The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1860-03-24
Gonfational Department.

This il subjsct, il would seem already,
too much dwelt upon; still, for one OF its
Importance, we feel constrained to say, that
it is equally neglected, and that society, like
tenantless manor, exhibits but the barren
wastes Of uucultivatcd intellect strewed with
the wrecks Of mental decay, which, with
care, might have graced the spot they now
deface. Were this not the case-were the
mists of ignorance dispelled and the current
of human thought directed into proper
channel, the general state Of society would
DO greatly Moderated; and the opposite
effects from those produced by ignorance,
would flow from mental illumination, in
relation to all those subjects connected with
the improvement and the happiness Of our
species. 1t is not intended that all men
should make profound matbema,ic;ans and
philosophers; nor is it necessary, in order
to eradicate false opinions, and to enlarge
and elevate tho mind. A general view of
useful knowledge is all that is essential for
the great mass Of mankind, and would most
certainly be preferable to that gross igno-
rance and groveling dispositions which SO
generally pervade the major part Of society;
and, to acquire such degree Of rational
information requires only that q taste for
it and desire for its acquisition be excited
in the mind. Do this, and you at once en-.
sure tranquil and prosperous community
for educating is the enlightenlng of the
mind, and the carrying forward the great
body of mankind in tho path Of moral and
intellectual improvement; and, its effects
are those peculiarities wherein We differ
from the wandering Tartar, or the unlettered
Indian. The{' Sure of man is progressive
his faculties are capable of infinite expan-
sion; and, the objects to which they are
directed, are exceedingly diversified. lie is
moving onward to an eternal existence !;
and, in his present state, can never cxpec.
TO grasp the universal systems Of created
objects, or to rise to tho highest point of
moral excellence. His tuition, therefore,
cannot DO presumed to terminate with his
earthly career; but, that the knowledge
acquired by him in this transitory life, if
judiciously used, will form the basis OF his
future progress throughout the succeeding
ages Of eternity.
But without specializing upon future GER
tainties, and being, as we are, of tempera-
ment calculated to observe and form our
actions in accordance with passing transact
tons, we will come down to present reaIi.
ties and observe the many blessings to be
derived from compliance with the demands
OF the masses, for more general diffusion
OF knowledge-in mitigating the many in
convenieuces to which we are obliged to
submit through ignorance of any method Of
evading them. But science has done much
toward advancing civilization and elevating
society to its proper standard. But, much
still remains to be achieved, ere we approx
mate the maximum degree of perfection.
IT'S the philosophers stone of our prosperi-
sy, and the only thing on which we can base
orr future hopes with any degree of safety
The language o. Beecher, rei.erate: "We
must e,,,cate! we must educate! or we
must perish By our own prosperity! five
do not, short will b. our race from the era
die to the grave. If, in our haste to be
rich and mighty, We outrun GU literary and
religious institutions, they will ne, or over
take US, or only come up after the bate OF
liberty is fought and lost, as spirits to grace
the victory. and rs resources of inexorable
despotism for the perpetuity of our bond.
age"