The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-07-13
Eor the Spirit.
Teachers InSt1tu te.r &

y This organization has all the fundamen-
tai elements of popular education in view,
though originating under an era in the
past. The progress of science, and the
changes silently passing thro
our systems of education, have made it
necessary that a corresponding develope-
ment be made in the various institutions
designed to promote the interests Of
knowledge. We have derived much ex-
perience from the past. a.d will conse.
quently be'able to give our rlabors new
direction, in the future. 1t it has long
since been acknowledged that the Ins.i-
tute Of this county contributed largely to
the Development of correct thinking in
the school room, as well as to the awaken
ing among the masses Of a deep interest
in the subject of popular education.
tits not claimed that the Institute can
complete the education of our teachers.
They must attend the regular means of
acquiring knowledge.-iu the school room.
But the object contemplated in an Insti,
tute or Normal School is to discipline in
professional teaching those who have pre-
viously passed through the course pre-
scribed by the text. Those are assem-
bled here who have a common feelings a
holy zeal beyond the ordinary impulses
of the school room. They are represen-
tatives of the masses holding counsel over
the future destinies of unborn generations;
for the influence of one generation reach
es through the lapse of ages. 1t is no
ordinary community. Divested of all de-
nominational peculiarities and professions,
the teacher stands alone. the great con-
servator of human progress in the line Of
march through the annals of time.
The mission of the teacher reaches
through the periods of time, and passes
into eternity. Shall the former influence
of the Institute be lost-the profession Of
teaching become, like the speculations of
the money market, O cold. sordid, isolated
calling, without any al1inities or commu-
nifty of thought? If Monroe county can
remain inactive on this subject, the same
rule will apply to the entire state. 49,.
Let all educational associations cease
to operate-the State Teachers Associa-
tion abandon its organization, and every
benevolent enterprise Of the age be ab-
sorbed in individual, detached loneliness
the American Bible, Tract, Sabbath
School, Home and Foreign mission So.
cieties retire from the great conflict, and
the progress of decline would be fearfully
written in the face of the moral and intel.
lectual world. -.,r-a-f z E
We look forward to the eventful future
as developing the harvest of better days
"a return to primitive self denial, and 9
surrendering of individual ease, for the
general and ultimate good of our common
country. All the hopes of the church
and state cluster around common cen
tre-the time honored school teacher ant
the minister of Christ. To them are com
mitted the triumphs of the everlasting
gospel Worn and stricken with care
thoughtfnlness deeply furrowed Oh hi
marble brow, the teacher stands at tn,
helm, directing the young mind across tn
stormy deeps-the ocean that sweep
away the generations of man.
The reader will infer from the abov
that the Institute of this county has de
clined from its former vigor; but let it
ancient friends come to the rescue, AM
from the experience of the past, establish
it upon firm basis and make 1T monu
ment, fixed immovably, in the affections Q
our countrymen. While the Institute hu
ceased to perform Its former healthtul ae
tion on the interests of education. ther
have been other lnstrumentalities. 9Th
various district ard high schools of th
county, that have had constant ter
+ dency to improve the standard of scienc'
= The committee of the Institute will 500
determine its future action. Let th
teachers of this county be patient. an
'liye holy spiri. life for God and ete1
! nifty" .ga"h PEsTALozzI.
: -''' '7- =" For the Spirit.
rs The 4th at Jamestown.
e DEAR SIR:-Company G, End brigad