The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-12-13

and almost hourly, facilities, which, cen
fury ago, the most influential capitalist did
not--his newspaper! And what is ncws-
paper The history OF the globe for single
day. 1t is record of the events occurring
in that world Of which we and our contem-
poraries are the present occupants. Truly.
therefore, should you have your eyes con-
stantly fixed on that diurnal history, of more
conccrnmcnt to us than that which has pass
cd away. and which existing only in remcm-
brance, is consequently only useful as
comment and lecture on the present and the
actual.
The invention of printing, of itself, forms
one of the most important eras in the history
Of mankind; and its progress, from the pom
derous folio, beyond the purse of the ordi-
nary purchaser, and the ancient classic,
what are technically called the periodicals,
the reviews, the daily paper, and those re-
positories Of pretty trfles, the ANIMALS,
mark the extension of knowledge, acc on-
panied, it may be feared, by its dilution.-
Reviews afford an easy expcdient of reading
rather to talk huently and plausibly, than to
understand thoroughly.
With regard to works of fiction, my advice
would be in the words Of Horace "Piernque
diGsrnt ct prassen, in tempu, omRtaf," postpone
many things, and omit them for the present.
Books which depict voyages and travels
are extremely interesting and very natural
and proper study.
The next subject is more important one
History. DR.. Prieslley exhibits its uses
under three general heads; as it serves to
anluse the Imagination and interest the pas
sions in general; as it improves the under
standing, and as it tends to strengthen the
ailments of virtue.
II is specially valuable part Of historical
reading. that it tends to enlarge the mind,
and to lamiliarize us with the ideas of other
times, with other circumstances, and with
other nien. 1t gives us, in short, what many
Of us could not enjoy, An extensive know
ledge Of the views and opinions, and habits
Of thought Of men placed in different circum-
stances from ourselves. 1t empllatically
minds and transports US to distant times and
to distant ages.
History, by displaying the sentiments AID
conduct Of truly great men, and those OF
contrary character, tends to inspire us with
II taste for solid glory and real greatness; and
convinces us that it does not consist in what
The generality Of mankind are in pursuit of
50 eagerly.
We can never imagine, if We derive our
instruction from history, that true greatness
consists in riches when we see that somo of
the most distinguished characters in the
annals OF mankind, were formed and lived in
poverty, men who showed their contempt of
riches by refusing to improve the opportuni-
ties they had of amassing wealth. Not to
mention Cincinnatus, Fabricius and other
honorcd for their poverty, but who had no
opportunity Of acquiring what We should call
riches; Scipio 4fmilidnus, who might have
cngrossed almost all the wealth of Carthage,
never made single acquisition in all his
life. The emperors Nerva, Trajan and
silver plate, their valuable furniture, and all
the suportuities they could dispense with,
! which their predecessors had amassed, and
| banished all expenses and delicacies from
their tables. These princes, with Vespasian,
Alexander and Taci;us, who were raised to
| the empire by their merit, and whom all ages
have admired as the greatest and the best of
! princes, were ever fond ofthe greatest Lain.
ness in their apparel, furniture and outward
appearance. 1t is related of the famous
| Cornelia, daughter OF the great Scipio, that
| when a lady of her acquaintance desired.
very approximately, to SEQ her toilet, she
deferred satisfying her curiosity, till her
| children, who were the famous Gracchi,
came from school, and then only said ssEu ],
haec ornamental mea sum-" Behold! these
| are my ornaments.
Gan we think that honors and prefsrmenf
constitute true greatness, when We see in
history that the most worthy men have gen.
orally declined them1 Tacitus and Probus
| who did SO much honor to their stations. were
both advanced to the empire against their
| inclinations.
And tho fair sex may learn from history. that
LOVE is not the only possession that governs the
male world which from the reading of novels fire..
quenting the theatre, and even the general turn
Of polite conversation, they might otherwise
! imagine
AS to caution and suggestions in relation to
reading in general, I can do no better than trim.
scribe those given by the Rev. A. Potter. ID. ID;
l. always have some useful and pleasant
book ready to take up in 'odd ondt' of time. A
good part of life will otherwise be wasted.
| 2. Do not attempt to read TOO fast Reading
furnish cs the mind only with materials of know
ledge; it is thinking that makes what wc read
| ours
3. Road always the BEST and m ost recent book
on tho subject which you wish to investigate
4. Seek opportunities to WRITE and CONVERSE
on subjects about which You read
Strive, by frequent reviews. to keep your
knowledge ALWAYS AT COMMAND
'If you are in doubt Of anything says Eras.
mus, 'do not be ashamed to ask, or you have
committed error, be corrected"
One other topic remaiss to be opened namely,
| Education. On this fruitful theme my remarks
at the present time will be limited to few gen.
sral observations.
| Time was when scholars might with a pood