is assumed. The men and women who join us have long since learned that knowledge without character is not only worthless, but is a curse. They come, through faith in the highest ends of life, to improve their intellectual faculties. The gate by which they enter the C. L. S. C. bears this legend: “We study the Word and the Works of God.” On our holiest altar they read: “Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the midst.” The most fervent appeals which fall from the lips of our leaders are based upon the lofty religious standards which are lifted by the institution. The memorial days, the Sunday vesper hour, the sacred songs, all bear testimony to the religious character of the Circle. There would seem to be no inducement to dishonest souls to knock at our doors, or record their names on our lists.
A fact or two, not widely representative, justifies this word of warning. I am glad to believe that to but few members in the Circle can it be necessary or appropriate. We should all be watchful where temptation is not excluded, and we may as well recall the fact that in the old story from a very old book, there was a lurking serpent in a garden of innocency and delight.
A C. L. S. C. diploma, though radiant with thirty-one seals—shields, stars, octagons—would not stand for much in Heidelberg, Oxford, or Harvard. As an American curiosity it would not attract a moment’s notice, save as thoughtful men might come to measure its real significance. But even then it would be respected, not as conferring honor upon its holder, but as indicating a popular movement in favor of higher education. No wearer of the badge of the “S. H. G.” or of the “Guild of the Seven Seals,” would thereby stand any chance for appointment from any of these institutions, to wear an honorary degree, or take a professor’s chair.
At Chautauqua in the season, and at local circle receptions, and recognitions, the C. L. S. C. badge and diploma are not thus impotent. The color and stamp assign the holder to the place of honor. It is something even to our learned and honored Dr. Eaton to be the first member of the “Guild of the Seven Seals,” and the only member of its highest degree. It is something to be able to linger to the last in the Hall of Philosophy at Chautauqua at the sunset, as the successive societies are requested to remain—“S. H. G.,” “O. W. S.,” “L. R. T.,” and the “G. S. S.” Members of our Circle appreciate the distinction, and it is a distinction with meaning in it, and with genuine pleasure accompanying it. It is something to have a high place in the Chautauqua procession, and to frame a diploma at home with increasing luster as new seals flash out upon it as stars in the evening sky.
But along these lines of promotion lie the perils indicated. The recognition given to the members of the C. L. S. C. graduates and members of its advanced societies may prove a temptation to unguarded souls, and in an evil moment reading may be reported that has not been done, and seals solicited on false representations.
An anonymous note (which none but contemptible people ever write) called my attention to a possibility in a particular case, and a careful investigation was made. The idle boast of a thoughtless woman was reported, and an official examination of her report papers seemed to corroborate the ungracious charge. Later investigations vindicate our member and relieve her from the implied condemnation. But the subject has weighed heavily upon my mind, so that I call the attention of all to a possible peril.
Since the organization of the Circle I have been greatly pleased with the conscientiousness of its members. Many of them were afraid, when we required a report of the time spent each day in reading, that they would not keep an exact account. They were afraid that if they could not recall the contents of the chapter, or book, as students at school would be required to do, that they could not report that chapter or book as thoroughly read. Many persons refused to join the Circle lest they should not be able to complete the four years’ course, believing as they did that members were pledged to such completed work.
While this conscientiousness was gratifying it was excessive, and was based on false views of the aims of the Circle. I have endeavored to correct these views, to modify details of working, and to impress all members with the simple aim of the Circle, to promote the reading of certain books, leaving every person free to decide how superficially or thoroughly the reading should be done.
Our only aim is to promote reading. If we enlist people in the reading of good books on a wide range of subjects we shall at some point strike their taste, and thus promote the culture that comes from the use of one’s faculties in the line of his inclination and opportunity.
This being the modest standard of the Circle, we have a right to expect that every member will honorably discharge his duty, reporting the books he has read and none else, filling out his memoranda (when he undertakes to do it at all) by his own hand, or by dictation, not by proxy, winning the honors he seeks in our Circle by the honesty which will render his recognition a pleasure to himself and a credit to the management.
If any member feels that his conscience would be quieted by re-reading portions of the required books, let him do it.
If any member expects to gain distinction or place among us by unfairness, let him remember that self-contempt is the severest penalty we care to predict.
Let us live honestly.