The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-11-08

Philosophical Ethical, we'll rs Physical Sciences
sc.
Ill Neither is an advantageous location essential
to the prosecution ofennobng studes to an intel
lectual lie. On this point misapprehenson is very
prevalent and very pernicous. A youth born in some
rural or but thnly settled district where books are
lew and unfit and the means ofintelecual culture up
parently scanty, feels within him the STRINGS of
spirit ofinqury, craving to acquire and to know
aspirations for intellectual condition above the
dead level around him. At once he jumps to the con
cluson that change oplace is necessary the salts
faction of his desires-that he must resort fnot to
the university the seminary, at least to the City or
the Village He fancies he must alter his whole man.
ncr oflife-that Persistence in manual labor is un-
suited TO, if not absolutely inconsistent with the aspi
rationsawakened within him-that he must become,
if not an author professor, lawyer at least mer-
chant or follower Of some calling unlike that of his
fathers.
Wrapped in this deluson, he betakcs himselfto the
Cty's dusty ways, where or later the nature
ard extent ofhis mistake breaks upon him. Ifhc
finds satisfactory employment and is prospered in the
way ofGe which he prefers, the cares and demands
ofbusness almost consrnn him to reinqush those pur
suits for which he abandoned his quiet and natu-
raj life. lfhe is less Fortunate anxieties for the NOR
row. constant and difficult struggle for the means Of
creditabe subsistence and TO avoid becoming bur-
then deriment to others who have trusted or en-
deavored to sustain him. these crowd out of being the
thought or the hopc of mental culture and advance
ment. Nay, more, and worse-n the tumutuous
strife of money getting, whether successful or other
wise the very desire ofintcectual elevation is too often
cfif cd al a.
soul ensues in which satisfaction of the physical ap-
pettcs becomes the aim of lire-the man is sunk in
the capitalist trader and the gathering of shining
dust made the great end ofhis being.
But what shall the youth do who finds his means
Of intellectual culture inadequate to his wants?
hesitate not to say that he should create more and
better just where he is. Not that would have him
reject any reaL opportunity profer Of increased
facilities which may open before him. l will not
say that he should not accept university education,
the ofstudyng for profession, if such should
come fairly in his way, and be seconded by his own
inclination. But do insist that nothing of this sort
is essential to the great end he has should have in
view-namely, Self-C ulture. To this end it is only
needful that he should put forth fully the powers
within him and rightly mould the circumstances by
which he is surrounded. Are tho books within reach
few and faulty? Let him purchase few of the very
best, and study them intently and thoroughly. lie
who is truly acquainted with the writings Of very
lew of the worlds masterpieces never after be
deemed ignorant undeveloped. To know inti-
maely the Bible and Shakespeare, with the elements
of History and the Physical Sciences is to have imb-
the substance Of all human knowledge That know
edge may be presented in thousand varied, graceful
and attractive forms, and the variations may be highly
agreeable and usefu-nay, they But, though
they may improve, refine and fertilize, ESQ spea)
they do not make the MAN. Ifhe has the elements
within him. TO future hour Of solitude can be lonely
or tiresome, or proftless. The mild and the
calm high stars are componionship and instruction.
eloquent, of deep significance, and more impressive
than the profoundest volumes
But grant that greater or more varied means of
culture than the individuals narrow facilities sup
ply are desirable has he not still modes Of procuring
them Is he solitary, and our goody land his Isle
of Juan fernandez Are there others all around
him already of kindred tastes and aspirations, at
least in whom kindred aspirations may be awakened?
May he not gather around him in the rudest township
or vicinage dozen more of young men in
whom the celestial spark if not already glowing may
be kindled to warmth and radancc? And by the
union of those, may not all their mutual wants be
abundantly supplied3
And herein is found one of the prevailing advan-
tages of the course would commend. The awa-
kened youth who has Withdrawn to the seminary or
the city may have secured his own advancement;
but he who has remained constant to his chdhood's
home its duties and associates, will probably have
attracted others to enter with him the pathway
IF life Tho rood thus accomplished, Time may not
measure Doubtless many Village Lyceum many
Township Library loves its existence to the impulse
given by some poor and humblo youth inspired by
the love of knowledge and Of Wisdom.
v. The great central truth which l would impress
on the minds of my readers is ths-premsing genu-
inc energy and singleness ofpurpose-the crcumstan
ces are nothing, the MAN is all. We may be the
slaves or toys Of circumstance if we wills most men
perhaps so; and these all circumstances are a
like evil-that u.s. rendered so, if not by rugged Dh-