The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-02-05
Education.

The comprehensivenes OF this term
cannot be expressed by any other word in
the English language. 1t is no! learning
alone it is not the vasness or variety of
intellectual aainments. For, by mechar-
ical processes, men may grasp at knowl>
edge, and in some of its branches seem to
make wonderful developments the histo-
ny of the world may be explored and ex-
hausted, and the long succession of events
recorded in it, be boarded in the mind, as
a miser hugs his treasure, while no other
progress is made than merely to discern
The evidence of things.
The figure of The Tree OF Knowledge"
did not represent that it could be attained
by the most distinguished efforts OF the
mind, in the development of any, or of all
the sciences, and of the laws OF NATURE
But TO understand "good and eviI' was
the high prerogatve of the intellectual
faculties, and the only means by which
man could approximate TO the Tree" it,
self.
Education does not therefore, consist of
The "ten talents" of mental endowment, ii
is not sequestered in Colleges and insli'u-
lions of learning-nor can it be reached
by abstract studies, however arduous and
prolonged; but it is general development
OF the whole man, Of reason and judgment,
Of moral and physica power, which adapts
him to this life, and adorns him for anoth-
er. photographers call it the " bring
up" and drawing out of man, and, con-
nected with that obedience which it natu.
rally engenders, it tends to elevate human
nature to its original dignity and purity.
Philanthropists have justly regarded it
as an important auxiliary to christianity,
not only because pure religion does not
exist in strictly heather nations, but be-
cause religion and knowledge (such as
we have described i) are, in the nature of
things inseperabe. 1t is also supposed 10
have an actual creative power in its bear
ing upon the destiny of men, and their ul.
innate capacity for happiness or misery.
AS such, the Pulpit and the Press have
been enlisted warmly in It's behalf, and the
benefactions Of the good and great men of
our country have sealed their estimate Of
The cause, and their interest in the rising
generation. We cannot neglect so great
work as that of self culture, if we re-
gard their odmontions. The persuasive
eloquence of Claiming, even now vi,
braes in our ears, and his mute lips forbid
il.
But mer approve Of what they do not
appreciate, because the harvest though
certain, is far off. In their estimation, re-
mote consequences are not so impressively
connected with antecedents, as the more
immediate issues of life, and it is necessa-
ry TO examine the present bearings of a
subject in order to engage their attention.
But here TOO, the motives to improvement
are not wanting. and of most urgent
character.
For in our own time aud sphere, the
subject of education is one of peculiar,
public as well as personal interest, on nc-
count of lis connection with the institutions
OF free government. Where the aulbor-
ity Of the rule, rests upon the voluntary
obedience of the ruled, wisdom in the one,
end intelligence in the other are indispen>
sable to the efficiency and harmony Of