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^ 
 
 AN ESSAY ON STUDY, 
 
 BY EINGELBEKGIUS. 
 
 WITH A 
 
 PREFACE AxND INDEX, 
 BY W. H. ODENHEIMER, A.M. 
 
 DEDICATED TO THE STUDENTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CLASSICAL, MEDICAL, LEGAL, AND THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS 
 OF PHILADELPHIA 
 
THE 
 
 CELEBRATED TREATISE 
 
 OF 
 
 JOACH. FORTIUS RK(GELBETIGIUS 
 
 EATIONE STUDII: 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM THE EDITION OF VAN ERPE, 
 
 BY G. B. EARP, 
 
 COLL. CORP. XTI. CANT. 
 
 PREFACE AND APPENDIX, 
 
 ^. 
 
 BY W. H. ODENHEIMER, A.M. 
 
 RECTOR OF ST. PETER'S CHVRCH, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 CAREY AND HART, 126 CHESTNUT STREET. 
 • 1847. 
 
.^ 
 
 ^n 
 
 in 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by 
 
 CAREY AND HART, 
 
 the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 T. K. AND P. G. COLLINS, 
 
 PRINTEKS. 
 
TO 
 THE STUDENTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Classical, iHcbical, £egal anh ^lieological 0rl)ools 
 
 OF 
 
 PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 THIS 
 
 AMERICAN EDITION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GT-OWING APPEAL OF AN ENTHUSIASTIC SCHOLAR OF THE 
 
 SIXTEENTH CENTURY, 
 
 IS 
 
 DEDICATED 
 
 BY THE EDITOR. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Preface by the American Editor. 
 
 chap. page 
 
 I. We must first of all, by a careful and impartial estimation 
 of our own abilities, determine to what height we can 
 reasonably hope to aspire, and then make every exertion 
 for its attainment . . . . . .13 
 
 11. We must love our studies and despise luxury . . 19 
 
 III. We must never despair . . . . .25 
 
 IV. We must think lightly of riches . . . .27 
 V. The student must be desirous of praise . . .30 
 
 VI. By what means knowledge is to be attained . . 31 
 
 VII. On solitary study . . . . . .33 
 
 VIII. Hearing lectures of little use, without private study . 35 
 
 IX. We must not suffer an unbecoming timidity to hinder us 
 
 in the pursuit of knowledge . . . .38 
 
 X. We must accustom ourselves to writing much, and not 
 suffer ourselves to be led away by the desire of a vain and 
 transitory popularity . . . . .40 
 
 XI. By what signs they who are likely to rise to literary emi- 
 nence may be distinguished . . . .44 
 XII. Youth is the time for exertion . . . .48 
 
 XIII. We must not suffer a moment to escape us without profit 50 
 
 XIV. We must look to our own studies, and not concern our- 
 
 selves too much about the progress of others . . 52 
 
 1* 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 XV. We must not waste too much time in sleep . • 54 
 
 XVI. What time is best adapted to study . . .57 
 
 XVII. On bodily exercise . . . • • -59 
 
 XVIII. On slothfulness . . . • • -63 
 
 XIX. Our recreative amusements should, as far as possible, be 
 
 rendered subservient to the purposes of literature . 70 
 
 XX. Conclusion . . . . . • •'77 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 I. Extract from Erpenius' Preface to his edition of Ringel- 
 
 bergius . . . . • • .85 
 
 II. " College Discipline," from Whytehead's " College Life." 87 
 
 III. " On the Dignity of the Profession," from an unpublished 
 
 lecture to Medical Students, by Dr. MUtter . . 90 
 
 IV. " Legal Education," from Lord Brougham . . 95 
 V. " Of the Errors to be avoided in the study of Divinity," 
 
 from Du Pin's Complete Method of Study, &c. . . 99 
 
 VI. "Frequent changes in the plan of Study," from "Hand 
 
 Book for Readers and Students," by A. Potter, D.D. . 102 
 
PREFACE BY THE AMERICAN EDITOR. 
 
 Among the most useful gifts which those who 
 have mastered the difficulties of learning can bestow, 
 is the composition and publication of such treatises 
 as may reveal to younger aspirants for knowledge, 
 both the difficulties in the path to eminence, and the 
 best mode of surmounting them. 
 
 The experience of mature scholars is, indeed, valu- 
 able to themselves, but a judicious record of it be- 
 comes even more valuable to those who are beginning 
 a student's life. For, although nothing can take the 
 place of personal application and perseverance, there 
 is, nevertheless, substantial aid in the encouraging 
 voice of those whose application has been rewarded 
 with success, and whose perseverance has terminated 
 in distinction. 
 
 Among works which may be properly regarded as 
 the tribute of an elder to a younger scholar, is the 
 following essay on study. It is the production of a 
 Flemish philosopher and mathematician of the six- 
 teenth century, whose German name was Sterck, and 
 whose Latin appellation was Joachimus Fortius Rin- 
 gelbergius. He appears to have been skilled in va- 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 rious arts and sciences. He did not begin the study ^. 
 of Latin till his seventeenth year, but his progress was'^ 
 rapid; and, although his Latinity is regarded by critics 
 as defective, yet he excelled, in spirit and vivacity, 
 most of the Dutch and German writers of his age. He 
 was skilled in the Greek, and seems to have been so 
 ardent an admirer of Homer, as to have committed his 
 poems to memory from beginning to end. 
 
 As will be perceived by a perusal of his treatise on 
 Study, Ringelbergius was a perfect enthusiast in the 
 acquisition of knowledge, combining some eccentrici- 
 ties with his devotion to learning. 
 
 The whole of his works were published at Lugd., 
 1531; Bas., 1541, 8vo.; and again at Lugd., 1556, 
 8vo. The most esteemed are — Sphsera, sive Institu- 
 tionum Astronomicarum, lib. iii., Basil, 1528, 8vo. — 
 Liber de Homine, Basil, 1529, 8vo. — De Ratione 
 Studii, Antwerp, 1529. — Dialectica, et Tabula Dia- 
 lecticse, Leyden, 1574. — De Conscribendis Epistolis, 
 lib. — Rhetorica, et quae ad earn spectant; — Sententise; 
 — Cosmographia ; — Optica — Chaos Mathematicum. — 
 Arithmeticum. 
 
 It is believed that the present treatise is now printed 
 in this country for the first time;, and it has been un- 
 dertaken, not only because the book was highly es- 
 teemed by the scholars of past ages, but also in the 
 hope that, notwithstanding various defects in style, 
 it might prove useful to stimulate the ambition, and 
 encourage the industry of students. 
 
