Litchfield enquirer., 1829-03-12
FOR TIE rrrcHrrELn Erournrn.

Ahefe iS scarce any sut1ect Wntcn engfosees more of the attention, or receives heartier appreciation and aid from every well wisher of his country, than the Education Of Omr YOsah. The energies of the patriot and the christian directed this all m- pOrtant subject, and improvements in system, which some deem almost perfect, are daily suggested. To our institutions of learning look, as the paa- dium Ofour liberty, and as long as these be pre- served in ther present purity and excellence as long as the literary enthusiasm which animates soce- y can he sustained, SC long may we reasonably ex- pect continuance of dear bought rights and priv ileges. To the moral and intellectual intelligence of our citizens the patriots eye is directed as the umInary which will brighten and cheer the gloomy days of our country detect the unhoy designs of the factious and the selfish; and show to tie world the animatng and glorious example of secure, ndepen- dent,and enlightened nation. From the historic page darkened by the melancholy accounts of empires and republics which have fourshed for time and then sunk into obscurity, turn to our own dear coun- try, and anxiousy inquire, is this be her fate r. The gloomy predictions of transatlantic prophets; the disheartenng examples of fallen nations, which history records; and more than all, the blind and fu- rious zeal of our countrymen, which has more than
 
 sad reply to the soicitous inquirer. When our country was small, both in territory and population and powerful enemies pressed us every side then unity of feeling and action our life; then the pub- lie pulse throbbed in sympathy throughout the un- ion; and then the exigence of the times called forth the giant energies of this infant republic. But no sooner had the tempest gone by, and the cheering beams of peace and independence blessed us, than discord threw in her golden apple, and abored set at variance the Spartan heroes of our liberty The virtue and intelligence of the people saved us; and the same integrity and energy which carried the bark of our countrys hopes through the storm of tie Rev. olution placed it beyond the influence of the feebler shocks of political disquetude But our country now has assumed very different aspect. With popula- ton increased more than threefold an enlarged ter ritory; and complicated system of political inter- ests, both foreign and domestic she needs the gui- ding and protecting influence of universal Knowledge and the purest principles To her literary institu- tons she looks with the deepest interest," the series of pure republican virtue, and the lie-giving energies of the nation. To her yosmg she turns
 confding eye, the future supporters of her inter- ests the advocates of her rights and the avengers of her wrongs. Ifthey are unworthy of their high des-
 nation; if they touch the sacred ark of her liberty with unskilful and unhallowed hande we have notl- ing before us but disaster and ruin. They have the strongest incentives to exertion that can be placed before the mind country, ''bold, independent, un. conquered, and free," welcomes them to her highest hopes and immuntes, and intrusts to ther care her most solemn concerns. At their hands will be requi- red, by coming generations the safety glory and sta bility of our government.
 Each young man should act as if he himself consti- uted no unimportant part oi the community as in- teress of tremendous import depended upon his ndi- vidua exer,on. And is not this the case Can he be said to fulfil the great design of bls creation who prefers the beastIike luxury ofnactivy, to life of industry; and selfshness to noble benevoIcnce? In the circle of our republic, each member is of impor- tance; his example is in some degree, felt; and if that be in favor of virtue, how happy the influence how glorious the consequences Let then every young man be assiduous in storing his mind with useful n- formation, instead of frequentng places of ideness and dissipation; exert wholesome moral influence upon those around him; and up to the high desti- n'es of arational, immortal and accountable being. Let him value the facilities for the acquisition of knowledge, which our numerous institutions afford as one of our choicest blessings, and most valuable privileges. TRUMBULL.