Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-12-12
Physical, MeataI, Moral.

The division of mans nature into
physical. mental and moral has been
found so convenient for study and dis
cussion that it has sometimes beer
strained too far. While quite allow
able to conceive OF such division by
means of an imaginary line, having
length, but neither breadth nor thick
ness, 1t is very different thing to make
any real separation between them and
to push them apart from each other.
Some persons speak as If there were nc
necessary connection between them
as if each might be cultivated without
improving the others, and each might
be neglected without injuring the
others. A splendid physique, they say,
does not make the mind stronger OF
the conscience more tender; a well
trained mind does not give robust
health or tlrm principles; good heart
and righteous life do not make fine
intellect or vigorous body. While
this is true literally, It is one of those
half truths which, taken alone, give
anything but a true impression. So
intimately connected are these three
parts of human nature that no one OF
them can be really improved without
the Improvement OF the rest, and
neither can be left to wither without
deterlorating them all.
We are beginning to find out,
through the teachings of science, how
dependent are both intellect and char
acter upon physical health. Educators
are ceasing to expect good results from
stimulating the young mind at the ex-
pense of the body. The feeble frame
and the pallid cneek are no longer sup
posed to be favorable to fine mental ac
quirements, or to moral and religious
development. Yet we still have much
to learn in this matter. Day by day we
are proving how dependent we are
upon sound health and vigor, not only
for our happiness, but for our useful
ness in the world. But the necessary
care, training and self-discipllne to OBJ
tain this boon are very far from occu-
pyiIig the high place in our thou9 hts
and hearts, which they deserve. To
disobey the laws of our physical nature
is too often condoned when it should be-
severely censured, simply because mel
do not appreciate how largely it cutters
into and influences for evil both the
me mental powers and the moral char
acter.
So with the intellect; its efficiency
extends far beyond what we call the
mind itself. 1t enlightens mankind as
to the best WAYS of living; it teaches
him hoD to take care of that body
which which must be kept healthy, and
that character which must be kept
pure. 1t would, indeed. be far better,
if, in all educational systems, this en-
largement of the province OF the MIND
were more fully provided for. 1t ma,
be that our present curriculum pays
too exclusive attention to mental disci
pline, and too little to the results to bt
attained. 1t is good to have tool wei
made, finely tempered and sharpeneC
to keenness; but it is also good to see
that that tool ia used skilfulIy and ap,
Piled to its legitimate purposes. The
well trained mind Is exercising pow
erful influence upon all character ant
conduct. 1t is ever searching out lUhd
should be done. and IUhy 1t should b,
done. 1t is opening up the laws which
underlie human society and happiness
and claiming obedience TO those laws
1t is constantly guiding emotions ant
feelings into right channels, so that in
stead of being wasted In mere ebulli
tion, they may conduce to the rea
good of society. 1t is also frequent
Ic" bCbbt
methods. a recent writer well says
The man who recognizes new duties
above those he has been taught to oil
serve-who sees beyond the circle O
conventional obligations the dim form
OF new claimants on his heart and ser
vice. is a moral inventor, an enlarge
of human life. Those who saw til
claims of the slave were such; thos
who see the claims of animals are tn
same. How many more such are stll
to be seenl'
If 4 healty body and vigorous min
are thus interdependent, and togethe
powerful on the character; what shal
we say of the heart and conscience
those forces which we call moral
Without them, both mind and bod
would soon become a wreck. The caps
city may exist, and the knowledge an
Judgment to guide that capacity ma
be there; but unless the desires al
aroused, the enthusiasm awakened. til
emotions stirred. all Will be cold an
imperative. Duties may present them
selves clearly and strongly, but unles
the heart receive them and the con
science enforce them they will renal
undone. While sympathy withoU
wisdom Will often lead astray, til
wisest scheme of philanthropy withoU
sympathy would be barren and sterile
There is constant action and reaction
and the closer the cooperation betwee
these three parts of humanity til
higher will each attain, and the NOR
perfectly will the welfare of the whol
individual and of society be mair