 The strongest testimony to its value is given by the 
 learned Erpenius, Professor of Arabic and Hebrew at 
 Leyden, in the year 1619. This celebrated man "ac- 
 
PREFACE. IX 
 
 knowledges himself originally indebted to it for all his 
 acquisitions. He met with it at the age of sixteen, 
 and in consequence of its suggestions, though he was 
 then totally averse to a studious life, and had made no 
 proficiency in learning, yet he afterwards became a dis- 
 tinguished scholar. The treatise had become scarce, 
 and Erpenius generously printed a new edition, that 
 others might partake of the benefit which he had him- 
 self enjoyed. He published it with the title of Liber 
 vere Aureus^ or the truly Golden Treatise."* 
 
 Vicesimus Knox, whilst criticising severely Ringel- 
 bergius' over-ardent literary enthusiasm, still, does not 
 hesitate to say '*it contains many passages which tend 
 to encourage the scholar in his pursuits, and to inspire 
 him with an ardor and enthusiasm like that excited in 
 the soldier, by the drum and trumpet, as he is march- 
 ing on to battle." 
 
 De Quincey, in his " Letters to a Young Man, whose 
 education has been neglected," notices this production 
 as characterized by ^'its extraordinary tone of passion 
 and frantic energy, and at times of noble sentiment 
 eloquently expressed." It may be proper to add, in 
 this connection, the views of the English translator. 
 "It is the intention of the following translation to 
 rouse the dormant energies of the young student, dur- 
 ing the period usually allotted to academical instruc- 
 tion, that he may thereby acquire that knowledge which 
 will be an ornament to him here, and by the acquisi- 
 tion of which he may be enabled to render a good 
 account of his time hereafter." 
 
 * For Erpenius' account of his appreciation of this treatise, see 
 Appendix No. I. 
 
X PREFACE. 
 
 The English edition of Ringelbergius de Ratione 
 Studii was published in 1830, having been translated 
 by Mr. G. B. Earp, of Corpus Christi College, Cam- 
 bridge; and inscribed, by him, to the under-graduates 
 of Cambridge, Oxford and Dublin. His translation is 
 quite a free one, for which he assigns the following 
 reason: — "No one would have thanked me had I ren- 
 dered a mass of uncouth Latin with the fidelity which 
 the translation of a classic author would have neces- 
 sarily demanded. I have, therefore, omitted whatever 
 appeared to me irrelevant to the purpose of the work, 
 or of too enthusiastic a nature to be consistent with 
 good sense and sound learning. In order to fill up 
 the vacuum thus necessarily occasioned, I have also 
 made such additions to the original as seemed best 
 calculated to preserve the connection of the text." 
 
 Mr. Earp must, therefore, be held responsible for 
 the English garb in which Ringelbergius appears, al- 
 though it may admit of question whether a more faith- 
 ful version would not have done more justice both to 
 the Flemish and the British scholar. In one instance 
 the American editor has taken the liberty of omitting 
 a portion of Mr. Earp's '^ additions," having, in this 
 reprint, excluded from chapter xvii. an unnecessary 
 critique on the men of modern Italy and an unbecom- 
 ing attack on the religion of that country. Whatever 
 opinion may be entertained of the justice or injus- 
 tice of Mr. Earp's judgment on the above points, it 
 is quite sufficient for the scholar to know that Ringel- 
 bergius is not the author of them. 
 
 In the Appendix, the American editor has collected 
 a few extracts tending to develop the general design 
 
PREFACE. XI 
 
 of Ringelbergius, and to apply his principles to the 
 studies of particular professions. For the permission 
 granted him by an eminent surgeon of Philadelphia to 
 make an extract from his unpublished MS., which will 
 be found in the Appendix, as also for the consent of the 
 Right Reverend, the Bishop of Pennsylvania, to make 
 an extract from his "Hand-book for Students" — the 
 editor here returns his acknowledgments. 
 
 The danger of being charged with presumption, for 
 even editing this work on Study, has been risked in 
 the hope of furthering the good design of Ringelber- 
 gius, and of moving to generous emulation in the pur- 
 suit of knowledge the young American student. 
 
 *' Certare ingenio, contendere nobilitate, 
 Noctes atque dies niti prsestante labore 
 Ad siiramas evadere opes, rerumque potiri." 
 
 Philada., 1846. 
 
ON STUDY 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 We must first of all, by a careful and impartial estimation of our 
 abilities, determine to what height we can reasonably hope to 
 aspire, and then make every exertion for its attainment. 
 
 Whenever any one wishes to rise to literary dis- 
 tinction, he must not think of accomplishing his pur- 
 pose in a rash and inconsiderate manner; but having 
 first, after a close and impartial scrutiny into the capa- 
 bilities of his mental powers, considered which of the 
 arts or sciences are best adapted to his capacity, and 
 most congenial to his taste, and next determined to 
 what extent he will proceed in their attainment; he 
 must then rouse every energy, and direct every effort 
 of his mind solely to the accomplishment of the pro- 
 posed object of his solicitude: for in this way only- 
 will he arrive at anything like distinction in those arts 
 or sciences which come within the scope of his imagi- 
 nation. To what height the young student intends to 
 aspire, must of course be left to his estimation of his 
 own abilities. For in a man of ordinary talents, it 
 is laudable to have attained by industry and persever- 
 ance to a well-grounded reputation of mediocrity: it 
 is more laudable to be ranked with men whose names 
 2 
 
14 ON STUDY. 
 
 have been the glory of their respective eras; but it is 
 beyond all praise to pass beyond the station of the most 
 illustrious of ancient and modern times, and to obtain a 
 firm footing upon a lofty eminence of the mountain of 
 literature where no one has ever stood before you, and 
 where, in all probability, no one will ever venture to 
 climb after you. The first of these objects is easy of 
 attainment. The second is truly an arduous undertak- 
 ing; but should you even attempt the last, you will, by 
 men of little knowledge and circumscribed intellects, 
 be branded with the epithet of insane ; or be accused 
 of searchinsj into secrets which Nature never intended 
 should be known to any one but herself. 
 
 Let not, however, this discourage you : for] should 
 you even endure the mortification of failure, you are 
 sure of approbation ; since great attempts, although un- 
 successful, are most worthy of praise. But with men of 
 talent and industry, there is little danger of defeat ; 
 for since it is evident, that there have been men, to 
 the superiority of whose genius the universal admira- 
 tion of all ages has borne testimony ; I maintain, that 
 it is in the power of men in the present day, to sur- 
 pass even those luminaries themselves in the acquire- 
 ments of science and literature. — How mean, how 
 timid, how abject must be the condition of that mind 
 which can content itself with anything like medio- 
 crity ! On the other hand, how noble must be the 
 elevation of that mind, which, having surmounted the 
 loftiest pinnacle of the temple of learning, can look 
 down upon the groveling earthworms, upon whom it 
 has trampled in its progress thither! Upon that 
 enviable eminence, more radiant than the splendor of 
 
ON STUDY. 15 
 
 the mid-day sun, it shall shine, a glorious object to the 
 whole world ; till time itself shall have consigned all 
 human distinctions to an eternal oblivion. Myriads 
 of men, in number countless as the sands on the shores 
 of the ocean, shall perpetuate the memory of its pos- 
 sessor with heartfelt gratitude and veneration. 
 
 Let me therefore exhort all whose minds have been 
 rendered susceptible of the influence of literature, to 
 determine to what height they can reasonably hope 
 to aspire ; and then, in spite of any difficulties they 
 may encounter in their progress, to journey progres- 
 sively and patiently onward, till they find themselves 
 in full and secure possession of the ardently wished 
 for eminence. 
 
