Hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1843-1845, 1844-04-25
Mental symmetry.

We promised 10 give an extract from
the Rev. Mr. Batchelder's Lecture on
Mental Symmetry, sometime since
We inadvertently laid aside the extract
or it would have appeared before. Ii
is, however, as applicable as ever.
He is speaking Of the trashy literature
crowded upon US from the east and
says:
There is, again, passion for mere litera
ry dissipation as hostile, as almost any 9TH
er passion, TO the sound improvement, to
the healthy action, and to the pleasing sym
metry of the mind.
| Whatever is extravagant in fancy; what.
ever is wild, or absurd in Imagination; what
ever is void Of correct taste and Of sound
judgement is in such cases most eagerly
| sought; is most highly valued; is most vora.
ciously devoured, till the most useful pro-
perties of the mind are thrown into the
shade, and are, as if they had no existence !;
till the mental strength of the man is re-
duced to the imbecilty Of the child; till
mental symmetry is annihiated; till all in
clination, or ability for assidious application
provement of the mind is practically des
pissed, an treated as thing OF no value.
In these days we hear much of the West
asserting her rights and effectually vindi-
eating her power in politics | would that
we could hear a similar strain, equally loud
and commanding, in regard to literature
Too long has the West been deluged. and
cursed, and in effect insulted by the most
vulgar, the most senseless, the most taste
less, the most vitlatng species of trash in
the shape OF polite literature, that ever in
any age deformed and debased the minds OF
mankind. 10 those acquainted with facts
on this subject it is perfectly well known,
that many Of the conductors of the eastern
press are in the constant practice of import
ing into the west immense quantities Of
trash, which, under the guidance and con-
troll of their influence, is made to pass cur.
rent as elegant, or polite literature, but
which is valueless in the eastern market, or
IN any other market save this, for which il
was especially intended.
1t would indeed seem, that we have una.
voidable obstacles enough thrown in the way
OF sound learning and OF thorough education
IN the west without being at SO much labor
and expense to create Fictitious ones Eve.
ry friend of sound learning in the west
AuioO his NOICc anu
contribute his influence, whatever that NAV
be, to stay the onward progress of an evil
among US, so pernicious in its results to the
best interests of individuals and Of commu-
mites. Let unprincipled publishers and cd
itors Of the east know that the people of the
west have at length acquired both DISPOSE
ton and ability to estimate at their true val
ue their vile journals, their senseless peri.
odicals, and their degrading works Of nnagi-
nation.
If we cannot in many cases read extern
sively, let it be with principle, that
our reading and studying shall be restricted |
to the useful. Let US devote ourselves to |
this delightful task, knowing assuredIy, that
We cannot exert our powers of action on a |
more BETTING and inviting field. Let what |
may be done in the way OF education be |
done effectually. Let the foundations of
knowledge and virtue be laid upon firm a.. d |
steadlast principles. Let us all know and |
habitually act from the settled conviction,
that never do our pursuits SO directly SUBJ |
serve the exalted and glorious end Of our be. |
ing, as when with hearty devotion and
steadtast purpose we apply ourselves to the !
most enlarged improvement of our minds |
in knowledge, and of our hearts in vir-
tue.