Goethe s Opinions on Education 315 



the wrong. Vehemence of language was usually his fault, 

 and although that vehemence was often unpardonable, it was 

 never maliciously directed. 



Cobbett's success in life was mainly due to the pains which 

 he had taken in his own education. When he enlisted as a 

 soldier his ability with his pen, supported by his general good 

 conduct, led to his rapid promotion over the heads of others. 



The faults of his character were : over-weening self-con- 

 fidence, love of popularity, precipitancy in the formation of 

 judgment and defective scrupulosity as to the means which 

 might be employed to obtain ends which he believed to be 

 good. 



It can scarcely be doubted that during a long series of 

 years " Old Cobbett " was, amongst the working classes of 

 Britain, the best loved man of his day; and the influence 

 which he exerted in fostering many of the opinions which 

 are now uppermost was immense. 



We append a space-for-time schedule of Cobbett's life and 

 times, and reluctantly leave a most interesting subject. 



GOETHE'S OPINIONS ON EDUCATION AND THE 

 STUDY OF NATURE. 



The following extracts are taken from a volume in which 



Goethe's Boswell recorded notes of conversations : — ■ 



"The results of philosophy, politics, and religion, ought certainly 

 to be brought home to the people ; but we ought not to attempt to 

 exalt the mass into philosophers, priests, or politicians. It is of no 

 avail ! If Protestants sought to define more clearly what ought to be 

 loved, done, and taught ; if they imposed an inviolable, reverential 

 silence on the mysteries of religion, without compelling any man to 

 assent to dogmas tortured, with afflicting presumption, into a con- 

 formity to this or that rule ; if they carefully refrained from degrading 

 it in the eyes of the many by ill-timed ridicule, or from bringing it 

 into danger by indiscreet denial, I should myself be the first to visit 

 the church of my brethren in religion, with sincere heart, and to 

 submit myself with willing edification to the general practical con- 

 fession of a faith which connected itself so intimately with action." 



