New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1842-10-17

Of intellectual elevation is too often stined or
greatly enfeebled, and that death OF the soul en-
sues in which satisfaction OF the physical aPPetes
becomes the aim of hte-the man Is SUNK IN tue
capitalist or trader, and the gathering OF SHINING
dust made the great end OF bis beng
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.
will not say that he should not accept university
education, the means of studying for profession,
if such should come fairly in his way, and be
seconded By his own inclination. But do insist
that nothing Of this is ESSENTIAL TO the great
end he has or should have in view-namely, Self
Culture To this end it is only needtul that ne
should put forth fully the powers within him and
rightly mould the circumstances by which he Is
surrounded. Are the books within reach few and
faulty Let him purchase few of the very best,
and study them intently and thoroughly. He who
is truly acquainted with the writings of very few
Of the worlds masterspirits can never after be
deemed ignorant or undeveleped To know init
matcly the Bible and Shakespeare, with the ele-
mcnts of History and the Physical Sciences, IS TO
have irnbibed the substance of all human know
ledge That knowledge may be presented IN a
thousand varied, graceful and attractive forms, and
the variations may be highly agreeable and useful
nav, they are So But, though they may improve,
refine aud fertilize, $50 to speak, they do not MAKE
the Man. IF he has the elements within him, no
future hour of solitude be lonely, or tiresome,
or profitless The mild moon and the calm high
stars are companonship and instruction, eloquent,
Of deep significance and more impressive than the
prefoundest volumes.
But grant that greater or more varied means of
culture than the individuals narrow facilities can
supply are desirable, has he notstill nodes of pro-
curing them? Is he solitary and goodly
land his Isle of Juan fernandez Are there not
others all around him, if not already of kindred
tastes aud aspirations at least in whom kindred
aspirations may be awakened May he not gather
around him in the rudest township vicnage
some dozen or more OF young men in whom the
celestial spark, if not already glowing, may be
kndlcd to warmth and radiance7 And by the union
Of these, may not all their mutual mental wants
be abundantly supplied
And herein is found one Of the pervadlng adj
vantages of the course | would commend. lhe
awakened youth who has Withdrawn to the semi
nary the city may have secured his own advance
ment but be who has remained constant TO his
childhood's home, its duties and associates, will
probably have attracted others to enter with him
the true pathway of life. The good thus ac-
complished, Time may not measure. Doubtless
many Village Lyceum, many Township Libra
ry, owes it's existence to the impulse given by
some poor and humble youth inspired by the love
Of knowledge and of Wisdom.
V. The great central truth which | would i'm
press on the minds of my readers is this-premis-
ing genuine energy and sngleness OF purpose
the circumstances arc nothing, the Man is all.
We may be the slaves or toy. of circumstance if
will; most perhaps so; and to these
all circumstances are alike evil-that is, rendered
so, if not by rugged Difficulty then by soft Temp
tation. But that man who truly ruleth his own
spirit,--and such there is, even among us-read,ly
defcs all material influences bends them to his
will. Behopoful, be confident, then, 0 friend ii
thou hast achieved this great conquest and believe
that all else shall follow in due