Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1817-09-05

may vet represent Those objects by
the use Of specific and acknowledged
signs but in what manner, Know
ledge of speculative subjects could be
obtained, which requires the deduction
| Of reason and the cxertion of the cul
tiyated powers. without the aid OF an-
ricular and vocal communication, was
to me incomprebcnsible and a!mos'
Incredible. As proof That with a
proper mode of instruction, their
minds are susceptible Of the highest
cultivation. and as specimen OF the
extent in refinement of sentiment AMI
abstract knowledge, at which they
are capable of arriving, it may moi
be uninterestipg to your readers. Is
should subjoin few questions which.
in tue course Of short interview, !
proposed TO Mr.. Clere, together with
his answers, literally as he gave them
to me in writing.
Q. At what age did you commence
your EDUCATION
A. l entered the Able Sicard's
school at eleven years. and could ex-
press my own ideas after FIVE years
of study. !,
o. Previous to your instruction had
,.,u any ideas Of God, and eternity;
and what were they
A. Before my instruction had n"
idea that there was one God IN the
world. l had a mind, it is true, but
it did not think and a heart but 1t
did not feel.
o. Were your conceptions of mo-
raj, intellectual and abstract ssbJects
adequate and correct?
A. My conceptions of moral and
intellectual subjects became correct
only in proportion as l Was instruct
ed.
o. What is the definition of vir-
tue.
A. Virtue, in the fgnrative sense.
is the disposition Of the soul to do
good /; to follow wha. divine and hu-
man laws command, as we'll as What
reason dictates.
2. What is pleasure
A. 1t is joy. contentnen', satIslac,
ton, caused by the presence OLA good
in our possession, or the imagination
of its approach. j.,
0. What is your idea of eternity /?
A. Eternity is a day which will
always be day, he duration which time
cannot measure which has no begun
ming, no end. and which exists alt"ge-
Their without flowing on, and without
success IF antecedent and consequent
parts.
O. What is the distinction be-
tween desire and hope!
A. Desire is the inclination OF the
heart. Hope is the confidence OF the
mind.
The above may serve as a speci-
men. The answers were given with
a readiness and rapidity which evin
ced the most perfect command OF the
intellectual powers, and without appa-
rent exertion. Their philosophical
accuracy eyinccs a mind possessed
of strength and accustomed TO reiiec-
ton. Tie. propriety Of expression,
and the force and neatness of style,
increase surprise when we reject that
bat a few months since, he common
ced the study efthe English language.
But comment is unnecessary. The
general impression which we receive
from contemplating the success "fthis
truly benevolent institution. is that OF
raising the human mind from the low
est ruin and degradation. to the ex
ercise Of its noblest powers; of re-
moving the greatest natural obsla-
cles to the attainment of that know
ledge which is most intimately con
nected with its present and future Ell
joyment.
Since America is blessed with an
institution SO traly noble in its desig,
and successful in its operation. it is b
be hoped that among an enlightened
and benevolent people. it may never
want patrons to foster, to support it.
and till these provinces shall become
sufficiently populous To establish, or
the like misfortunes efficiently hume
rous to demand similar institution.
it is also to be hoped that no national
considerations may interfere, to dry