The Winchester appeal. [volume] (Winchester, Tenn.) 1856-1856, 1856-03-15
Dignity of the Human Mind.

of being. Objects are dignified either
from their intrinsic worth or from their
connection with other objects. Thro'
both of these mediums we may con-
template the dignity of the human
mind. The highest existence in the
universe is mind. The material world
is beheld with admiration. The heav-
ems and the earth, and many events
which result from the Divine power
and government, are vast and wonder
ful-frequently awful and solemn; in
many instances eXquisitely beautiful,
eminently sublime. But this outward
system is itself the product Of mind,
and consequently inferior. ALI it's har
mony, beauty and grandeur are the
fruits and manifestations of thought.
This is the supreme agency which
gave being to all worlds; the unseen
power which at first spread out the
heavens as a curtain, and hung the
earth upon nothing; which still bears
up the pillars of the universe, and con-
trolls the destiny of all created beings.
The human mind is noble in itself,
but it assumes q more elevated rank
from its intimate relation to the high
er intelligences. 1t is the only exist
ence on earth that bears the likeness
of its Creator. 1t is true, the invisible
Being is exhibited in all the works Of
his hands. His beauty is seen in the
verdure, the fruits, and the flowers
which adorn the surface of the earth
In all the signatures OF order and de-
sign are seen the effects Of his unsear-
chable wisdom. All that is fair in ma
ture shows forth the uncleated excel
lencence of the Eternal. In the spring
his life teammates the world. In all
that is grand and sublime, his awful
majesty is displayed. His way is in
the whirlwind and the storm, and the
clouds are the dust at his feet. How
enhanced is the beauty, how exalted
the grandeur, even Of material sub
stances, when employed to exhibit the
wisdom, the benevolence, and the pow
er Of the Almighty! But an incom-
parably higher degree of dignity is
conferred on the human mind. Other
objects of creation are only the works
of Jehovah, while this bears the bright
impress of God himself; for God is
mind.
We usually judge of the dignity of
objects and character by the attention
which is paid to them. Should we
see a stranger receiving tokens Of res
pect and friendship from the good and
great of the world, this simple fact
would be sufficient to raise him in our
estimation. What, then, must be the
character of the human mind, which
has received the most striking marks
of attention from the highest order of
beings! Angels manifest deep inter-
est in the development of that princi-
pie which assimilates man to his ma
ker; and it is more than probable that
the great design of Natures works is
to furnish school Of instruction to in
telligent beings. The book of creation
and providence is enriched and en-
bellished by it's Author with whatever
has tendency to improve the mind,
please the imagination, and interest
the heart. In this exhaustless foun-
tain acknowledge, the intellectual and
moral powers find their nutriment,
strength, expansion, and happiness
The contemplative mind sees itself
surrounded with sources of the high
est enjoyment. In every walk it can
draw instruction from natures pages,
and every solitude retire within itself
and feast upon its own resources.
A cultivated mind commands the
respect and admiration of the world.
High intellectual endowments have
preserved from oblivion the names of
ancient sages, and will perpetuate the
only true fame to the end of time
Men who retired from the theatre of
action centuries ago, have by strength
and vigor of thought, procured celeb.
rity which has not only reached the
present age, but which will extend in
a rising graduation through centuries
yet to come.
The tyrant may, indeed, be remem.
bered; but the wise man is remember
ed and admired. The victorious gen.
eral may retire from the field of battle
followed by an applauding multitude;
but the man who furnishes to the
world stores of deep and useful thought
confers great blessing on his species
and purchases renown which rests
upon firmer basis. We would by
no means detract from the merit which
is considered due to corporal strength
or to the beauty of the external form;
but this is not to be compared with
that reputation which rests upon su-
perior mental qualities. Every other
criterion is far too low. "The mind is