%i. ISlf TESTIMONIALS V' ' ^UL 3 I94S ;r if rs .--^ Cornwall, 28th August, 1879. Sir, I beg to make application for the Chair of Classical Literature in University College, Toronto. I respectfully enclose herewith a few Testimonials for your consideration. I may mention that, in addition to the Degrees which I hold from the University of Toronto, I hold the Degree of Bachelor of Divinity from the University of Edinburgh. Inasmuch as I have been precluded by want of time from obtaining Testimonials from Scotland, I take the liberty of forwarding to you the criticism which the Rev. Dr. Dickson, of Glasgow, was pleased to make on an original composition in Latin, which was submitted to him. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, NEILMACNISH. The Hon. A. S. Hardy, Provincial Secretary', Toronto. TESTIMONIALS. From the Rev. John McCaul, LL.D., President of University College, Toronto. I have known the Rev. Mr. MacNish, M.A., B.D., for many years, as an Ur dergraduate and a Graduate. He closed a brilliant course in the Uni\ersity of Toronto by bearing off the Gold Medal in Classics ; and since that time he has been appointed by the Senate as Examiner in that Department. He has also been studying divinity in Edinburgh, and has, I understand, distin- guished himself in that ancient University. I have much pleasure in adding that I regard him as eminently qualified, from his attainments as a scholar and from his character as a divine, for the instruction of youth. JOHN McCAUL, LL.D., President. August, 1879. From the Rev. Henry Scadding, D.D., Editor of the Canadian Journal, and sometime President of the Canadian Institute, &c., «fec. 10 Trinity Square, Toronto, August 16th, 1879. My dear Sir, — I am glad to understand that you are among the candidates for the vacant professorship of " Classics," in University College. I should be proud to see the Chaii-s there filled by Scholars and Scientists legitimately developed amongst ourselves ; and of all who come under that head, I know of no one more likely than yourself to do honour to the Chair of " Classics." I say this in sincerity from my impression of your character and training. I know that your studies and researches have not been confined within a narrow range, and that they have been pursued with an innate love of them. Your mastery of the topics of literature, modern and ancient, I gather from the well-remembered papers with which on several occasions you have favoured the Canadian Institute, (some of them since printed in its Journal). I especially recall your communication on " Ossian," and your papers on the '* Hades" of Homer and Virgil respectively ; and on the " Shields,"— all evincing, in regard 6 TESTIMONIALS. to the subjects handled, acute insight, and fine logical discrimi- nation, and I should think, also, the faculties of imparting well what you know, and enkindling an enduring enthusiasm in the minds of pupils and hearers. I am, dear sir yours very truly^ HENRY SCADDING. The Rev. Neil MacNish, LL.D. From the Rev. John Jenkins, D.D., LL.D., Minister of St. Paul's Church, Montreal. Montreal, 12th August, 1879. The Rev. Neil MacNish, M. A., B. D., LL.D., an applicant for the now vacant chair of Classical Literature in University College, Toronto, I have known intimately for many years. I have had ample opportunities of judging not only of his moral and intellectual character, biit also of his scholarship. As to scholarship, his position in the TJniveraity as Classical Gold Med- allist of his year, and his succes.sful discharge of the duties of Classical Examiner for three yeai-s, suffice to place this qualifica- tion for the post beyond dispute, I shall, therefore, content myself with testifying to my sense of Dr. MacNish's high character as a gentleman and a Christian, and with adding that I deem him eminently qualified to discharge in all respects the duties of the Chair which he seeks to fill. JOHN JENKINS, D.D., LL.D, Minister of St. Paul's, Montreal. From the Very Rev. George M. Grant, D.D., Princij^l of the Univei'sity of Queen's College, Kingston. In recommending Dr. MacNish as a person eminently qualified to fill the Chair of Ancient Classics in Univereity College, it is unnecessary for me to refer to the numerous prizes, scholarships, bursaries, and medals taken by him during his studies in Toronto, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. No one doubts his knowledge of Classical Literature ; and, besides, there have been many other good students before and since his day. It is of much more consequence that Dr. MacNish is inspired with a love of the subjects in which he gained such high honors — an inspiration rarely to be found, and without which eminence of TESTIMONIALS. 