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A Weekly Family Newspaper, devoted to Religion, Morality, Politics, Science, Agriculture and General Intelligence.
VOL; IIINUMBER 32.
ASIIEVILLE, N. C, BIARCH 3, 1843.
WHOLE NUMBER 136.
Published weekljy
BY J. H. CHRISTY &;CO.
TULnancf U published at Two Dolmm a year,
tpaKeeTwo Dollar, .nd FiA, Cent. In
month-or. Three Dollar, at the end of the
Tear. (S proapectui.) '
A. rerti-menUinrt.d at One DolUu per .qu.r.
for lh.(ir.t,.nd Twenty.Fiva CU for each
commence. Court Order. will b. charged
twcnly-five per cent, extra.
HIGHLAND MESSENGER.
Motive, to an education.
Delirtred before the Aidief lilt Lyceum,
BY E. EOWLET, Jtt.
Tho question was once nsked upon tho
death of une distinguished for hi. literary
acquirements, 44 i tho deceased now the
better Tor his learning ?" or, lias a life of
Jubor nud toil, been spent in acquiring
knowledge, now to bo lost to him, at the
termimiiion of his earthly existence ?"
However the question might then have
been regarded, it is one which often ngi.
totes the "mind of tho student, while climb,
ing the rugged steeps of science. How
often is he inclined to. say, in view of the
'obstacles before hifnfos he considers how
precious is his lity 44 It is folly for me to
foregu my happiness, to acquire that which
is so difficult touttain, if so soon lost, while
by less exertion, I can obtain weulih, which
will far more coniribuie to my immediate
happiness and enjoyment. Many have rea
soned thus, but lor which they would have
been stars, to guide, instoud of spots loob.
scure the paths of science. To our belter
understanding the remarks now lo be offer.
-ed- we will first colloct the motives, practi-.
en validated or the acquirement oi uu
education, after which, we will consider the
true motives thereto, witrt tneir practical
results.
And first, what are tho motives visually
proposed to study, as gathered fnm the
practice of both christians nnd infidels I
say- chmtians and infidels, for however
much their practice may diverge in other
respects, here unlortunutely, it too nearly
Coincides. No higher motive too often ac
tuates the student in acquiring knowledge,
than the rank or condition incidenl thereto.
Such an one views an.education only as it
!tt tin thft means of advancing til
ambitious desire of station, power or wealth
or perhaps, to gratify a pride or betng.re
garded as profoundly learned, or for the
accomplishment of some othor purpose,
equally trivial, when compared with the true
substantial oltject of education.
Thus the student seems to regard an ed
ucation, as the means to something rise,
and rarely as the end'of his studies. To be
a little more intelligible, ho feeds his mind,
in order that hismind may in the end,or
ever after, contribute to feed the body.
Thus the immortal is mada to serve the
mortanurt. The mind, which mu.st exist
while eternity endures, is made the slave of
a body, which a few years must consign to
ii Itinrlred dust. Ami deceived? Of is
not this tho practical tendency of almost all
education at the present day. For instance,
the vouth attends school, to attain knowl
edire. sufficient for active business. To this
end his study is directed, and when he has
acquired sufficient knowledge, or his mind
is stored with a sufficient number of rules in
Arethmetic, to fit him for his business, it is
done, it is enough, his mind has been im
proved, to be hereafter exercised in gain
ing the means ot supporting nis ooay.
Another pursues a more liberal course,
to fit himself perhaps, for one of the learn
ed professions. His anxiety is not so much
to strengthen his min i, or to derive gratifi
cation from the knowledge acquired.es to
enter the duties of his profession. During
all the training ho receives, through he
who e course of his study, very likely, no
higher motives mny hnveactuated him, than
to gain the knowledge requisite lor his pro.
fession, for the purposo of employing it , in
gaining a support, perhaps to amass wealth.
Then education is sought, not for itself,
nor for the gratification it can afford, but
because it will con ribute to something else.
