In the first place, through their institution, a great public
benefit is secured without any cost to the government - worship,
scientific research, primary or higher education, help for the poor,
care of the sick - all set apart and sheltered from the cuts which
public financial difficulties might make necessary, and supported by
the private generosity which, finding a ready receptacle at hand,
gathers together, century after century, its thousands of scattered
springs: as an example, note the wealth, stability, and usefulness
of the English and German universities.
In the second place, their institution furnishes an obstacle to the
omnipotence of the State; their walls provide a protection against
the leveling standardization of absolute monarchy or of pure
democracy. A man can here freely develop himself without donning
the livery of either courtier or demagogue, he can acquire wealth,
consideration and authority, without being indebted to the caprices
of either royal or popular favor; he can stand firm against
established or prevailing opinions sheltered by associates bound by
their esprit de corps.
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