Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1851-08-14
MENTAL CULTURE.

noblest. Like all else created it is ca.
pable Of cultivation, and perhaps 10 a
greater degree than any other of the
works Of nature. Just in the degree
that the mind is cultivated and render.
ed pure, is man fitted for great action,
and high enjoyment. Mans great con-
Germ on earth, is 10 educate and
strengthen the mind and through it the
heart. A great truth which the mass
have yet to learn. Itis wonderful that
mortas endowed with such noble quail
tiles and capable of the highest intellec.
tual attanments, should slumber on
through a world like ours which con.
tains everything beautiful, lovely and
sublime, 10 awaken and call forth their
energies, to world which opens a
scene of the richest variety to the eye,
the mind, the heart, SO diversified that
we may never grow weary in contem.
plating it. Ifyou wish 10 live in the
true sense of the term, cultivate the
mind, enlarge its capacities and give
vent 10 pure and noble feelings. Let
the purest sentiments of virtue arise
and endow US with the noblest worth.
Each of our minds is but portion as
it were of one vast machine, in which
each piece has part TO perform, capa-
ble. of the highest. noblest action, ca
pable of being expanded and elevated
in degree almost unlimitable. Every
cultivated mind turned out into the
world exerts powerful influence either
for good or evil.
Here we see the need Of right edu-
cation; such as will render the mind
capable of exciting happy influence
on the community and raise it 10 just
perception of its duties both moral and
rational. It's influence will be felt in
future generations. What then is eur
duty in reference 10 that influence
Ii is very evident, it sto use all the
means in our power without stint,
grudge, or prejudice, to acquire that
mental culture which will make US in.
struments of the greatest good; that
which will enable US 10 unlock the
door Of science, and leave an example
worthy Of imitation. May the time
speedily come when all classes Of per-
sons shall be educated 10 a greater ex.
tent than now; when there shall be
more equality, and crimes in all their
forms may be checked, when religion,
Justice, humanity, shall govern the peo.
pie, and ignorance be forever blotted
from the face of the earth. An over.
ruling desire of wealth narrows the
mental vision, depriVes the mind of its
capacity for expansion; deadens the
finer sensibilities, and chains the whole
immortal TO few petty atoms of this
dust. 10 country like ours where
merit gives the preference-where tai
ent rises superior to riches, the cult
waited minds elevate themselves over
| their ignorant contemporaries, and per
haps unconsciously sway the mind
and control the actions of all arounC
, them. This should furnish a new in
centive to renewed exertions. ]
should stir up the inmost SOU, awakel
, feelings Of self respect. and throw a ra,
of light over them that should contnu
TO glow brighter and brighter till III
q summons for our departure comes.
q The cause ofmental culture become
i the cause of humanity. Mind sway
4 the deslinies of nations. Its cultiva
ton enlarges the powers of reason an
, Judgment. and raises men 10 honor an
n distinction. Though its onward prog
ress be silent and imperceplible, il
/. nevertheless rapid and powerful, an
d when guided by moral principle an
!, skill. demolishes the stronghold of ig
d norance and superstition. Consult tn
"a pages of his,ory:-draw out its trutI
n and you cannot find name cherishe
|. for its noble worth, that belonged nc
y to cultivated mind. A person ha,
- ing no heart beating in common wit
;r those of his fellew man; no feeling o
=. which self is not the begi inning and tn
d. end, may truly be said not to live.-
% May right mental culture never cea:
D. ill it shall fill the earth with its wor
'r derful fruits, and show 10 man his CT
'e nacilx for mental improyemeni. an