Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1834-05-15
For the Wing.

shows which horn he has taken.
For the Wing.
EDUCATION.
"Education is to the mind, what the skill
of the artist IS to the jewel'; and as in
one case rough and unsightlv pebble is
fitted for becoming the brightest ornament
IN the crown of royalty, so likewise in the
other, by the influence of education, a
change no less interesting and astonishing
may be effected upon the mind. We have
often observed the great difference that ex-
lists between man in "A civilized and savage
state. Nowio what is this wide difference
to be attributed? 1t is simply and solely to
be ascrlbed TO the influence of education.
We every where meet with abundance of
lacts, which represent in the most striking
manner how extensive and favorable is iha,
lnfiuence which the general diffusion Of
knowledge exerts over human society.
In the history of New England we are
furnished with an Interesting Illustration
of this. When the ancient purilans first
settled down in New Eng land, the cause
Of popular education was one in which
they felt deep interest. 1t was cause
which lay near their hearts, and which
was warmly advocated in the private as
sembly and in the hall of legislation, aud
1t is in consequence of their well-ilmed
and vigorous efforts in the advancement Of
this cause, that the names of the puritan
fathers are blended with all that. is inter-
esting in the early history of our country.
Their labors have proved the source of in
estimabe blessings to their posleritv. 1t
was this which raised New England to that
Interesting and enviable cminence which
she has long continued to hold
1t is principle of our nature to desire
knowledge, and principle that is deep
" implanted in the human mind. We are
all aware at how early period this prin
cIple displays itself in the infant mind !;
and although at this early period it ass
sumes no higher title than that of simple
curiosity, yet it is found to exist in the
mind of every child, and in most cases it
seems most ardent and Unsuitable IN its ma
ture. In order to see the strength of this
principle of curiosity, we might take an.
child, no matter how young, provided he
be old enough to understand the meaning
OF common language, and begin to relate
to 1t some marvellous story, and instead of
finishing it, break off in the middle, and
you will find the curiosity of this child to
be such, that he would give you no peace
until he hears the end of your story. Now
we shall find or examination that the same
eager curiosity forms leading character
lstic in more advanced minds. Let any
one be reading very interesting poem or
narrative and find that leaf has been left
out in the middle of the book, he would
not be satisfied until he had succeeded in
recovering the important Ink that was
wanting. This principle of curiosity, if
rightly directed will end in such a desire
for knowledge, as will lead the mind on
ward in its researches into the useful sci,
ences: and although the name may be
changed from curiosity to desire of knowl-
edge, the principle remains the same; and
it is in consequence of its remaining in
all its strength, that the aged philosopher
is so often to be seen porting over his man.
uscripts, with all the intensity and eager
ness of youth. Such is the peculiar con-
stitution of our nature, that knowledge is
in itself delightful; and it is desirable moi
only on its own account, but on account
OF its consequences, of the happy and ex-
tensive influence it exerts over all the af.
fairs of life. But this, like every other
principle Of our nature, may be so operat-
ed on by external causes, as to become not
only greatly diminished in its strength,
but to seem for the time to be almost crowd
ed from the mind. Instead of listening
with patience to the questions of verv
small children, and striving to direct their
curiosity into the proper channel, the moth
er often strives to put an end to so much
questioning, and thus acts part which is
calculated to have most unhappy nfu-
ence on the infant mind; but even after il
has received this check, 1t is possible to
excite taste for study; and it would seem
that all who regard the happiness of their
children would attend to the early cultiva-
ton of their minds,