New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1846-11-17
Cor. !Slode's Reply.
- y ~ T =
MInpIrnI,Ry. VI. Aurnsi lsi- ls4G-

Rev. G. T.. SrowE-Deor Sir have received
your letter of the 9Th OF June inviting in behalf Of
the Central Committee for Promoting National Educa
ton to the acceptance OF an important trust IN cOnnec
ton with that object Having taken time for delbcra
ton have 10 the conclusion TO accept the trust,
and say that will enter it, duties soon rs prac
tcablc after my present term OF Office shall have
pred
have come this decision with slight misgivings
10 my capacity for the duties assigned me. have
held various public stations OF considerable re-
sponsibitv but the conception haze formed OF the
post which your Committee have invited me place
IT, in point OF responsibility and labor and requisite tai
ents. lar above any that have ever occupied II H.
moreover to me new and untred position, IN which
much of the experience of my public life viii be OF little
avail, while my previous occupancy OF public stations
may in the minds OF those who shall not sufficiently
fleet upon the diverse character OF the position
cite expectations which will not be realized feel
strained however to accept the prohered agency not
withstanding these embarrassents. The interests with
which is connected are great and precious Interests
which am anxious to promote and am willing to make
attempt 10 promote even at the hazard OF failing TO
accomplish all that the friends OF education may desire
and expect from me.
Its TO me source of much satisfaction. that ann to
enter the labor assigned me in conjunction with the
who compose the Central Committee for Promoting
National Education. While their distribution among
the leading denominations OF Protestant Christians Sc
the movement from all mputation OF sectaran-
ism, and will exert, moreover happy influence upon
the great and precious cause Of Christian union they
are, you will allow me to say men whose wisdom and
experience n guaranty that the general move
mcnt will be wisely and properly conducted And the
confidence thus inspired will hope secure the cordial
cooperation of those IN every part OF the country who
capable of understanding the nature and apprecia
ting, in its high and noble the true value oi cdu
cation.
There : amount OF wasted talent, and energy,
and wealth which ought to be turned, and may be
turned and must be turned IN this direction How much
there is for example III the cvereNcng ana alaosuro
uc interest OF party politics, nave had occasion 10 OBJ
serve and deplorc. My experience and observation IN
political lie have produced constantly increasing con
vction that there is tar higher good Tor my country
than can be attained by the triumph OF party and II
has been with PAIN that have energy instructed
and talent wasted, through overwcenng confidence
in the efficacy OF mere political eNpedients and par
~ triumphs 10 save the nation When VIII the
statesmen of this nation-,he noble in,eilects that
Senatcs and give tone and direction to the popular
mind learn that the surest guaranty OF our safety md
prosperity be found IN the silent infusion mo the
minds and hearts of the people OF all parties andespe
ciay OF the children who belong 10 no party OF sound
knowledge and true Christian principle
The common estimate OF the nations prosperity Is
based upon its advance in population and wealth the
development of its agricultural mineral and msnuiac-
turing resources and the extension OF its commerce
How few consider. that even IN It's rapid progress IN
these respects there may be the elements OF decay and
ruin that have wealth without prosperity great
ness without strength and apparent progress while
under is drifting IL with fearful rapdlty IN
wrong direction Boast AS We may OF our RAPID growth
If there do not enter into IT. all pcryadIns element
the healthtu influence OF night education OF the mind
and conscience and heart OF the nation and the whole
nation. VIII Dt pAt pi
formed monster That element must nns!c with the
elemental principles OF the nations life, growing a the
growth and ghenng m the strength o! the nation
VIVA, work then. is TO be done and how speedily
and energeIicaly the elements OF evil augmented IN
strength BY the quickencd impulses OF the present pc
Rod be sessouably and efectaay counteractet
The friends OF Education must be up and doing.
Yours Is The for he .fs0eS. Il taxes strong
hold of this great subject and gives il the prominence Il
deserves. II books directly the education OF the
nssscs-thc training knowledge and virtue the mi
1sattsn nj oh vNNN IN
10 become instead OF blessing the nation
In the missionary spirit, it the highways
and hedges seeks out these offsets OF benevolent and
patriotic regard and by gentle steps leads them TO the
precious fountains of goodness and truth.
Whist work is here tor benevoience 10 do How
strong the appeal the hesrt ths, csps6e OF taking
in the great ldea OF the universal brotherhood OF man
and feels the resulting obligation OF willlns std DONG
him the utmost possible good And whaf higher good
can be done him than 10 minister TO the wants OF MS
spiritual give appropriate 10 de
Yelopi noble powers drec; 10 noble ENDS ana 70
bring il into communion with the Infinitely 1reA' and
Good. and Pure and True.
But am exceeding the limits appropriate 10 TINS com
municstion and will only add that have no hope oil
success either Tor myself ans Others engaged IN
this good work, but in the favor Of Ham who has sha
Without me We can do nothing Except the LORD eud
the house they labor in vain thai badit In His strength
We labor and in His life We live.
Very respectfully and tr'!ly yours
ABE