Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1837-1839, 1837-08-12

.sPxpAoocv.n-Under this odd title, clever
writer id the june number Of tho Knickesbocker,
comes to the defence Of that most undcrvaluod
portion Of the community, schoolteachers. He
defends his art and occupation with an earnest
force, that shows his heart TO be ia his vocation.
He SAYS:
ssThe world is under q mistake, . great mis-
take, upon this subject. The pedagcgue is pified:
Pitied!-and for what? Look at this picturc-it
might be true universally. II is . morning in
spring The air is alive with. birds, and the odor
Of flowers; the eye is greeted on every side by
the green blades Of grass, and the expanding leaf;
nature is rejoicing in her youth. Upon gentle
rise Of ground, fronting lake, and shaded by sew
erai elms, stands . building, peculiar in its
form, and as sacred in its uses, = church. II
the school house Of pcdagogue, where he DIS
penses rules Of grammar, rules Of decorum and
morality, and a rule Of life. His disciples are
scattered upon the green, awaiting his approach,
at their games at their studies, upon the beach
es under trees. He comes. He is greeted with an
universal smile. He walks on, not before nor be-
hind, but along with his pupils to the house, chat
ting pleasantly he goes Of their games, Of
the morning. Perhaps he discourses of the good
ness Of God in creating so beautiful world for his
creatures; or perhaps he is engaged in examin-
ing bunch Offiowers, Just presented to him by a
blushing boy, whose neat dress and classical face
already begin to show the empire Of mind over
matter Their places are taken, not in sneaking
would enter the house ola gentleman. The NOR
ming thanksgiving is said, and duty proceeds, for
duty began at the door and ON the way. Our ped
agogue is in the midst of young friends, who love
him and depend upon him. His heart gives back
a sympathy. He learns, himself, while he teach
es others. He discovers a new beauty, or runs
in new vain Of thought, before he is aware.
Mind is glowing about him. Atmosphere is mind.
The world and its cares are shut out. He forgets
that there are other beings in the world except
himself and his pupils; SO absorbing in this COM
munion of minds. He feels with Hazlitt, that the
study of the classics is q discipline Of humanity
it gives men liberal views; it accustoms the mind
to take interest in things foreign to ITSELF to
love virtue for its own sake; to prefer fame to
life, and glory riches; and to fix the thoughts
on the remote and permanent, instead of narrow
and heeting objects 1t teaches US to believe that
there is something really great and excellent in
the world surviving all the shocks Of accidents a.
fluctuations of opinion, and raises US above that
low and servilc fear which bows only to present
4 power and upstart authority. The day closes,
and, free from the rack Of business, the concern
for stocks and ships, and accidents by flood and
; field, with mind happy and elevated by con
sciousness of duties faithfully discharged, he may
devote himself taste inclination may
prompt. If any occupation approaches the otixu
cum dignitafe it is this; for Occupation, of som.
sort, there must always be to keep the faculties
healthful and vigorous. Every man, if he know
ms own interest, however wealthy ana lndepend
ent will have some fixed regular pursuit that shall
employ fixed hours; and then his faculties will b.
systematized 10 enjoy nationally the remainder o
, his time. 1t is the privilege Of the pcdagogu'
that he enjoys this aid. His labors but fit him tn
! better, by governing others, to himself; by ex
planning minutely to others, he gains and fixe
habits Of minute investigation in his profession
, He feels that he is giving impulses to the worl
, in the persons Of his pupils, though their efec
may be seen long after he himself shall be forgo,
! ten. Perhaps he may be mentioned after he
dead-the thought makes him grateful-as hav
ing assisted in forming the mind Of some villag
,. Hampden of the future historian saviour Z
! his country; but for this he is not anxious. Phi
losophy and pedagogy 60 hand in hand.''