For this reoson.'it is that one educated is
regarded with wonder, if not actually en
teringsome profession, although prefering
io De emo ovea otnerwise, pernaps iu wr.
ther intelleduiUamprovec
. ....
perhaps a majority, no knowledge is con
sidered of much importance, only as it fits
for some profession, or employment, ami
the opinion is quite prevalent that no study
should be pursued, or only so far, a it is in
Itself practiffally useful. Hence the study
of the dead languages has been thought use.
leas, because say they , there can be no ben
fit of understanding a language not now
spoken. Mathematics by thorn, would be
also discarded except so far as is necessary
for business transactions. The simple rules
of some simple ArithmeVic, are sufficient
in their opinion, lor almost an one to un.
derstand, being carefully in eah, to ioves
tigaie no farther than will be of immediate
practical benefit. Accordingly they would
numerate never to exceed. Thousands,
because in all probability numbering their
dollars, or to hundreds of . thousands num
bering their cents. Fractions too, it has
been argued in a similar manner, need nev
er be studied, for it appears penurious, say
they, to stand for the fractional part of a
cent, but of all rules, simple interest, as
themost useful, may be pursued so as, in
any case to know the 44 How ,V without any
regard evcoherej to the 44 Why." .
Whether the utilitarian goes thus faror
not, it is certain his is the effect of his doc
trinei upon his younger adherents. ' Sup.
pose the Utilitarian doctrine that no knowl
edge is wortliy of attention, except- it bu
reducible to some practicable result, to
'have always prevailed, and barbarism would
now be our condition, and the proloundext
ignorance of what is now considered useful,
our rightfur inheritance. The error to
which I have been ajning, is the motive
usually presented for Requiring knowledge,
to wit : the uses, to w itch it may be applied.
In accordance wit: this view, the princi
pal advantage to bo d( rived from the science
of Astronomy, so fittd to enlarge the mind,
and cull frU'it.ewers,-Ss to be found In
the assistunce it affords to Geography , Na.
vigation.&a, not considering the fur great
er benefit resulting to the mind, from iu ex
ercise in the investigation required of the
facts it reveals. So Natural Philosophy,
woulJ be esteemed principally for the assis
tance it rendered to the mechanical arts
and Chemistry and. Botany, for their use in
Medicine, nut regarding the higher motive
to their attainment, found in the benefit to
the mind from the exercise required, nnd
the gratification a knowtedgo-ol thcs5 sci
ences would confer. - To druw the chief
motive to the attainment of knowledge, from
the uses to which it may be applied, is only
more absurd than to desire health because
it will boa means to some end, as wealth
wr power. The bt"l'.h of the bodyaays
Aristotle.. is not sought merely because
such a state i useful to enable us to trans
act the business of life, (although this is
one. yet a very secondary benefit attend
ing it,) but for its own sak, and because it
is essential to the perfection of human na
ture, as an end in itself, ana" not as a men ns
to something else. For a stnl stronger
reason, tho highest part of education is de
graded by being viewed as n moans to some
end, and not foritsown intrinsicexccllencc.
As health to the body, so is theoretical sci
ence tojhcsoul. VVhereforo he conclude.
to to always seeking the ueful or practical
and proposing it to tho minds of youth, as
tho only aim ol Knowledge, muatDe consi
dered as leading to base and grovelling
views. as utterly hostile to greatness of soul,
and the true nature of all education. To
carry this still farther, suppose tho question
was asked, why do you desire knowledge r
Because knowledge is power, says one. t
will entitle me to respect, says a second.
It will make it easier for me to obtain a sup
port, to amass wealth ,or it So J ii.u r...
the rank it will confor, says yet a third.
A iin, supose it weri inquired, why do
you desire health? Because it will enable
me to be muro active and to discharge the
duties of my station. Then knowledge end
health are desired as a means to Bumething
else, and not for themselves. But why
should health be desired, one perhaps may
inquire? Health, says Aristotle, should be
desired lor its own ske, by as much as
health is to ba preferred to sickness, not be
cause it will enable us to do this, or that,
this is secondary, but because it is itself de
sirable, and s without it, life is rendered
miserable. So knowledge should be desir
ed, not becnusc it will enable us to do this,
or that, but for itself, and should ever be
regarded as reluted to the mind as health
to the body. A mind in ignorance, and o
body in sickness are ahalagous. The body
in sickness is weak, so is the mind in igno
rance. In this condition, tho body is at the
mercy of all upon whom it is dependant, so
the mind in ignorance must receive its as
sistance, its every irr.pulse, from those in
this respect, more fortunate. Having thus
far considered the motives which do, let us
now prepare to consider tho motives which
should actuate us in acquiring knowledge,
or rathe", what is sometimes falsely con
sidered synonymous " education."
