The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-02-26
Education.
No. Ill.

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ance of this subject, in its bearing upon
our institutions, and of the method 10 be
used in promoting it. Let US now glance
at some of the means by which an educa>
ton may be acquired, such as are entire
ly practical in their nature and results,
and not inaccessible 10 any calling or con-
dition of lifes 1t is the province Of genius
10 underyalue and cavi at these. for it is
able to rise by its own inluilive power,
however eccentric in its course, and
Wheeler aided by fortuitous circumstan-
ces or opposed by the biting necessities Of
indulgence AMI want Genius trumphs
alike over the fortunes of Byron, OR the
fate OF Burns.
But great minds are exceptions to the
ordinary rules ofprogression, because they
are capable of rising above them and with
GU, them. 1t is no disp0ragemeut TO others
however, that they are obliged 10 adopt
more certain and systematic efforts, or
pursue more tedious way, for the attain,
meut of the desired object. For they who
climb to the turre,s and citadel of knowl>
edge, by riches cut with their own hands
will better appreciate the value of the a.
chevemen,, and the uses to which 1t is en-
titled, than those meteors of genius who
descend and alighl upon the lofty summit,
BY the precociy of their intellectual gifts.
That stale Of general improvement aolleA
contributes to the health, rjgor and s~Sccp-
tibility Of all our faculties as tie mast
desirable nnd tie m0st useful, because il
tends to harmonic the workings Of each,
and render them more consistent with the
nature and great office Of Ifc.
This was the key which unlocked the
character, and opened the high career OF
Washington. As a man, he is tru Y said
to have no equal. We do not so much
admire him for the brilliancy Of his tai
ens; as philosopher, a scholar, jurist
or even as a military general, he may
have had superiors, but for a wonderful
combination Of all. as a distinguished
whole, nature nigh, well have broken
her mould, 10 exultaion over work so
perfect, and complete. For
1.-the elements were so mixed in him,
That nature might stand up and say to all the world
This was man."
II be was not marked by particular and
shining gifts, SO was he not married by
The counter blemishes which attach 10
them. Ia this respec', he seemed to have
no weaknesses Except that Of his human
uaturej and guided in all his actions by a
strict regard for moral principles, his life
proved 10 be as eloquent with good deeds,
as it was memorable with grea! achieve.
ments.
1t is fitting 10 present so noble an Illus
tralon Of our subject. We have not
spoken OF education as of mere scholar
ship, but as indicating state of general
cultivation, as development of physical
and moral, as well as intellectual power,
These are stated in the proper order OF
progression. The first is inferior to :he
last in its nature and duration, but superior
in its influence. And as he mind only Is
through the medium Of the body. The ear
Hest duty is TO endeayor to preserve this
medium in a sound and healthy condition.
To this end, good habits, regular exercise
and temperance in all things are espc-
cialIy epjoined, forthey are the true safe
CARDS ofthe constitution. Besides, there
is duty which a man owes to himself,
out of respect to the skill and wisdom
manifested 10 bis creation. That which
deforms, Tor Iobs him Of his fair proper
ton" or Of the beautiful harmony of ali
his actions, instead of"chcating feature by
assembling nature. is practical felony a.
galnst nature; and fails 10 recognise that
high regard which is due to the author Of
a work so complete in its inception, and
so "fearfuIIy and wonderfully made"
Moral Influences are next to be solicit
ed to rule over the spirit and determine all
its actions They will tend 10 soften the
heart, and reclaim and refine it, while
man is thus placed in his true relation,
not only to the object and destiny of life,
but also to the proper discipline Of the
mind. True, the work of self culture, is
connected one. in which all the fac,