EDUCATION. 95 



for advising that the Languages should be studied before Mathe- 

 matics and Physics ; and that these subjects should be studied be- 

 fore Mental, Moral, and Political Philosophy. Geography, and 

 History, and the Physical Arts, may be regarded as subordinate sub- 

 jects, and pursued at intervals, by way of relaxation. The number 

 of studies pursued together should, we think, be very limited ; one 

 subject being predominant, and one or two others serving to relieve 

 the attention from too close confinement. 



The great object of the teacher, should be to give interest to the 

 subjects of study ; by clearing up difficulties, where insurmounta- 

 ble ; though still leaving full exercise for the faculties of the student ; 

 by explaining the reasons, if they can be assigned, for every princi- 

 ple and process ; and by tracing the various relations and applica- 

 tions of each subject, so as to show its connective importance : in all 

 which, amusement may often be combined with instruction. 



3. Under the head of Secular Education, we place the acqui- 

 sition of a Trade or Profession ; and the study of Economy? Method, 

 Manners, and Morals, as preparatory to the duties of this present 

 life. Even the young heir of countless thousands, would be uneasy 

 and exposed to every temptation, without some regular employment; 

 and hence far happier for having learned some regular and worthy 

 pursuit. His wealth will be squandered less thoughtlessly, if he 

 has experienced the toil of acquiring it. But let no young man 

 regret the want of wealth, who is blessed with health and strength, 

 and the means of acquiring a trade or profession : for this will ena- 

 ble him, by perseverance in well doing, and with the favor of Provi- 

 dence, to build up a name and a fortune of his own, no less honora- 

 ble than that which is obtained by inheritance. He may at least 

 acquire competence, if not wealth ; respect, if not distinction ; influ- 

 ence, if not power ; and happiness, which princes might sigh for, 

 though it be in the common walks of life. 



When circumstances permit, the choice of a profession should not 

 be made, till the mind is sufficiently mature, and cultivated, to appre- 

 ciate the various pursuits of life ; and to judge what one is best 

 adapted to its powers, or suited to its taste. Hence, those who can 

 study, or survey the wide range of arts and sciences, during a 

 thorough education, before commencing their career, will have the 

 vantage ground in the race, if they do not wait too long in choosing 

 their goal. It is a great error, though often committed, for young 

 men of feeble frame, or delicate health, to engage closely in sedenta- 

 ry, and especially literary pursuits ; which sedulously followed, are 

 perhaps the severest of all to the physical constitution. Men of 

 vigorous frames, are often worn out prematurely, by too close mental 

 application ; which the wisdom of antiquity pronounces to be "wea- 

 risome to the flesh." In every profession there is room for Method 

 and Order; " a time for every thing, and every thing in its time ; a 

 place for every thing, and every thing in its place." We must con- 

 clude this topic by observing that Punctuality, Fidelity, Industry, 

 Skill, and Honesty, combined with Economy, Good Manners, and 

 Morals, and a desire for Self-improvement, have raised many men 

 of humble station to the illustrious distinction of being benefactors to 