Tho error we havo hitherto found to be
in considering education as a means, and
not an end in consequently viewing no
study suitable, only as it is or will be prac
tically useful. Arguing, thus, Chrysippus
taught that tho vital principle, or what he
styled the soul of swine, was only intended
Bsa substitute for Bait, for preserving.-the
animal s body, for the performance of its
destined utilities. Hardly less fallacious is
the idea, that the mind should be educated
for the support of the body for there is
only this diffetence, that in the first case,
the vital principle is the cause of pxeaerva.
lion to the body -of the swine, while in the
y other, th mind ia rdnctiit d lo trnnt ribute to
support the human body. But we are to
consider Ihc'Tru,. substantial axollve to true
education. Isay true education, in contra
distinction from induction, because .the lat
ter term is applicable, the other, at the pre,;
sent day, not. Education from itsetynio
tgy, signifies a leading from or out, refer
ring lo the exercise of the mentul powers
in deducting truth, but our education (so
termed) is rather'- induction, signifying a
leudingiir-because truths, are now ra.
thor. received, lhan deducted No one
acquainted with thTlearning of tho present
day, but must perceive that what is called
education, consists in an accumulation ot
facts, thrust into the mind by a kind of" in-
tellectual machinery," rttl.er than educating
or leading out the powers of the mind, in
investigating truth. True education, ot
which we now speak, is only promoted,
when the powers or faculties of the mind,
are brought into active exercise wnen
the assertion that a thing is,"mduces the
question " wiiy it is V The, mere learning
a given number of facts, and the having
studied such an,1 such sciences, do not nc-
ccssnrily constitute one educated,- never
only ns the acquiring these facts, and the
studying these sciences, have brought the
mind to think. When this is done, when
all the powers of the mind are- brought out
into exercise in any individual, and never
till then, is thut indivinuai truly educated.
What advantage to the mind to know that,
that power which bolda the celestial bodies
in their orbits, is essentially 'he attraction
of gravitation, or that that power which
unites their constituent pr tides, iscallod
cohesive attraction 1 None unless tho mind
is induced thereby to think thereupon, till
it conceives it operating, and mentally, at
least, experiments upon the principles in
volved. . Again, what advantage to tho mind
to know the facts which history njcords, un-
lea. ibnj becomo subjects of thought T For
instance, w read.ot the brilliant career and
unhappy end of Alexander but the facts
are only profitable, after they become sub
jects of thought, i he chief benefit Is,
oubilcss, tor be received then. It leaches
us a lesson, it shows us the folly of inordi.
nate ambition the end of those who make
power their idol. Again, what advantage
to know that at such a time, Lycurgus lived
and gave luws to Sparta, unless hi acts are
considered, and we tracethe effect of par
ticular laws and institutions upon a people?
What benefit results from knowing that a
Socrates once lived and suffered death, ex
cept the doctrines for which he suffered,
become the subject of our thoughts 1 Or.
wliut benefit to know that Grceca fnve oinn
to the Philsopher-Aristotle, Plato ond
Zeno without their Philosophy becomes the
subject of our contemplation i
, Vye therefore conclude that there .never
is, nor csn be any true- education, only as
the powers of the mind are brought into
operation, and consequently, that it is more
or less perfect, accordingly as they arc, or
are not thus exercised. As tho b Jdy in
creases its .1 rength by exercise, 9 does the
mind, and emvtrttlj, as the body is weak
ened by inaction, so Is the mind Could
the mind be the posir" : jnt of every
fact tn history, every taw in philosophy, in
line, all that ever was rearnea, still, because
oot exerting itself in their acquisition, it
would be still uneducated, for tle thinking
powers wouli re main unimproved. . As, to
build an edefice, although the materials are
provided, still it can never advance, much
less bo completed, till the workman applies
his tools; s6 though the facts of science are
at hand, the intellectual edifice must be slay,
ed until the intellectual powers be exercised.
What is acquired by induction, or what is
be used in acqniring a true education.
Thev are to become subjects- of thought,
and thereby new truths elicited, before edu
cation can be materially advanced. It was
thus, that the pioneers in the cause of sci
ence,, were possessed of minds so rigorous,
so far surpassing the educated of tho pre
sent diy, because they received nothing as
true, till it was demonstrated. They , re
ceived what they professed to know by edu
cation, not by induction, by deducing truths
by investigation, not by passive reception,
lluving now a definite idea of education, we
are prepared to assign motives to its attain
rqent. And first, an education should be desired
for its primary nnd secondary advantages
in this life, und its unending benefit in the
life to come. The secondary advantages
of an education, to wit: Its practical uses,'
have been already alluded to, because af
fording too often the chief motive to its at
tainment. Its primary advantage here,
must result from the gratification it affords.
