Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-02-28

but the general diffusion of knowledge--al
classes must be thoroughly educated in the
principles Of true wisdom and virtue, and
he made fully acquainted with the great doc.
trine Of individual, civil and political rights.
Besides, without correct instruction, how
can they ever learn their responsibilities as
men, and be made acquainted with their du.
ties as citizens? The relations of life are
many and various; and out of these rela-
tons spring all the duties of life. There
are duties which men owe to each other as
rational and moral beings, duties which they
owe to the government of The state that pro.
tects them. These duties grow out of the
relations which they bear 10 each other to
tho state, and TO its government. Without
proper instruction, how can they know,
much less discharge these duties With.
out such instruction in early life, how can
it nationally be expected that they will be
properly qualified, judcnusly 10 exercise
the elective franchise, the most important
duty of lrecmen? Without it, how can they
go forward from time to time, and under.
slandingly exercise that portion Of the sove.
ieIgnty Of the state, which resides in them.
selves Without 1t, howcan they properly
Judge in regard to the mot important ques.
tons and measures OF government, and so
Determine in all cases as to promote the
general welfare? II results, therefore, thai
our young men of all conditions in life,
should be taught the great principles of the
constitution and laws of the state, and of
the United States. II is of the first impor.
lance for them I'd have a correct knowledge
of these things. because the sovereignty of
the state resides in the majority of its citi-
zens. Such young men as have no cor
rect understanding of these great subjects,
must be misenbly fitted for the active du.
lies of life. For the want of this, they may
be led unwitthgly TO invade the rights OF
others, and thereby forfeit their own. If
Unexpectedly called to fill important trusts,
aud discharge responsible duties, they are
necessarily subjected to great inconveni-
ence, as well rs extreme modification, and
find themselves obliged 10 commence the
study Of those things, which they ought to
have learned in childhood and youth. The
young men of our country can scarcely fail
of being called to judge of measures for
the Improvement Of the District in which
they reside, for the government ofihe town.
ship to which they belong, for the promo
ton of the larger interests of the county or
ganization, for the growth and enlargement
Of the state, and the full development Of
its abundant resources, and for the protec.
ton, advancement, and permanent pros
perity, peace, happiness and glory of this
great and united republic. But without edu-
cation, what can they do What services
can they render? They must sink down in
to utter insignlfcance.
There are also other branches of know.
ledge of great Importance, with which the
youth of our country ought early to be made
acquainted and branches, too, which have
an especial reference to their own future
prospects and interests but TO knowledge
of which they can never expect 10 attain
without correct instruction. Most certain
ly it would be Of great utility 10 them to
have general acquaintance with the busl'
ness transactions Of the country with It's
foreign and domestic commerce and rela-
ions; with It's manufacturing and agrlcul-
tural productions with its internal improve.
ments, population and power, as well as
with its geography, history, literature aud
language. These things are interesting in
themselves, and as useful as they are inter-
esting. They should also have some cor
rect understanding of the great business Of
the civil magistracy, and be made acquaini-
ed with the names of the different officers
of government under the constitution of the
United States, and Of the respective states !;
and also of their appropriate duties. Nor
should the young men Of our country be
suffered TO grow up in utter ignorance OF
the business and course Of legislation of
the organization, proceedings, and peculiar
functions Of courts Of justice, and the OBJ
Iects and duties of courts of equity. " it'll
out some knowledge of the kind, they are
not qualified to read either with pleasure or
profit To themselves, even the common
newspaper publications Of the day. In adj
dlton to these things, the arts of husbandry;
the history and use Of domestic animals |;
the principles of mechanism and the me-
chanc arts; the various agents and pow
ers O. nature, which have been called into
The service of man; mensuration, civil en-
glneering, architecture and gardening, are
each and all of them highly important and
profitable branches Of knowledge. 1t may
be thought, however, that SO wide range
of studies is unnecessary, if not injurious.
But the truth is, the more the mind &C.
quires, the more it is Capable of acquiring.
On the mole-hlll. in the valley, the vision oi
man is limi.ed if led from this position TO
some eminence OH the surrounding hills,
no difficulty is felt; and if transported to
the chief summit Of the lottiest mountain
upon earth, no injurious consequences re-
suit; the eye is found TO be equally well
adapted TO this enlarged sphere of observa-
ton and the depth Of the emotion felt, and
the peasurabe sensations excited, are pro.
portionate to this enlargement Of view
SO it is with the mind A desire of know.
ledge is one Of its original, innate elements.
1t is one Of the essential principles of the
human mind. 1t belongs to the constItu.
ton Of man. and forms a part OF his exs.
tence. 1t is early developed in children
they uniformly love to learn. and the more
they study, the more they wish to study
and the more they read, the more do they
wish to read, provided the books put within
their reach are what they should be, plain
and easy to be understood, and filled witt
useful and interesting matter. Every new
acquisition gives additional strength to the
mind; and this additional strength increase:
the power for acquiring further knowledge
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