7 the highest kind can be obtained in no department of knowlelga. He is also an earnest teacher, and wonld bring to his important duties that mingled enthusiasm and dignity which is required for their successful discharge. GEORGE M. GRANT, Principal of Univerwty of Queen's College, Kingston. August 19th, 1879. From J. L. MacDougall, Esq., B.A., Gold Medallist in Mathe- matics, and Auditor General of the Dominion of Canada. Ottawa, August 23rd, 1879. My dear Lector. — I shall be extremely glad to hear that you have obtained the Classical Chair of Univei-sity College, vacant by the resignation of the learned and popular Professor of our Collegiate couree. A too slight acquaintance with the subject prevents my speaking with authority of your educational fitness for the position. Fortunately for you, to have been Classical Gold Medallist in the University of Toronto, and repeatedly Examiner in the same department, provides the highest evidence of your possessing the special knowledge required. The love of general i-eading and the breadth of view shown by your success- ful competition for several prizes in various subjects during your courses in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and by being awarded the LL.D. degree in the University of Toronto, are qualifications of gi'eat importance in one who will naturally be looked to as an example by the futui-e ambitious youths who, it is to be hoped, will increase at the same ratio in the Halls of our Provincial University, that they have done during recent years. I look with as much hopefulness for good results on the minds of the Students, to that delicacy of feeling, wann-heai-tedness and sin- cerity, which were as of old during our recent pleasant meeting, as to any other quality. There is room for hope that there will be found sufficient merits in you to overcome the one defect of being a Canadian. Yours sincerely, J. L. MACDOUGALL. To Rev. Dr. MacNish, Corn wall 8 TESTIMONIALS. From W. Oldwright, Esq., M.A., M.D., Gold Medallist in Mole, I am per- suaded that the influence which Pr. MacNish would ■ exercise over any body of students would be most beneficial. I hav« no doubt that, should he receive the appointment which he is seek- ing, the duties of the Chair will be ably discharged, and the standard of Classical Scholarship in University College will not be lowered. I very heartily wish him success in his application. D. J. MACDONNELL, B.D. St. Andrew's Manse, Toronto, 13th August, 1879. From James Loudon, Esq., M.A. ; Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Univei'sity College, and Member of the Senate of the University of Toronto. Having been requested to state my opinion of the Rev. Neil MacNish, B.D., LL.D., I have much pleasure in saying, that I have watched his career closely since his entrance with myself into the University in 1858 ; and have observed with pleasure that he has steadily continued to justify the high opinion genei-ally formed of him during his Undergraduate course. His reading in the Department of the Greek and Latin Classics is very extensive and his scholarship sound. From amongst the many honors gained by him here and in the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, I may more particularly mention his Prize comi)Osi- tions as furnishing ample evidence of accomplished scholarship. He is, moreover, a man of great wisdom and force of character ; and I have every confidence, from what I know of his i>ast career, that he will grace any position to which he may be called. J. LOUDON, M.A. Professor of Mathematics ejid Natural Philoso[)hy, University College, Toronto. August 26th, 1879. 10 TESTIMONIALS. From George Elliott Casey, Esq., B.A., M.P. ■ ' Fingal, August I9tb, 1879. Rev. Neil McNisb, M.A., LL.D., Dear sir. — You know from a former letter that I was one of those who, upon Dr. McCaul's resignation, turned at once to yourself as his successor in the Classical Chair, and urged you to become a candidate for the professorehip. Now that you have yielded to the wishes of your friends, I take pleasure in stating — for publ'cation if you choose — the grounds of my former urgency. I take it the first i-equisite for the position in question is mature scholai-ship. Now, your standing as a Graduate of Toronto Univeraity is known to all interested in this appointment. But, high as it was. it is greatly to your advantage that your training was not limited to our Alma Mater. You followed a successful career at Toronto by some years of study at the U niveraities of Edinburgh and Glasgow ; and I am sare that you must have gained during those years in experience and breadth of view, even more than an acquired knowledge. Since that time I know that you have continued a coui-se of Classical reading, not boun- ded by the curriculum of any University. Your familiarity with that of our own Univei-sity must, however, have been maintained by your experience as an Examiner. I am well