Daily Republican., 1881-06-27
EDITION.
SECULAR EDUCATION.
synopsis OF Rev. Mr. Richards
Sermon. Preac ed Last Night.

| ihC uiooouioo atS6SSCSu VIII ioiio"lht
thoughts:
First, there are many subjects, though
not exclusively, that cover the matter
of public instruction. 1t does not be
little the work to give its subjects {
concrete meaning. This is too high {
work to be left floating loosely withou
recognition of that book which is tt
bring into contemplation every thought
of obedience to Christ. What dishonors
tine work most is to eXalt it out O
human reason and to give it to deaI
only with imaginary conditions of life
The gospel grips every specific duty OF
man down to the last analysis and seeks
to relate that duty to mans spiritual
welfare.
Second, the character of this work of
instruction as compared with other
works of public interest and the work
erS i'll it as compared with those en-
gagged in other occupations in which the
cause itself and the workers in it are
made to compare with distinct super
excellence to any other in our midst.
Every cause determines something of
the character of those in it, and those
engaged in teaching are constantly y sip
ping the nectar Of youth-life.
Third, the aim of secular education is
to develop before the child-mind per-
feet ideal characteristic. 1t is instinct
in human nature to look torW ard 10 q
perfect life and perfect country, al
though the disability of human nature
may defeat our gaining. This was illus
trated by Sir Thomas Moore's vision of
Utopia, and the Spanish dream of an
eldorado. The second aim of education
is to unfold the faculties of the young
mind in such way as 10 aid it to reach
that ideal standard.
Fonrth, primary culture is the broad
est instruction that is given in the course
Of mind-culture, bringing into activity,
as it should, every latent power of the
mind. In the college the education is
more specific. The base of the cone is
broader than the apex, so the primary
studies should be broader than the high
er. Hence the instruction of children
should be in reference to the person
rather than 10 the business Of their lives.
Fifth, such development of power
through secular education, while it's end
is to give perfect citizenship, never
thcless is the best possible foundation
for religious character, for their mental
faculties are the foundation for this
scriptural gift.
Sixth, nevertheless this work of edu-
cation devolves upon the State for the
very end for which good government is
instituted-the safety OF its citizens.
The broken character Of large part of
American parentage makes the duty Of
education imperative upon the State,
since by their broken character parents
are disqualified to teach the first prin-
ciples and duties OF good citizenship.
Seventh, public instruction should be
and nou-partisan.
Eighth, the instruction should be
n-IeligiouS, but moral.
Tenth, 'houl system should be truly
American and patriotic. Kingdoms
and lnonarChicS are not republics, and
the American youth should be early
taught to love his own form OF govern
ment as distinct from Sovereigns, and
should be taught to deSpise encroach-
mentS lIpoa our tavOrite institutions
and rights.
There are distinguished traits of
Americanism that the government
should early teach to the youth for the
bettering Of their character as citizens:
First, Bible in every mans hands,
notwithstanding the intradiCtorieS of
any foreign power or potentate
Second, the family organization and
home life Of our people is cherished
principle among MS, and should be
taught to our youth as the highest con-
dition in which character can be best
preserved III opposition TO celibaCy,
and the clOiSter
Third, self government is true. We
have wrenched the horns from the
British Bull and sent him back over the
sea. We have declared ourselves ready
to fight, but not to be yoked with such
Il fellow. So now the youth of the land
should be taught to maintain this right
against the assumptions Of any tenn
poral ecclesiasticiSm which would dom
mate our possessions, our persons and
our rulers.
Fourth, freedom of religious thought
and conscientious convictions.
Fifth, the school system of the COun-
try is the polladium of our national
safety. Minerva or Pallas, the goddess
Of wisdom and learning, is said 10 have
sprung full. grown from the head of
Jupiter. She gave name TO Athens,
which is the capital Of classic learning.
Her statue is said to have fallen from
heaven into ancient Troy, when it was
vet Il village, and the oracle Of Apollo
being consulted said that while
the statue should remain in
Troy it should be prosperous
and safe against all enemies. SO when
the Greeks laid siege to the city their
first aim was TO destroy the bust Of
Pallas, and Eulysius, that name which
will forever be a synoym of military
victory, seized and destroyed it, and the
city fell an easy prey. So the school
system is the statue of PallaS to us,
and is the palladium Of safety toI
our homes and institutions, and when
it is destroyed decay will have already
begun in our most sacred institutions,
and the country itself may soon disin-
tricate and tOpple to ruin.