The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1841-02-20

tanned by questioning. II is not en-.
Iy very delicate matter 10 ask ques-
tons, but considered impertinent, aud
therefore it is requisite to make use
Of a great deal of address in doing so,
or the suspicion of ignorance will be
inferred, and ridicule and contempt
the consequence. The fear Of this
mishap, initiates against the ac-
QUESTION of information in this way
in consequence Of which,so many per-
sons derive so little knowledge, in the
course of their travels and life.
In order TO cultivate our minds in
this mannSr, much previous culture
will be necessary, SO that by engaging
those we meet in conversation on gem
eral and particular topics, in such
manner as TO draw forth the extent Of
their knowledge, without exposing
our own deficiencies. In our daily
walks we should remark every change
in the temperature Of the weather, and
every other circumstance that occurs,
which will be likely TO be Of utility TO
ourselves or others. If in conyersa-
ton with those who are engaged in
commerce, enquire into the state oft.
We will also make inquiries into the
effects of different manufactures and
occupations upon the health, morals
and longevity of the workmen. Eve
ry person with whom we meet, such
as fellow travellers upon the road, fer
ry men, innkeepers, grooms, & even
beggars, will afford us some informa-
tieD or other, that could not be obtain
ed from any other source. Many of
our greatest men have acquired an i'm
mensity Of knowledge in this way.
Information obtained in this way, is
generally more correct than that OBJ
tanned otherwise; as 1t is subject TO the
examination Of our sense and reason,
before il is treasured up in the mind.
But enough has been said on this
branch of the subject, and will pro-
ceed to consider, Thinkiug,as means
of self cultivation. That thinking acts
as means of self culture, is evident
from the writings Of men in ac.i life,
bearing stamp Of excellence, not at
tainable by men who pass their lives
in library, shut up from the expe-
rience of the world Solitary travel
ling, by invigorating our thinking fac
ulties, favours this means Of cultiva-
tion.
In order to'prosper by our thoughts,
every worthy one should be noted d
down in commen place book kept
for this purpose; one side being kept
for facts, and the other for thoughts.
Many great men have pursued this
plan, among whom are Yeltaire, who
noted down In large companies; and
Pope of whom it is said,he often rang
bell while guest at Lord Oxfords, in
order to call up servant with candle,
in order to record a thought suggested
perhaps by dream. A thought TO
Philosopher Statesman, Poet, Litera-
rian, or Historians often of great val
ue; as his future fame or usefulness
may depend on it.
"Self cultivation may be obtained
by: Reading-By means Of reading,
we become acquainted with the OBJ
servatiens of thousands in part ages
and countries, and thus as ii were,
multiply ourselves"
The choice of books requires some
iudgment.-"Book written on sub
jects, that are in state progression or
t,such as natural Philoso-
ply, Chemistry, and Medicine, ought
TO be modern; but upon many others,
more especially Theology, Morals &
Metaphysic this should not be done.'
"New books are composed prin-
cipalIy, from the decayed materials of
old ones. terminated and clothed in
new dress Of language, with the addi-
tion, perhaps, of such new ideas or
improvements, as the lapse Of time,
the experience of the age, or the reas-
onings of the writer may have suggest
ed. The elementary matters exist in
all; and are often the same in books
upon the same subjects, in successive
ages.
The celebrated DR.. Rush, during
his life, in cenversing with DR.. Mes
bitt, was much struck with the great
extent and diversity ef his knowledge,
and took the liberty of finquiring from
what source he had obtained it. He
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