THE STUDENT. M MEANS OF MENTAL IMPROVEMENT.-NO. I. BY A. P. DUTCHER, M. D. AN, without intellectual culture and moral illumination, is a ferocious, sensual, and superstitious being. The external world affords some pleasure to his animal propensities, but it confounds his moral and intellectual faculties. Nature exhibits to his mind a mighty chaos of events, and a dread display of power. The chain of causation appears too intricate to be unraveled, and the power too stupendous to be controlled. Order and beauty, indeed, occasionally gleam forth to his eye, from detached portions of creation, and seem to promise happiness and joy; but more frequently clouds and darkness brood over the scene, and disappoint his fondest expectations. Evil seems so mixed up with good, that he regards it either as its direct product, or its inseparable accompaniment. Nature is never contemplated with a clear perception of its adaptation to the purpose of promoting the true enjoyment of man, or with a well-founded confidence in the wisdom and benevolence of its Author. Man, when civilized and illuminated by knowledge, on the other hand, discovers in the objects and occurrences around him a scheme beautifully arranged for the gratification of all his powers, animal, moral and intellectual; he recognizes in himself the intelligent and accountable subject of an all-bountiful Creator; and in joy and gladness desires to study his Maker's works, to ascertain his laws, that he may yield to them a steady and willing obedience. Without undervaluing the pleasures of his animal nature, he tastes the higher, more refined, and more enduring delights of his moral and intellectual capacities, and he then calls aloud for those means so VOL. IV.-NO. III.—JAN., 1852. indispensable to the full enjoyment of his natural powers. To enumerate, and briefly consider some of these means, is the object of this article. And at the head of all the various means of mental improvement, we place READING. Before the discovery of the art of printing, this fountain of knowledge was accessible only to the chosen few. But now all may come and drink freely, "without money and without price." And books have become so numerous, and treat of such a vast variety of subjects, that it requires a good and sound judgment to decide what books are worthy of perusal and study. To the youthful mind this is a subject of infinite importance. If a taste is once formed in the morning of life for frivolous and profane reading, it stamps the mind with injurious impressions, which will require years to eradicate. Hence, at the very commencement of a course of mental improvement, I would recommend a systematic and careful study of the BIBLE, satisfied, from personal experience, that this book, more than any other, is of itself able to arouse and invigorate the intellect. Whether it be considered as unfolding the philosophy of human nature, or the course of human events; whether it be adopted as a book for the young child, or for the wisest statesman; whether it be regarded as calling into exercise the reasoning powers, or as nourishing and chastening the fire of imagination, it stands unrivaled in its influence upon the intellectual character. It excites the mind to the most intense and sometimes painful study; it opens before it the most abstruse wonders of philosophy. It presents truth to the mind, now exceedingly simple and beautiful, and then incomparably sublime and glorious, but always pure as the stream that gushes from the crystal fount, and as sparkling as the dew-drop on the drooping lily. "This book, this holy book, in every line And signature of God Almighty stamped I know of no volume in the world so well fitted to disarm the prejudices and hostilities of the mind, as the Bible. Let its touching tenderness sink deep into your hearts, and its atmosphere of purity round you in all your ways. it will expand the intellect, and impart a pleasure to the mind far above that which the miser feels in the groveling contemplation of his hard-sought pelf. Nearly allied to the study of physiology, is the science of PHRENOLOGY-THE PHILOSOPHY OF MIND. "Gall, Spurzheim, and Combe have done for Metaphysics, or the science of mind, as great a work as Bacon did for Physics, or the laws of matter."* Study this science carefully, and you will find it an important means of mental improvement. The study of the natural sciences, such, for instance, as Astronomy, Geology, Minsur-eralogy, Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, Next to the Bible, there is no study more important than PHYSIOLOGY. By a careful study of this science, we become acquainted with the functions performed by the different organs of the living body. The necessity of an intimate acquaintance with this science, arises from the fact, that we cannot violate a single law of our organization without suffering for it sooner or later. No matter how pure or elevated may be our spiritual condition, or benevolent our actions, we can not escape the operation of the laws of our physical being. They are immutable, and the penalty is certain and inevitable. If Throughout creation, we find that certain causes produce certain effects. For example, if we apply fire to combustible materials, we expect them to burn. we cast a body from the border of a precipice, it must fall down into the chasm beneath. To expect the reverse, would be to look for a miracle. So if we overstrain our lungs or muscles, we suffer in those parts, in proportion as we violate the laws which govern them. Hence the importance of