16 MASSACHUSETTS ACxRICULTURE. 



Divine Redeemer may be taught and expounded. Tliey require 

 social life and interest — an interest that shall lead to action in 

 all those matters which benefit a neighborhood. 



What do you imagine would be the condition of our Com- 

 mon Schools, compared even with their present high standard, 

 provided every individual in his district took and felt that 

 interest in the subject of education which its importance fully 

 demands, — if the school meetings were attended by every one 

 having a right to act therein, with the sole purpose of promoting 

 the welfare of the rising generation ? 



Any district which would act up to the extent of this principle, 

 would soon find itself conspicuous in educational reports ; and 

 the performance of all obligations resting upon a neighborhood 

 would soon place that community in the highest position in 

 point of happiness and general prosperity. 



The duty which we owe to the country is peculiar to us, 

 differing, in a great degree, from that of other nations. With 

 us, the aggregate recorded expression of the will of the people 

 is the law of the land. Every man should assume the respon- 

 sibility of giving expression to that will, according as his reason 

 and judgment directs, uninfluenced by partisan passion or 

 prejudice. He should be ready at all times to yield his opin- 

 ions when they are not supported by reason and experience. 

 The theory of our institutions, that the people are capable of 

 self-government, can only be sustained upon the basis of en- 

 lightened judgment in the expression of popular sentiment. 

 Therefore, while we have the right to direct, by means of the 

 ballot, the policy of our government, so grave a duty should be 

 performed advisedly, upon due consideration of all arguments 

 that can be l)rought to bear for or against that policy ; other- 

 wise political action would be but a blin4 impulse of the passions 

 or feelings leading to unswerving opposition, or unconditional 

 support of men and measures. It is the duty of every patriotic 

 lover of his country to assist in moulding public sentiment in a 

 right direction, — to counsel obedience Xq law, knowing that 

 only by means of a sound and stable government, supported 

 and controlled by constitutional law, can he enjoy the fruits of 

 his labor, or find protection in his property or person. 



We should require the enactment of just and wholesome 

 laws, and while seeking their protection or enforcement, should 



