Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1844-06-07
EDUCATION.
by u. L. W.

Intellectual and moral education is the hone
of our country. 1t is our principal safeguard
against internal dangers, and enables us amidst
the caami'cs of surrounding nations to flourish
with uurivalied superiority. As our country is
p lause of the highest moment SO correct edu.
cation is one Of deep and thrilling interest, for
the acting generation. our wise and GOOD men.
our illustrous statesmen, must soon mjuglc with
the common dust and our youth will than con
stitur this nation. On them will rest the res
possibility Of sustaining cur political and rc;r-
ious institutions. The happiness and liberty of
the American people will be committed to their
trust, and their character will determine the
dcstInics OF our United States. Hence the
youth ought and must he instructed for their
approaching responsibilities. Proud America
can never boast her righ,fu sovereignty over
nations, unless her sons and daughters shall
bathe their gii'lerlng pearls Of intellect in the
deep pool OF refined and polished literature -
Her strength and glory depend on national in
telligence. Men must he ignorant before they
will be slaves. The fire of liberty will burn on
natures own altar in every American breast I'M
less the intellect is darkened and degraded
this done and freedom is destroyed. Right cd
ucation will also elevate the blessings and han.
pness Of our civil government BY its marie
power those ancient Republics. long yenerated
for their patriotic deeds and noble achievements
in science and art, emerged from obscurity and
stood for time with exalted praise. But soon
as their discipline was neglected, and id!eness
and luxury fastened upon the minds Of the pco.
pie, discussions followed, which ended in their
total prostrat.on. Their rich fountains of edu.
cation were sealed, and the fame Of their accom-.
plishments is lost in the remnants Of their an
cient magnilicencc and beauty. The success
and prosperity of our country demand that the
youth, who will soon stand in the places which
Their fathers now occupy, shall be thoroughly
taught in the elements OF practical know oege.
Being thus prepared, they may safely guard our
government and renowned institutions from the
seizure of corrupt and aspiring men, BY whom
the people might otherwise be subvertcG. and
our entire fabric brought to ruin. But the TO-
htical character OF the present age is degenera.
ted and needs TO be purified, which can be done
only by men properly instructed, Washington.
when chosen unanimously by the people, with
vrtuous dtlidence shrank from Office, but at this
day, nearly every man thinks himself qualified
for almost any station, and " fools rush in whore
angels fear 10 tread Consequently dangers
beset us, which, unless removed, will prove IN
furious II not destructive to our Republic On
one hand, the dlsgracelu scenes enacted at or
elections the SANDER and vulgar ha,;ery, the
vicious combinations to deludc the people, and.
on the other, the prompt obedience of the peo
pie turned about ike the unhelmed vessel At
the mercy OF every wind that blows, call loudly
for reiorm-a reform in mental and moral cui-
ture, unhalowed ambition struggling for domin.
ion, and dangers originating from the concus.
ion of federal and State authorities, unless crush
ed by some mighty revolution, will destroy the
honor and grandeur of our ar-famed country.-
Anarchy aud despoism will cause the fatal
overthrow of fathers land, Their voices will
cry from the ruins of their once costly ed.fce
and the soil OF the patriot and valiant pilgrim.
even in the ears OF degene ated descendants,
shall tell the "knell Of departed liberry." But
fortune siill embraces us. Though we have ma
Washington TO quell the raging storm, yet edu-
cation Can accomplish the glorious change
Extending knowledge to the young who are
about to tread in the ancestral footsteps, inspr-
ing their minds with lofty con ,eplions, and kind.
ling their souls with holy patriotism. onr cam.
try VIII rise from dIshonor TO the highest digni.
ty Let science 'hen be hailed with Joyous ac.
CARNATIONS and nought impede its yoarles. - A.
H. Statesman,