The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-07-27

acute observation, and how rarely overlooked by
any writers who addresse the higher principles o
human nature The benevolent hope that mar
may be improved the profound see that he mus
be-that the progress of political equality, and the
diffusion Of knowledge are inconsistent with the
stability of governments and the prosperity of ma.
tons, on any other condition than that oGthe uni
ted effort of the more enlightened classes to in
sruct and elevate the mass.
late writer observes, chat one of the very
interesting features OF our times is the multpli-
cation of books, and their distribution through all
conditions of society," At a small expense q
man maylnoW possess himself of the most pre-
ciohs treasures of English literature. Books once
confined to few by their costiness, are now ac-
cessible to the multitude, and in this way change
of habit is now going on in society, highly favor
able to the culture of the people. Instead of de-
pending on casual rumor aud loose conversation
for most of their knowledge & biects ofthoughs
instead Of forming their judgments in 'rowds, and
receiving their chief excitement from the voice
of neighbors men are now learning to study and
reflect alone, to follow out subjects continuously,
TO determine for themselves what shall engage
their minds, and call to their aid the knowledge,
original views, and reasonings OF men OF all coun-
tries and ages; and the results must be DELHI
erateness and extent of information unknown in
former times The diffusion of these silent teach
ers, books, through the community, is to work
greater effect than artillery, machinery or egisla-
ton. lis peaceful agency is to supersede stormy
revolutions. The culture which is to spread,
while an unspeakabe good to individuals, is also
to become the stability of nations.
The common notion has been, that the mass
of the people need no other culture than is neces-
sary to fit them for their various occupations in
life and though this error is passing away it is
far from eXploded.-But as a celebrated writer
has said, "The ground of mans Gu ture lies in his
nature, not in his calling or trade. His powers
are TO be unfolded on account of their inherent
dignity, not their outward directors" He is to
be educated because he is man, not because he
has a trade or or profession. A trade is not the
great end of his living for his mind cannot be
shut up in it, his force of thought cannot be eX-
haustcd on it. He has faculties to which it gives
no action, and deep wants it cannot supply Man
is greater name than President or King. Truth
and goodness are equally precious in whatever
sphere they are found. Man has close, tender
and responsible connections with God and his fell
low creatures. He belongs to home a country,
church, race and is he to be cultivated for a
trade? Was he not sent into the world for great
works "What we want most in education" says
a late writer, {" is to invest material things with
the attributes of mind Ito connect the degrading
cares and sordid views that occupy the working
world, with the works of thought; we want it
more and more to give interest to our familiar ard
necessary occupations and we want it especially
that we may assist in rcdceming the character of
men from the mere animal, or mechanical state
into which from the nature and urgency Of their
occupations they are in danger of failing"
Z. G..