Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1843-03-22

more, and far worse; in The tumultuous strife
OF business and money getting, whether sue
cessiul or otherwise, then every desire of in
ielleclual elevation is too often sihed or greatly
enleebled and that death of the soul ensues in
which satisfaction of the physical appetite be-
comes the aim of lfe-the man is sunk in the
capitalist orJtrader, and The gathering of shining
dust made The great end of his being.
But what shall The youth do who finds his
means of intellectual culture inadequate 10 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 opporlu-
nifty or proffer of increased facilities which may
open before him. will not say ,ha, he should
not except 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
sort is essential 10 The great end he has or
should have in .view-namey, self culture tO
this end i, is only needlul that he should put
forth all the powers within him and rightly
mould the circumstances by which he is sur
rounded. Are The books within reach few and
faulty let him purchase few Of The very best
and study them inienliy and thoroughly He
who Is truly acquainted with the writings Of
very few Of the worlds master spirits can new
er after be deemed ignorant or undeveloped.
To know intimately the Bible and Shakespeare,
and the elements of History and the Physical
sciences, is to have imbibed the substance of
all human knowledge. That know ledge may
be presented in thousand varied, graceful and
attractive forms, and The variations may be
highly agreeable and useful--nay, they are SO.
But though they may improve, refine, and fer
ialize, $50 TO speak, they do not make the man.
If he has the elements within him, no future
hour of solitude can be lonely, or iiresome, or
profilless. The mid moon and the CAIN high
stars are companlonshp and instruction, elo-
quen, of deep Significance, and more impress
sive than the profoundesl volumes.
But grant that greater or more varied means
OF culture than the individuals narrow means
can supply are desirable, has he not still modes
of procuring them? Is be a solitary, and our
goodly land his isle of Juan Fernandez? Are
there not others all around him, if not already
of kindred tastes and aspirations, at least in
whom kindred aspirations NAV be awakened
May he no, gather around him in the rudest
township or vicinity some dozen or more young
men in whom the celestial spark, if not already
glowing, may kindle 10 warmth and radience
hilu Nv l4lC uliUU vi tleS6, UdJ iiOt all tiSii
mutual menla! waits be abundanly supplied.
And herein is found one of The peryading
advantages Of the cause | would commend.
The awakened youth who has Withdrawn 10
The seminary or The city may have secured his
advancement; bui he who has remained con-
slant 10 his childhuod's home, its duties and
associations, will probably have attracted others
10 enter with him The pathway of life. The
good thus accomplished, time may not measure.
Doubtless many village Lyceum, many
township Library, owes It's existence 10 the
impulse given by some poor and humble youth,
inspired by the love OF knowledge and wis
dom.
". The great central truth, which would
impress on the minds Of my readers is this
promising genuine energy aud singleness OF
purpose-.-ihe circumstances are nothing, the
man is all. We may be the slaves or toys of
circumstances if We will; most men probably
are SO; and TO these all circumstances are alike
eyil---ihat is rendered SO, if not by rugged diff
Gully, then by soft temptation. But that man
who truly ruleth his own spirit such there
is, even among us---readlly defes all material
influence or bends them TO his will Be hope
full be confident, then, 0 friend, II thou hast
achieved this great conquest, and believe that
all else shall follow in due season.