The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-12-07
For the CaiedOntan.
WHAT SHALL BE DONE

The qucstion-what would most promote the
interests Of the inhabitants of this state, would
probably be variousy answered. One would say
geological survey another railroads crossing the
state in various directions another, tariff 10
protect our wool growers end manuiacturers-and
still another, better system of public instruction.
| But il is not always that which makes the most
noise, OF that appears the most directly useful,
which in the end proves the most beneficial. If !
were 10 answer the question, ! should say that a
general diffusion Of knowledge and practice Of
virtue and temperance by our whole population,
would the greatest good Although II
might not so rapidly fill the Golfers Of the rich, or
contribute largely to the general wealth, yet il
would in the end secure the highest degree of hap,
piness, and render all citizens Independent, if
not rich These objects we'll worthy our seri.
ous attention, aud Vermont could not enter npon
any pursuit more honorable or truly noble or bet
ter calculated in tho end to promote her pecuniary
interests, than the general diffusion of knowledge,
virtue and temperance. What higher reputation
could wish for our mountain state. tnan that
she should be distinguished among her sister states
for the intelligence and good character of her cti
zens. How proudly pre- eminent would be our
condition. could it be said with truth that all Green
Mountain Boys are well informed, virtuous and
temperate and that industry and good order every
where prevailed through our borders.
But while many OF our citizens are thus charac-
terized, and consequence are living IN the rich
est enjoyment Of life, at the same ume that they
contributing most efiectualIy to the general hap
piness; it cannot be denied that many still iguo
condition ii to themselves, and a curse 10
And SIT he vii al fEa arn
citizens of the state, living in the soce
~ and members of the same great family and
ould the latter be reclaimed and restored to the
vrtuous walks oflife. the state would be far more
benefited, than if she were to have put into opera
ton grau itously, the most perfect system of infer
nal improvements, We're she to have treble the
amount, annually expected to be derived from the
sale Of public lands; and far higher ould be her
reputation, and far more desirable, than as if she
possessed the wealth of the Indies
If such and so great the benefits To be deri
we'd from temperance, virtue and telligence, the
question is a serious one, how can they be most
successfully obtained? Shall taunt the igno-
rant with his want OF knowledge? Shall the in
tempera,e be denounced hopelessly welded 10
his cuns and let alone? Shall the devotee of vice
he cast of as wholly unworthy the sympathies of
the GOOD and the wise? Though now degraded
and miserable they have hearts that feel, and souls
that will live forever, as well as those who have
never trod those paths of wretchedness. Though
buried deep in the ocean of dePravi'y, the immor-
,al mind like pearl of surprising ustre ,gleams IN
the darkness and may yet he saved and elevated
TO brighter day, may shed its radiance on society
enlightening and cheerngand rejoicing Its fellows
Let n, be the effort of all them TO save these VIC
tins of unhappiness- to stretch torth the heip'ng
hand and aid them to rise from their unfortunate
condition--extend to them the kind sympathy they
so much need, and which will be SO efectuai IN
leading them to make an effort for themselves l
would speak particularly of the cause OF temper
ance, on which depends in great measure Inc
cause of virtue and Of general diffusion OF knowi
edge AS intemperance on the one hand IS the
prolific parent of wee aud gnorance,so temperance
on the other is the fostering father OF virtue and
knowledge Secure this object and the others WI
in measure be obtained.
But a reformation of this kind cannot be ehecteo
| bv denuuciation or harshness Kindness may reacf
the heart of tho incorporate, when harshnes'
would only exasperale. Sympathy may toncf
some chord of feeling, and cause 1t TO Vibrate VIII
renovated energy ,awaWening new hopes OF h'e'an'
opening to tho inebriate bright prospects OF future
! responsibility and social enjoyment The reso'u
I ton once formed 10 forsake his cups, the man wh