CLASSICAL EDUCATION.

Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem

Testa diu.

THE HE value of Classical learning is so generally acknowledged by liberal minds, that any attempt to set forth its advantages, at the present day, will probably appear superfluous. As, however, some persons may exist hardy enough to oppose its progress, or, what is more common, so indifferent as to treat it with neglect, a few pages of this publication cannot be better employed, than in affording for consideration some observations on the superiority of Classical Education over any other. It is certain that nothing more contributes to the well-being of any society than the competent education of all its members, or of as large a proportion as possible; and he, therefore, who first devised a successful scheme of instruction, made a considerable addition to the general stock of moral and intellectual improvement, and promoted in the greatest degree the social order and happiness of mankind. The science of education, if it may be so called, has

been well divided into three branches, all bearing intimate relation to each other, and tending equally to produce a combined and beneficial result. They have been denominated the Physical, the Moral, and the Intellectual. To the two former no allusion need be made, they being left by our system of education entirely to the parent. These remarks have reference to the last; and their object is to demonstrate, that a Classical education is most eligible, most advantageous, and in the present state of society, most necessary. By Classical education is meant the obtaining admission to the boundless stores of science, opened by a familiar acquaintance with the transcendent models of excellence to be found in Grecian and Roman literature; and it is contended that this education is most eligible, as it conduces more than any other yet discovered, to refine the mind of man, to imbue him with a purer taste, to elevate his thoughts, to exalt his hopes, and finally to render him a virtuous and, consequently, a useful member of the great family to which he belongs.. It is most advantageous, as it is the readiest initiation into all other scientific pursuits, the ground-work of all the learned professions, and the means of acquiring that exalted pleasure of the mind, which is inseparable from a refined and cultivated taste. It is above all necessary, inasmuch as general information being happily so extensively diffused in this country, the only rational and infalli

ble distinction between man and man is in their mental powers and acquirements; and he, therefore, who with a laudable ambition seeks to be a little better than his neighbour, must of necessity ground his pretensions solely on his moral and intellectual superiority. The surest means of enlarging the understanding, and promoting general science, appear to be the study of the Greek and Latin languages, and this has always been the basis of a liberal and polite education. So popular has this study become, that in every nation where learning is valued, the Classics have been unanimously admired. The poets, the historians, and the orators of antiquity, have been the literary idols of every age since the revival of learning, and to the mild charms of Classical accomplishment may undoubtedly be attributed the great moral and social refinement of the present day. The chaste loveliness of Athens has delighted the glowing fancy of every enthusiastic student from the days of Cicero to our own nay, even they whose years have passed the season of romantick ardour, and whose pulse more temperately keeps time, could scarcely explore the site of Thermopyla, or stand upon the field of Marathon, without envying the death of the "Three hundred," or sighing for the laurelled brow of Miltiades! It is natural then that the attention of youth should be directed to the language of that people in particular; and that there should be some who hail

with joy the star of Classical literature, which has at length emerged in the horizon. May it blaze shortly in unrivalled lustre, and with benign influence vivify and expand the innate energies of our literary being!

It is very material that the opening powers of the youthful mind should be watched with care, and a proper direction given to them. Above all, it is necessary that a feeling of interest for, and a curiosity after learning should be early excited. Now there are few subjects better calculated to employ the faculties and rouse the attention of youth at the earliest age, than the study of the dead languages. The memory, which even now possesses great retentive powers, is thus first called into active exercise; and it is probable that the judgment and reason are as completely brought into play in committing and applying the rules of grammar, as they are afterwards in the profoundest investigations of philosophy. In the mean time the imaginative powers and the taste are created, expanded, and nourished by the constant bursting forth of new beauties, the delight experienced in the discovery of which amply repays the most laborious exertions, and serves as a stimulus to further researches. Let no one then object to the tediousness of the way, when the end of the toil is so delightful; nor complain of delay on the threshold, when he is to be so richly rewarded by the banquet within. Through a variety of intricate and arduous paths the youth is

conducted at last into a new world of splendors, which custom and acquaintance can never dim, and where every vision which in succession opens its enchantment to the view, is consecrated by powerful associations, and by imagery at once the most interesting and permanent. The great benefit of Classical learning, and what produces a corresponding effect is, that it elevates those who would otherwise grovel on the earth, and pass their days in ignoble indolence of mind, to higher and brighter prospects; while it not only leaves unpolluted the purer feelings of religion and virtue, but creates a more ardent desire of truth, with great additional means of information and discovery. And this is the light in which Classical knowledge ought to be considered. Objections may

be raised in some narrow minds, but they must fall before the undeniable fact, that all of wisdom, reasoning, refinement, the world at this moment possesses, is derived from this source. If it be asked how the morals are improved by a Classical education, the reply is, that ancient history affords the purest models of virtue any where to be met with; and the youth who enters with enthusiam into the struggles, feelings, and domestic character of the hero of Troy-who accompanies the "Ten thousand" with admiration in their glorious retreat-who fights for liberty with the Spartan at Thermopyla-and gazes with delight on Athens shaded by the laurels of Marathon, cannot but rise