 To this end, then, let us always continue to labor 
 without intermission, even though our labors be pro- 
 ductive of no fruit, no glory, no praise. Though an- 
 other may reach the goal before us ; though another 
 may be in possession of the camp ; still let not exer- 
 tion be wanting on our parts : for if, when we expect 
 to find our efibrts crowned with success, we should be 
 disappointed, we shall thus have the unspeakable 
 satisfaction of knowing that, although from adverse 
 or unforeseen circumstances we have not been able to 
 command that success, we have notwithstanding richly 
 deserved it. For my own part, whenever the desire 
 of effecting a noble purpose has enkindled a flame 
 within my breast, such is my ardor, such my confi- 
 dence, that I had rather be torn in a thousand pieces, 
 (nor do I surpass the bounds of truth, when I make 
 the assertion,) than suffer my mind to relinquish its 
 object. 
 
16 ON STUDY. 
 
 I am aware, that there are some who will not only 
 esteem it an act of presumption, but as I have before 
 said, of downright madness, to attempt to surpass the 
 works of the ancients in excellence ; for, say they, the 
 writings of the ancients, which have come down to 
 us, though comparatively few in number, and those 
 perhaps inferior to others which have perished, are 
 so elaborate, and at the same time so perfect, that to 
 add or take way, to change or transpose one word in 
 the writings of any one of them, would be to render 
 the work so altered less perfect and less admirable. 
 And so in fact it would ; yet since they were men of 
 like capacities with ourselves, it is but reasonable to 
 suppose that we should be able at least to equal them. 
 And since the sun of science, which was in their day 
 but just dawning upon the horizon of literature, has 
 beamed upon us in its full and meridian splendor ; it 
 is but reasonable to suppose, nay, it is disgraceful not 
 to suppose, that we may and ought infinitely to sur- 
 pass them ; and, in my opinion, were the industry and 
 perseverance of man but equal to his capacity, there 
 is nothing upon earth beyond the power of the human 
 mind to accomplish. Should I now be addressing 
 any one who, together with this opinion, possesses the 
 ability requisite to demonstrate its correctness, I will 
 say of him, that a noble heart beats within his breast, 
 and he may truly say of himself with Virgil of old, 
 
 -tentanda via est, qua me quoque possim 
 
 Tollere humo, victorque virum volitare per ora. 
 Primus ego in patriam mecum (modo vita supersit) 
 Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas : 
 Primus Idumseas referam tibi, Mantua; palmas. 
 
ON STUDY. 17 
 
 New ways I must attempt, my grovling name 
 To raise aloft, and wing my flight to fame. 
 I, first of Romans, shall in triumph come 
 From conquered Greece, and bring her trophies home ] 
 With foreign spoils adorn my native place. 
 And with Idume's palms my Mantua grace. 
 
 The generality of mankind seem to imagine that the 
 chief thing to be studied is, how to live voluptuously ; 
 and to this end, they are continually on the alert to pan- 
 der to their vile passions and appetites, without once 
 considering that each possesses a mind, which if culti- 
 vated with care and adorned with learning, is the most 
 glorious of all the works which have emanated from the 
 great Creator — a transcript of himself. I, for my own 
 part, do not see in what these monsters of men differ 
 from oxen, except in having the gift of speech; whereas 
 oxen only low : in every other respect they perfectly 
 resemble each other. They have fat, bloated faces — 
 so have oxen ; a marked stupidity of countenance — 
 so have oxen ; flabby unmeaning lips — so have oxen ; 
 they are always groveling upon the earth looking out 
 for fodder — so are oxen ; they drag along with them 
 monstrous bellies, which four or five times a day they 
 fill to repletion — so do oxen. In short the resemblance 
 is so complete, that were it not for the aforementioned 
 gift of speech, a natural historian would be fully jus- 
 tified in classing them with that species. These ani- 
 mals (for men they cannot be called), lull the gene- 
 rous spirit which was born within them, into a state of 
 supineness and obscurity ; and think nothing worthy 
 to be learned, but what may place them on a level 
 with a set of illiterate companions, as low sunk in the 
 
 2* 
 
18 ON STUDY. 
 
 scale of sensuality as themselves. But come thou 
 more noble scion of man, whose soul is on fire with 
 enkindling ardor ; — I wish not so much to excite man- 
 kind in general, as to rouse the sons of genius from 
 their state of torpidity ; — come, I say, let us behold 
 the beauty of our minds, and having beheld it, let us 
 study to adorn it ; and having adorned it, let us glory 
 in the ornaments ; and knowing the shortness of this 
 our mortal life, let us secure an immortality by build- 
 ing ourselves a name which time itself cannot efface. 
 We are all sprung from celestial seed, thither let us 
 return whence we derive our origin. Thus, as we 
 behold the rays of the sun descending upon a certain 
 space in the horizon, so shall the rays of the divine 
 Mind shine upon us ; but, unlike the natural orb, which 
 withdraws its beams, and for a time leaves that space 
 in darkness, the sun of knowledge shall enlighten us 
 through the whole of our career with increasing splen- 
 dor, and shall render us glorious objects to all be- 
 holders. Let us imitate the example of the lion, who, 
 being the most noble of beasts, is naturally averse to 
 society, and prefers the gloomy solitude of the forest 
 to the company of inferior animals. Let no one ac- 
 knowledge a greater than himself upon earth, Him only 
 excepted who of his omnipotence framed the uni- 
 verse. Let us purge our minds from fancy and vani- 
 ties, and let nothing delight us but what is truly great; 
 and thus, whatever may be the height of our ambition, 
 we shall find that difficulties will vanish at our touch, 
 and that there is nothing so arduous that we shall not 
 be able to conquer it. 
 
ON STUDY. 
 
 19 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 We must love our studies and despise luxury. 
 
 He who desires to enlist himself under the banners 
 of learning, must cheerfully submit to labor as well by 
 night as by day. He must fly from luxury, wanton- 
 ness, and all other things which render the mind effemi- 
 nate, as he would from a serpent: He must be willing 
 to sleep rather upon stones and bare floors than upon 
 a bed of down : He must accustom himself to eat such 
 food as is best calculated to satisfy the cravings of na- 
 ture ; without having regard to any of those delicacies 
 which only serve to pamper a depraved appetite, and 
 engender a taste for voluptuousness. In short, he 
 must consider all things, the more immediate object of 
 which is pleasure, in the sensual acceptation of the 
 word, as the greatest enemies to himself and his pur- 
 suits, and as such studiously avoid them. 
 
 Quisquis enim duros casus virtutis amore 
 Vicerit, ille sibi laudemque decusque parabit 
 At qui desidiam luxumque sequetur inertem 
 Turpis inopsque simul, miserabile transiget scvem. 
 
 He who contends with ills in virtue's name 
 Shall conquer; and acquire a glorious fame : 
 But him, who sunk in sloth and lux'ry lies^ 
 The wise shall hate, and even fools despise ; 
 A fearful death his shameful life shall end, 
 And to the grave unwept he shall descend. 
 
