The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 10, September, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 10, September, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
would think that the point should be settled forever, even by so
simple an argument as the one used by Crambé with his master Martinus
Scriblerus, when invited to join a society of free-thinkers. Crambé's
advice was, “by no means to enter into their society unless they would
give him sufficient security to bear him harmless from any thing that
might happen after this life.” This is a kind of calculation which
must always have some weight even with the most reckless, hardened
sinner. As here presented in the identical words of Dean Swift, it may
possibly have the appearance to some, of unbecoming levity on so
momentous a subject. But I trust not, as nothing is more remote from
my own intentions. No matter which can possibly engage our attention,
can bear the smallest comparison with this in importance; and in this
respect, the reformation of our schools throughout the country, is a
subject of the deepest—the most vital interest. In many, very many of
them, no religious instruction whatever is given; nor indeed, is there
any regular, systematic course of moral study pursued as the most
essential of the whole course; but (as I have before remarked)
languages and sciences—sciences and languages, alternated in all
imaginable modes and forms, constitute nearly the whole process of
education for our sons; while our daughters, to compensate for their
not being allowed to go quite so deep into such matters, have their
feet and fingers taught to execute many truly marvellous tricks—and
moreover, are instructed in the grand art of getting husbands by
“dress and address,” as the quintessence of female education.
The sum and substance of all my remarks on this, as on former
occasions, will prove, I hope, that many great and radical obstacles
exist to the adoption and practice of a correct system of education,
which are far from being necessary evils, although the various
mischiefs done by them may be considered as working most fatally on
the very vitals of society. Many of these obstacles have been, most
justly, as I believe, ascribed to parents—many to teachers, numerous
others to scholars, and not a few to the public in general. Whether
these last will find any parents willing to acknowledge them, is more
than I can tell. But believing that their existence cannot be
denied—for they are seen and deeply felt every where—the conclusions
to be drawn from such facts remain in their full force.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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