more, and the influence of our example upon the world is for ever lost. Education, science, morality, and religion must be allowed to operate freely, to enlighten, adorn, and elevate the public mind, if we would hope, as a nation, to be the guiding star of mankind to prosperity and freedom. And who, with an American heart, does not covet the enviable distinction of contributing his full amount of mental and moral culture to sustain and extend the influence of our national example among the nations of the earth? If we are true to ourselves, the fol lowing sentiments of a European writer will be verified :-"But the spirit and the imitation of American freedom will spread more rapidly and widely than its power. No force can crush the sympathy that already exists, and is continually augmenting, between Europe and the new world. The eyes of the oppressed are even now turning wistfully to the land of freedom, and the kings of the continent already regard with awe and disquietude the new Rome rising in the west, the foreshadows of whose greatness, yet to be, are extending dark and heavy over their dominions, and obscuring the lustre of their thrones."

(3.) The interests of industry call for observation and study. The present monetary operations, and the present state of business, demand a greater attention to the science of political economy than has hitherto been given to it, at least, by the people at large. Indeed, it is very doubtful whether there is a large portion of the community that know any thing at all of the science, except what their limited experience has taught them; and many, it is probable, scarcely know the meaning of the name, or the object of the science. And yet what more intimately and directly concerns every citizen than the science which treats of the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth; of the operation of money, labor, machinery, government, &c., upon the wealth of a nation? It is a great, interesting, and useful study; useful in its effects upon the mind, and upon the operations of industry. And, certainly, the course of business transactions for some time past shows a great want of acquaintance with the true methods of acquir. ing and preserving wealth-the object of such common and eager search. The present pecuniary embarrassment has, perhaps, resulted, and will result in good; and if it leads the people to learn the true modes of profitable industry, they will be benefited in coming time. And by inquiry they will doubtless find that the principles of morality and religion are as necessary to the acquisition of property for a proper end, as to the maintenance of social order.

2. The second class of circumstances which I proposed to consider as an occasion for the employment of cultivated mind is, the present state of the arts and sciences. It is the importance of the arts and sciences to the happiness and welfare of society that calls upon us to study and apply them. They are the grand instruments of social advancement. The pleasures of scientific pursuits are pure and ennobling, and the existence of a general taste for them, and of the means to gratify that taste, is among the most favorable indications of a healthful state of the public mind. The study of the natural sciences is peculiarly agreeable; the gratification of the imagination with the new, the beautiful, or the grand, so powerful an auxiliary to individual and social happiness, may be obtained as well among the

varied scenes of nature and real life as amid the creations of the fancy. And there is this advantage in the former course, that the emotions excited being occupied about real objects, there is no waste of sympathy, and the recurrence of the objects will serve to rekindle the emotions. The discoveries of science are numerous and extensive, and in order to be employed for the entertainment and benefit of society, they must be known, and, to be known, require much diligent study. True, it may need only comparatively few to become instructors in them, but the more that become devoted to them the more rapidly would a scientific taste be diffused; and were the people generally to engage in understanding and applying them, we might hope for many important results.

It is said that it does not need extraordinary powers to make discoveries in science, or inventions in the arts. Some of the most useful inventions and discoveries have been the result of casual observation. But it is a mind that observes the events of society, and the phenomena of nature, to which we look for such results. In order, however, that the result of our observations may not be considered new when it has been known for years, we must become acquainted with what has already been accomplished. The field of science already explored is large-and it were well could a map be devised on which the sciences might be noted in their different degrees of advancement-the regions of matter and of mind that have been, and that are to be investigated. Such a survey of science, commenced by Bacon, needs to be brought down to the present time. Much, very much, remains to be accomplished, and the number of scientific inquirers ought to be greatly augmented. The mind looking out upon the world of science is bewildered. It sees here and there a cultivated field, here a beautiful palace, there a gorgeous temple; but on all the rest there settles a heavy, impenetrable mist, through which objects are but indistinctly seen, if seen at all, and which serves only to excite our curiosity. Many laws of nature have been discovered which have received very partial, if any application; and many phenomena surround us which have not been traced to the laws which govern them.

