[No. XXX.] 'p j-j E TABLE T.- NO* XXX. « Sagacity and good humour arc among the ejfen tjal qualities'of *" accomplished inftruilor of youth. SOME author in treating upon education, introduces the following Itory. « Plato in one of his dialogues tells us, that So crates, who was the son of a mid-wife, nfed to fay, fat as his mother, though Jhe was very /killed in her trofc/Jion, could not deliver a woman, unless fhs was fir I with child, so neither could he himfelf raise know hideout (if a mind, where nature had not planted it. » Accordingly the method this philosopher took, oj jiiflriifting his fchclars, by several interrogatories or auejlions was only helping the birth, and bringing their In thoughts to light." , . . The principle contained in this quotation jhould not be carried too far. Indolent teachers are too ap: to persuade tliemfelves, that every scholar who actually does not make progress in learning, is naturally incapable of it. 1 his be lief induces them to neglect those youth who do not manifeit tokens of genius, as unpromiHing i'prouts. They huddle a number of them toge ther and aflign them talks to delve upon ; and re prove their dulnefs, rather than flrive to blow the latent sparks of genius into allame. The talents of some people lie so deep, and are of such a contexture that it is difficult to bring them into view. Many a lad palles through a collegiate e duc3tion without any pleasure or reputation, who after he is left to himfelf, and can exerci'e his own judgment, in the application of his own a bilities makes a refpedable figure in society, and becomes more ufeful and eminent, than many sprightly genuifes who despised and discouraged him, when promifcuouily employed in the fame course of study. When the iuftructors at any University or fcboolhave not a thorough knowledge of human nature, the youth committed to tlieir care will become averse to learning from the manner in which inflrucftion is communicated. Such pro feflors or tutors as do not gain the love and re spect of their pupils cannot expeit their tuition will be advantageous. It is of importance there fore tliat the initructors should not only poilefs learning and genius, but that they should bedif tiaguiihed by an amiable, discreet deportment. If under the direction of such men the academi cians are discontented, idle or vicious, it fur niJhes a prelumption that they are not employed in that kind of literature which is suitable for thein. We inuft either draw this conclulion, or we have no other alternative than to fuppofe,that they have such dulnefs of understanding, or such perverfenefs of difpolition as can never be re claimed. To diftinguilh which of these causes o perates in producing such indolence and averlion in any youth, we mull attend to his conduct and temper in other respects. If a refractory and vi cious inclination marks his general character, we mult Dot ascribe his depravity to an improper treatment in his fcliolaftic exercises. But if in tlieufual tenor of his life, he manifefts a trada ble and ingenious spirit, and can be restrained from diflblute manners, we mult suppose his ha tred of le arr.ing and his not making proficiency m it, refult3 from an injudicious alignment of his thirties. It can generally be known whe therthe fault lies in the talk itfelf,orin the man ner of imposing it, or in the natural lterility of the fubjecft on which it is imposed. fhebad habits and vices contracted at public se minaries may seize such hold of the mind,that they cm never be eradicated through life. In whatever Itation aniana<ts, he will discover traits of his education. It is to be regretted that a better foundation is not laid to render the tranlitions f:om youth to manhood, and Itudy to business wore easy and natural. There seems to be a chasm which it is difficult and often impraitica le to fill up. Some blight scholars never become ufeful men ; and many promising youth dwindle asthcj grow old, into infignificance and contempt, s this the inevitable decree of nature ? or is it 'he effect of erroneous education. My next pa per shall touch upon the question. A ROM THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL. [Thefollowing ORATION was delivered at the South Grammar luo! > Bolton, onthc last Visitation Day. by Mailer Charles W >tI.IAMS Windship. 0N THE pr OGRESS and ADVANTAGES of a GOOD EDUCATION. ofDIXG on the candourof those refpe&able guardians hn™' lUre ' anc * P atrons °f youthful genius, before whom I have tints un° r I with diffidence beg leave to offer a few The ih 1 -' 1 C P ro^re^s anf * advantages of an early education. pared . t! j leis co piousand variegated, and may perhaps be com t!vates P e » w here a beautiful profufion of objects cap limnci " n i e ' * • ver^^ es thefcene ; while I like an untaught than the . ]^ mn ' n g t p wield the pencil, rather feel the ambition youth a ' 01 the profpeft. How amiable does a ar parental guides have qualified him with the SATURDAY, July 25, 1739. graces ofobediencc, and filial refpeft, and allured him to the love of virtue by exemplifying her charms—who have early formed him to habits ot virtue, and taught him to be delighted with in itruftion.