The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-09-04
For the Voice Of Freedom.
READING, No. 2.

READING, No. 2.
Works of fiction undoubtedly make up
the least valuable class Of writings in our
language. So useless are they consider
ed by many that they would reject them
altogether. Others there are, who, while
they nowiedge their influence to be
Objectionable in some particulars, claim
that they answer valuable purpose, and
amply compensate for the injurious con-
sequences that may possibly flow from
them. 1t must be admitted that they do
much, very much toward creating fond
ness for books among children and youth.
Many young persons, who would turn
with disgust, from anything of historical
or argumentalive character, may have
their attention arrested by an improbable
story and soon learn 10 love books better
than toys. A fondness for works OF this
kind is formed, we have no doubt, under
the impression that they contain nothing
but truth and is generally retained only
so long as this conviction remains. When
their own good ssnse shall have corrected
this mistake, there is but little danger that
an inordinate fondness for romance will
be retained. Bat. although they may
lose their tondness for this particular kind,
he taste for reading, which has been form
cd, will be permanent in lis influence, and
will require something OF more exalted
nature to crafty it.
We need not look to children alone for
the benefit of works OF fiction others share
quite as largely in them as they do. Ev
cry thing of this character. in order 10 al.
tain any degree Of popularity, must pos
sess The essential qualities of good style;-
cbasleness, vlvaci,y, perspicuity and a de-
greo oftrulh 10 nature. We think no one
will attempt to deny, that in order 10 please
they must be ia accordance with the stand,
ard OF correct taste. Who does not see
that familiarity with such works must inr>
prove the style of the reader-strengl hen
his imagination-give him more exten>
sive knowledge of mans nature than he
could obtain by personal observation, and
materially aid in the development of his
mental powers. Who can doubt that,
though their influence on the moral char
acter may no, always be good, they are o.
essential service, especially in the educa-
ton Of the speaker and writer. The
friends Of fiction are disposed to look on
the evils, which lis opposers attribute to
it, as imaginary rather than reaI--or, asa
something so transient in their influence,
that their consequences cannot be danger
Gus. While they feely admit that false
impressions may for fine exist, they have
the fullest confidence in the power of rea-
son and experience to correct those i'm.
pressions and guard against injurious con-
sequences.
An acquaintance with history is IN"
doubiedy far more beneficial than one
with works of fiction. Without il the
whole of the past would be hidden from
US by an impenetrable veil, only so far as
the dim and uncertain light Of tradition
penetrated Its mysteries, and revealed now
and then, prominent and striking event.
From it we obtain very large par, OF our
knowledge Of the world. If we will but
study it, we may make the experience of
the past our own, and be able TO profit from
the example of lis busy multiiudes, and
shun the errors on which their hopes
were wrecked. Inslead of long series
Of experiments 10 arrive at particular re-
suits, we have there the conclusions of
others and have on y to re-lrace the Steps
by which they arrived at them.
History is the grea; correcter Of error.
If we have embraced incorrect views and
mistaken notions, we may then learn the
ultimate bearing Of false principles and be
able to avoid the unpleasant consequences
which might otherwise flow from them.
But if we wish to derive the greatest
amount of benefit from familiarity with
history, instead of reading to strengthen
our own peculiar sentiments, we should