Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-05-26
NATIONAL
LITER AZURE.
From the Christian Examiner.

1 wv uo'S sPonSh vi lhc CoHultlOil oi
our literature. We now proceed to the
consideration of the causes which OBJ
struct its advancement; and we are i'm
mediately struck by one so prevalent, as
to deserve distinct notice. We refer to
the common doctrine, that we need, in
this country, useful knowledge rather
than profound, extensive, and elegant lit
erature, and that this last, if we covet it,
may be imported from abroad in such
variety and abundance, as to save us the
necessity of producing it among our
selves. How far are these opinions
just' This question we purpose to an
swer.
That useful knowledge should receive
our first and chief care, we mean not to
dispute. But in our views of utility, we
may differ from some who take this po-
sition. There are those who confine this
term to the necessaries and comforts of
life, and to the means ofproducing them
And is it true, that we need no know
ledge, but that which clothes and feeds
us? Is it true, that all studies may be
dispensed with, but such as teach us to
act on matter, and to turn it to our use
Happily, human nature is too stubborn to-
yield to this narrow utility. 1t is inter-
esting to observe how the very mechani-
cal arts, which are especially designed
to minister to the necessities and COM
forts of life, are perpetually passing these
limits; how they disdain to stop at mere
convenience. A large and increasing
proportion of mechanical labor is given
to the qualification of an elegant taste.
How simple would be the art ofbuilding,
if it limited itself to the construction of a
comfortable shelter. How many ships
should we dismantle, and how many bu-
sy trades put to rest, were dress and fur
niturc reduced to the standard of conve-
nience. This "utility" would work great
changes in town and country, would lev
el to the dust the wonders Of architec-
'ture, would annibilate the fine arts, and
blot out innumerable beauties, which the
hand of taste has spread over the face of
the earth. Happily, human nature is
too strong for the utilitarian. 1t cannot
satisfy itself with the convenient. No
passion unfolds itself sooner than the love
of the ornamental. The savage deco
rates his person, and the child is more
struck with the beauty, than the uses of
its raiment. So far from limiting our
selves to convenient food and raiment,
we enjoy but little repast which is not
arranged with some degree Of order and
taste, and a man, who should consult
comfort alone in his wardrobe, would find
himself an unwelcome guest in circles
which he would very reluctantly forego.
We are aware that the propensity to
which we have referred, often breaks
out in extravaganza and ruinous luxury.
We know, that the love Of ornament is
often vitiated by vanity, and that, when
so perverted, it impairs, sometimes de-
stroys, the soundness and simplicity of
the mind, and the relish for true glory.
Still, it teaches, even in its excesses, that
the idea of beauty is an indestructible
principle of our nature, and this single
truth is enough to put US on our guard a
gainst vulgar notions Of utility.
We have said that we prize, as highly
t., any, useful knowledge. But by this
we mean knowledge which answers and
ministers to our complex and various ma
ture; we mean that which is useful, not
only to the animal man, but to the intel
lectual, moral, and religious man; useful
to being of spiritual faculties, whose
happiness is to be found in their free and
harmonious exercise. We grant, that
there is a primary necessity for that in
formation and skill by which subsistence
is earned, and life is preserved; for it is
plain that we must live, in order to act
and improve. But life is the means; ac-
ton and Improvement the end; and who
will deny that the noblcst utility belongs
to that knowledge, by which the chief
purpose of our creation is accomplished
According to these views, people should
honor and cultivate, as unspeakably use