The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-02-17
A Plea for Establishing, at ElktOn, a
First.Class Institution for Young
Men and Boys.
BY REV. A. 8. VAUGHAN.

| The people: the true interests OF the
people: the improvement of the people: the
welfare of society:-these precious phrases
fall upon the ear of many, who seem to
have no power to perceive their meaning.
These are the watch words of Christian
civilization and enlightened progress. One
of the most beautiful, as we'll as most won
derful, characteristics of the personal life
of the Son of God, while he sojourned here
on earth, is clearly seen in His unwavering
interest in the good of the people. The
condition of the poor moved His heart: the
welfare of the people found a ready response
in His soul. The voice of the nations finds
a hearty echo in the song of the angels:
"Glory to God, in the highest; and on earth
peace and good aoill to men,"
These precious words have soul in them
that speaks to the worlds throbbing heart.
and tells of the love the Saviour of men
cherishes for the good of the people. Here
is found the ey-note that blends in perfect
unity all the harmonies of the soul, and
points toward a day when all men will come
to see that Christianity does not centre in
creeds and human notions, but in the
mighty power of personal acts. 1t is not
loud professions, nor even outward respect
for authority, that gushes, like an unfath-
enable fountain of life, from the rocky
heights of Calvary; but it is the infinite
power of PERSONAL LOVE, as this finds
expression in the actual Christ, and goes
forth iu yearning interest in the good of
the people. This it is, that now speaks to
the nations in the Christian civilization of
the age.
Whatever evils may still mar the glorious
present, the mind must be dull indeed, that
does not rejoice in the superior culture and
intelligence of this active age. Institutions
| of Christian learning, embracing every
| department of human investigation, are
springing into existence in all parts of the
world. The civil engineer builds the rail
road: Christianity with its heavenly infiu-
ences follows the rumbling railroad car;
and already the circumference of the earth
is becoming the highway of the Gospel of
peace and goodwill to men.
While the world is waking to the powers
of Christian culture, there are individuals
even in the midst of all these mighty influ-
ences, who seem to be unable to rise above
the hills that surround their own native
dwelling, almost desiring to remain in bliss
full ignorance of what is going on in the
great world beyond. To such, it is useless
to speak of the good of the people: these
have no heart to engage in any great Or
good enterprise. Like the snail, they drag
their own grievous load, in which, for want
of better home, they are content to live
and die. To such, it is in vain to come,
pleading in behalf of the welfare of society.
But it is a matter for thankfulness, that few
such men are found in any community
BY far the greater part of the citizens in
every town, as we'll as throughout the COM
munity, must be regarded as negatively, if
not positively, favorable to improvement.
In this view, it is believed that the citi-
| zens of Elkton and of the surrounding
country will admit that a plea for establish
'ng at Elkton higher Institution for young
| "sofs uftU OOyS3 OH 1uSGltutlOu Gdklug IdHh
with the best Academies of this or any
other country, is entitled to the earnest
consideration of every right-minded man.
All other things being fairly considered, it
must be apparent to every thoughtful mind
that the educational interests of our COM
munity must be held to be by far the most
important in which a community is con-
cerned. Christianity involves an educa-
tional process; and that must be shallow
thinker, who does not see that an efficient
teacher has it in his power, in the course of
years, to overturn the very foundations of
the social circle. Let infidelity destroy all
respect for Christianity and there can
remain only the cruel passions of the human
heart. These, in their turn, will work out
their legitimate influence upon society,"
An infidel teacher, if an able scholar and
we'll skilled in knowledge of human
nature, has it in his power to do vast
amount of evil in any community.
The same general law holds true of an
Institution. There is truth, therefore, in
the idea that school may do harm. Not
every Institution that may or can benefit
the people. bigotted sectariansm, as
well as the boldest infidelity, does immense
harm. But will any reasonable man throw
away the gold ore, because there may be
a great amount of dross? Certainly not.
True culture, in no sense, may be con-
founded with sectarian bigotry. What is
| nnadQH MI
advances in intelligence, is, to distinguish
between what is really sound culture, and
assumed sanctity. Christianity recognizes
the Importance Of thoroughly educating all
the powers of the body, mind and moral
nature. In this view, all will admit that
there is a necessity in every town and COM
munlty, for having well organized Insti-
tuition in which the claims of Christian
culture, including of course every grade of
intellectual, as we'll as physical ard moral
training, are fully recognized. Whether
every town and community can, under anv
circumstances, hope to have such an Insti
tuition, is not question, so far as the right
is concerned. Every son and daughter of
| wiz A'sSO 10 SiShiiy ChGlGlSu W GHc 1ull UeVel
opment of all his or her powers, whether
physical, intellectual or moral. That such
is the will of the Creator, will admit of no
question. Millions, in the actu al history of
the race, are deprived of this divine right.
This is one of the terrible evils of SIM
Ignorance is an Inheritance: knowledge
must be acquired by self effort.
So long as good Institutions are few,
just that long must society continue to suf
fer its best energies to be crippled, and it's
noblest achievements to remain uAaccom-
plished. The Saviour alludes to this, when
He refers to specific characteristic of His
mission into this world: Tie poor lace
tie Gospel preached to Msn.'
There is no power that can be brought
to bear upon society with such mighty
force as that which speaks to the young
throu oh the onportunitiaS n f}or1od !, ,,,,,, ,u