Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-04-13
III
q omta II .

HOME EDUCATION .

nor Wright's Address at the In.
augaration Of DR.. Daily.
HOME EDUCATION.
We have many Colleges in Indiana;
many High Schools and Academies;
and numerous other Institutions which
afford public and private means of in
struction;yet, II does seem TO me, that
the great prevalent error among our
people. consists in this, they ailix to
the idea Of education something that
can only be found away from home
The general rule that prevails among
parents is. to enquire for some Board
ing Scho'l High School, Academy or
College, in which they may place
their sons or daughters. in order
that they receive that kind Of instruc-
ton necessary to qualify them to
enter ~poa the discharge Of the du.
ties and responsibilities of active life.
Many parents scenic think that home
is proper place to eat, drink, talk
and sleep; but that's all.
The Almighty has left us. in his
words. three positive institulions--the
Family, the Church. aud the Civil
Government These have existed in
some form. in every age Of tho world.
Other Institutions have arisen. and
they are before us and among us; they
come and go, to be seen no more. But
the whole fabric Of society may be
changed; governments may be rent
asunder;-new dynastic may take
the place Of the old a volcanic tempest
may sweep over the whole face OF civ.
ilization; yet. as soon as the necessary
time would elapse for the settling down
Of society. in some form. shape and
order, these three institutions ordain-
cd OF fIIeaven would appear-the Fam.
lily. the Church. and the Civil Govern
ment.
The first Of these Is the Family; and
il is in this institution that we must
look for the beginning of an education
that shall be worthy of the age and
the nation in which we live. There is
much implied in the phrase "Home
Education" II isnot the proper cul-
tivation Of the intellect-iti Is the prop
er training Of the heart, the affections,
and the social qualities. | do not be.
lieve that any man. let his intellectual
attainments be what they may, is fit
to go forth into society. IL he has not
had thrown around him, the genital and
purifying influence Of parents, sisters,
brothers, and the influence Of the Fam
lily Government.
We cannot maintain and perpetrate
our glorious form OF Government in'its
purity and excellence by depending
alone upon the colleges and Universi-
ties of the land. We must look TO the
education that controls and shapes the
family circle. There can be no love
ofcountry. where there is no love Of
home. True patriotism derives its
mighty strength from fountains that
gush out around the hearth stone; and
those who forget to cherish the house.
hold interests. will soon learn to look
with indifference upon the interests OF
their country.
| know u man of great wealth. an
active member Of tho bar for e5 years,
who resides near indianapolis. lie is
the father Of nine sons. two of whom
arc ministers Of different religious de-
nomina tions. OF these. one has trav.
eled in foreign lands, and has inter.
ested and delighted many American
audiences by imparting to them knowl-
edge that he had acquired abroad
Two are among the most industrious
and successful farmers ofour State.--
One is most gentlcmanly Conductor
upon one Of our railroads; another. un-
der twenty years, age. has pene-
trated the wilderness Northwest OF
Lake Superior. rs far as Pembina. and
has returned with mind well filed
with practical knowledge. Another is
in active business in produce store,
on the shores OF Lake Michigan; and
the two youngest are now scholars in
n district school. heard one of these
nine sons say, at the age Of twenty
two, that he was never in Court
House TO hear trial, or to be sworn
as u witness.
This father, to whom l have refer
rod has u little domestic government
at Home. tits his practice. IN his fam
lily, to hold frequent consultations. in
which each member takes part In
the discussion and determination of all
questions affecting their duties, inter-
ests and responsibilities, in the affairs
of life. He taught has sons to think,
10 pork, TO labor. He has been able
to invest practical labor with an in
tereet that cheers the hearts Of all
around him, and that thus gives TO
his home the grace. peace. refinement
and attraction, that God designed a
Home should possess. The results Of
this system Of home education are
seen in & ood conditions. physical
strength, good morals. industrious hab-
its and in the practical application Of
useful knowledge. acquired by collegi
ate studies.
PRACTICAL EDUCATION.
We want, and we must have an i'm.
proved system Of practical knowledge
a system that shall be adapted to the
times, to the nature ofour government
and the condition Of the country. We
wan. an American system of Educa-
ton.
Look around upon the immense
fields that invite the labors of scholars
who are well educated in the science.
Of Cbar,;strv M.cban;cs G.oIo..-