Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-10-23
Vol. 2.

those early principles of virtue and that
iondness for intellectual pursuits, which
grow up with US and strengthen S we ad-
vance in life. 1t is then that the mind is
bent in The direction, either Of all that is
good and amable in character, or else to
vicious pursuits, to a distaste for all moral
restraints, and for all wholesome and salu.
tary discipline. How important, therefore,
that mothers understand and properly APP
preciate this truth; that, while these little
cherubs are cherished in their arms, or
sporting around the hearth, they may take
occasion 10 impress their tender and sus-
ceptible minds, with those lessons which
NAV lay the foundation Of future usefulness
in the world. How important that they
then begin 10 cultivate the moral faculties,
and thus early to sow the seeds OF virtus
and OF goodness, which will e'er long ripen
into harvest of rich and precious fruit.
Many persons confine the term educa-
ton TO the development of the intellect
alone. But with our views OF its import
we shall here treat Of it under three gener-
al heads, implying also physical and moral
improvement. 1t will readily be perceived
that, TO constitute thorough education,
one that will promote the happiness Of the
Individual and be useful 10 society, the
whole man must he elevated. His ply steal,
moral and intellectual energies must all be
brought to state of perfection and har
mony. One OF these faculties cannot be
cultivated to the neglect of the others.
without dong an injury to the individual
and society. The ancients paid almos,
exclusive attention to physical education.
Hence the Campus Mar'ius in Rome, the
Olympic games in Greece. Hence we
find the wisest lawgivers and sages of the
Lacedemonian Republic were opposed to
mere intellectual attainmeuts, and confined
| the youth of the country almost exclusive
ly to those athletic exercises calculated to
improve their corporal powers, and fit them
tor the dangers and hardshIps OF war. I'm
der this kind Of discipline, 1t is almost in.
credible to relate the surprising power and
vigor 10 which their bodies attained. Their
| ,eals OF agility, their proves in the battle
| field, their utter contempt OF hardsaips, oil
privatloas and tolls, if not attested BY
credible historians, would almost transcend
| our faith. But their system was exceeding
| ly detective; for while the physical man
was fully developed. his moral and inteec-
tual faculties were permitted to slumber in
ignominious repose. Hence the want OF
stability in aheir governments; the people
at one time are flaming republicans, at ano-
Their they hurry into the vortex of anarchy,
and then seek repose from their troubles
by submitting to the most slavish and de.
graded despntism. From the very nature
| OF such Institutions, females were regarded
as an inferior race, and consequently treat
! ed as menials, fitted only TO drudge and sub.
serve the pleasures OF their imperious mas
tiers. They looked with superlaiive Com
tempt upon feminine delicacy, and regarded
with Indifference the refined powers of in.
telIect or even OF virtue itself. But not
wilhstanding the glazing absurdity Of their
educational system, yet from its results we
may derive this important lesson: that by
active exercise of almost any kind. we can
improve the vigor of our bodies, preserve
our health, and thereby he more fitted for
the duties of life. Many persons seem to
think, as we inter from their actions, that
labor or exercise of any sort is prejudicial
to the acquisition of knowledge. How OF.
ten do we hear persons, who have not more
than two hours labor 10 perform in the day,
excuse themselves from literary pursuits
for want of leisure? How often do we
see the devotees of science, neg'ecting any
kind of labor or of exercise on the ground
that it will interfere with their studies?
The fact is, as daily experience testifies to
every observer, that exercise or labor is
the very elixir of health, both to body and
mind. Then as you value your health, your
intellectual endowments, and the instruc.
ton of your teachers, let me urge you TO
suffer nc day to pass without some degree
Of exercise, either Of walking, riding, or
domestic labor You would readily excuse
me for dwelling so long on subject, which
may appear undressing and useless, had
you witnessed as have done, the ruinous
consequences of sedentary pursuits, which
were not judiciously mixed and tempered
with active employment or athletic exer-
else. With these facts before me, cannot
iorbear warning all young persons against
the error, those have committed, who have
obtained an education at the expense OF
health, that only thing, which can render
scientific advantages, blessing 10 our.
selves, or useful 10 cur friends.
The second branch Of education. con.
Ssts in storing the mind with facts, or OF
so cultivalng it as TO render it susceptible
of impression or capable OF originating
IDEAS. knowledge is defined TO be col
lection OF facts; SO that he who knows the
most OF these, may be said 10 have the
greatest amount OF knowledge. Wisdom
Is the proper use OF what we learn, or the
application OF knowledge to our own happi