The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1841-01-12

gain. 1t was satisfactory TO find that the struc-
ture remained mistaken"
A PROPER COURSE OF READING FOR
THE YOUNG.
The consideration of proper course of rea-
ding for the young, constituted the subject of
the Rev. Mr.. Burnap's lecture before the Me-
chanical Library Association on Friday eves
ming. The lecturer passed in brief, but point
ed review, the department of pure literature,
made up of Poetry, Prose Fiction, and Crit
cism-and then considered the uses and ten
denotes of a study of History, Travels, Biogra-
ply, Astronomy, Geology Botany, Chemistry,
Animated Nature, and Mental Philosophy.
The condemnation passed upon the mass of fic-
itous works which have been thrown from
he press, within the last few years, was just.
We have in these emanations of genius, too
great subserviency to false taste and false
principle. For the great body of the people,
these books have no sympathies. Titled DANES
and lords with castles and retainers are the
actors in them, around whom are thrown all the
interest A peasant-an obscure inhabitant
of a city-an attendant, when introduced, is
merely an automaton to swell the pageant, and
of no further consideration than supernumeTa-
the lecturer, that such books are not thrown a
side with contempt by the stern Republicans of
this country. He spoke, under this division
of his subject, of the gradual tendency now ev-
;Jo,t Il, tba ,,,r;4aro Of 6cfi0D 70 abandon a ron
dition of vassalage 10 aristocratic notions, and
to fall in with the great democrat movement
ofsociety Still there fingers yet, in these works
disposition to make the obscure hero OF the
story highly connected, and TO develope this
connection at the end of the book, as if the
highest reward Of virtue was to be found in
wealth and titles. This is still carrying out
false principle. In the order of Providence, the
external rewards of virtue are not in ease, idle
ness, worldly honor, and Injuries, but only in
that degree OF compe tence which will secure
Internal peace. The trials and Affections of
life are for internal publication. To give US
right estimation of both the external and the
internal, and TO enable us 10 perceive how EN-
inently above mere worldly possessions of wealth
or honor is an orderly and even going condition
of the mind-connected with an unwavering
confidence in the Supreme Belng-and feel
ing of good will towards all men. If such be
not the effect produced by worldly trials, then
have they been passed through in vain. No
elevation to rank or fortune can possibly make
the individual happy, and, therefore, he pre-
seats false picture of life who represents his
hero as happy in such an elevation without the
necessary concomitant Of a thorough change
Of the inner man.
OF this class of books the lecturer recon-
mended limited perusal, and careful selec-
ton. They had their uses, and would be highly
beneficial in begetting habit Of reading, and in
warming up symPathies for the great social
mass, if written with more truth. A study of
the natural sciences was particularly recon-
mended as enlarging our knowledge, and soOth-
ing our minds, agtated by a-rough contact with
the world. And an attention to mental philoso-
ply was approved as giving to the mind a habit
of close observation-and of disciplining it to
laboriods effort In closing his address, the lee
turer alluded to the gratifying indication of the
commencement of a better state of things in
this city. A taste for literary pursuits was be-
coming general, and now the lecture rooms were
crowded with interested audiences, in which but
few years back, not even small class could
| be assembled to hear words of wisdom and les
sons of knowledge from men the most eminent
for talents and learning. This improved con
dition of literary taste in Baltimore is certainly
gratifying to all. That it does exist no one car
doubt, and that it will continue in progression
now tina the impetus has been given, is a fail
and encouraging conclusion.