20 ON STUDY. 
 
 Nevertheless he must take every possible care of his 
 bodily health, for without that the mind will scarcely 
 be able to effect anything of importance. He must 
 be more willing to stand, than to sit at his ease ; he 
 must rather run, than walk leisurely along the path 
 marked out for him. Let him never lay the weapons 
 of his warfare out of his hands, but exercise himself 
 in the constant use of them, for all these things add 
 strength to "the body, and vigor to the mind, for as 
 trees which stand eipc^sed to the rude blast of northern 
 storms are more hardy than those which are sheltered 
 from all but the southern and western breezes, so are 
 we firmer and stronger when we have to contend with 
 adverse circumstances ; or when greater exertion than 
 usual is required, than when we live in a state of un- 
 interrupted prosperity, and are easily enabled to obtain 
 whatever we may wish for. Our ability increases with 
 our exertion, and decreases with the want of it. Nor 
 can anything be truly great or meritorious which is 
 not obtained by the sweat of our brow. For so it was 
 ordained by the great Author of nature himself, that 
 we should not attain to excellence without the great- 
 est diligence on our own parts. Thus we find it to 
 be the case, that those things which are obtained with- 
 out trouble, are for the most part worthless in them- 
 selves, and as such come to an inglorious end : be- 
 sides which, things easily acquired are lightly esteemed, 
 and eventually become almost, if not altogether, use- 
 less to their possessors. 
 
 If any one think that knowledge is to be attained 
 without labor, let him not unite himself with our forces. 
 For in this our warfare, a greater degree of ardor and 
 
ON STUDY. 
 
 21 
 
 a stricter discipline are necessary, than the armies of 
 other generals are accustomed to exercise. Nor is 
 this at all unreasonable, for they contend only for the 
 sovereignty of some particular country, nay, perhaps 
 their object may be only the possession of some insig- 
 nificant city; but we grasp at the universe. They 
 know that the honors they have acquired must, after 
 the lapse of a few years, irrecoverably perish ; but we 
 limit our glory only by the end of the world and the 
 consummation of time. 
 
 If, then, the young recruit of literature be not will- 
 ing to undergo this discipline, and encounter these 
 difficulties, let him withdraw himself from our bands, 
 and let him remain, as he ever will remain, an useless 
 burden to the community. Socrates, the wisest of all 
 the ancient philosophers, was accustomed to say, that 
 the root of learning was certainly bitter, but the fruit 
 was truly delicious ; and that although the cultivation 
 of that root required more diligence and exertion than 
 ordinary, the produce of the tree would amply repay 
 the labor and anxiety of the husbandman. Therefore, 
 whoever thou art, whose breast glows with the desire 
 of acquiring knowledge ; whose mind is fired with 
 the love of glory ; banish far from thee all eflfeminacy, 
 levity, indifference, voluptuousness, and whatever may 
 tend to extinguish the ardor of thy soul. The path 
 "we tread is truly a rugged one. Rugged, did I say ? 
 yea, we are borne onward across rocks, over preci- 
 pices, through fires. Let it delight us to encounter 
 the Scyllse, the Syrtes, the Charybdes of the ocean of 
 literature. If there be anything in the world more 
 formidable than ordinary, let us immediately attack it, 
 
22 ON STUDY. 
 
 with a determination to conquer : for the bolder the 
 attempt the greater will be the glory. 
 
 Should we even fail in the attempt many places of 
 refuge are open to those who have been vanquished 
 in an honorable cause, and that is our country, which 
 virtue and fortitude have chosen as the place of their 
 habitation. But there is no danger of defeat, if our cou- 
 rage and perseverance are only equal to our strength. 
 Fortune herself has pointed out the path to victory, 
 and it is our own fault if we suffer the favorable oppor- 
 tunity to pass disregarded. 
 
 Methinks I hear some one exclaim, " the harshness 
 of your precepts is alone sufficient to deter any one 
 from entering upon a path so confessedly difficult as 
 that of learning." To the indolent and unthinking, 
 I confess they must appear disagreeable ; but to him 
 whose aim is glory, I trust it will prove an additional 
 excitement : for the greater the difficulty of obtaining 
 the prize, the sweeter the enjoyment when in posses- 
 sion of it. Let the young student bear in mind, that 
 although prosperity may make him happy, adversity 
 alone can render him truly great. Alexander, though 
 a youth, by fortitude and perseverance in the midst of 
 difficulties and dangers, was enabled with a very small 
 army to render even the most powerful monarchs tri- 
 butary to himself, and eventually to reduce the whole 
 of the then known world under his dominion. And 
 shall we, whose field of exertion is so much more ex- 
 tensive, submit to be extinguished for ever without 
 honor, w^ithout remembrance, ^Av8^u>8£s ov8sv erttdsbsyixavoc 
 without having done anything like men } Pliny, if I 
 remember rightly, somewhere says that Pompey the 
 
ON STUDY. 23 
 
 Great, in a short time subjected eight hundred cities 
 of Spain to the Roman yoke, notwithstanding they 
 were for the most part so situated amongst the Alps 
 and in other mountainous districts, as to render them 
 almost impregnable: shall we then idly shrink from a 
 contest which promises us so easy a victory ? Truly 
 the common proverb " That learned men are of all 
 others the most indolent," does not seem to be alto- 
 gether void of foundation, if they thus neglect to seize 
 and improve the advantages which are open to them. 
 It is not enough to know that we possess sufficient 
 strength to overcome all obstacles, but we must exert 
 that strength, and wage war with impediments, for in 
 no other way can we hope to conquer them. Again I 
 say, let them depart from amongst us who prefer their 
 own ease to this our inflexible discipline and unremit- 
 ting perseverance. We shall think our labors amply 
 rewarded if we obtain the approbation and excite the 
 energies of those who are willing to enter the lists 
 with us against indolence, luxury and dissipation, and 
 to contend with us for glory in this our arduous and 
 honorable enterprise. 
 
 Let us unite ourselves, and mutually assist each 
 other : and who is there possessed of a disposition so 
 self-interested, and a mind so devoid of humanity, as 
 not to desire to help those who endeavor to assist 
 him? let us reject everything which is vulgar and 
 effeminate ; and let us keep our minds intently fixed 
 upon the noble monument upon which we wish to 
 have our deeds indelibly engraven. Bat are we doing 
 this whilst we waste the flower of our age in vain 
 
24 ON STUDY. 
 
 pleasures and debasing indulgences ? Certainly not. 
 What a man sows, that also he may expect to reap : 
 and if we thus, in the time of youth, foster the seeds 
 of luxury and indolence, we may expect in our old 
 age, to reap a plentiful harvest of disease and con- 
 tempt. 
 
ON STUDY. 
 
 25 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 We must never despair. 
 
