Smyrna times., 1855-04-25

W
Of its powers of perception, appears in the first
instance to be wholly destitute of any actual
knowledge, and is first brought into action and
is put in the way of acquiring knowledge by
means of its connection with the material and
outward world This faculty is the connec-
ter of the mind and the material objects around
it, and hence furnishes the mind with material
upon which to act, and is very important in the
acquisition of knowledge.
This faculty is large in children, hence their
unquenchable desire to give everything that
comes in the range of their vision, thorough
and minute examination, by which means they
acquire large amount of knowledge in a short
time in fact, observation is the most prolific
source OF human information.
Although large in children, it is small in
aduts-a fact that is contrary to natures laws,
for progress is her Interchangeable law, nor can
she be censured for this deficiency, for she has
: done much to promote the exercise of lnditldu-
ality by placing objects within its reach; in
fact, she mas filled the earth, the sea and the
air with variety of curlOsities, the examlna-
tion ofwhlch would call into action and develop
this faculty; then its deficiency must be caused
by the education which | shall show by and by.
Impressions made by observation are stronger
than those derived from any other source, for
although we frequently forget what we read or
hear yet what we see is stamped upon the other
faculties knowledge thus gained is retained,
while that derived from other sources grow
faint and fade from memory's page.
individuality must observe an object before
Form can perceive its shape, or Size its bulk;
hence there is more knowledge gained by OBJ
servatlon than by all other things combined !;
then this faculty is the foundation stone upon
which we rear up the superstructure of our flu
ture intellectual attainments-it is the steward
who is to provide food for the other faculties to
work upon in their respective operations
Hence its culture becomes work OF momen-
;ous Importance, since it must observe before
Causality can reason, or Comparison can Ana
I'VE, investigate or illustrate. So that derlv-
lng much of their power from this faculty, the
vigor of their action depends much upon their
efficiency.
How can individuality be cultivated Why.
by exercising it in observing, by keeping awake
when you are not asleep, by allowing nothing
to escape your observation. But how many are
nearly asleep when awake !-scarcely noticing
anything that is passing around them, anG
thereby learn but little of the world. True
their ply sical eye is all the time looking yea
IS all the time fixed upon some object, yet mucl
ol IL q 90,
D, half we look at. Why is this! Simply becaus
81 we do not call individuality into action. Cal
10 individuality into action! Yes. How can thl
a be done! BY studying man, the most usetu
Is and noble of studies.
a, -. Know then thyselt, presume not God to scan
es The proper study OF mankind Is man."
e. See everything you look at. Study physiogc
II, nv, learn to read the character of eyeryon
es watch every notion, every expression OF til
lis countenance, especially the manner of carryln
he the head, and the various expressions Of Il
b. eyes, and you will acquire valuable kind
b. knowledge, besides cultlvating this faculty.
ay Although the study of books does not di
er- cpline this faculty. Yet the practical study
he natural sciences does-especially Botany, E
me tomology, Geology, and may also add PHI
be- nology, which consider the best of all studi
be for disciplining this faculty, as it excltes it
ice intently as to create a seeing MANIA" viii
as causes its students to give every head I'll
ELI comes under its vision an optical examlnatIC
the 1t would, doubtless, be better for children
lily be taught practically in some OF the natu
ers sciences which would delight them, than
he sent to school, where they would have no
city portunity of exercising this mental eye,
'uld have it tied up in a sting and its action s
Igly pressed. The present system of education
en- very deleteriOus to the growth OF the mind,
D be the minds of children are not generally ex
wed cised upon studies that interest them; and
der little advantage is derived from forced mer
ZACH action. An important fact that few parents
teachers ever think of-yet if they give
hose subject close investigation, the importanc
cog it will be readily admitted for it is evIden
and every sportsman that walking,day after day
indi- yigorates while he finds plenty of game, "
mine on the other hand, if he finds nothing to an
re- ~ him. he will soon become fatigued and exha
Iated ed. All will admit that over-exertion is /
rows rious. -~~~e
rect; l"de chooses best, whose labor entertaIni
who His facant fancy hos'; the 'oii yoN -"
Tore. Fatigues you soon, " 80. f.h
ioie- And scarce improves your hmbs."i7 80
when n''u HJa.4al ava ,,ol,,
! e. action is highly beneficial, and, in fact, !
49, pensable to secure its growth and vigor,Y
: ! a., 1 abnormal or involuntary mental action bes
I;,ion but little advantage ever, and oftennuch
oman, ry. Who can show me where much goo
tout it Deen eneo1eu, OF man '"a' "44 -
os ,ha No one can such a thing would be as il
Sc; for ss9,s ~ = ~ sspYDl",p''S EI