rings, kisses, doctrinal dinners, and music--and of the Cambridge "prevaricator," so like, he said, to the Oxford "_Terræ filius_." Diplomas he lightly esteemed, and drew an irreverent comparison and contrast between school degrees and Christ's degrees--meaning by the latter our Lord's sonship, unction, victory over temptation, teaching of the Word, and the like; in which respects Christians are to be conformed to their Master, taking their degrees in the school of spiritual discipleship.[273] In connection with Dell's attack upon University studies may be mentioned the publications of John Webster, in 1653, entitled "The Saint's Guide," and "Academiarum Examen," works in which the author enforced "the same principles as were advocated by Dell," and that "not without some shrewdness and ability." The "Examen" was answered by two Oxford men, Wilkins and Ward. Webster had been educated at Cambridge, and he, together with William Erbery, a Baptist preacher of considerable talents, held a public discussion in the October of 1653, "at a church in Lombard-street, against the establishment of the Universities and the maintenance of a national clergy."[274] [Sidenote: _Akehurst._] Excitement and habits of free speech would produce a good deal of extravagant talk in the University, and reports--sometimes inaccurate--would reach the ears of persons in authority. Cromwell heard that blasphemy and Atheism were uttered at Cambridge. He made enquiries. Evidence on the point against a person named Akehurst, vice-master of Trinity, having been collected by Dr. Lazarus Seaman and Dr. John Arrowsmith, they reported the facts to his Highness.[275] But a friend, in defence, wrote the following remarkable letter:--