Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-03-19

lins, it is true but, by initiating his men
tai habits and unwearied industry, we may
reach an eminence we should never 9th
Icrwisc obtain Nor would he have been
the Franklin he was, if he had permitted
himself tu be discouraged by the reflection
that we cannot all be Newlons. 1t is our
business TO make tie most OF our own
talents and opportunities, and instead OF
diScouraging ourselves by comparisons
and imaginary impossiblllties, to believe
all things possible, as, indeed, almost all
things are, to spirit bravely and firmly
resolved.
Franklin was a fine model of practi.
cal man, as contra-distinguished from a
visionary theorist, as rnen of genius are
very apt TO be. He was great in that
greatest of all good qualities, sound, strong
common sense. A mere book-worm is a
miserable driveller; and mere genius, a
thing of gossamer fit on y for the winds
to sport with. Direct Your intellectual
efforts principally TO the cultivation of the
strong masculine qualities of the mind.
Learn Il repeat iD to think-to think
deeply, comprehenslvcly, powerfully
and learn the simple, nervous language
which sappropriate TO that kind of think
ing. Read the legal and political argu-
ments of Chief justice Marshall, and those
of Alex. Hamilton, which are coming out.
Read them, study them, and observe with
what an omnipotent sweep of thought they
range over the whole field of every object
they take in hand, and that with a scythe
50 ample and so keen, that not straw Is
left standing behind them. Brace your
self up to these great etlOlts. Strike for
giant character of mind, and leave preti.
ness and frivoIity for triflers. 1t is per-
fecllv consistent with these herculean hab-
lis of thinking to be i laborous student,
and To know all that books can teach.
This extensive acquisition is necessary,
not ONLY to teach YOU how far science has
advanced in every direction, and where
the terrn HcOgnita begins, into which
genius is to direct its future discoveries,
but to teach vou also the strength and the
weakness of the human intelect-hoW
far ii is permitted us to 90, and where the
penetration Of man is forced, by It's own
impotence an1 the nsl0re of the subject,
70 Give UP the p"r>ui-and when you
have mastered alI The past conqueals OF
>cicucc. vou will understand what Socla
tcs meant by SAYING. that h knew only
enough to be sure that he knew nothing
nothing compared with that illlmltable
tract that lies beyond the reach OF our fac
ullicS. You must never be satished with
The surface of things probe them to the
bottom, and let nothing go, till You under
stand it as thoroughly as your powers
will enable you. Seize the moment OF
excited curiosity on any subject, TO solve
your doubts; for if You let 1t pass, tile
desilc may never return, and you may re-
main in ignorance. Franklin's habits OF
constant ard deep eXcogitatlOn cIung to
him to lis latest hour. Form these hab-
its now learn all that may be Iearned-
and bring all your acquisitions and your
habits TO the study Of the law, which you
say is to be your profession; and when
YOU come to this study, come resolved TO
master it, not to play in lis shadows, but
~ sound all lis depths. There is no
knowing villa, a mind greatly and firmly
resolved, may achieve in this department
of science, as we'll as every other. Re
solve TO be the first lawyer of your age,
in the depth, extent, variety and accuracy
of your legal learning. Master the SCI
ence Of pleading-master Coke upon Lit
Teton, and Cokc's and Plowden's Reports
master Fearne on Contingent Remain
dcrs and Executorv Devises, till you can
sport and play familiarly with lis most
subtle distinctions. Lay your foundation
deep and broad and strong, and you VIII
find the superstructure comparatively
light work. 1t is not by Shrinking from
the difficult part of the science, but by
counting them, graphing with them' and
overcoming them, that a man rises 10 pro-
frssional greatness.
There is great deal of law-loornlng
that is dry, dark, cold, revoltIng-ou' Ills
an old feudal castle, in perfect preserVa-
lion, which the legal architect, who as
oires to the first honors of his profession,
will delight to explore, and learn all the
uses TO which lis various parts used to be
put; and he will the better understand,
enjoy and relish the progressive improve
menis of the science in modern times.
You must be a master in every branch OF
the science that belongs to your probes
sion-the law of nature and OF natlons'
the civil law, the law-merchant, the mar
lime law, &C., the chart and outline OF
all which you will see in Blackstone S
Commentaries. Thus covered with the
ranoplv of professional learning, master
of the pleadings, practice and cases, and
at the same time great constitutional anu
philosophic lawyer, YOU must keep way