That there is enjoyment to be derived from
knowledge properly acquired, second to
none, but that our holy religion can confer,
no one can consistently Question. Who con
doubt but the enjoyment of the philosophers
ol antiquity tar exceeded that of the vtheu
existing monarchs and conquerors. Cer
tain it is that Mwp in his poverty, esteem
ed himself happier than Croesus with his
wealth and power, and surely Socrates,
though condemned to death lor his then pe
culiar doctrines, would not have exchanged
his happiness, for that of his richest, nay
proudest persecutors. How certainly would
Aristotle, the Prince of Philosophers, have
spurned the Crown of even Philip, if offered
io competition with the pleasure-derived
from his favorite Philosophy. ' The plea
sure which Archimedes derived from bis
Mathematical studies, the expectation of
immediate death could not annihilate -nor
dest roy. H is only request when dema nded
for almost immediate execution, was only
the favor of a few hours, in which to enjoy
the happiness of completing a Geometrical
demonstration. Witness tho joy evinced
when a hecatomb or 100 oxen were sacri-
ficed because some were so elated with the
demonstration or discovery of n principle in
Geometry, and then say if there be not hnp
pincss in acquiring knowledge. The dun
geons of the Inquisition were unable to in.
timidate Galileo, far too insufficient to pre
vent him from enjoying the delight of com.
municating, much less from pursuing his
theory of the heavenly bodies.
It appears then, that thus acquiring knowl
edge, is a means of intense pleasure to its
possessor. It has been, it is, and ever will
be. The happiness of Sir Isaac Newton,
at every new discovery of the laws which
regulate the material world, was doubtless,
inconceivably greater, than that which
wealth, power or any other similarcircum
stance :ou!d afford. So too, our own Frank.
lin experienced a delight, known only to
those, who, like him, are accustomed to
look through nature, up to nature's God.
To these, a host of others might be added,
to confirm the assertion, 44 that the primary
advantage. of, and therefore the strongest
inducement to, securing an education, must
bo found in the high gratificatioait affords.
Living witnesses might be adduced to sub
stantiate this same position yes, cannot
you now present! to some extent, vouch for
its truth? -e r
The motive to any particular conduct is
proportional, not only to the advantages pro
posed, lut oinn to tho certainty of their nt
tainment. if an uncertain advantage be
proposed to the attainment of an education,
then the motives thereto, must be propor
tionably weak, but if the advantage be cer.
tain, the motive must pe propurtionably
strong. If we proposo nny other motive
loan education, than Its own intrinsic ex
cellence-, una the gratification It can impart,
we substitute on inferior, and doubtful ad
vantage, for one elevated and certain.
Soys a certain writer, '.' they alone are se-
cure against disappointment, in the eXpccta.
tion ot the adventitious advantages of an
education, whose motives are elevated
above them, and who seek knowledge never
tor me honor orpower they may confer, but
tor its own sake.,. If iW U knowl
edge for its advantitious advantages, such
as power, wealth or honor, being not sure
to follow, we are liable in the end, lo disnp.
pointment, with all its attendant evils.
This is strikingly true of. those who have
exerts themselves to acqul re poll ticu I
honor but why, let me ask, the prevailing
lust for political office, which lias seized
upoL the whole community, nnd caused the
educated man lo forsake the path of learn
ing I-It is Irom a prevalent, but mistaken
notion, tlwt political honors ere ihe hi"lrest
that can be obtained. We micht safely ap
peal not merely to human reason, buttohu
man nature itself, for a refutation of that
sentiment. 1
. Let us cast our eye backward through the
lonely "track of-timcr What namcr ore
those that shine with brightest effulgence
through tho dark vista of ages 7 The im
perisliublo glory that stiil hovers over the
ruins of ancient republics, arose not from
the genius of their statesmen nor the spleti
dor of their military achievements. Even
Cicero himself is known equally as a man
of letters and a statesman 'or politician.
And who were the worthies of Greece ?
