"Dr. Barnes on Public and Private Education. 1 1 



argument feems very greatly to preponderate 

 againft the plan of public fchools. And yet to 

 this point, as to the all-animating center, (hould 

 every thing elfe be direded, and, by its tendency 

 to this, fhould every fcheme be eftimated. It 

 would be a dreadful bargain, to give up morals 

 for learning, or for any other accomplifliment.* 



It cannot be denied, that there is certainly 

 far greater danger of moral infedion in a larger, 

 than in a fmaller number of boys. A fwigle boy 

 may corrupt many, and diffeminate a poifon, of 

 the moft rank and baneful influence. It is 

 impoffible, where the numbers are fo large, to 

 give that minute and watchful attention to the 

 difcipline of the paflions, and to the formation 

 of the heart, which is fo unfpeakably neceflary 

 in a good education. Boys, of a depraved turn 

 of mind, have often an unlucky kind of wit, a 

 fomething in their manner, which enables them 

 to do irreparable mifchief. 



It is acknowledged, by a very ingenious 

 and able advocate for public fchools, f that 

 the argument from morals lies undeniably 

 againft them. But this effedt he afcribes — to 

 the neglect of education at home, before they 



* " Nos liberalibus ftudiis et difciplines filios erudimus; 

 non quia virtutem dare poffunt ; fed quia animum ad 

 accipiendam virtutem prsparant." Cic. 



-}- Knox. 



come 



