Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-01
Learning to Read.
observations of a Philosophical Friend
Of Oflrg


of Ours)
We is q great observer, and looks
Ouite through and through mems deeds.
Julius Caesar.
Under the old educational regime we
first learn to know our letters-our A.
b. Cs-then we learn syllables; then
words: then sentences, chapters, ana
hooks. which we read at a glance. And
this process is typical of all advances or
knowledge. We learn first simple particu-
lars; then combinations; then take com
prehensiye views. We pass from IA
miliar acquaintance with details 10
general understanding OF whole systems.
We study bright particular stars con-
stellations. and the whole starry hea-
yens; and elders fall down and worship
the Infinite.
In the study Of men we begin with the
SIMPLEST facts Of our own nature; then
pass to the operations Of our minds ana
hearts and bodies. Then we get acquaint-
Oh with members of our family; then we
see the members Of other fad lies, their
leading characteristics, and wow they
think and feel and act. And so we pass
out into the general world, and learn
men. ranging at large, and see them
grouped I'm communities and nations. we
pass from the a, b, Cs OF the science OF
| humanity I'D into the higher branches.
As I'm reading we begin with our letters
| then read words in one syllable, ana at
last find ourselves taking In whole CHAP
tors and books at a glance; so we READ
! individuals and social circles and COM
uunities and peoples and generations. We
! take I'm the lessons OF history and as
| cern 1.-THE signs Of the tmes"-the course
| OF things
Till old experience does attain
To something like prophetic strain.
There is an old law maxim, "Qui haze
ret in uttera haeret In cortice' ne VINO
| sticks to the letter SUCKS 70 tne "a = N, n,
The general crowd of the Literary" are
Of the superficial style; Of the nature OF
the niIliner and mantua-maker ana tallol
that pry not into the interior, put puli %
like the martet on the outward wall
anpealing 10 the eye and ear ana grati-
fling the Intellectual sense, and making
cur most sacred emotions little better
than sensations. These people are III,
snnts. and never reach the MANHOOD OF
reading. Letters" and DOCKS are onls
There are nultitudes who never get be
| yond the elements; who never leave tnell
intellectual go-carts, or throw on tHei,
baby clothes. Books are but records OF
| other mems observations anu JuuShcHe'
and experiences. II we do not take int'
our minds and souls their actual m an,
ing. thoroughly digest, appropriate, ano
be enlightened and edited by them, W.
meal OF uncracked hickory nuts or un
ground corn-our digestion is like TN
cranes. If we do take in their light ou
vision Is cleared and enlarged-shinlnI
more TO the perfect day OF understanding
all things. This advance In light an'
| "a
very highest manner. IL prepares US U
realize Scripture; to feed In the ricnes
. pastures OF truth: TO ride upon the hlgi
places OF the earth; TO be men III the MA
ture age OF the world.
, When books and studies enlighten an
strengthen the mind. and enable II 10 Sc
men and things perfectly, In the ciea
= | light OF truth, as they are, and In tnel
: | relations and tendencies, In their leavihe
.. | blossoming. and fruit-bearing; when the,
raise us out OF the crowd and currer
] and on a sure foundation enaDl
e US to read the grand panorama, an
Y reverently acknowledge the power an
+ | wisdom OF God ruling in the kingdom Z
men-yhen books, used after a mani
I manner, do this for US. they Gccompns
!, | a high office. Otherwise they are mei
d TOYS for young and old-oblectument
olili. They are vehiC es for our minds 3,
c ride In, or go-cartS 10 help them thi"'
n as babies walk.
a The master in any business uses n
. books wisely, but he studies and reass
things. In ordinary life we may s
blinded and bewildered by books;
. NAV be so learned and saturated WI
g books as TO be unable to see with OF
z own eyes or hear with our ears, or exc
: else our own judgments. We may De
II very well read and such excenent fea
y ere that we can read nothing We ma
. lose our taste and appreciation Tor n
d ture and realities. A deceived hea
y turns them aside so that they may n
Is say: Have not lie in my rignt name
l. To those whose Intellectual stocN
II trade IL fine imaginations and elapora
;, nothings. and who still think mightily =,
y their possessions. the apostle says .
9 cause thou sayest EN- rien ana y
% creased In goods. and fnowsst i4s ,m
IN / 49,, .rt wratrhed and mi5erdplo al