THE BEGINNINGS 9graduation. It is also to be noted that in spite of some shortcomings,
the Aleksandro-Neskii Seminary was by far the best ecclesiastic school
in Russia where students received a thorough and we.ll rounded
education, and lived in quite tolerable circumstances. The student
body of this selective superior school was drawn from all Russia, each
diocesan seminary sending its two most promising graduates. When
the administration of the seminary of Vladimir had to make their
selection of candidates, their choice fell naturally on Speransky. In
1790, as member of its first class, Speransky entered the Aleksandro-
Nevskii Seminary in St. Petersburg.
Speransky distinguished himself rapidly among the highly select
students of the Aleksandro-Nevskii Seminary as he had earlier among
the ordinary pupils of Vladimir. The practice sermons he preached in
the presence of the Metropolitan himself, created a deep impression.
Most of them were on strictly theological subjects, but we find also
the first statement of his views on political problems in a sermon he
delivered in 1794. This sermon will engage our attention later in
connection with our analysis of the development of Speransky's political
philosophy. His academic successes made him a beloved figure at the
school, respected by masters and students alike. One of his classmates,
the future litterateur and classical scholar, I. Martynov, noted later
the pleasure and happiness he experienced after he" had delivered his
practice sermon and Speransky came up to congratulate him, for, "the
praise of a respected fellow student is more valuable than that of a
teacher one does not esteem". 1
This same Martynov reports another incident which throws light on
an interesting aspect of Speransky's personality. One day Martynov and
Speransky, who were staying on at the Seminary as junior members of
the staff, were saying farewell to some common friends who were
returning to their home province after graduation. Using the opportunity
offered by farewell confidences, Speransky told the friends who were
leaving that he was very pained by Martynov's apparent dislike for
him. This was particularly surprising and painful to him, Speransky
explained, ,as he himself had the most friendly feelings and highest
esteem for Martynov and would wish to see them returned. The
recipients of this confidence repeated it right away to Martynov, as
Speransky hoped they would. It was Martynov's turn to express
surprise, for his regard for Speransky was such that he had hesitated
to take the initiative, afraid of appearing too familiar in view of
Speransky's apparent aloofness vis-a-vis most fellow students. As a result
1 Martynov, "Zapiski," Pamiatniki Novoi Russkoi IstorU, II, 1872. p. 80.