becoming acquainted with this science. But physiology, aside from all its direct and practical bearings on the physical welfare of mankind, constitutes the most interesting subject of study among the sciences. The human system, how complicated and wonderful! In its structure we behold a concentration of all that is harmonious and beautiful in the kingdom of nature. Let it be studied with care, and can not fail to be the means of mental im provement and delight, to the most obscure individual in society. By an intimate acquaintance with these sciences, we become more thoroughly convinced of the being and glory of God. Turn our thoughts which way we will, from the greatest to the least object that we behold; from the orient star that glitters in the heavens, to the insect that creeps upon the ground; from the awful thunder that rolls in the skies, to the flower that flourishes in the field, all things testify a profound skill, a mighty and allpowerful hand, before which we must bow. The works of nature are displayed on every hand with astonishing magnificence. We walk through the earth as through the apartments of a splendid palace, which ought to fill every spectator with wonder and delight. All the works which our power can erect, all the ornaments which human art can contrive, are feeble and trifling in comparison with those glories which nature everywhere presents to our view. The immense arch of the heavens, the splendor of the sun in his meridian brightness, or the beauty of his rising and setting hours, the rich fields of landscape, and the boundless expanse of the ocean, are scenes which mock every rival attempt of human skill and labor. "There is a pleasure," says Dr. Carpenter, "in the contemplation of beauty and * Horace Mann's Thoughts for Young Men. harmony wherever presented to us; and is not this pleasure increased, when we are made aware, as in the study of the natural sciences, that the sources of them are never-ending, and that our enjoyment of them becomes more intense in proportion to the comprehensiveness of our knowledge? And does not the feeling, that we are not looking upon the arts or inventions of a human artificer, but studying the wonders of a creative design infinitely more skillful, immeasurably heighten all these sources of gratification? But it is not only in affording us such interesting objects of regular study, that the bounty of Nature is exhibited. Perhaps it is more keenly felt by the mind, which, harassed by the cares of the world, or vexed by its disappointments, or fatigued by severer studies, seeks refuge in her calm retirement, and allows her sober gladness to exert its cheering and tranquilizing influence on the spirit." Having added to the studies already enumerated, History, Biography, the different branches of Mathematics, Natural, Moral, and Political Philosophy, Geography, we will then be prepared to read POETRY, and drink deep at her sparkling fount. No reading has a more powerful tendency to purify and exalt the mind, than poetry. The grand old fathers of English verse seem especially to do this. There is scarcely a character in Shakspeare, whose contemplation does not make us better men. No one can read Milton without catching a spark of his celestial fire, and seeming to hear the chants of the redeemed. But we are too groveling to enjoy the lofty strains of the muse. We are too fond of raking among dust and ashes for dross, and therefore do not win immortal wealth, or catch glimpses of Paradise from her serene face. Notwithstanding the great benefit to be derived from reading, there is a very general impression abroad in the world, that book knowledge of any sort is mere theory, whereas it is practical knowledge that is wanted. That practical knowledge is wanted in every department of society, we will freely admit; but that men are more practical than books, we deny. Nor is it books alone that abound in wild and extravagant theories; nor does all experience dwell outside of book covers. What, I would ask, are all books on the useful sciences but the universal experience of the world, with the coarser parts sifted out? Whereas, what is commonly called personal experience, is no more entitled to the name of experience than was the conduct of the man who carried the stone in one end of the bag, which was slung across his horse's saddle, and the wheat in the other; and who, when urged to throw away the stone, and divide the grain, alleged as a reason for not complying with the advice, that his father and his grandfather had always carried their grain thus, and he believed it was the only correct way, having tested it by experience. Just such is the most of that which is claimed by the mass of book haters to be experience, in opposition to what they consider the mere theories of books. have no taste for reading, and therefore Many individuals complain that they derive no benefit from it. This distaste originates, nine times out of ten, from the read. And again, many persons are not fact that they do not understand what they benefited, because they read so rapidly, that they never pause to consider whether the opinions of the author they are reading are true or false, but as they read they adopt his opinions. This should not be. If his opinions are remembered, it is an exercise of memory alone, without judg ment. He who reads with profit, must exercise his judgment; weigh well the words as he proceeds. Does any part of the author's meaning appear obscure, he must reflect on the character of his writings, examine the context, and by it