which has
characterized the people of the Commonwealth, in their past efforts to
advance the cause, promises favorable action on the subject. In an age
when astonishing improvements in every art and every science are being
developed,--when nature, in her most regal and opposing state, bends to
the energy of man,--when countless sums are lavished to gratify and
satiate every sense, how mortifying and discreditable that a great moral
cause should languish! Even if the contribution which would be required
for this purpose could in any way be felt by the poorest citizen, it
could not be felt as a burden; for he might regard it as an investment
the most profitable and secure,--the income of which would return to his
own door full of blessings upon his declining days. When solicited to
double the tax which he had formerly paid for school-purposes, regarding
his own interest merely, and not that of the public, he might sincerely
say, "Yes, out of my limited means I am content to pay freely for such
an object. By paying the teacher more, am I not increasing his
usefulness? Am I not doing something to bring up my children in
knowledge and integrity? Will they not be a greater comfort to me, and
more happy and prosperous themselves? Besides, in a few years, much
mischief in the community may be diminished, and there will be a smaller
tax on me and mine to support criminals and prisons. If all are taught
to do their duty as citizens, I shall not suffer for their neglect of
doing so." Though the correctness of his reasoning will be admitted, the
argument in this behalf should be placed on higher grounds than
individual prosperity. The benefits to be derived by the public as
exhibited in the abatement of many social evils,--in the diffusion of
rational happiness,--in the gains of honest industry, such should be the
inducements to this worthy undertaking.

In conclusion, we submit that for reasons too apparent to be alluded
to, and too urgent to be disregarded, more attention should be devoted
to the true aim and purpose of education,--to a more complete operation
of the system. More than the past has needed, will the future require
the benefits which it unfolds. Let the teacher's vocation be elevated,
and advantages will accrue to the State, compared with which, exuberant
harvests, a thriving commerce, and an overflowing treasury, will be but
small resources. We should form a wise and generous precedent in this
matter, below which i