The Columbian fountain., 1846-05-21


at Mr. SToTr's Drug Store.
THE DIFFUSION OF USEFUL KNOW
LEDGE.
II would be folly to contend that mere know
ledge will make us happy; the history OF the
most refined nations Of antiquity would con-
stitute an insuperable argument against such
doctrine. But il is not too much to say, that
the diffusion Of useful knowledge is calculated
greatly to promote human happiness. In other
words, we may know much, and yet remain
in a state of Observation-Disclosures, misery but
we cannot, in any case, attribute our unhappi- |
ness to the possession of truly useful intelli-
gence, for this would involve strong contra
diction Such knowledge may, it is true, so
awaken us to sense Of previous delinquency
as to cause feeling Of shame, if not Of guilt
but if ii be permitted to perform all its work in
us, il will, just as certainly, lead us to escape
from all that caused our i'll, and place us in
possession OF solid enjoyment. And any in
formation which will not have this tendency is
to all intents and purposes un,ssfiA
The question then naturally arises, what is
useful knowledge? We might occupy hours in
answering; but, in few words we would say,
Know then, this truth, (enough for man to
know,)
Virtue alone is happiness below
But virtue, in this connection, is a very
comprehensive term. To be truly virtuous,
in The sense here referred, implies large ac-
quain,ance with ones self, with the world,
and, above all, with him who made oil worlds.
Our answer to the above important question
may be summed up in the following manner
FIRST, we should know and pursue the true end
Of our existence on earth; secondly, we should
know and pursue the will Of God concerning
us--,he former is to glorify our Creator, to
honor him in all things; the latter is, our hap
piness and the Happiness Of all men. Useful
knowledge. then, 10 that which makes US lope
God supremacy, and our telloo-msn a. osrselpes |;
and we deny that the spread Of any other
knowl dge can benef, any individual or CON-
muniy. This is bold ground, but it is safe, it
is tenable, and we love to stand upon it.
Now, as to. facilities fol, the diffusion of such
knowledge, which is the best Certainly that
which God ordained. a living ministry of His
word. Next to this, the press-in our day,
more especially, the penny press-the peoples
press. If this be corrupt, how awful the cor
ruption; if it be pure, how wide spread an in
fuence must it exert upon the vital interests Of
man! What reason have we to thank God,
that to considerable extent the cheap litera-
ture of the day does exert this hallowed inhu
ence! Yet. what reason, also, have we to
deplore the polluting tendencies of another
considerable part Of said literature! There is,
then, as we conceive, sort of battle between
the powers Of light and darkness, in the ltera-
ry world. There are, evidently, two sides to
this as to all other questions, and, inasmuch
as both cannot be advocated efficiently by the
same publication we cannot serve Con
and mammon pit is indispensably necessary
that every periodical take stand on the side
it favors. Neutrality, therefore, is nonsense
independent ground should be assumed; and
happy the men who come out, in this matter,
!" on the Lords side" Popularity should not
so much control US on this subject as useful
ness; and we shall be useful, without mistake,
if we steadily lay the truth before the people.
80 the truth the glorious truth
How its light rejoices
Bear it on, and sound it forth,
Books, and leaves, and voices"
So sings an American poet; so say we. BY
the divine blessing the Columbian Fountain
shall not be behind any other paper in the
good work of diffusing such knowledge as will
not only be pleasing to the vrtuous, but use
full to all. Gushing forth continually from
spot quite near the Nations Capitol, it shall
send its healing streams in thousand direc-
tions. to bless and sanctify all those who par
take Of its waters. Readers, help us, and thus
you will help yourselves too.
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TEMPERANCE.
Why pledge ourselves to temperance Be
cause we consider its opposite as being, in our