 If we should not find our efforts crowned with suc- 
 cess so soon as we may wish ; or if the difficulties we 
 may have to contend with prove greater than we had at 
 first reason to expect; we must not on either of these 
 accounts be deterred from our pursuits. If, in our 
 ascent, we should fall headlong a thousand times, we 
 must begin to climb again every time more ardently, 
 and fly to the summit with recruited vigor. Alexander, 
 a man with whom difficulties were only fresh excite- 
 ments to action, having invaded a country, came to a 
 rocky mountain of such stupendous height and mag- 
 nitude, that his troops were obliged to halt, till a place 
 could be found through which they might be enabled 
 to pass. Amongst these precipitous and almost inac- 
 cessible heights, a number of the princes of the sur- 
 rounding country had taken refuge together, hoping 
 that the conqueror would either be killed, or, being 
 satiated with conquest, no longer desirous of extend- 
 ing his empire. Some of these meeting with the sol- 
 diers, whom Alexander had commissioned to explore 
 the mountain, jocularly inquired of them, whether 
 their monarch could fly well? This saying was re- 
 ported to Alexander, who not at all approving the jest, 
 but eager to seize even the most trivial opportunity of 
 stimulating his men to victory, exclaimed, Nature has 
 3 
 
26 ON STUDY. 
 
 made nothing so difficult of ascent, that determination 
 and bravery are not able to reach its summit ! Having 
 said this, he promised to reward the man who should 
 first gain the top, with ten talents, the second with 
 nine, the third with eight, the fourth with seven, and 
 so on to the tenth, to whom he promised one. This 
 had the desired effect, and he had almost immediately 
 the satisfaction of seeing his whole army upon the 
 summit of that rock, which a few hours before was 
 deemed insurmountable. 
 
 Let no one be dejected, if he is not conscious of 
 any great advantage at first. For as we know^, that 
 the hour-hand of a timepiece moves progressively on- 
 ward, notwithstanding we cannot discern its momen- 
 tary motion; and as we see trees and herbs increase 
 and grow to maturity, although we are not able to per- 
 ceive their hourly progress ; so do we know that ge- 
 nius, although its transitions be imperceptible at the 
 moment of observation, is sure in its advancement. 
 The merchant thinks himself happy if, after a ten 
 years' voyage, after a thousand dangers, he at length 
 improves his fortune ; and shall we, like poor-spirited 
 creatures, give up all hopes after the first onset? No! 
 Let us rather adopt this as our maxim, that whatever 
 the mind has commanded itself to do, it is usually 
 sure of obtaining its purpose. 
 
ON STUDY. 27 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 We must think lightly of riches. 
 
 Most unadvisedly do they complain, who contend 
 that poverty is too often the companion of literature ; 
 and insinuate, that when once a man has given him- 
 self up to the study of letters, fortune and he have 
 turned their backs on each other. With any one 
 seriously and ardently devoted to learning, this argu- 
 ment, even allowing it to be true, will have but little 
 weight; or if it have any, it will preponderate in favor 
 of literature and science. There is nothing better 
 adapted, nothing more necessary to distinction than a 
 moderate fortune ; nay, I had almost said than penury 
 itself: for from this source have sprung all those arts 
 and inventions which enhance the comfort and pro- 
 mote the happiness of mankind. Necessity is the 
 mother of invention ; nor is there anything more cal- 
 culated to sharpen the ingenuity and excite the in- 
 dustry of man, than poverty. And how much more 
 honor is there due to him who has raised himself, as it 
 were, from the dust to eminence, than to him upon 
 whom fortune has lavishly showered her richest gifts ; 
 but who makes no other use of them than to riot in 
 extravagance and drown his talents in oblivion. The- 
 ocritus has well remarked, " that as strong and active 
 bodies are entirely useless to men who, together with 
 physical strength, possess indolent and languid minds ; 
 
28 ON STUDY. 
 
 SO it is no detriment to a man to be of low estate, if 
 he possess a soul ambitious of distinction and deter- 
 mine to use every effort to gain it." The gifts of for- 
 tune and the bodily endowments of Nature soon vanish 
 away ; but the beauty of mental excellence is eternal. 
 We ourselves have seen men of distinguished rank in 
 society, who have diffused their wealth around them 
 with a liberal hand, and largely contributed to increase 
 the comforts and advance the welfare of those who 
 stood in need of their assistance ; yet since this was 
 their only excellence, they have descended into the 
 grave, lamented only by a few dependents upon their 
 bounty, and their riches together with their good name 
 have perished with them. 
 
 I for my own part, am always afraid lest the pos- 
 session of a few vile pieces of metal should so occupy 
 my mind, as to blunt the desire of study, and render 
 literary pursuits less enjoyed and esteemed. Neverthe- 
 less I do not deny that a moderate income is necessary, 
 not only to the comfort but also to the support of our 
 existence. Nor do I condemn the possession of a large 
 fortune, only as it too often unfits the mind for study, 
 and disposes the owner to luxury rather than to excel- 
 lence. For so it generally happens, that those things 
 which are productive of pleasure to the mind, are ini- 
 mical to the welfare of the body ; and on the other 
 hand, those which are productive of pleasure to the 
 body, are inimical to the welfare of the mind. In my 
 opinion, it amounts almost to a contradiction, that a 
 man should be at the same time learned and rich. And 
 hence it is, that we so seldom see persons, whom rank 
 and fortune have rendered illustrious, in the common 
 
ON STUDY. 29 
 
 acceptation of the terra, effect anything worthy of 
 being handed down to posterity. 
 
 There is another evil attending this inordinate de- 
 sire of gain, which, though it operates indirectly upon 
 the mind of the youthful student, often operates but 
 too surely, viz., an expectation on the part of his pa- 
 rents or friends that he should acquire riches. Indeed, 
 so far does this principle, or rather want of it, some- 
 times lead parents, that they would rather choose that 
 their children should be guilty of perjury or murder, 
 than not know how to hoard money, however dis- 
 graceful their methods of acquiring it. 
 
30 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The student must be desirous of praise. 
 
 It is a great and certain sign of future excellence 
 when any one is urged onward in the pursuit of know- 
 ledge, by the praise given to some noble achievement 
 which he may have performed in science or literature. 
 Nor is it a less favorable sign, to be grieved, and in- 
 cited to loftier aims, upon finding ourselves reproved 
 or surpassed by another. For, as Ovid observes, 
 glory inspires the soul with new vigor, and renders 
 the imagination more productive, and its ideas more 
 brilliant. He, therefore, who aspires to lofty things 
 must be passionately fond of glory. And indeed, the 
 most profound erudition, without a love of applause, 
 will be able to effect but little ; and in like manner 
 the love of applause without erudition, will be found 
 even worse than useless. The one must act in concert 
 with the other, and they will thus together be found 
 sufficient for the performance of those things, which 
 separately, they would not be able to accomplish.* 
 
 * ^' You are now in the dust of the course, and having en- 
 tered itj your duty is to run your hardest, not to outstrip this man 
 or that man, but to ^calmly do your best,' in the task which Pro- 
 vidence has set before you. A man called to be a soldier, may 
 fight in a Christian temper : much more may one so read for 
 honors."— Rev. T. Whytehead, M. A.— [Am, Ed.] 
 