New discoveries in science, and new inventions in the arts, are occurring almost every day, such as evince the exercise of "patient thought," and contribute to the welfare of society. The elements which are employed in the arts are susceptible of an indefinite number and variety of applications. All the departments of nature are subject, in a wonderful degree, to our control. We may either directly control their operations, or devise means to provide against their injurious tendency. The natural sciences, so intimately con. nected with the arts of life, ought to receive a greater share of attention from the people at large. Ourselves and our children should be trained to be observers of nature. A great portion of the people must always be producers in the arts of agriculture, manufactures, and mechanics; and it highly concerns them to cultivate their minds, among other means, by a thorough acquaintance with the laws of nature with which their arts are connected. The late rapid increase of the conveniences of life by means of the useful arts teaches the importance of improving our power of investigating and applying the

laws of nature, that by new discoveries and inventions we may contribute still more largely to the advancement of society.

The state of literature in our country presents numerous induce. ments to intellectual cultivation. In writing for the public eye, more perhaps than in any thing else, are exhibited the state and character of a person's mind, and, for extensiveness and permanence of effect, refined sensibility and well disciplined faculties are needed. The qualifications for good writing are far different from the qualifications for obtaining materials of composition. A person may be well skilled in the principles and practice of his profession or business, who may not be qualified to compose the materials furnished by his profession into a written form fit for public inspection, or, at least, for lasting repu. tation. It is well said that our national literature has no settled character; and it is certain that there are comparatively few standard American writers. To write with taste requires a great variety of important qualifications; but were the study and practice of rhetoric more common and more highly cultivated, we should find a greater number who would do honor to themselves and their country by excellence in the art of fine writing. When we consider what power the press is destined always to exert, when we consider the entertainment and improvement which well written books are calculated always to furnish, we must all be sensible of the importance of attaining excellence in composition. The paths of learning are open to all, and by directing attention to any particular subject we may all hope to meet with some success. The eager desire for reading in our country, the great chance for excelling where there is no particular standard of literature, may, it is to be hoped, encourage many to seek an enviable distinction in this career of usefulness.

3. The third class of circumstances tending to stimulate mental culture is, the moral state of the world.

In this wide field of observation only a few points can be noticed. The points to which your attention is now invited are,

(1.) How the thirst for intelligence should be satisfied.

(2.) The discussion of rights.

(3.) The moral and religious enterprises of the day. (4.) The efforts of the enemies of the cross.

(1.) As has already been observed, the present is an age of restless activity and searching inquiry. And this is only the continuance or increase of the spirit of enterprise that has prevailed since the Reformation. Success has so gloriously followed almost every effort for improvement, that man is encouraged to multiply his attempts. If reason and conscience be his guides, he may be confident of ultimate triumph in the cause of human happiness. Physical power was once universal master. Mind has now gained the ascendency in large portions of the globe, though its reign is still very limited. The time is hastening, however, when the only authority to which universal man will bow will be the authority of intelligence and virtue. The elements of society are ready for explosion; they are agitated and disturbed; and, in this agitation we hope society will throw off many an incumbent mass of corruption, and settle down again into a purer and happier condition. To effect this favorable change requires the vigorous exercise of cultivated, sanctified intellect. The character of VOL. XI.-July, 1840.

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general intelligence modifies essentially the moral character of the age. Let all, therefore, who have a regard for the moral advancement of man, and for the spread of true Christianity, purify the fountains of knowledge, and shed over the public mind the healthful and refreshing streams of sanctified learning. Let the real Christian consecrate his talents to God in the acquisition of knowledge, and in the cultivation of his mind, for the noble object of rendering the community holier as well as more intelligent.

(2.) In the relations of man to man, the question of rights is, probably, the most exciting, because the most important subject of inquiry. Every man is personally concerned in it. Some of these rights, it is true, may be considered purely of a moral or religious character; but still in them every man ought to feel a personal interest, as every man is a subject of moral and religious obligation. The discussion of civil rights, even though they should be those that specially concern a dif ferent and distant community from our own, comes home, with more or less force, to the bosom of every man among us. Violated rights are the only occasion on which it is now considered proper to employ the force of arms as the last resort. And it requires the highest moral courage, and the "calm might" of the pure spirit of Jesus, to "resist not evil," and if an enemy smite us on the one cheek to offer the other also.

