Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-02-08
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 8, 1882.
GcoMMuNIcATED.

written for to-day's paper has suggested train
Of reflections, which, if generally and properly
considered, would, doubt not, be Of no small
advantage to those few Of cur citizens who are
similarly engaged with myself
The employment Of Teaching, once consider
ed degrading, is gradually becoming highly re-
spectacle. Common observation renders it un-
necessary to prove that "there are diversity OF
gifts'-for, while some whose natural inclina-
tons and genius direct the force Of their minds
TO mechanical arts or commercial concerns, there
are others whose natural bias of mind and inhe.
rent preds positions calculate them for study, and
the professional avocatiuns of life. And while
those of this class consume the midnight OIL
and Oy the sweat of the mind strive for, and Oh
tain, celebrity and distinction among men, those
of the former class are satisfied If, by unceasing
labor and the sweat Of their brow, they eventu-
allv liberate themselves from the demands Of
necessity and obtain an easy subsistence; and
seldom do we discover their ambition extending
further than the acquisition of wealth and limit
ed iafluence--whieh class, however, includes the
happier or more useful members Of society, at
tempt not to decide.
From the employment of teaching some of the
first men of our nation have emerged; and this
circumstances, no doubt. has had its influence:
but what, more than any thing else, has con.ri.
buted to increase the responsibility of the en-
plovment is, in my opinion, a due sense Of its
Importance entertained BY parents generally.
can suppose Of no employment or profession
to which is attached half the responsibility as to
that of an instructor of youth. The future we'll
being Of the child is, in a manner, placed in the
hands Of its teacher-example has considerable
influence, particularly if in support Of precepts
which, if patiently inculcated, become in most
cases indehbIy impressed; for "just as the twig
is bent the trees inclined"
OF all professions. there is none so aborous as
general and constant exercise of close observa-
ton, of prudence and of judgment. TO ascer-
tain the inolinations, dispositions, tempers and
powers Of mind uniformed, requires no small
degree Of sOlicitude or power of discrimination:
TO alter deprecabe habits, and to establish those
that are commendable. demand all our prudence
and circumspection: to select modes of impart.
ing instruction agreeatty, of pleasing without
enervating the mind, requires maturity Of judy
ment which experience alone can produce.
The employment of Teaching is certainly, of
all others, the most pleasing and instructing to
contemplative mind. To view the progress of
inteIect--to watch the gradual development Of
the youthful mind, and to cater for that mind
when in full stretch after knowledge--to see the
unfeigned Joy and delight which seems to animate
the whole soul when severe study or intense APP
pcaton is rewarded by complete victory over
ali dific ultes of an abstruse problem. or when
tho mind succeeds in aualyzing and comprehend
ins the principles Of scientific operation-to be.
come thus acquainted with the feelings and mo-
Ii, es. and associated with mind eagerly pursu-
ing the light Of information into the depths of Ii;
terature. afford pleasures Of the most exalted
character: to read IN the happy countenance the
purity Of heart and intentions which charac-
ter,ze youth alone land which almost always
finds tomb in an intercourse with the world -
to know that you possess the respect. esteem and
affections Of heart unsophistIcatcd BY the max
inns of sef-interest and worldly wisdom; yield
delight the world know nothing of.-These. Sir,
are only few of the many pleasing reflections
peculiar to the employment Of teaching, and while
IN the possession If which l envy not the plea t
sures Of a.grati6ed palate, a satiated avarice, or
the accomplishment Of the aspirations Of ambition
But let me not leave you under the impression
that no regrets, no disappointments, are attached
20 such station. How often DO we discover,
and with grief too, the vicious inclinations of
= mind possessing every opportunity Of becom-
ing good and great; and instead Of being able to
create desire Of preferment and love of Lite
azure. full often are we compelled to witness the
istlessness Of mind which, with other DISPOSE. I
ions, might become star Of the first magnitude +.
n the zodiac o. science and literature: besides !,
hese, there are others which, being of pecu. 9