Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-08-10
Misrtllanroms.
Original.

In treating upon this subject, character
may be taken in its most comprehensive
sense, IS implying both real, and supposed
character; l. e., character per Sc, and rep
utation.
The subject seems naturally to divide
itself into two heads,-character in the ab-
stract. and in its relation 20 the teachers
profession. By careful analysis of char
acter it will be found to consist mainly Of
the three following elements duly combined
and arranged; viz. good principle, good
sense, and goodwill Each Of these in its
place is indispensable to the whole.
The first quality, good principle, implies
integrity. and integrity comprehends the
whole moral character. This, then. should
unquestionably be regarded as the very
pith and marrow, the soul and centre, of
character in the aggregate. And hence it
follows that it is the basis on which all 9TH
er qualifications rest; the soil in which they
must be planted; and the medium through
which they derive their vitality and power
Good principle, it may be affirmed. is a
jewel to be diligently sought after; care
fally preserved; and 20 be perpelually pol
ished BY active use It is "better than ru-
bies;" and is rather to be chosen than great
riches" As an element of character, moth
ing can supply its place. Gall things that
may be desired" therefore, "sre no. to be
compared" to good principle.
The second quality, good sense. has d.
rect reference to the intellect, or rational
part of mans nature. Itimplies soundness
Of its faculties. together with strength
and activity Of its reasoning powers This
quality seems to be dependent on the FIRST
as the prime mover and conductor in all.
its operations. The former manifests it.
self in and through the latter as its cover
ing and instrument, imparting to it vitality,
and causing it to go forth with power
Viewed iu this light, good sense is seen to
be the right hand of power, when united
to, and acting in concert with good princi-
pie, in the constitution of individual charac-
ter. But, let it be observed, good sense is
not an instrument merely; for it is in this
connection that it becomes living, acting,
penetrating and soaring element. That
which is hidden and mysterious it searches
out. That which is complex and intricate
it unfolds and unravels, analyzing and ex-
amining its component parts Diving into !
The deep reeessesof thought, it brings out to |
view new and invaluable ideas. Ascend |
ng into the heights, enraptured with the
iazzling gems of thought it there bebolds,
t seizes, and sppropriates to itself for fu-
ure uses, truths luminous with the light
If Heaven.
The third quality, goodwill, comes fin
lily under consideration as an essential ele-
nent of character. This seems to be a
manifestation of kindness, affection, benevo-
ence, and thence bene6cence. In short. il
nay be considered the legitimate offspring,
r, in other words, the natural result Of the
Iuion Of the first two principles, which are
mutually dependent on and act in concert
nth each other. This idea may be illus
rated as follows. Heat and light united
roceed in every direction from the sun, in
he form of rays, for the performance Of
heir various uses; which are, in their be-
innings, the viviGcation and the illumins-
ion of the iGnumerable things of the nat
raj world. So, good principle snt good
ense united, for the purpose of accomplish I
lg their uses, which are very various and
Important, FIRST go forth and manifest them
elves in the form of goodwill Goodwill !
hence proceeding leads directly to righ. 8
ction; and this Immediately to bene6cence,
r the practice of doing good.
Having thus analysed the character and
nown the several qualities of which /! is ,
omposed, together with their relations to