When the traveller wanders among the ru
int of her consecrated temples, and the
perishing tropWes of her former renown,
whence arisoiose emotions which agitate
his mind, ad those visions-of glory that
fir. his imagination ? The names that now
"iwi"' wiih thrilling interest to his re.
collection are not thuso of her politicians,
with coiryption in their hearts, and loud
proli'ssipis of patriotism upon their lips,
nor of her warriors, whose laurels were
Blood nuscd, and watered by the widow's tears,'
They areBie names uf those who ucquiied
renown ly their devotion t the cause of
literature and science yes, it is to her
poets, hei philosophers and historians, that
Greece wes her immortality. Wc irny
look into the annals of nny ago or i:'.on,
and we siill find its brightest ornr ncnis
among itsiien of letters. During . j.roud
period o f England's history, when' her
statesmei-were engaged in schemes of po.
lilicul aubStion, which have the beneficial
norabidiig influence.hcr Slmkspeare erect
ed a stricture, around whoso adamantine
base wave of time may sweep and sweep
forever. Her statesmen live only in the
perishabhannals of a certain faction,
"While atit ifprnbrlal swells a Ncwton'a paps,
And Shakntare'i laurel greener grow with age."
There is liurefore this broad distinction be
tween civ.l end literary honors. The harps
of Milton and Locke will never be unstrung
the June of Newton is written in sun.
beams oi the tablet of nature, as boundless
and lastirg as the heavens he explored ;
but the influence qf the politician the mo.
ment hu his passed that dividing point which
separates the vanities of the present, from
the immortal honors of the upper world,
will be felt no longer. And if his career
has been marked by intrigue and corruption
posterity will stamp 'he mark of disgrace
upon his name, and hang ihe budgo of infa
my over his grave.
But lo retuM,ufter this digression, which
a prevailing error seemed to j-fquire, we
will consider a motive to attain knowledge
important indeed, but not often effectual. I
do this, because it may be argued that,
" A desire to dp good, or to bo useful"
should afford the chief motive to an cduca
tion. But will it be argued that the chief
uurtivo Joreligion-iSrMr-jshould-b derived
from th ability it imparts to be useful?
Nay, did il derive Its highest molivoTrom
this source, like education, it would soon
disappear, and immorality cover the earth
Very rare are the instances of individuals
seeking knowledge, or drinking deep Irom
the wells of science, merely from a desire
of being useful ; if so, upon such, ongels,
if conversant with our actions and motives,
must look and smile. But till man is by
nature differently constituted, a motive more
congenial to his selfishness must be substi-
tuted, to ensure true, substantial education.
As religion increases our ability to be
useful, so docs education ; but this in either
case is so adventitious advantage and a sc.
condary and doubtful advantage should
never be substituted in place of one primary
and certain. As the reward of piety is
certain, so should bo that of knowledge,
As religion should be sought, because it will
render its possessor, happy, for a similar
reason should knowledge ; and further, as
the reward oh the one is unending, so
should that attending the other. But stop,
esys one the benefit of an education ia
confined to this life. If so, perhaps the
Utilitarian argues wisely, who considers
knowledge a kind of productive capital,
convertible into gold,silver,and other things
cqua ly valuablo. .
Very much akin to. such a one, is that
professed christian (of whom there are but
too many) whose idea of heaven is confined
by the gold, silver, and precious stones,
used to describe its glory. From tho Bible
we feu rr, that to one was given five talents,
i another two, to another one, to every
ono according to his abilities.
Hero tho talents were given, according
to the ability of each for improving them,
and consequently is it not to bo inferred,
that the talents or blessings to be conferred
at the resurrection of Vie just, will be pro.
portioned to their capacity for enjoying
them ? In other words, will there be more
given them to enjoy, than they are capable
ol enjoying? Says that learned commcn.
tntor, Dr. Adam Clarke, the mansions which
Ciirist has gone to prepare for his followers,
are various degrees of glory suited to their
capacities end attainments.
Again, similar, though strange views ars
expressed by Thomas Dick. Says ho, sup.
ffoao a negro slave just converted to chttati.
anity and a profound christian philosophnr
lo enter tho eternal world at the same time,
is it reasonable to believe there would be
no differenco in the amplitude of tfmlr in-
teHectunl view, nnd enjoyments? Cmi we
suppose for nn instant that on ignorant
profligate who has been , brought to the.
knowledge qf the truth but a few hours be
fore his entrance into the world of spirits,
shall at the moment of his arrivul in the
world of blisa, acquire those enlarged con.
ceptions of divine truth, which an Owen,
a Watts, or a Dodtidge attained at the si me
stage of their existence? Or that n Hot
tentot who had been brought to the knowl-
edge of Christianity, only during the last
month ot his 4ilershflll enter- inte heaven
with the expansive views of a Newton or
Boyle, ouch a supposition he concludes
(and justly too) would involve n reflection
on the wisdom of tho divine ndminijt ration,
and would lead us to conclude that all the
labor bestowed by the illustrious individuals
now alluded to in order to improve in the
knowledge of divine subjects, was quite
unnecessary and even approa:hing to egre
gious trifling. .
