324 Report on a Course of Liberal Education. 



adorn society by their learning, to move in the more intelli- 

 gent circles with dignity, and to make such an application 

 of their wealth, as will be most honorable to themselves, and 

 most beneficial to their country ? 



The active, enterprising character of our population, ren- 

 ders it highly important, that this bustle and energy should 

 be directed by sound intelligence, the result of deep thought 

 and early discipline. The greater the impulse to action, the 

 greater is the need of wise and skilful guidance. When 

 nearly all the ship's crew are aloft, setting the topsails, and 

 catching the breezes, it is necessary there should be a steady 

 hand at helm. Light and moderate learning is but poorly 

 fitted to direct the energies of a nation, so widely extended, 

 so intelligent, so powerful in resources, so rapidly advancing 

 in population, strength, and opulence. Where a free gov- 

 ernment gives full hberty to the human intellect to expand 

 and operate, education should be proportionably liberal and 

 ample. When even our mountains, and rivers, and lakes, are 

 upon a scale which seems to denote, that we are destined to 

 be a great and mighty nation, shall our literature be feeble, 

 and scanty, and superficial ? 



Part II. 



Containing extracts from that part of the report of the fac- 

 ulty in which the resolution of the corporation is more 

 particularly considered. 



* , * * * * * 



By a liberal education, it is believed, has been generally 

 understood, such a course of discipline in the arts and scien- 

 ces, as is best calculated, at the same time, both to strength* 

 en and enlarge the faculties of the mind, and to familiarize 

 it with the leading principles of the great objects of human 

 investigation and knowledge. A liberal, is obviously distinct 

 from a professional, education. The former is conversant 

 with those topics, an acquaintance with which is necessary 

 or convenient, in any situation of life ; the latter, with those 

 which qualify the individual for a particular station, business 

 or employment. The former is antecedent in time ; the lat- 

 ter rests upon the former as its most appropriate foundation. 

 A liberal education is fitted to occupy the mind, while its 

 powers are opening and enlarging; a professional education 

 requires an understanding already cultivated by study, and 

 prepared by exercise for methodical and persevering efforts. 



