Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-08-27
For the VERMONT FARMER,
Reading.

Man is the only ono of Gods creatures
who has been created with mind and soul
capable OF Improvement in knowledge, vir-
tue, and happiness. And it is the privilege
aud should be the earnest work of all who
dwell in this favored land to enjoy the means
Of such improvement; and among these
means reading holds the first place. From
the books we read, our habits Of thinking,
our sentiments our social and moral feelings,
our whole character, will receive its shape
and coloring. If these books are wisely Sc
lected and properly studied, they will en-
tighten the mind, improve the heart. and
establish the character on the firm basis of
virtue, purity and truth. If otherwise Sc
lected, they enfeeble the intellect, corrupt
the principles, and destroy happiness. Then,
taking this as basis, what books shall we
read and study? Probably the most impor-
tant are those that relate TO history for in
those we behold the origin and progress of
society, and the rise and fall of empires
We become acquainted with the institutions,
laws, manners and customs of different ma
tioDs
Most especially should we study the his
tory Of our own fair land, for with that every
son and daughter Of America should be ia
millar. 1t is the history of a new world
a new state of society, established for new
purposes, developing new views of the char
acter and destiny of man. No history on
earth is more interesting and instructive than
the history Of New England, and every per-
son ought to be acquainted with it, as it re-
lates to our origin and the means by which
this nation has risen to its present state of
glory and happiness.
Very closely allied to and no less impor-
tant than history is biography which is, in
reality, a history for it records the lives and
works Of men who have passed away, while
it possesses charm that cannot fail TO in
terest the feelings and engage the attention.
1t furnishes lessons Of wisdom by which the
wisest and best may profit 1t makes us
acquainted with the fairest and most ex-
cellent specimens of the human charac-
ter. 1t introduces us into the society OF
the great and the learned, the wise and the
good. We mingle and associate with them
in all their walks aud ways. We hear them
converse, see them act, and mark the steps
by which they attained their excellence and
rose to their elevation in honor and inau.
euce. Aud while we are engaged in the
study of characters like these, our own minds
will be improved, and we shall feel within
us an influence raising us above whatever i:
base and poluting, aud inspiring us with a
love of whatever is noble and excellent
Another class Of works is that which it,
illustrates the natural sciences and shows theil
application to the practical arts Of life
Works of this kind teach us TO understand
the sublime volume of creation. They show
US the structure Of nature and unfold to Oul
view the beauty, order and harmony which
characterize the works of God and, Will,
! we study these works, our minds are invig
GRATED aud our views enlarged as we arr
raised to a contemplation Of the Great Being
who created and governs all aud are laugh
q to look through nature to natures God.
- And last, though not least, is that booI
which makes us acquainted with our owl
. minds, and hearts that analyses and lay
open the secret springs Of action, and illus
trates the duties that we owe TO our fellow
a men, aud TO God. Our continuance Oh
earth is short at best we are rapidly has
tening through its busy scenes the sun o
life will soon be set. Then, truly, that bool
that reveals these things and shows us tn
final destiny of our race, ought to be he'll
! by us in the highest place of honor and re
spect
. And now, as we have minds that are ca
= pable of improvement, as We are placed il
u circumstances favorable for making such i'm
: provement, as we have the assurance of tn
u glories or the woes of future life, are no
these arguments enough to induce us to cul
. tivate our intellectual aud moral powers ant
prepare ourselves for usefulness in life 2
d The circumstances under which we ar
9 placed as members Of free aud enlightene
community demand the most careful improve
o ment of the means of knowledge. We liv
n in an age Of great excitement. Never wer
stronger inducements held out to engage a.
v classes Of people in the diligent use Of thes
3. means. The field Of improvement is widen
); ing and spreading around US. The road I
/ influence is open to all. In this free con
: munity there are no privileged classes. A
= persons find their level. If they have tai en-
they will be known and esteemed, aud wi
/ rise in the respect and esteem of society.
4 Il. b. T.