Uoason is related to mind as conscience
to morals. By as much then as one's mind
is influenced by his moral character, so is
one's reason influenced by his conscincc.
There appears to be a similar connexion
beiwccn education and religion.
I lie one adds to and heightens the enjoy.
ment of the other, and it is not improbable
that as-much of the enjoyment of the truly
righteous here consists in studying and ad.
miring the-works of Him who is essentially
the fountain of knowledge, so it will be
hereafter. When possessed both by the
same individual, while religion checks pridu
and a too great esteem of oneself, so edu
cation checks a blind adherence to particu
lar doctrines, delusive in themselves, nnd
pernicious in their consequences. It is a
strange idea indeed that religion discoun
tenances education, especially since one
elevates and refines the other, when the
doctrines of the first, have and ever will bo
maintained by the resources of the latter.
When too, tho brightest ornaments in the
literary world, have ever been the most
zealous and able supporters of the christian's
faith.
Then xve conclude that the motive to nn
education is second to none but our holy
religion, und that this' motive finds its prin
cipal strength ond chief advantago in the
gratification it can confer in this life, and
its unending benefit in tho life to come.
Let this motive actuate us, and our knowl-
cdse will bo increased our intellectual
powers will be expanded, end other things
being right, be prepared to say, ns many
have,
" Farewell to knowledge, first of earthly things,"
Until
" I fro to drink it, where the fountain spring
Clear from its aource, pellucid ana refined
Tho dreg of muddy earth are left' behind."
The bill to abolish imprisonment for debt
in Missouri , has been passed by both Houses
of the Legislature, and received tho Go
ycrnor's signature.
The Legislature of Arkansas recently
gave to one of its members leave of absence
to go home and kill his hogt.
" Hallo, "Ned, what's the mailer ?"
' Matter enough John Jones called me
a liar, and I . am looking for him to cune
him."
' Bul,',Ned,.Joncs.is much the larger
man or the two, and it may prove a some
what dangerous operation.'
True enough ; I dont think I can cane
Jones, but, darn hirn,. u stone his dog.
There are at the present tjme 400 steam
boats employed in navigating the Mississip.
pi river.
r -
In England there are 1861 miles of rail
road, at a cost of 58,149,169.
44 Uncle Jo," said an observing little boy,
our folks always put up the window when
the room is filled with smoke, and the wind
always blows in so as to prevent the smoke
from going that way ; now where does the
smoke go ?M . . " It goes into the people's
eyes," was uncle Jo sphiJosophic answer..
LIFE OF HENRY CLAY.
The remark has been made by some
writer, and it is certainly a very iust one.
that there M nnnnrlnf lililnnmnwiinrM.
able ia itself, nor more improving to the
mina, tnnn I lie lives of those who have dis.
tinguished themselves from the great mass
nf . t. : n I ... . i i i . .
iiiuiJMiiu, uiiu ourucieu puuuc ntieniion.
When aUL'h n nerarn ia ni-iunloH tn nnp
view, when we hear his name sounded by
every lip, coupled with eulogy or anathemas,
t .lI - . - 1 I I L . -
wc icci a strong nnu niuauuie anxiciy io
become acquainted w ith the mnn . we wish
to bring him down tj our fireside, and mi
nutely scan his person and his character ;
and.na tho curious traveller tract's the noble
r
and majestic stream from its broad expanse
. . t. . . I ' . . . t . ! .
io us miuuicsi rui, to uisrover us louuiain
and source, so do we delht tr ihim ciij-Ii.
' - ww.
men from their full nnd matured manhood
un to their fountain-head.! and. hnvintr
y p O
familiarized ourselves with their eurlyb y.
liood, wan what interest and sympathy do
we watch their tabor, and struterica m nvnr.
ro
come the obstacles in their onward course,
ns, with a noble courage nnd indomitable
energy, they open their path to fume und
IBUIICllllII.