—After parental care and tenderness have thus advanced him from the dawn ot life, to the period for literary pursuits, he is placed under the tuition of a careful inftruftor, who nurtures the pliant bud ot genius, and teaches the young idea how to Jhoot. His inclinations are dire£ted to rule and order, and his reason led to acquiesce in the necessity of subordination. His hope is quickened into expectation ot reward fuitableto his merit; and his ambition ftimulatcd to surpass in every laudable pursuit : He is patient and diligent in his ftudics, and endeavours to leiToirthe talk of his in llruttors by the docility of his disposition, and the placidncls of his temper : Competitors excite his emulation : He becomes sus ceptible of honor, and is a&uated by gcnerofity and the finer fen tnnents of a cultivated mind. Though he finds the firft stages in the road to science rugged and dillicult, and meets with more thorns than roses, yet as he advances, the way bccomes pleasant, and new profpetl* rife, decked with all the luxuriance of thought, and thf ple<ifiug images of imagination. Being conscious that he is travelling the load to fame, as well as intelle&oal pleasure, he becomes invincible in his resolution for diflindtion, and alliduous in his progress. He now confidcis his accidence and grammar, and the rudiments of language, as avenues to the temple of Know ledge—for being no longer embarrafTed by mere words, he ascends to the ideas they represent. His understanding gradually unfolds ana brightens, and he becomes enamoured with knowledge by its increase. Now the harmonious didtion and chafle sentiments of Virgil win his approbation ; now the address and politeness of H'or ace begin to charm, and now the sublime majesty ot Ho mer, and the tranfeendent eloquence of immortal Tu lly fire his bosom with fcientific rapture. At this period he looks back with lurprife upon the dark Itate of his ignorance, and is charmed with the light of erudition. And the sensation it produces in him,inay perhaps not unaptly be compared to those which travellers exper ience, who after wandering in some dreary desert, fatigued with the asperity of the way, are luddeniy tranlported into a cultivated country adorned with blossoms productive of delicious fruits, vocal with melodious birds, Janned with salubrious gales, resplendent with sunbeams, and replete with obje&sof the purcft delight. Thus the young pupil goes on in his happy progress, until the approbation of his inltruttors pronounces him fit to be transfered to a higher feat of li erature, the University—in expe£lation of which, lome of us are soon to bid adieu to this institution, from which we have derived so great advantage, and tootferan aftettion ate farewell to our much refpe&cd inftruftors. I feel that I never had more to fay, nor was it ever less in my power to express my felf upon any occasion—Will youthen, ye guardians of literature, deign to accept the tribute of conscious gratitude. Venerable fathers ot the town, under whose auspices we com memorate this annivcrfary, permit us to return you our filial thanks for your presence this day : May our schools and colleges never want patrons to support them, nor friends to protest the caule ot virtue and religion. And now to you my companions, and to myfelf, I wu'h that happiness that mult reiult from com pleting an early education, and the advantage and pleasure that will spring from the pursuit of that science and virtue, for the at tainment of which we have received so many paternal indigen cies—Then shall we gladden the guides ot our youth—then will the robe of honor clothe—the friend approve —and the parent bless us. ORIGINAL SPECIMENS of ELOQUENCE. I. 7"HE Editor 9 solicitous to minglennovelt y variety and utility in his original M'fcellany , hopes the follow ing example s r f Eloquence 9 exhibited in the negociation of Treaties with the Indians fine: the ratification of the independence of the United States, will be acceptable to his readers. At a Meeting of the Connniflioners of the United States, in Nov. 1785, with the Head-Men and Warriors of all the Tribes 01* T owns of the Che rokees, the former addreiled the latter in the following words: " Head-Mf.k a\d Warriors of all the c< Cherokf.es ! "WE are the men whom you were informed came from Congress to meet you the Head-Men and Warriors of all the Cherokees, to give you peace and to receive you into the protection and favor of the United States; and to remove, as iar as may be, all causes of future contention and quarrels—that you, your people, your wives and your children may be happy ; and feel and know the bleifings of the new change of Sovereignty over this land, which you and we inherit. " We sincerely wifti you to live as happily as we do ourselves, and to promote that happiness as far as is in our power ; regardless of any dif tin (ft ion of colour, or ot any difference in our manners, or particular situation. *< This humane and generous A (ft of the Uni ted States will 110 doubt be received by you with gladness, and held in grateful remembrance : and the more so, as many of your young men, and the greateil number of your warriors (d uring the late war) were our enemies, and alliiied the