erved in the
absence of present conservative principles, he says:--

"Undoubtedly the zealous friends of popular education account
knowledge valuable absolutely, as being the apprehension of things
as they are; a prevention of delusions; and so far a fitness for
right volitions. But they consider religion (besides being itself
the primary and infinitely the most important part of knowledge) as
a principle indispensable for securing the full benefit of all the
rest. It is desired, and endeavored, that the understandings of
these opening minds may be taken possession of by just and solemn
ideas of their relation to the Eternal Almighty Being; that they
may be taught to apprehend it as an awful reality, that they are
perpetually under his inspection; and, as a certainty, that they
must at length appear before him in judgment, and find in another
life the consequences of what they are in spirit and conduct here.
It is to be impressed on them, that his will is the supreme law,
that his declarations are the most momentous truth known on earth,
and his favor and condemnation the greatest good and evil. Under an
ascendency of this divine wisdom it is, that their discipline in
any other knowledge is designed to be conducted; so that nothing in
the mode of their instruction may have a tendency contrary to it,
and every thing be taught in a manner recognizing the relation with
it, as far as shall consist with a natural, unforced way of keeping
the relation in view. Thus it is sought to be secured, that, as the
pupil's mind grows stronger, and multiplies its resources, and he
therefore has necessarily more power and means for what is wrong,
there may be luminously presented to him, as if celestial eyes
visibly beamed upon him, the most solemn ideas that can enforce
what is right."

"Such is the discipline meditated for preparing the subordinate
classes to pursue their individual welfare, and act their part as
members of the community...."

"All this is to be taught, in many instances directly, in others by
reference for confirmation, from the Holy Scriptures, from which
authority will also be impressed, all the while, the principles of
religion. And religion, while its grand concern is with the state
of the soul towards God and eternal interests, yet takes e