The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1882-10-06
THE CULTIVATION OF THE HC-


THE CULTIVATION OF THE HC-
MAN MIND.
How beautiful is the human mind
how complex, how wonderful in its for
nation, and yet how easily trained, until
like luxuriani tree it spreads forth its
verdant branches richly laden with
fruits of knowledge.
Methinks it may well be compared TO
favored garden spot, for many are the
love Iy buds OF promise that will bloom
therein, if we but carefully, diligently
and perseveringly cultivate it.-Alasl II
we neglect il, how rank the weeds.
Think, my friends, of the constant ioii
and labor which is bestowed by every
farmer upon the crops of the field, ere be
can hope to gather in the harvest, when
is intended TO sustain but these earthly
frames; does be shrink from his UNDER
taklngY yet the day will come when after
all his labor, all his care. these frail cas-
kets will pass away-wili moIder INV
dust. We, my fellow teachers, are stris
ing to feed, to adorn, TO oeanufy the sou''
that never dying essence think how
/ grand, how noble, how glorious Is our
work.
OIL il is a beautiful study to watch the
the gradual unfolding of the human mind,
10 drop tho seeds of knowledge, and see
the plants burst forth, then stretch their
! tiny tendrils, seeking more; yes, | have
never known a mind 100 dull to seize the
precious fruit if rightly oheredi and
would you ask the way to lmpart this
gem, richer than any dug from Peru 8
mine? listen then-Ihere are many me-
andering paths around that mighty mount
4 in hnt
choose not these, they turn long, long be-
| fore they reach flames lofty temple--rath
er choose that steep and rugged way,
which leads straight up conquer each
step as you 60, aud ever grasp the one
ahead, lest faint and weary you might
back ward fall.
Take the little ones conided TO your
care, they have been taught 10 almost
dread the very name Of school, be patient t,
gentle, but firm as Gibralters rock-seek
hrst the key TO each young mind, then
seeds OF knowledge; how brightly their
little eyes will sparkle as you unlock for
| them the casket of their mind and their
| eagerness to follow in your lead, will
! richly repay you. Teach them 20 thin K
by thinking yourself-from your text
books you will oftimes draw new ideas,
present these to your pupils and solicit
theirs in return; teach them not so much
to memorize as 10 picture upon the can-
| vass of their minds the lessons you
| would have them learn. Thi is parti Gus
larly essential with regard TO Geography,
History, and may add Philosophy.
You will fnd that each branch of study
assists the other, teach them, then, 10
write the links of each into an indissolu-
Bile chain-educRtio thus consolidated is
most durable; but sbe cautious that the
chain be perfect, link by link; alas, the
superficial education OF the present day,
is the result of that most common Of er
rors, pushing the Dung mind forward
before il is fully maiured the steps be-
hind. We ofIimes hear a child say III
have finished my book; now the ques lion
should be do you understand that sci
ence which you have just completed, csn
you practically prove that you do So il
not, return and conquer; would all oil
our public schools adopt this principle,
how mighty would be the structure built
upon so firm a foundationi
OH my friends, II is sad, very sad 70
see the golden moments so often wasted
J yes, wasted, for far better would it be ii
misspent hours had never been; IL is q
difficult task to cultivate o mind already
warped by false Impressions, therefore
we, the sewers should be careful to scat,
ter out good Seeu thAt our uear pupils
may reap rich harvest in future years
Remember, too, IL is intellect that molds
the world, that carves the destiny of ma
tions. Ali fellow teachers, can you re
member this without flush of pride a
, your high aud noble cailing-wiihout
Erm resolve to merit we'll the trust re
posed upon you? l think not, and ye
, there is weighter motive, which me
thinks should call forth all your zeal, a
your energies into this vast field of &C
ton, it is this: We are God > stewards
and cur love for Him should prompt u
to work with willing hands-yea, will
willing hearts. Let us hen ever striv
for our own Improvement, the mind is
subtle, progressive thing-the more W
know, the mere we thirst for knowledge
: Ali knowledge is G mighty ocean, so dee
: that it is fathomless, yet every time W
= dive into its depths, we draw forth pre-
e cious pearls-let US, then seek TO enric
8 our own minds, and freely to impart I
: others-by so doing naught is lost, and i
the bright hereafter, we shall gain
wreath immortal, yea great, rich re
: ward.
e Written for the Teachers Institute b
d A MEMBER.