King of Great-Britain in his endeavours to conquer our country. " You yourselves know that you refufed to lift en to the good talks Congress sent you ; that the cause you efpoujed was a bad one ; that all the adherents to the King of Great-Britain are compelled to leave this country, never more to return. " Congress // now the Sovereign of all our country, which we now point out to you on the map. They want none of your lands, or any thing e/fe which belongs to you ; and as an earnest of their regard for you, we propofeto enter into articles of a treaty PERFEC ILY EQUAL, and conformable to what we now tell yon. " If you have any grievances to complain of, [ Publijbid on Wednsfday and Saturday. j we will hear them—and take f'ucli measures in. consequence thereof as may be proper. We ex pect you will l'peak your minds freely, and look upon us as the Representatives of your FATHER and FRIEND the CONGRESS, who will fee jus tice done you.—You may now retire and reflect on what we have told you ; and let us hear from you to-morrow, or as loon as pofiible." The next day the Tassel of Chota arose and ad drejfed the CommiJJioners thus : " I amgoingtolettheCominiffioners hear what I have to lay to them. I told you yesterday, I would do this to day. I was very much pleased with the talk you gave us yesterday—it is very different from what I expeifted, when 1 left home. Ihe Head-Men and Warriors are also equally pleased with it. " Now I shall give you my own Talk. I am made of this earth, on which the GREAT MAN ABOVE placed me to poflefs it: and what I am about to tell you, I have had in my mind for many years " This Land, we are now on, is the Land we were fighting for duringthe late contest, and the GREAT MAN made it for us to subsist upon. You must know, the Red People are the aborigines of this land, and that it is but a few years since the White People found it out. lam of the firlt flock, as the Commissioners know, and a native of this land. And the White People are now living on ic as our friends. From the beginning of our firlt friendship between the White and the Red Peo ple be ads were given as an Emblem thereof: and these are the beads I give to the commissioners of the United States, as a confirmation of our friendfhip ; and as a proof of my opinion of what you yesterday told us. (a string of white beads.) " The Commiflioners have heard how the White People have encroached on our lands, oil every fide of us that they could approach. " I remember the Talks I delivered at the Long Island of Holfton : and I remember giving our lands to Col. Chriftieand others, who treated with us, and in a manner compelled me thereto, in i 777. I remember the Talks to Col. Chriltie, when I gave the lands at the mouth of Cloud's Creek eighteen springs pall. At that treaty we agreed upon the line near Lime-Stone. The V ir ginia /ine and part from the mouth of Cloud's Creek to Cumberland Mountain, near the Cap, were paid for by Virginia. From Cloud's Creek a uiretft line to the Chimney-top Mountain,thcnce to the mouth of Big Lime-Stone 011 Nolichv. ky, thence to the firjl Mountain about fix miles from the river 011 a tine across the fun, was never paid for by the Ca rolina, which joins the Virginia line. " I wifli the Commissioners to know everything that concerns us, as I tell nothing but the truth. They, the People of North Carolina, have taken our lands for no consideration ; and are now making their fortunes out .if them. I have in formed.the Commissioners of the lint I gave up. The People of North Carolina and Virginia have gone over it ; and encroached on our lands ex preilly against our inclination. They have gone over the line near Little River, and they have gone over Nine-Mile Creek, which is but nine miles from our TOWNS. I am glad of this opportunity of getting redress from the Commissioners. If Con grels had not interposed, I and my people must have moved. They have even marked the lands on the bank of the river the Town where I live ; and from thence down in the fork of the and Holjlon. " 1 have given in to you a detail of the abuse and encroachments of these two States. We shall be fatisfied if we are paid for the lands we have given up: but will not, »or cannot ps any more—l mean the line I gave to Col. Christie. " I have no more to fay—but one of our belo ved women has, who has borne and raised up War riors." The War-Woman of Chota then addrejfed the Com miJJioners : " I am fond of hearing that there is a Peace ; and I hope you have now taken us by the hand in real friendfhip. I have a Pipe and a little Tobac co to give the Commissioners to smoke in friend fhip. I look on you and the Red People as my C HILDREN. Your having determined on Peace is moll pleasing to me ; for I have seen much trouble duringthe war. lam old, but 1 hope yet to bear children—who will grow up and people our nation ; since we are now to be under the protection of Congress, and shall have no more disturbance. " The talk I have given is from the Young Warriors I have raised in my Town, as well as myfelf. They rejoice that we have Peace ; and we hope the chain of friendfhip will never more be broken."
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