“To the friends of education, as well as to the actual laborers in its cause, let us say in fine, _press onward_. The spread of knowledge has given birth to civil liberty; the increase and improvement of knowledge must give it stability and security. The fortunes of the civilized world are now embarked in this cause. The great deeps are breaking up, and the ark that is to ride out the coming storm must have skill engaged in its construction, and wisdom to preside at its helm. The warfare of opinion is already begun; and for its safe direction, knowledge _must_ take the leading staff. In _this_ war, not the mighty captain but the schoolmaster, is to marshal the hosts to battle. It is _he_ that is to train the minds which are to engage in this contest. It is _he_ that is to train up orators and legislators, statesmen and rulers; and _he_ too is to form the body politic of the world. Would the free spirits of the world look to the defence and hope of their cause? It is no dubious question where they must look. Their outposts are _free schools_; their citadels are _universities_; their munitions are _books_; and the mighty engine that is to hurl destruction upon the legions of darkness, is the _free press_. Other ages have struggled with other weapons; but the panoply of _this_ age _must be knowledge_; the gleaming of _its_ armour must be the light that flashes from the eye of free, high minded public opinion. Call {486} this complimenting, call it complaisance to the base multitude, call it visionary speculation, call it what you will—but the doctrine is true: and, over the liberties of the world, whether prostrate or triumphant, _that truth_ must arise brighter and brighter for ever.” NATIONAL INGRATITUDE. BY MATHEW CAREY. Every American, actuated by a due regard for the honor of his country, must feel deep regret at one feature in the proceedings of our government, which is equally impolitic and discreditable. I mean the neglect, or, what is near akin to neglect, the very long delay of an acknowledgment of those brilliant services, which not only add lustre to the national character, but often produce the most solid, substantial advantages. In this respect, I am afraid, we are more delinquent than any other nation in Christendom—so far, at least, as regards delay. This conduct is, I say, discreditable, as it manifests a deficiency of gratitude, one of the noblest of national virtues.