Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-03-23

| Immediately on mis- return the plan. of a
school was proposed and discussed. Many
oarts OF the outline presented gave satisfaction.
1t was no small subject OF mutual satisfaction
TO both of these gentlemen, that nearly the
same course Of observation should have led
them to nearly the same results. As harmo-
| ny. existed in their opinions, sbey were soon
| led to take their measures jointly; and as the
situation which they filled at the University
did not seem to them to offer the best sphere
for exertion, they determined to try the exper-
iment Of what they could themselves accom-
plish.
1t was deep conviction of the imperfect
condition Of the means of liberal education in
our country, which led them to engage in this
arduous business. They saw that our colleges
needed reform; and as they could not ac-
complish that, they held it worthy object to
attempt the establishment of good school.
The evils, which most justly excite complaint
IN many OF our institutions, are well known.
4 want of inspection leads the pupil into mis-.
chief and vice by entrustins him to himself be-
tore he knows how to take care of, or TO value
his own moral character. Mr.. Cogswell and
MIR. Bancroft established for their first princi-
pie, that The discipline should be of q precau-
ttondry nature they would not so much pun
4
commission of them; they would hold their
| pupils in the right course, not so mu by
Furnishing them, ii they wen; wrong, as by Civ
ing them no chance Of getting out of the right
road. Connected with this, they endeavour
to assume the parental relation towards their
pupils; that is to say, they undertake % pro-
vide, as Tar as in them lies for their happiness,
and AT the same time claim the auth GRITTY and
| rights parents in regulating their concerns.
Pocket money is not tolerated by them. They
are ready 10 supply all reasonable wants, and
| some indulgence is shewn to childish desires {;
but money, given for the express purpose Of
being wasted, seems TO them inconsistent with
good order.
In this way they endeavour to connect the
advantages, and avoid the disadvantages,
which are attendant on public and private cd
ucation 10 collect the means, which should
be brought 70 bear upon a large number Of
| boys, and yet to maintain the exactness and
| the watchfulness, which may exist in a private
| family.
In the attempt 10 form the characters of pu-
pills, they endeavour on the one hand to pre-
vent any perverse tendencies, and to correct
natural iaul.s; but to leave to individual
character free opportunity of being develop
ed IN natural manner.-SThey value accura-
|
TEEN it better to convey few, ideas distinctly
than many in vague and indefinite manner.
In selecting objects of pursuit, they hold it to
be the FIRST duty, to cultivate and bring FORTH
all natural capacities, to confirm talents into
powers, to give to the individual skill in the
management Of all which he has received from
Providence. OF course they do not seek to
.A''asD SIN sEsolaIs 'Cry GriI buys, nor tu
impart, but only 10 cultivate faculties. This
first and most important point, the general i'm
iproVement Of the mind, being settled. thew
aim at uniting those stGdi6s which are best
calculated to unfold the powers, and give efe@
gance TO taste, and the habits of thought with
those which are Of direct practical utility in
the busy world There is time enough for
both where education is begun at an early
age; and, surely man may be of good thrift
IN business, or patient application in his pro-
lesion, even after having cultivated gener-
al love Of knowledge, or intellectual improve.
mehtand pleasure. On the subject OF CLASH
cal learning, while they are true to the faith
which holds the ancients TO be our models in
literature, they concede that they are not in
dispensahle to those, whose business will call
them 70 the exchange or the forum; & while
Itu'ltestimon, is born to their superiority,& en-
deavours are made 10 awaken love for them
opposition to the wishes Of parents and the in
clinations ofpupils.
| Considering knowledge Of the modern
languages valuable to every body, to the
scholar, the merchant, the lawyer, and the
man, they at once engaged Mr.. Hentz, an in
structor Of established reputation in the French
language and literature. He was educated
at the University of Paris, and is a scholar,
an upright man, and faithful teacher. They
have since written to their friends in Germa-
ny for one, who, to thorough knowledge Of bis
own language, might add an intimate acquain-
lance with ancient literature. Through the
attention of Heeren, the eminent historian,
the friend and formerly the instructor Of Mr..
Bancroft, they have engaged young man,
DIR. Bode, already known to The public by
dissertation on the Orphie poetry Gone of the
most difficult subjects 10 ancient literature)
for which he gained the highest prize OF the
+ faculty at Gotingen. He is expected early
in the spring, and there is every reason for
, hoping to find in him an important acquisition
RI Very recently master of Spanish, who like
wise teaches drawing and book keeping, has
Joined the institution, and the important
branch Of the Spanish language and literature
is thus provided for.
In whatever branch they can best teach
they are themselves the instructors. In the
f modern languages, and in some other things
> instruction can best be given by men who de-
> vote themselves to the branch. Still they hold
$ themselves responsible for every thing. Should
their means allow it, they will add 10 their
t number an instructor in the language and lit
/ erature of Italy.
: The administration the school rests solely
= with Mr.. Cogswell and DIR. Bancroft. They
. are assisted by a gentleman, who, in the pres
: ent divided state Of the town, performs for
o them a service on Sunday. Determined TO
. have nothing 10 do with disputes in religion
e they wish the religious principle should be
d strong and effcacious in the minds Of all
: around them.
e In short, they have begun school, place