Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1831-10-21

WIN uilhuehCe ol MS individual powers, he
should know how to estimate the reach of
human faculties, and strangle at its birth, if
ever conceived, the vain presumptious
thought of communicating to others the wis
dom ofages, by the independent operations
OF his own intellect.
Its evident that the teacher stands in need
OF assistance no less than the pupil, and that
his auXiliaries are to be found on the shelves
OF his study. His most perpleXing difficulty
IS the selection OF the means by which the
labours OF others may be best appropriated
to the accomplishment of his purpose A iu-
dicious choice involves the consideration of
various circumstances, and of none more de-
liberately than the period of time within
which he must finish his course of instruc-
ton. The labours of whole life would not
be sufficient 10 compile from the materials at
hand complete and perfect view of the sci
ence; and 10 present it in the form oflectures
would be the task of many years perform
ance. No one has ever ventured upon an en-
terprlze so gigantic, and may safely affirm
that It's successful prosecution is beyond the
limits OF any mans ability. To abandon
lectures in despair, and attempt superseding
them entirely by prescribed course of read
ing, would be merely TO encounter the many
headed monster in different shape. The
doctrines OF the law are difiused over vast
surface, and require the examination of many
volumes. Portions of them, it is true, NAV
be found condensed within narrow compass;
but who can expect even TO lay the founda-
ton OF deep and various learning bv confin-
ing himself TO the perusal of abstracts. di-
gests and abrdgments2
The truth of the whole matter is. that the
conductor OF Law School cannot hone TO be
useful, without an honest disclaimer of all
lofty pretensions, frank disavowal of pur-
poses beyond his reach, Il candid exposition
OF the limited good he may be able to confer,
and faithful application of the imperfect
means within his power, moi to his own sell
fish calculations of profit, but the reasonable
improvement of his scholars Hemust first
ascertain what portion of time he can devote
to the arduous engagement he is about 10 as
sumo. If obliged TO compress his session
within the short space of few little months
or even single year, he should not think Of
expanding his labours throughout the wide
limits of the entire subject but selecting
some important department of professional
preparation, determine on deyotinp his whole
energies TO its successful direction. By this
rational and single-minded method of pro-
ceeding, he may hope to obtain the cratifca-
tIon, not OF making profound Jurists of his
pupils, (Which he must know il would be fol-
~ TO attempt but of comforting upon them
aslgnal advantage over those who from choice
or necessity are the solitary architects of their
own proficiency. On the other hand, how is
he to review his conduct with feelings of
competency, if after having attracted a
number ofineXperienced youths around him
by turgld promises, he shall dismiss them at
the close OF briefnoviciate, uninstructed to
any practical purpose, and bewidered by
vague and imperfect notions of recondite and
multliarious learning and when he reflects
that The chaos of crudities thus thrown upon
their minds is positive, and perhaps irrepa-
rable injury.
A distinct perception of the object pursued
most frequently suggests the means of OBJ
tanning 1t. Let the teacher ask himself how
lar he expects TO succeed in preparing STU
dent Tor the practice. Does he mean 10 com
mence with the first rudiments the science.
and progress in gradually unfolding it, dur
ing term confessedly too short 10 effect its
complete Development In that case he
should discard the idea of lectures, and pla-
eng IN the hands of his pupils a few of the
pest elementary writers, confine himself TO
the humble duty of occasional comment and
frequent examination for how can he hope
10 surpaSs the patient efforts of sages whose
works shed bright and steady lustre upon
the profession they once adorned: or how can
he expect to substitute discreetly his own
heeting words or single ephemeral manu-
scripts, Tor those time tried pages of wisdom
over which even hoary -headed Jurists pore
WIN frequent and long continued diligence?
But 1t may be that The preceptor exclude
rom ms plan the earlier stages of pupillage,
ana holds out his invitation to those students
only VINO having made considerable adyan-
ceS IN elementary reading, and aespairing of
armlng themselves at all points within mo
derate period, seek the last lessons of instruc
!loh from an experienced master. To them
IL Is desirable TO be taught, as far as practi-
can,e' she extent, Limitation and application
Oh .he nrst principles already acquired, and
to be trained for the bar by course of dis
cipline which shall give them promptness and
facility in the management of business and
indispensable information upon various mat
tiers oipractiCe. None, however. can fully
estlmatelthe value of such instruction but
those who have had to struggle on in the pro-
iesslon for years without it, retarded. bv the
benumbing fears Of conscious Ignorance and
exposed to the adrOit and wiley assauIts of
veteran antagonists. IL is easy TO perceive
that ends like these require for their attain
ment something more than methodical read
ing and examination. The matter in re-
quest, when TO be found in books, is scatter
ed through thousand volumes, and must be
collected, collated and arranged resolved
into its elements, or amplified by examples
and illustrations, to suit the occasion and
CONFIRMED, by different expedients, 10 the
capacity, proficiency and necessities of the
learner. The law-worn champion knows