The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-01-23
FOF I 1T VFtII
EDTCATION IN TRUTH.

One of the most important uses OF
education u.s. that it enables its posses
sor to discriminate between TRUTH and
ERROR. The common idea that its prin-
cipal design is to acquire "uscful knowl-
edge" is but partially true; the higher
idea of educators, that its prime beneht
consists in disciplining the mind, giving
a man full command of all his powers,
is very nearly true Yet, is it not pos
sible, that very high, if not highest,
among the numerous benefits resulting
from education, is THE ABILITY TO DE-
TEcT AND CAST ASIDE THE SPURIOUS
YaLSEHOOD, TO DISCOVER AND BRING
FORTH INTO CLEAREST LIGHT THE NE
ELECTED, PERHAPS DIsTAsTEFUL, TRUTH.
1t is not pretended that every kind of
education will confer this ability; In
deed only the TRUE education can do
that. Not mere knowledge of books,
however numerous and excellent not
the culture of the intellectual powers
alone, however extended; but in con-
nection with the contents of books
history, science, poetry, philosophy, and
along with careful mental discipline,
giving the intellectual vision,-therc
should be impaired reverence for
truth, an absolute loyalty to justice, an
unconditional fcalty to every attribute
of the Divine character.
Deep in every mans heart is the con-
viction that honesty is better than fame,
that fidelity to principle is infinitely bet
ter than unprincipled success, that a
true character is incomparably superior
to external advantages. Not less deep
is the conviction that intellectual power,
however great, is less to be desired
than moral energy, that knowledge is
vastly inferior to virtuc,-knowlcdgc
being but q valiant knight, while Nlr-
tue is the radiant Queen. But gcncr-
ally people are not governed by tins
deep latent condition; they have not
been educated to believe that under ALI.
circumstances it is necessary to be
truthful. So they easily yielded to the
pressure of some paltry consideration,
to the whim of the moment, to the ur-
gent wish of some friend; they walk
fitfully by the blaze of transient metcors
instead of looking for guidance to the
eternal stars.
How many, placed where Rcgulas
was, would have obeyc1 the dictate OF
stern patriotism and counseled the 10,
mans not to make an inglorious peace
with the Carthaginians, knowing that
such counsel would surely be their
death? And vet, looking back through
the dimness of twenty centuries, VIC
unanimously pronounce Rcgulus hero
MARTYR, and regard him with rever
ence which could not have been won
for him by any most successful trcach
cry Men cannot help admirng that
which is highest and divinest in human
character; though, as a general fact OF
history, they kill the saints in our gen
Grafton and worship them in the next.
Teachers owe it to their pupils not
to neglect the cultivation of habit O
reverence for truth. Not emitting tho
usual mental discipline, they should
seek to impress upon the minds of theil
pupils the imperative obligation to be
rRUE,-truc Cor Independently honest,
in thought, true in every kind of action
They should themselves feel strongl.,
how any form of falsencss or dishon
esty discrcdits all intellectual attain
ments, vitiates the integrity of tho
character; and they should train those
under their care to regard ones rca
success in life as determined by his ad
hcrence to truth. They can hardl,
confer greater benefit on their schol
ars, or work more effectually for TIT
publication of society from its presen
evils.
North East, jan. 1869.