Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-02-09
NO. g.

class OF men. That such men should
be precluded from any concern in the
education Of youth IN literary institu-
tion is areproach TO christian country.
II may be said that the clergy are BIZ
goted men. and often engaged In con-
'roversy. But. other classes Of men are
liable to the same impuation and no.
thing IN the character Of clergymen
furnishes 4 good reason for prescribing
their aid IN the education Of youth.
Cler9ymen differ chiefly on speculo
tive points. IN religion; in the fundk
mental points. TO which my description
Of religion Is limited, they are probably
all united; and in support Of them they
would JOIN in solid phAlanx to resist the
inroads Of hcentiousness.
The foundation Of all free govern
ment. and Of all social order, must be
laid IN families. and in the discipline Of
youth. Young persons must not only
be furnished with knowledge. but they
must be accustomed 10 subordina,ion.
and subjected TO the authority and ia.
huence Of good principles. Il will avail
little that youths are made to under
stand truth and correc, principles. I'M
less they are accustomed TO submit to
be governed BY them. The specuia-
tive principles OF natural religion will
have little effect. or none at all, unless
the pupil Is made TO yield obedience 10
the practical laws OF Christian morali-
ty; and the practice Of yielding such
obedience must be familiar and roucht
into habit in early life, or the instruc-
ton Of teachers will. for the most part.
be lost on their pupils. To give eiica-
cy TO such 4 course OF education. the
pupil must believe himself 10 be &C.
countable for his actions 10 the Supreme
Being. as we'll as TO human laws; for.
without such belief. no dependence can
be had upon his fidelity 10 the laws.
when urged 10 violate them by strong
passions, or by the powerful temptations
Of present advantage. The experience
Of the y hole world evinces that all the
restraints OF religion aud law are often
insufficient 20 control the selfish and
malignant passions of men. ANY sys-
TEN Of education, therefore, which Ii.
mits instruction 10 the arts and sci
ences. and rejects the aid Of religion. in
forming the character Of ciuzen., is es.
sentially defective.
10 giving this view Of my opinions,
| am aware that expose my self 10 the
obloquy OF modern philosophers. But
this disregard; for ! have. in support
Of my opinions. the experience OF tho
whole civilized world, as we'll Us the
proofs presented by inspired truth, frou,
the beginning to the end OF the Bible:
that book which the benevolent Crea-
tor has furnished for the express pur.
pose OF guiding human reason IN the
path Of safety. and the only book which
can remedy. or essentially mitigate, the
evils Of liceniious world.
From a full conviction Of these
truths. firmly believe that without
material changes in the principles now
prevalent in the United States. our re.
publican government Is destined 10 10
Of short duration.
An attempt 10 conduc; the Affairs Of
a free government with wisdom and
impariialiiy. and to preserve the Jus,
rights q all classes Of citizens, without
the guidance of Divine precepts, will
certainly end in disappointment God
Is the supreme moral Governor Of the
world he has made. and a. he himself
governs with perfect Tectitude, he re-
quires his rational creatures 10 govern
themselves 10 like manner II men
will not submit 10 be controlled by his
laws, he will punish them by The evils
resulting from their own disobe dience.
Be pleased, sir, 10 accept the respects
Of your obedient servant,
NJ WEBSTER.