ation into
the rudiments of learning may be traced much of that indolence and
fickleness and easy yielding to temptation, by which the mind,
untaught in the labor of successful occupation, and discouraged by the
failure of its imprudent efforts, is presently paralyzed, and lost to
every honorable and useful purpose. If then it may be provided that
early instruction shall be more adequate, and the mind of the student
shall be prepared to enter with readiness and effect upon the studies
of college, we shall inspire him with that confidence in his own
ability and endeavors which is one of the strongest inducements to
exertion, and shall insure a degree of improvement limited only by his
capacity and application. It may be true, that some of our colleges,
by reason of the temptations of poverty, and the zeal of competition,
accommodating themselves to the convenience of youth, have not
increased in their demands in proportion to the advances which have
been already made in elementary instruction. Such have doubtless
mistaken their true interests. It is believed, that those institutions
which shall lead in exacting the most extensive and thorough
preparation, will have a distinction and a patronage proportioned to
the benefits which they shall thus render to society.

"It is of equal importance, that our colleges should be furnished with
the materials of study. It was a significant maxim, I think of
Juvenal, that it is a great part of learning to know where learning
may be found. For, after ascertaining the place of treasure, it is
usual to feel the kindling desire of acquisition, and the mind at once
receives a corresponding impulse to exertion. The man who has wasted
his best days in mental inaction, may feel himself so humbled amidst
the productions of genius and learning, which have not instructed him,
and instruments, of which he knows not the use, and specimens and
models whose properties and beauties he cannot distinguish, that he
will wish rather to retreat and forget his poverty, in the
gratifications of inferior appetite. But, on these same scenes, the
fires of youthful unprostituted ambition glow with a new intensity,
and the mind, here waking to the consciousness of its own energies,
aspires to the elevation and dignity for which it is designed. The
well stored library and philosophical room and cabinet, create an
atmosphere, in which it acts with an unwonted freedom and force, and
strengthens itself for the hig