ON STUDY. 31 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 By what means knowledge is to be attained. 
 
 Thus have the first qualities, indispensably requisite 
 in a youth devoted to study been mentioned. He must 
 aim at the highest points ; he must love labor ; he 
 must never despair ; he must despise riches ; he must 
 be passionately fond of applause. It now remains, 
 that we prescribe the methods most likely to effect his 
 purpose, and smooth the path to excellence. There 
 are then, three gradations in the mode of study ; hear- 
 ing, teaching, and writing. It is a good and easy me- 
 thod to hear; it is better and more easy to teach; but 
 it is the best and most easy to write. The first of these 
 methods I do nothesitate to pronounce the most difficult. 
 For to me there is nothing more disagreeable than to sit 
 and hear a dull lecture, though it last but for an hour ; 
 and the cause of this weariness is, that it is tedious to 
 confine the liberty of thought to the voice of the read- 
 er; but when we teach or write, the very exercise it- 
 self precludes all tedium. 
 
 Young men have often been frightened by the dif- 
 ficult and uninteresting labors thus imposed upon them 
 to no purpose ; naturally enough concluding, that if 
 the commencement of their literary career be so harsh 
 and unpleasing, their progress will be infinitely more 
 rugged and intolerable ; so rather than enter the lists 
 with such formidable opponents, they give up their 
 
32 ON STUDY. 
 
 studies altogether. It is therefore the duty of tutors 
 to admonish their pupils that difficulties only occur at 
 their outset in learning ; and that when they have once 
 overcome these, the remainder of their path will be 
 found smooth and delightful. But before we proceed 
 farther on this subject, we will venture an opinion 
 concerning solitary study. 
 
ON STUDY. 33 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 On solitary study. 
 
 Solitary study in which almost all students waste 
 aw^ay their time at home, is of all other methods the 
 least pleasing, and at the same time the least profitable. 
 It is certain to produce great weariness both of mind 
 and body, and it is also certain to blunt rather than to 
 sharpen the powers of the imagination, so that little 
 fruit is to be expected from it : besides how much more 
 delightful is it to study an author in company with an- 
 other than by ourselves. It is truly astonishing how 
 much clearer and more forcible our ideas upon any 
 subject are, in the presence and with the assistance of 
 a second person ; so much so indeed that if you read 
 in company with any one who is competent to give his 
 opinion upon the subject under consideration, all dif- 
 ficulties at once unravel themselves, and you are 
 plainly enabled to perceive, what, had you been alone, 
 you might have puzzled over in a state of drowsy stu- 
 pidity, till you had either imagined the stumbling-block 
 too great for you to pass over, or thrown down your 
 book in a fit of desperation and disgust. 
 
 Let me therefore recommend the young student, to 
 select a companion whose habits and inclinations are in 
 a great degree consonant to his own ; taking care not to 
 choose him merely for his companionable qualities, as 
 
34 ON STUDY. 
 
 they are commonly called, but for his love of learning, 
 and sterling worth. With the aid of such a one, he may 
 fearlessly encounter even the most appalling difficulties, 
 and that under such advantages as cannot fail to excite 
 additional energy both in himself and his fellow-labor- 
 er, and ultimately lead both to victory and honor. 
 
ON STUDY. 
 
 35 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Hearing lectures of little use, without private study. 
 
 There are some men who maintairij that a daily 
 attendance upon a public lecture, for a couple of hours, 
 is sufficient for the ordinary purposes of a student, 
 provided he take care to rehearse and digest at home 
 what he has previously heard in the lecture room. 
 But surely they who talk thus are miserably deficient 
 in learning, if not in intellect. For setting aside the 
 carelessness too frequently observed in students, when 
 attending the lectures of a professor; what memory can 
 retain the whole of the discourse delivered by him, in 
 so perfect a manner, as to enable a young man, (should 
 he be so inclined), to treasure it up in his mind, so 
 as to preclude the possibility of its being forgotten. An 
 .. opinion like this, even allowing it to be true, is highly 
 • pernicious and utterly subversive of every excitement 
 'f tx^ distinction. For young men (at all times too prone 
 '" ^te(. inaction and dissipation), would spend the remain- 
 "p'a'yij.er of the day in luxury, sleep, idle lounging, or the 
 ^Hehearsal of empty and fabulous stories, to the exclu- 
 sion of that serious meditation which ought to cha- 
 racterize a candidate for literary honors. Suppose 
 some one had advised Alexander the Great, when he 
 had first conquered a city, to lay aside all thoughts of 
 future conquest; and, having adorned the recently 
 subdued place with every kind of magnificence, to fix 
 
36 ON STUDY. 
 
 his residence there, and spend the remainder of his 
 days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his victory. 
 Would not the monarch, as well as posterity, have 
 considered the person so advising him, beyond all 
 doubt, a madman ? And why should they be consi- 
 dered less mad, who persuade the youthful literary 
 adventurer to be satisfied with an insignificant acqui- 
 sition, and to waste the greater part of his life in false 
 and pernicious pleasures. Let the student be assured, 
 that conduct like this will never raise him to emi- 
 nence : this is not the way by which learned men have 
 arrived at know^ledge. Had Alexander been contented 
 with the conquest of a paltry town, he had never sub- 
 dued the world ; and if we are satisfied with attain- 
 ments, perhaps scarcely w^orth the trouble of acquiring, 
 we must give up all thoughts of becoming either 
 learned or wise. But Alexander was aware that he 
 had a world within his grasp ; nor did he rest satisfied 
 till he had rendered himself master of it. We too 
 have a world to win still more extensive than the one 
 subdued ; and a cause to contend for still more honor- 
 able than that of an usurper. Let us then with all our 
 might, lay siege to every stronghold in nature ; nor 
 desist from the attack sooner than we have rendered 
 ourselves victors. 
 
 O thou careless and unthinking youth, would that I 
 could rouse thee from thy lethargy of indolence and 
 forgetfulness ; and inflame thee with a desire of glory! 
 How long wilt thou adopt the pernicious maxim, that 
 by spending an hour in study, thou raayst be per- 
 mitted to pass the remainder of the day in luxury and 
 indolence. Spurn at once advice so destructive of thy 
 
ON STUDY. 37 
 
 welfare, and adopt in its stead this precept — That, 
 whatever by diligence and hard study, thou may'st 
 have acquired, that freely impart to others ; and so 
 shalt thou establish thyself upon a sure foundation, and 
 become a blessing to those around thee. 
 
38 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 We must not suffer an unbecoming timidity to hinder us in the 
 pursuit of knowledge. 
 
 There are some men so exceedingly bashful, that 
 if they meet with anything more than ordinarily diffi- 
 cult in their studies, they are afraid to ask their tutor 
 to explain it ; and by this false modesty are often kept 
 from knowledge of which it is indispensable that they 
 should form the clearest ideas. They say to them- 
 selves, — ^* with what countenance shall we venture to 
 ask a professor for an explanation of that, which, to 
 him, is doubtless perfectly easy and familiar ?" Thus, 
 by suffering a false sense of modesty to get the better 
 of their resolution, they waste not only hours, or days, 
 or weeks, but the most valuable part of their whole 
 lives, and with it every hope which should animate 
 their future conduct. Their own reason would inform 
 them, did they but give themselves the trouble to in- 
 quire of it, that it is inconsistent with sound sense to 
 suppose a student possessed of that knowledge in- 
 tuitively, which he comes to the university for the 
 express purpose of gaining ; and consequently, that it 
 is no disgrace, but the mark of an inquiring mind, 
 to ask of another what they themselves are not able 
 to comprehend without explanation. 
 
