330 Report on a Course of Liberal Education. 



men, has added its sanction to the perfection, which follow- 

 ed the eftbrts of the early cultivators of architectural science. 



If, then, sculpture and architecture, after the revolution of 

 so many centuries, still derive aid from the remains ot an- 

 cient skill, it ought not to excite surprise, that in other de- 

 partments of taste, antiquity should exhibit the same excel- 

 lence ; we need not wonder, that in poetry and eloquence, it 

 should have likewise left specimens, worthy to become pat- 

 terns for succeeding ages. That this superiority belongs to 

 ancient literature, is proved by the only proper evidence, the 

 voice of men of letters in every country where the classics 

 have been studied, and where a correct taste has prevailed. 

 It is unnecessary here to cite authorities. The literature of 

 Europe attests the fact. Hardly a question can be named 

 where the practical decision of mankmd has been more ab- 

 solute. 



But the study of the classics is useful, not only as it lays ' 

 the foundations of a correct taste, and furnishes the student, 

 with those elementary ideas which are found in the literature 

 of uiodern times, and which he no where so well acquires as 

 in their original sources ; — but also as the study itself forms 

 the most effectual discipline of the mental faculties. This is 

 a topic so often msisted on, that little need be said of it here. 

 It must be obvious to the most cursory observer, that the 

 classics afford materials to exercise talent of every degree, 

 from the first opening of the youthful intellect to the period 

 of its highest maturity. The range of classical study extend^ 

 from the elements of language, to the most difficult questions 

 arising from literary research and criticism. Every faculty 

 of the mind is employed; not only the memory, judgment, 

 and reasoning powers, but the taste and fancy are occupied 

 and improved. 



Classical discipline, likewise, forms the best preparation for 

 professional study. The interpretation of language, and its 

 correct use, are no where more important, than in the pro- 

 fessions of divinity and law. But in a course of classical ed- 

 ucation, every step familiarizes the mind with the structure 

 of language, and the meaning of words and phrases. In re- 

 searches of a historical nature, and many such occur in the 

 professions, a knowledge, especially of the Latin language, 

 is often indispensable. The use of a thorough knowledge of 

 Greek to a theologian, no one will deny. It is admitted that 

 instances may be found of distinguished success in these pro- 



