Arkansas intelligencer., 1843-10-28
them. vl,eu the earth shall be- filled with heknowl.

eef Sabbath Schools, nor can lstop here, to deln-
cate the mournful and destitute condition of many
heathens, whose darkness and wretchedness call
loudly for our commiseration and beneyolence.
But with your indulgence, Il will endeavour to
sneak, lst Of the human nnind-2nd OF the ex-
ceence and Importance of education, pious ed
ucation especially; and shall conclude by making
some application Of the subject. The mind is n
thinking intelligent being. 1t is that immaterIal,
immortal, and intellectual part of man which, tho
unseen, actuates and promptsalmost every motion
and movement of the body. 1t was once in a
great degree, unlimited in its powers and capaci-
ties; but it is not so now. When man came first
from the plastic hand of his maker, he bore the
image of God and as wisdom and intelligence
are peculiar characteristics of deity, he must have
been indowod with wisdom and powers Of mind
bevond our most exalted conception. But by dis
obedience be lost the divine impress, voiled him.
self in moral darkness, drew curtain over his in
telieet, and in degree paralyzed every power and
Susceptibility of the mind; and now ignorance and
depravity are prominent characteristics of his
ture. ('rhc Apostle did not err when he said of
man; she is in darkness, through the igno orance
that is in hm.'')
Yet notwithstanding this melancholy fact, the
improvement, but this can onlyUe accomplished
by means of religion and education.
In its youthful state, the mind is susceptible of
impressions Of every character; like the polished
steel if certain substances applied it will rus:
and corrode, but if other substances be applied,
will be increased in brightness and in beauty.
In a rude and uncutivated stage the mind is
like stero spot of earth, grown over with
shrubs, weeds, and brers, all offensive in their
nature; these must be eradicaed, the surf must be
removed and the ground improved before it will
producenny thing better. Yet if that is done it
will produce luxuriantly.
1t is ameh,abIe fact that many minds, noble
and fruitful are forever bound in foters of dark
moss for want of moral culture and intellectual
improvement.
.Where many rosc-b bud lifts its b!ushing head,
Full many flower il doomed to blush unseen"
This brings % speak in the 2nd place, of tho
importance of education. or education combined
with pety.
Education may be considered, that improve.
ment Of mind, which we gain by observation. in
struction and study, and which enables US to dis
Germ between truth and error, right and wrong.
When directed in a proper channel, it has for its
object the improvement of the whole man, natu-
raj as well as intellectual.
1t improves tho morals, actions and manners
Of men, and like the heated cruciblc, which puri-
fes the various metals, ripsns and hei gh,ens tho
exceloncies of tho soul. 1t quickens perception.
deepens penetration; and heightens genious and
curiosity.
1t improves tho memory, refncs the taste and
corrects the judgment. Yes, it enrichcs, orna-
ments and strengthens every power of the soul
adds elegance and grace TO tho body, and renders
it acceptable, however homely it may otherwise
appear A pious education qualities men for the
most important stations in life, and finds them ever
acquitted for the transaction of business it places
within their reach, all those comforts and pleas
ures. which Oh earth they can reasonably expect
to enjoy, and prepares them to meet The exigen-
cies of life.
The acquisition Of knowledge is far more val
liable than gold;2 the man Of wealth is liable
through the vcissitudcs Of fortune to be reduced
to poverty; but they who are enriched with knowl-
edge will not soon become poor. No, it will at
tend them in adversity and prosperity, will follow
them from the palace to tho hut, will accompany
them in the presence of the great, and descend
with them to the habitations Of pcnury and want.
Yes, whether in tho hustle of the multitude or
in the gloom Of loneliness il will be their constant
afIording some solace and comfort
in every step they take.
knowledge, whether acquired or otherwise, af-
'orGs many pleasing sensations and emotions of
mind, which without it would never be enjoyed. |
The man of science who is viruous, beholds
new ana interesting IN every surround |
ng object. If he looks abroad upon tho earth, he
,eholds with delight the vast scenery that sur
'ounds him. and with the skill of an artist he d-
tides ana'izes and determines the quality and pro-
'erty of every object that demands his atteation;
he decends into the crust Of the earth, he dis.
covers the mysteries, beauties and vauabIes that
10 hid in it, and if he looks upward, he counts the
tars, calla them by name, and beholds with tran
luil joy, the beauty, grandeur, and harmony of
he planets.
Education, accompanied with virtue, givos
.harm to nature, adds to the most attractive scene
~, heightens the beauty Of overy object. and
throws around kind of enchantncnt, which
makes even planeness prepossessug, n nd ugliness
and deformity endurable:S In the winter. the
snow-clad hills and feecy groves, the wbited ,,ns
and sheated streams, the frigid lakes and noun.
talns grey, ,a put oa new beauty and subIimity md
each appear more lovely and Interesting. In
mer the fields willbe clothed with a freshor yreen
the sky hung wilma fairer blue, and the 8, ,u ms
flow with more soflness in the air, froornnca in
blossoms, sweetness in fruits; and melodv in The
hum of insects, the rustng Of leaves and the song
of birds.
To uncorrupted mental development or sou,nd
lea rning. may be attrbuted the high perfection of
arts and science, she extension of internal inn. |
the .polity of good government, and