Middletown transcript., 1868-02-01
10, he Middleto,om Tran.eript.
Mental and Moral Improvement. ,


Rev. DIR. Patton preached on Sunday
evening, 18th January, from the 14th
chapter and 20th verse of LIST Corinthians:
e Brethren, be not children in understanding
howbeit. IN malice be ye children, butiu under
sanding be men.''
y His DISCOURSE was addressed more. spar-
ticuhrly to young men, and wasuintcnaod
to encourage them to efforts for their moral
and intellectual Improvement. In the
course Of his remarks he incidentally allu-
ded- tothes FowE HAnL,-which ID is pro-
poedtp erect in this place, and, mentioned, ),
in connection with II, the great impor-
tanss. Of a Reading Room. and a good Liz
brary for the use Of the youth Of the town
and neighbofhoDd. iiil.',f
The Importance of such provision for
the mental and moral advancement of the
young men, and for men in middle life,
as well, cannot be over-estinated. Social
intercourse or amusement, seems to- be a
necessity Of our nature. The young, espe-
cially, viii have it; andit is wise to provide
it for them of a moral and beneficial char
acter. In the absence ofsuch provision, they
willse it for themselves and often in places
hurtful alike TO mental and moral charae-l
ter. Dr. Patton deserves the thanks Of
this community, and especially of every
parent and guardian, for introducing the
subject into the pulpit, and inethis manner
bringing it SO prominently before the pub
lie. Il is matter of the highest impor-;
tance to the welfare of the community, and
one which appeals with force and emphasis,
to every right thinking man. Let mo ask
every parent this plain question :---Would
you not rather see your sons grow upl
around yoa; strong in moral integrity and,
intellectual deselopement, than to- have
them. come to man 4, estate without such
advantages? 0ertainly you would. Then
put the means Of obtaining these advan.i
tagcs within their reach, Give them a.
good Hall and a. good Library, where they
can have access TO the best sources Of
knowledge; where they can listen to en-
tertaining lectures, form literary associa-
tions, and polish each other, by the attri-
ton of mind upon mind. Then you will
have cause to be proud Of their position
and their achievements among their fellow
men. Let me here recount few of the ad-
vantages which resulted from the establish
ment Of apublic library and alyceum; in d
certain town in aneighboring State. The
library was founded by an eminent divine,
whose useful life was cut short by the sup
posed foundering Of the 'ill.f1ted steamer
President, at sea. But his good works
lived after him. The Lyeeum was formed
ofthe youths Of the teNfi, from Id to 20y
They met weekly, theifo exercises consis-
tingyof composition, 7deelamation, and de.
bate. 8 They rubbed each other veryihafd
in tlicif debates, AZ tines, and were driteA
to reading and study !; in order to compete
with each other. Among them were boys
of very limited educational advantages
but they tlelyel an the harder into the
mines Of intellectual lore. Now for the
result One Of these boys became min
lister, far above mcdiocrity in his attain
ments. Another, a sheelhaker's. appren-
tice, became a poet, whose numbers were
no discredit TO the immortal Nine. He
accumulated wealth, and retired to the
quiet of rural life, hit was called hence to
represent his Rcoiii7ty in the Legislative
councils Of his nntite State Another rose
| to distinction at the bar, becamea member
4 of Congress, and was sent abroad TO rep
resent his country at d foreign court.
| Another, a tanner and eurrief, became one
of the most eloquent men that ever aseen.
dea the forum, in this part Of the country
The writer has seen him, side by side with
4 the most eminent speakers Of His day, tht
peer Of them all. Another, u tailor's ,boy
attained to all the pathos and power ia
defamation that ever distinguished 3
1 Cough, in his happiest efforts. i Twt
Others Of that same group Of readers and
4 debaters stand at the head of their profes.
sions and are among the 'ablest advocates
at the bur Of their State Two more, ar,
among the most successful Of editors, on,
in the west, and the other in a northern
State. And yet another, was made i.
member Of Congress-, Governor of his State
and Cabinet officer. might mention
others, of that same group of boys, VIII,
rose to distinction in their several profes
sions and avocations, mainly through tn,
influence of that library and debating club
But have said enough to show the hap
py effect Of such associations upon til,
character and destiny of youth. Littl,
they thought, at that time, that in thei
intellectual contests with. each other il
that unpretending lyceplp they were layin,
the foundation of their future usefulnes
aud eminenee But, 80 it was and sucl
are the natural results Of these schools o
mental and moral discipline. ..Gs a. te
Citizens Of Middletown, give Your son
a good Halland d good Library; and the
, too, will have a. chance to write thei
names upon the scroll Of fame, and glad
den your hearts with their moral and in
tellectual progress CNIrAs.