aware of your services in that capacity, and know that the thoroughness and justice therein displayed, won the respect of all concerned. These considerations satisfy me that you possess the "first requisite." But there are pei-sonal qualifications required for this position without which the ripest scholarship would be useless. You must, therefore, let me say a few words as to your own characteristics. I have long known your close application to work laid upon you, even when uncongenial, and your special love of classical studies. I have seen, too, your unvarying per- severance, and I must add success, in the pui-suit of any acquire- ment or achievement on which your mind was set. From all this I should expect still further progress on your |>art when your favorite study became your daily occupation and duty. For the rest, I may say that of all who have been brought into any relation with you, I have yet to find one whom you have not impressed with respect and confidence. I must add that your feliow-graduates gave proof of your popularity by choosing you as one of their representatives in the Senate. In these personal remarks I have been as moderate as Tiosssble consistently with truth, knowing that the fully expressed opinion of a friend might seem partial. In short, I feel convinced that TESTIMONIALS. 11 your appointment would be in every way calculated to advance the best interests of the University, and shall be happy if any thing I can do or say may help to secure it. I remain, • Yours very truly, GEORGE E. CASEY, B.A., M.P. From James H. Coyne, Banister, «kc., Gold Medallist in Modern Languages, Silver Medallist in Classics, Prince of Wales Prizeman, and sometime Examiner iu the University of Toronto. In common with many of our graduates, I would be pleased to hear of the appointment of the Rev. Dr. MacNish, to the vacant Classical Chair in University College. His knowledge of the languages and literature of Greece and Rome was amply proved by a distinguished career at University College and the University, culminating in the attainment of one of the great prizes of the Univei-sity, the Classical Gold Medal. Since his graduation he has greatly widened the range of his Classical knowledge by thorough and systematic reading. In his own department, he is, in my judgment, one of the best read men the Univei-sity has produced. The honors and prizes won by him in other departments of study during his undergi-aduate course showed that his abilities were such as to win distinction in any competition of intellect and industry. He gave further proof of this at the Univei"sities of Edinbiirgh and Glasgow, where he carried off several prizes and bursaries in competition with the students of these famous institutions. As Classical Examiner for the University of Toronto during several years, he showed a degree of scholarship and examining ability possessed by few in this country. His election to the University Senate is an indication of the esteem in which he is held by his brother gi-aduates. Amongst other qualifications for the vacant Professorship, he possesses a pi-actical knowledge of the art of teaching. It will be difficult to find a gentleman com- bining in his person all the most needful requisites for the posi- tion in a higher degree than Dr. MacNish. The gi-owiug sentiment of nationality amongst our graduates and in the country generally, w^as recently gratified by the eleva- tion of Mr. Loudon to the Chair of Natural Philosophy, now filled by him in so satisfactory a manner. That sentiment will not, I believe, be satisfied with the selection of any other than a Canadian, or amongst Canadians, any other than a graduate of 12 5 TESTIMONIALS. our own University, for the Professorship of Classics — other things being equal. And amongst our graduates, Dr. MacNish would, I believe, be the best fitted for the position, and the most acceptable to University men. JAMES H. COYNE. St. Thomas, August 20th, 1879. . From "W. Barclay MacMurrich, Esq., M.A., Barrister. &c., Gold Medallist in Natural Sciences. Toronto, 22nd August, 1879. / My dear Dr. MacNish. — Understanding you are an applicant for the vacant Chair of " Classics" at the University College, I simply write to wish you every success iu your application. From my knowledge of your Scholarship — your power of im- parting the same — your force of character and moral worth, I feel quite sure that if appointed, you will reflect credit on those appointing you, on the College and on yourself. With kindest regards, youi*s truly, WILLIAM BARCLAY MacMURRICH. The Rev. N. MacNish, LL.D. From J. M. Buchan, Esq., M.A., Silver Medallist in Modern Languages, and Examiner in University of Toronto. Hamilton, 16th August, 1879. I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the wide general culture and the extent and accuracy