Зображення сторінки
PDF
ePub

and character of classic literature, concerning the perils attendant on the comprehensive and ardent study of it, setting forth, at the same time, what he considers to be the only method of counteracting its direful tendencies to engender a spirit diametrically opposite to the spirit of Christ. "With respect," says he, "to religious parents and preceptors, whose children and pupils are to receive that liberal education which must inevitably include the study of these great works, it will be for them to accompany the youthful readers throughout with an effort to show them, in the most pointed manner, the inconsistency of many of the sentiments, both with moral rectitude in general, and with the special dictates of Christianity. And in order to give the requisite force to these dictates, it will be an important duty to illustrate to them the amiable tendency, and to prove the awful authority, of this dispensation of religion. This careful effort will often but very partially prevent the mischief; but it seems to be all that can be done."

The existence of the passage just cited had entirely slipped from my memory or escaped my notice, till my own views, in the present letter, had been thought out: and it was with not a little satisfaction, that, on turning to Mr. Foster for another object, I stumbled upon it, and found my general principle supported by so great an authority. Dr. Thomson's view may be very beneficially carried out, to a great extent, in elementary tuition; but it is incompatible with that profound and general scholarship, to which the study of the great classical works, without abridgment, is indispensable. Four things deserve consideration as preventive measures. First,―The course suggested by Mr. Foster, on the

part of parents and preceptors. In this way, I think, much might be attempted, and much accomplished. Classic studies might thus be conducted so as to minister equally to delight and to utility. It might, in competent hands, be rendered in the highest degree conducive to the interests of instruction, of edification, and even of devotion. This plan might be easily adopted in all courses of elementary tuition, whether in private or in public schools. The only difficulty to be apprehended, is that which would arise from the moral and intellectual incapacities of many of the parties on whom the success would depend.

Second,―A compact, elaborate, and evangelical treatise upon the question, to be used in all the upper forms of classical schools, is a desideratum in education. In this way the antidote would be administered contemporaneously with the poison.

Third,-Appropriate college exercises in the Latin and Greek classes, both junior and senior. This would open up a wide field of remark, inquiry, and discussion. To those tutors and professors who will adventure on this unexplored ocean, a region richer than that which was opened up by De Gama will present itself; a world more extended and glorious than that which rewarded the toils and perils of Columbus will at length appear. These exercises would embrace the entire theology and ethics of the learned tongues—they would embrace examinations of the moral characters both of authors and of their works they would exhibit comparative views of the morality of the great subjects both of heathen poetry and history- and they would consist occasionally in demonstrations, that great heroes were not great men. They would very largely consist in

comparisons of the classic and scriptural accounts of the Godhead, of human nature, of providence, of prophecy, of sacrifice, of redemption, of philosophic virtue and Christian holiness-of patriotism and philanthropy, of true glory and a future state. The inquiry and effort necessary in the preparation of such exercises, the reading and discussion of them, after the customary manner, in the class rooms, and the remarks and criticisms issuing from the professors' chairs, would tend to fix deeply and indelibly upon the mind both the importance and the principles of the subject, and to produce results at once beneficial and lasting.

Fourth, The Latin and Greek professors might prepare a course of monthly lectures, based upon the great authors in their respective tongues. These lectures would form the proper basis of written exercises, as well as of vivá voce examinations. This subject might also with great propriety form one of the annual prize essays.

Such methods of procedure would throw a new colouring over our university and college courses of education, and roll away from their gates the reproach that they are, to a fearful extent, sinks of corruption and nurseries of infidelity. It would elevate classic studies by sanctifying them. It would harmonize the instruction of the country with its religion, and the classes of literature and philosophy with those of divinity.

Such, my dear Sir, are some of the methods which, with the utmost deference, I have ventured to suggest to you, whose practical sagacity and enlarged experience will enable you to estimate them at their proper value. If it be, in all points, a matter of the first moment to give to the youthful literati of the land correct

notions of true greatness, to show them that the greatness which is moral, is superior to that which is intellectual, that moral greatness reaches its highest altitude in the missionary character, and that the work of missions to the heathen is the most honourable employment that earth can furnish or man engage in; then is the present subject not unworthy of being presented to your notice. But, whatever may be the merits of my communication, it will at least serve as a humble expression of my respect for yourself, and of my filial and reverential regard for your ancient university. But I must now bring my letter to a conclusion, lest I should forget the maxim of Tacitus, which proclaims the only means whereby an Alumnus can do honour to his Alma Mater :

--

"Plurimum facere, et minimum ipse de se loqui."

LETTER XI.

TO THE REV. JOHN FOSTER.

INTELLECTUAL AND MORAL GREATNESS ILLUSTRATED AND COMPARED FROM THE JEWISH PROPHETS, THE APOSTLES, MODERN WRITERS, AND CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES.

SIR,-YourEssays" came into the hand which now addresses you, when I was but young in years, and only beginning to acquire the elements of knowledge. In common with multitudes, I was both instructed and delighted by them, especially by that on "Decision of Character." To that dissertation I owe more, in certain important respects, than I can well express. You will add to the obligations thence arising, by accepting my cordial acknowledgments and the dedication of the present letter, which aims at applying some of your own leading principles to the subject of Moral Greatness.

You have clearly shown, that there may be much decision where there is no goodness; and that but too many conspicuous examples of decision have been allied to guilty ambition, to remorseless cruelty, and to unparalleled crime! Such characters may, in a sense, be designated great but their greatness is fatally defective.

« НазадПродовжити »