It requires great dexterity of address, and great delicacy of feeling, to carry on properly the discussion of rights; especially when long habits of thought and action are involved in the discussion, and when particular forms of society, in which we have once acquiesced ourselves, come up for consideration. No man who has not a deep sense of the importance of social order, of the incalculable evils of civil strife and anarchy, ought to engage, at least, in the public discussion of rights. Great knowledge of human nature, of the nature of society, of moral and political philosophy, are absolutely requisite to a proper understanding and management of this case. The question of rights is that which most powerfully agitates our country at the present day, and which indeed makes the kings of the old world sit uneasy on their thrones, and inspires the good and wise of all lands with the hope of the final and universal overthrow of injustice and oppression. How loudly then are we called on to use every means within reach for the acquisition of knowledge, and for the discipline of our minds!

(3.) The moral and religious enterprises of the day are certainly executed on a grand scale, are exerting a wide and powerful influence, and promise magnificent results. The moral reforms that are now going on are the legitimate result of Christian zeal for the improvement of our race. However we may differ in views as to the means and measures by which they are carried on, the various objects at which they aim are dear to every benevolent and holy heart. It can be said in their favor that they originated and are sustained by Christian men of undoubted intelligence and virtue, and that their operation has been in many cases the means of the revival, activity, and extension of true religion. They carry out the design of Christianity to mitigate every form of human wo, to destroy every species of sin, and to employ every man in that way best adapted to his capability and his circumstances for the good of others. In these enterprises every

one can find some sphere of usefulness for which he seems peculiarly fitted; and, at any rate, all can find something to do that have a mind to labor for the good of mankind. To promote their utmost efficiency, and to spread their influence to the widest limits, requires some minds of high natural and acquired endowments; and the more who shall bring these endowments to these labors of Christian love, the more speedily shall we realize the glorious consummation of their designs.

Religion, or Christianity, is designed not only for the consolation of the ignorant and the weak, but also to improve and bless all the dwellers on earth. It is now considered a mighty agency in effecting, directly or indirectly, the revolutions that occur in our world. It can no longer be overlooked or lightly esteemed by proud, contemptuous mortals. It is marching on with resistless energy. Its influence commands our reverence, if not our love. It is a sacred, an awful power. Forms and customs of society opposed to its nature must yet feel its transforming influence. It has made great declarations respecting the future condition of the world, and its predictions are every day receiving their accomplishment. This is a peculiar feature of Christianity. It is constantly looking forward. It is ever pointing us to a future day of purity and happiness even on earth. The prospects of science resemble somewhat these anticipations of religion. It requires a mind of considerable discipline to meet all the high expectations of science and of religion. These expectations are founded on the nature of man and the truth of God, and are, therefore, not the dreams of the visionary.

If Christianity be intimately connected with all that interests, adorns, and improves mankind, the most strenuous exertions should be made for its support and extension. Active personal employment in the work of missions, on heathen ground or at home, calls for enlarged views and well disciplined energies. True, vital godliness is indispensable to the success of missionary labor; but to enter into contact with mind, to devise and execute plans for a thorough change in the civil and moral aspects of society, in opposition to violent prejudices and long existing customs, requires a mind trained to observation, and qualified to manage and control conflicting interests. To establish a permanent and beneficial system of operations after this change is effected, demands an extensive acquaintance with human nature, and with all the elements of the best social order. Divine wisdom was displayed in selecting as the apostle to the Gentiles a man endowed with various learning, and with great mental discipline. So necessary is the connection of science, government, and religion with human happiness, that in order to renew and reconstruct the framework of society, we should be prepared to detect and remove existing evils in those subjects, and to establish the correct theory and practice. The plans which are in operation at home for the diffusion of religion seem formed with much wisdom, and to sustain and increase their efficiency requires full as much mental acumen and energy. Hence those men are generally selected for benevolent and missionary operations, both at home and abroad, that exhibit not only decided piety, but well trained minds, and growing intelligence. And it has also generally been found that those who take the most interest