of the Classical scholarship of the Rev. Neil MacNish, LL.D , who is a candidate for the Chair of Greek and Latin literature in University College. Dr. MacNish's marked success in his course in the University of Toronto, at the end of which he carried off the Gold Medal for Classics in spite of formidable opposition ; his equally marked success : . the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, in both of which he took a high stand and won bursaries and prizes ; and his subsequent experience and success as an Examiner in Gi-eek and Latin in the University of Toronto, point him out as possessing speqial qualifications for the position to which he aspires. For these reasons and also on account of his great capacity and his many other excellent qualities of head and heart I consider him eminently well fitted to fill and adorn a Classical chair. J. M. BUCHAN, M.A. High School Inspector. TESTIilONIALS. 13 From "William Mulock, M. A., Gold jVi3dallr:t in Modem Languages in Toronto TJnivej'sity. The Rev. Neil McNish, B.^)., LL.D., distinguished himself at the University of Toronto as an excellent Classical Scholar, closing a brilliant career there by carrying off the highest honors within the gift of the University, and evincing in his composition a profound knowledge of the Greek and Latin Classics. On leaving the Toronto University, Mi'. McNish continued his studies in the Univei"sities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, at each of which institutions he greatly distin-^iished himself as a Classical Scholar, and was specially complimented by the examiners upon the purity of his Latin composition. Since then I understand that he has continued to cultivate his favounte subject of ancient Classics. Entei-taining the highest opinion of Mr. McNish's scholarship, conscientiousness, and sound judgment, I consider him qualified to discharge '.nth efficiency the duties of any position which he is willing to assume. " WILLIAM MULOCK, M.A. Toronto, 29th August, 1879. .^^^, From W. G. Falconbridge, M.A., Registrar of the University of Toronto. Toronto, 28th August, 1879. I have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the learning and personal character of the Re Br. MacNish. He closed a most distinguished career in the University of Toronto by gaining the Gold Medal in Classics in 1863, and hj has since then given much time and labour to his favourite study. He discharged the duty of Classical Examiner in the Univeraity for some yeara, to the entire satisfaction of the Senate. He is a gentleman of great zeal and industry, and his character and conduct are such as to command the regard and esteem of all who know him. W. G. FALCONBRIDGE. 14 TESTIMONIALS. From J. M. Gibson, MA., LL.B., M.P.P., Silvw Medallist in Classics and in Modem Languages ; Prizeman in Oriental Languages and Prince's Prizeman in the Faculty of Arts ; and Gold Medallist in the Faculty of Law in the University of Toronto. I have much pleasure in expressing my opinion as to the £tness and capability of ray old fellow-student, the Rev. Dr. MacNish, for the Professorship of Classics in University College. During his College Course the perseverance and industry dis- played by him were very remai'kable, and his thoroughness and accuracy as a Classical Honor man equally so. The prizes and bursaries subsequently obtained by him in Glasgow and Edin- burgh are evidence that his reading hns been extended beyond the limits of our Curriculum, while I have reason to know that up to the present time he has been most diligent and successful in his determination and efforts lo make his attainments as wide as possible, and can now be regarded as a profound scholar. For some years he acted as Examiner in Classics in the Univemty of Toronto, a i)osition which he was eminently well qualified for filling. As a distinguished graduate in the several Faculties of Arts, Divinity, and Law, Dr. MacNish is an excellent example of home talent^ and in my humble opinion should be recognized as such in connection with the vacant Chair which he is aspiring to fill. J. M. GIBSON, M.A., LL.B. Hamilton, 29th August, 1870. From the Rev.William P. Dicksox, D.D., Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow ; formerly Classical Examiner in the University of St. Andrews ; Translator of Mommsen's History of Rome, kc. " This Exegesis contains a very clear and cogent statement of the chief elements that enter into the question, and is expressed in a Latin style of very unusual purity and elegance. The exer- cise reflects the highest credit on the ability, scholarship, and taste of Mr. MacNish, and I have read it with esi)ecial pleasure."* * The subject of the Exegesis in question is, "An Revelatio necessaria sit." The remarks which are here quoted, were written by Dr. Dickson at the end of the Exegesis. '■ik>'