determine the exact meaning of the writer. By this method the reader enters into the spirit of the subject, and is capable of judging how far the author's opinions coincide with his own, or how far they are true or false. If these rules are observed, reading, instead of being uninteresting and unprofitable, will be viewed as a source of exquisite delight, and as one of the most important means of mental improvement. N MOUNT VERNON. INE miles south from Alexandria, in Fairfax County, Virginia, is situated Mount Vernon, the estate of the Washington Family. The road leading to this place is somewhat obscure, and has but few inhabitants. The house stands on an eminence, looking down upon the Potomac. A beautiful lawn, partly shaded by trees, extends from the front of the mansion to the verge of the precipice which overhangs the river. This is the place to which Washington retired after he had accomplished the independence of his country, and from which he was soon after called to preside at the head of our nation as its first President; and here he again sought peace and quiet in private life, voluntarily resigning all the stations and power he had accepted and exercised for the good of his country. To an American, this place is interesting in a degree which no language can portray. Here was the home of the Father of our country. Here that great and good man sought happiness in relief from the cares and trials of public life, when our country had arrived at that position in which she could be safely trusted to other hands. Here, too, he closed his eyes in his last sleep, the sleep of death. And here is the Tomb of Washington, in which rest the remains of him whom nations delight to honor. Washington's Tomb is a simple structure of stone. The front of it only is visible, the other portions being covered with the earth, shaded by trees. It is concealed from the view of the passer-by, by a neat and substantial stone wall of considerable height, with a gate, over which is a slab bearing the inscription, WASHINGTON FAMILY. The surrounding scene is left nearly in the state of nature. The irregular surface of the ground, and the numerous trees, exclude the sight of every distant object; and there is nothing in view to disturb the mind, in the solemn and impressive reflection which naturally arises within it. It is not many months since an interesting pilgrimage was made to the. The Tomb of Washington, by Edmond La Fayette, the youthful grandson of our nation's bene factor. During this visit, Mr. Custis, the aged and adopted son of Washington, accompanied him. While at the sepulcher which contains the ashes of the Father of his Country, this aged guide, and veteran relic of the past, called up to his young companion the time-honored memories of the days of Washington, narrating recollections of the glorious career of his public services, together with endearing memories of the virtues of his private life and domestic retirement, amid the tranquil shades of his beloved Mount Vernon. Mr. Custis spoke to the pilgrim from La Grange of his illustrious grandparent, and how his fame and memory were cherished in the hearts of the American people; and that his early and chivalric devotion to the cause of their independence, and good and gallant service in the war of the Revolution, had earned for him the title of America's Benefactor. He pointed out the spot of Washington's interview with the Marquis De La Fayette, in 1784 for although but a child at that remote period, Mr. Custis well remembered the arrival of the Marquis at Mount Vernon. He had called to pay his parting respects to the Chief preparatory to his embarkation for France. Forty years after this event had passed away, and the Father of his Country had long been called to his great reward in a better world, when Mrs. Custis had the singular happiness to present to the nation's guest a ring containing a lock of Washington's hair, the group assembled at the old tomb where rested the remains of the honored patriot. M. Edmond La Fayette was much interested in all that was told him touching his estimable father, George Washington La Fayette, of his first arrival in Philadelphia in 1796, and introduction to the President of the United States, when Washington embraced him and told him, While in America, you will consider me as your father;" also of his father's happy sojourn as a member of the family of Mount Vernon until his departure for Europe. 66 The pilgrim of La Grange, when bidding adieu to the spot, venerable in the estimation of the good and wise of all countries, and endeared by so many memories to the family of La Fayette, felt deeply impressed by all that he had seen and heard. It was a bright day in his existence; he declared that all his after life would be cheered by the reflection that he had performed a sacred duty in making his pilgrimage to the Tomb of Mount Vernon. This estate is now owned by John A. Washington, Esq., a descendant from the Washington Family. WHISTLING WINDS. BY L. M. WILES. How sad is the moan of the mid-winter's wind, Full oft, sightless winds, have I heard your sad whine Ye whistle back mem'ries in accents of truth; THE TEACHER'S PRAYER. BY C. MORLEY. FATHER, 'tis thine to bless The labor of our hands; Immortal mind, which these possess, Incessant care demands. The seed implanted here In foliage broad will rise; The beauteous flowers on earth appear, The fruits in Paradise. Guard, then, each thought and word, And every action rule; That these, while endless cycles roll, May bless their childhood's school. |