 Let me therefore exhort young men, not to waste a 
 moment over any difficulty which may impede their 
 
ON STUDY. 39 
 
 progress ; but let them rather freely apply for the as- 
 sistance of their tutor, which, if he be a liberal and 
 enlightened man will be as freely given. I do not 
 however mean that they should continually embarrass 
 him with frivolous and unmeaning questions, for it is 
 a great hindrance to men of learning to be thus inter- 
 rupted ; but that they should in as few words as pos- 
 sible request his assistance where there is an absolute 
 necessity for it. If he happen not to be at liberty just 
 at the moment, state your difficulty to any other person 
 capable of giving you the requisite information ; for it 
 matters not by whose treasures we increase our own 
 resources. Think not then, that it can possibly lessen 
 you in the estimation of others, that you stand in need 
 of their assistance. Rather bear in mind, that unless 
 you indefatigably seize and improve every opportunity 
 afforded you of increasing your knowledge, you must 
 never expect to reap any fruit from your exertions. 
 
40 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 We must accustom ourselves to writing much, and not suffer 
 ourselves to be led away by the desire of a vain and transi- 
 tory popularity. 
 
 One of the most valuable helps which the young 
 student can possibly have to aid him in the pursuit of 
 knowledge is, diligently and faithfully to commit to 
 paper the transactions of every day, during his literary 
 career. And indeed he will never think the time so 
 occupied wasted, should he continue the practice 
 throughout the whole of his life. Let him not only 
 be careful to note down the more striking events 
 which may fall under his observation ; but let him also 
 record even the more trivial occurrences of the day. 
 Let him not only mark the nature and progress of his 
 studies, but also his ideas, his conversations with 
 others, his anxieties, the state of his mind, the state 
 of his bodily health, his expenses ; in short, whatever 
 he may see, whatever he may hear, whatever he may 
 have acquired, whatever he may stand in need of, 
 ought to be written down, and constantly referred to. 
 He will speedily find that this practice will lead him 
 to a more correct knowledge both of himself and 
 others, than any other which he could adopt. Even 
 when he shall have arrived at a considerable profi- 
 ciency in learning, let him think, that he has only ac- 
 quired so much additional knowledge during the day, 
 
ON STUDY. 41 
 
 as he has committed to writing at its close. This me- 
 thod has also another advantage, independent of the 
 facility with which it will enable him to gain know- 
 ledge ; it will give him a solid and manly habit of 
 thinking and reasoning ; for he will be ashamed to find 
 any article in his diary of a puerile nature, or any ar- 
 guments which may appear inconclusive or illogical.* 
 There are some men who value themselves so much 
 ' upon their talent of speaking extempore, that they dis- 
 dain to commit their ideas to writing for the purpose 
 of previous study. But examples of this kind are 
 rather to be avoided than imitated. For let the sub- 
 stance of an unpremeditated, long-winded speech of 
 two or three hours duration be reduced to writing, and 
 then be subjected to the test of criticism ; whatever 
 may have been the applause bestowed upon the speaker 
 by an illiterate audience, the man of learning will be 
 induced to smile at his ignorance and want of method. 
 Should the young student be gifted by nature with a 
 ready flow of language, let him not think for a mo- 
 ment of risking his literary reputation upon this un- 
 stable foundation. For it is generally the case, that 
 men who can at any time secure the applause of an 
 inconsiderate mob, by the fluency of their speech and 
 
 * " Seek opportunities to write and converse on subjects about 
 which you read. ' Reading/ says Bacon, ^ maketh a full man, 
 conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.' Another 
 benefit of conversation is touched upon by Feltham; 'Men 
 commonly write more formally than they practice. From con- 
 versing only with books, they fall into affectation and pedantry,' 
 and he might have added into many mistakes.'' — Hand Book 
 for Readers and Students, by A. Potter, D.D.,p. 19.^[Am. Ed,] 
 
 4* 
 
42 ON STUDY. 
 
 the harmony of their periods, never venture to display 
 their ideas upon paper ; or if they do, it is with the 
 certainty of bringing upon themselves a torrent of ridi- 
 cule and contempt. Nor, indeed, is it reasonable to 
 expect from them anything but mere empty sounds, 
 for they are so taken up with the admiration of the 
 delightful melody of their own voices, that they have 
 no time to consider whether they are giving vent to 
 sense or nonsense. Let the tyro bear in mind that the * 
 splendid orations of Demosthenes and Cicero were 
 the results of previous meditation and severe study ; 
 and we have no reason to expect that they should be 
 surpassed in the present day by the unpremeditated 
 effusion of illiterate quacks. I am not here going to 
 insinuate that it is not a valuable attainment to be able 
 to express ourselves happily and becomingly. On the 
 contrary, I should be the first to pay the warmest tri- 
 bute of admiration to eloquence, when united with 
 learning and sound judgment. My object is to guard 
 the student against the example of those men who are 
 so ardently devoted to the gratification of their darling 
 passion, that they greedily seize upon every opportu- 
 nity of holding forth even in the streets and highways, 
 upon subjects of great importance and no importance, 
 in season and out of season ; despising the acquisition 
 of the sciences and the belles lettres, for no other rea- 
 son than that the shallowness of their capacities cannot 
 either comprehend or retain them. I do not recollect a 
 single instance, of a man rising to eminence as an au- 
 thor, who was ambitious of becoming a florid and poeti- 
 cal speaker, without regard to that solidity and depth 
 of judgment which always characterize the true orator. 
 
ON STUDY. 43 
 
 Indeed no one can ever become eloquent, without first 
 becoming learned. Let us then despise this puerile 
 fame, and fix our minds upon attaining those things 
 which will render our names imperishable. To this 
 end let us bear in mind that — Ovx ail ^e^oj laztal, Ttoisads 
 xaudi, — " We must build our nests while it is yet sum- 
 mer." For if we neglect so to do, the winter of life 
 will come upon us unexpectedly, and we shall be left 
 houseless and exposed to the storms of ridicule, which 
 will be showered upon us with unrelenting and unmiti- 
 gated fury, by those very men who applauded our 
 youthful vanities, and pampered us with deceitful ex- 
 pectations of future importance. 
 
44 ON STUDY, 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 By what signs they, who are likely to rise to literary emi- 
 nence, may be distinguished. 
 