It is wive II tn but few mnn art tn Inlnnirntira
their own actions nnd Drincinle. with the
transactions of their country, to exerciso
sucn a controlling inlluence upon public
measures, as to make tneir own a part ot
the history of their country. Fortunate,
indeed, is the nution. if her m uiv
r - afii iter
are actuated bv that n.ilJ,. nmhiii
seeks to promote her happiness and prospe
rity ; which strives to perpetuate freedom
and the blessings which flow from a govern-ment.-oMaws-dministcred
with wisdom
ana integrity; and which has its highest
reward in tho contemplation of a people
united, prosperous, nnd conipntprl nA in
the verdict of well done. ind and
TuT servant."""!"
Excepting Mr. Adams, who has been
longer upon the stiiire of life, nn mnn nf lha
present ago has taken a more active and
prominent part in the public affairs of this
country, than He.rv Clav. For more
than thirty years he has itood before the
uuuon as an orator, unrivalled ; as a states,
mau. of extraordinary isntrnriiw fiirnuf
. , e,---v I .-.-woo.,
and enerev : nrn man. of eminent mlnt
generous, high.souled sentiments, the strict.
mi Honour ana integrity, and llie chivalrous
friend of universal freedom. Hi nnm hn
become familiar to the lips of the Ameri-
can puopio - as household words, his poli-
cy identified with their prosperity, and his
fame the property .of the nation.
Hanovercouiitv.Virainia.haailiehnnniir
of being the place of hi nativity, where
he was born on" the 1 2th April, 1777. By
the death of his 'father, a Baptist clergy,
man, in 1781, he was left on orphan. boy;
poverty his only inheritance. Providence hia
protector aud guide. He was, however,
blessed with a mother who combined a sound
understanding to kind and amiable feelings.
u ff I... I II i a i . a
-i Knew tier well, said a distinguished
ttetltleinan. now in tho St-nate nf th ITnitcrl
States; "I knew her well, when a boy,
anu useu to love to go to her house ; she
was attxcellent woman: so kind, so in.
dulgent, and always took such a motherly
interest in the luds of her acquaintance ;
nothing she had was too good for us, and
mere was no stint in her measurement.
Much as we admire Henry Clay the Orator,
HcnrvClav the StntPumnn. n..nrv Plnti ilin
"( J J v..-j ...w
distinguished and commanding Speaker of
the H wise of Representatives, Henry Clay
tna minister t lenipotentiary, Ili-nry Ulay
the' Secretary of State, -fieri ry Clay the
grave ond able Senator, Henry Clay the
favourite of the people, yet do we love fur
more to dwell upun " the orphan-boy" fol.
lowing the plough in the slashes of Hanover",
and occasionally trudging his way, with a
grist ot corn, to q distant mill, to provide
bread for a widowed mother and younger
brothers and sisters.
Il is an evidence of the goodness of Lis
hert that, in. tho privuey of the domestic
circ2e, surrounded by those to whom he can
unbosom himself, nothing s delights him
ns to recur to the scene', tho labours, ti e
incidents, nndjho.jiiymeuts of hi b ,y.
hood ; anecdotes of which hu often relates
with infinite humour and z st. This (eel.
ing gushes forth in his spech at Hanover,
on the 10th of July, 1840," wjiich be then
visited lor the first time lifter some forty,
threc.years' absence. On ihnt interesting
occasion, surrounded by nearly the wholn
popukilion of the county , who hud assembled
1.. Ilolaiiii. inn .if u:k.. L J I I I 1
so much, nnd was so proud as a native (f
their county, Mr. Cluy s iid ; " I have
come here to the county of my nativity, in
the spirit of n pilgrim, to meet, perhaps for
the last time, the companions and the de.
scendanis of the companions of my youth.
Wherever wo roam, in whatever climate
or land wc arc cast by the accidents of hu
man life, beyond the mountains or beyond
ihe ocean, in-tbe legislative hall, of the
cnpitol, or in the retreats and shades of
private lifeour hearts turn with an irre.
sistible instinct to the cherished spot which
ushered us into existence. And we dwell
with delightful associations on the recollec
tion of tho streams in which, during our
boyish days, we bathed, and tire fountains
at which we drank; tho piney fields, the
hills and the valleys where we sported, and
the friends, who shared these enjoyments
with us.' Alas! too many of these friends
of mine have gone whither wo must all
shortly go, and the presence here of the
small remnant left behind ottests both our
loss and our early attachment. I would
greatly prefer, my friends, to employ th