Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-12-10
A PLEA FOR SCIENCE.

PLEA FUN CSlENSE.
To,a Young nation the choice of objects of
national ambition is of great moment, for there.
bv its future career is as certainly foreshadowed
and determined, as the fortunes and character OF
a Young man are indicated and formed by the
objects and aims which he may cherish.
The eventful career Of our country-resem-
bling, indeed, marvellous fiction rather than
aught recorded in the annals OF hlstory-the
rapidity with which she has advanced to her
present position, irresistably urge us to conjec-
lures as to her future developments, and impress
us with the conviction that she will yield to no
slight obstacles, to that career which she may
elect.
Her strength and power have hitherto been
chiefly evidenced by the struggles OF youth
full and pioneer existence-in leveng forests,
10 subduing stubborn soils, in constructing roads
and bridges, and erecting buildings; in word,
by making our land fitting abode for the IA
vored possessors of mans richest and best In
heritances In her first century America is to
give shape and complexion to her whole subse-
Quent development. Hard labor and strenuous
endeavor is the lot Of her youth; and thereby
are TO be formed that defined character, that
high and unyeldng ambition, which are to win
for her prominence among the nations.
tutes physical prosperity, but in those lofty
moral and intellectual attributes which can alone
render nation immortal The greatness Of
America is not to consist in colossal brute
strength, nor is to be modelled after that of any
antique ideal-she must grow true to herself
and be no reproduction of fossil ! We shall
not contribute to the glory of our country by
worshipping wealth, station, or notoriety; not
bowling soul and mind to gold and silver, nor
by pursuing the phantom Fame over fields OF
blood-nobler employments are for US.
Science, especially, points us into path in
which are honors and blessings for ourselves
and our fellow men. We are stimulated to adj
vance along it by patriotism, philanthropy, am
bition, and interest, inasmuch as it is evident
that systematic knowledge Of Nature, blends
itself with all the interests and concerns Of
common life, and because from what has already
been accomplished by such knowledge-we
may argue the degree in which, when more per-
fected, it will reward its votaries.
But fame and profit are not to be the strong
est inducements to the cultivation Of science.
The soul of its devotee is inspired and kindled
by the grandeur of his vocaton-by that close
communion with Gods own thoughts and do
ings which is the very atmosphere of him who
in right spirit, interrogates nature. Science
is systematized truth, as it is in nature and
nature is but the embodiment Of Gods chosen
thoughts! The soul is made great by striving
for exalted ends Creation lies before us, full
Of meaning; but Divine Wisdom has thrown
veil over its secrets, that man might become
strong and noble of soul by efforts to master
them. Let, then, America, SO full Of youthful
energy and promise-where emulation Of what
is most excellent is so ardent and universal
where the sublimities of nature make man SUBJ
lime, and his life poetc-let our favored coun-
try be the chosen abode of science, and the
brightest and most gifted Of her sons be num-
bered among its votares Then--in this land
of mans new youth, in which his thoughts,
feelings and hopes, are young-then will be
developed in his life new intelligence, new
morality, new religion. Peace will then reign
within her borders, because man shall possess
a nobler and more loving heart, and spirit
ehastened and elevated by higher knowledge;
and in a hundred years America will have be-
come the greatest benefactress to science, by
bringing philosophy and life into right relations
Young as she Isl she has already contributed
bright names to the roll Of scientific fame
names that, thus early, vindicate her title to
respect
1t should be the lofty ambition of each State
III our Union to contribute its share to this high
cause. Let Wisconsin, too, prepare herself for
the ennobing competition ;"and favored by the
magnificent endowment Of her institutions Of
Public Education-her University and Common
Schools Chose Seminaries, in which the germs
of youthful talent are ripened into fruitful
strength-those secluded fountains, from which
flow the grand streams of intellectual useful
ness)-she may hope, early, to win an honora-
BILE position in science among her sister States.
Milwaukee Daily Journal.