 There are in ail men certain indications, as well of 
 conduct as of ability, by which we may be enabled to 
 form a pretty correct judgment as to the proficiency 
 they are likely to make in the acquisition of learning. 
 For the better understanding of which prognostics, I 
 shall divide those in whom they are most conspicuous, 
 into three different gradations. The lowest class con- 
 sists of those, who are attached to their studies, yet set 
 aside a considerable portion of their time in which to 
 enjoy the pleasures of the table, the ball-room, the 
 theatre, or any other gratification or amusement which 
 chance may throw in their way. Men of this class I 
 would denominate lovers of learning and lovers of 
 pleasure. The next class consists of those who are 
 so devoted to literature, that it is with diflficulty they 
 can be prevailed on to quit their darling studies, even 
 for the purpose of satisfying the cravings of nature ; 
 much less can they be induced to relinquish their lite- 
 rary pursuits, be it for ever so short a time, for the sake 
 of the gratification of empty amusements, or vain and 
 unprofitable conversations. Men of this class, I would 
 describe as ardent lovers of literature, and contemners 
 of whatever may have a tendency to lessen their ardor. 
 The remaining class consists of men who, despising 
 
ON STUDY. 
 
 45 
 
 the length and ruggedness of the way, and the horror 
 of the darkness amidst which they are groping onward, 
 rise with the sun to prosecute their journey with re- 
 newed vigor, nor rest from their labors till nature and 
 the midnight bell have warned them, that the body 
 as well as the mind requires a temporary cessation 
 from exertion. These men I would call downright 
 enthusiasts. 
 
 Having thus described the gradations before alluded 
 to, I will proceed to examine the probability which 
 each class has of arriving at distinction. 
 
 The first-mentioned class comprises by far the greater 
 portion of the literary world. And they who compose 
 it may generally be distinguished by the ardor with 
 which they enter into any pursuit, whether of study or 
 amusement ; either of which is to them a matter of 
 perfect indifference ; for they are equally fond of both, 
 and pursue both with a considerable degree of vigor 
 and vigilance. The greatest bar to the progress of 
 these men is, the loss of that time which, by setting 
 it apart for pleasure, they voluntarily and deliberately 
 waste ; and this alone is sufficient to prevent them 
 from gaining anything above mediocrity. If they 
 spend half their time in inconsiderate gratifications 
 and amusements they must be content with half the 
 learning they would otherwise have gained. For it is 
 unreasonable to expect that any one should attain to a 
 greater degree of knowledge than is proportionate to 
 the time spent in its acquisition. 
 
 We will now proceed to the consideration of the 
 next class. This, as has been before observed, con- 
 sists of men who are ardently devoted to learning. 
 
46 ON STUDY. 
 
 They enter upon their journey with diligence, and a 
 determination to surmount all difficulties, which they 
 may have to encounter. They look neither to the right 
 hand nor to the left, but keep their eyes steadily fixed 
 upon the goal to which they are hastening : at which, 
 as a matter of course, they are sure to arrive, in spite 
 of every obstruction. 
 
 They who form the third class, are for the most part 
 men on whom nature has bestowed a fine genius ; and 
 who cannot on that account brook the tortoise pace of 
 the class before mentioned, whose object is rather to 
 make sure their steps, than to proceed too rapidly. It 
 is seldom that these men effect much, because the mo- 
 tive by which they are stimulated to exertion is gene- 
 rally a bad one, viz., to arrive at that degree of emi- 
 nence in a short time, which others esteem easily 
 acquired at the expense of years of labor and anxiety. 
 They wish to seize on all the treasures of learning 
 without delay, and as they generally find themselves 
 disappointed, it is often the case, that from the exer- 
 cise of intense labor and sleepless anxiety, they sink 
 down into a state of apathy and indolence, from which 
 they seldom attempt to rouse themselves ; and thus 
 they embrace only the shadow of learning, without 
 ever being able to grasp the substance. 
 
 There is yet another class of persons in the literary 
 world, viz., that of the habitually indolent and unthink- 
 ing, who imagine that they have made a sufficient at- 
 tainment in learning, if they pin their faith upon the 
 sleeve of some wretched dogmatist — a degree removed 
 from themselves. But as men of this class are too 
 contemptible to occupy our attention more than for a 
 
ON STUDY. 47 
 
 moment, we shall pass over them as beneath our no- 
 tice. 
 
 I now recommend to the young student to enrol 
 himself in the second of the above-mentioned classes, 
 as being the one most likely to raise him to eminence. 
 For whilst the first contents itself with such exertion 
 only as is calculated to raise its members to a kind of 
 mediocrity ; and whilst the third, by the exercise of an 
 injudicious zeal, defeats its own intentions ; the second 
 will be found to maintain a rational medium between 
 both ; uniting in itself the vigor of the first, without 
 its unjustifiable waste of time, and the zeal of the 
 third without its enthusiastic indiscretion. 
 
48 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Youth is the time for exertion. 
 
 Nothing is more favorable to our entrance upon 
 the field of literature, than youth. With a mind eager 
 in the pursuit of knowledge, thoroughly imbued with 
 a love of learning, and determined at all events to 
 acquire it ; what is there to obstruct the tyro in the 
 accomplishment of his most honorable enterprise ? O 
 happy youth, how often do I envy the pliability of thy 
 limbs, the ruddy glow of health which blooms upon 
 thy cheeks, thy progress along the path of life, the 
 greater part of which is by thee, as yet, unexplored 
 and untrodden ; but, above all, the hope which the 
 promise of a long life holds out to thee, of ranking 
 thyself amongst the illustrious of the earth ! — Or per- 
 haps, I should rather have exclaimed, unhappy man, 
 who hast foolishly wasted the best of thy years in folly 
 and imprudence! — Would that it could be given to me, 
 I will not say to exchange places with thee, but to return 
 to my former state of youth and activity ! With what de- 
 light should I again occupy my seat in the school, and 
 listen to the precepts of my instructor ! Never more 
 would I waste the precious moments in play or indo- 
 lence ! No ! I would rather endeavor to distinguish 
 myself above others by increasing diligence and unwea- 
 ried application. But in vain I thus complain that my 
 years are rapidly drawing to a close — in vain I prefer 
 
ON STUDY. 49 
 
 such prayers — in vain my tears flow — the time is gone, 
 never, ah, never to return. What little space yet re- 
 mains between me and the tomb, I will regard, not as 
 so many years, but as so many victories gained over 
 the ruthless combatant. Time. May such be the con- 
 duet of all those, the more valuable part of whose life 
 has passed away without fruit. But ye youths, who 
 are just entered upon the great stage of human exist- 
 ence — if ye possess minds — if ye would wish to dis- 
 tinguish yourselves — if ye would desire to enjoy the 
 delicious fruits of labor, learn to place a just value 
 upon time. that the flower of my age might again 
 return! What hopes would stimulate me to exertion! 
 What ardor would glow within my breast ! But, alas, 
 even whilst I have been indulging in vain wishes, the 
 time has passed away ! Let me then exhort you, as 
 ye hope not to live without honor, nor to die without 
 remembrance, cheerfully to submit to labor — seek it — 
 let the soul pant after it* — rush fearlessly upon it. 
 Fortitude and perseverance will conquer all things. 
 
 * '^ Studium et ardorem quendam amoris, sine quo in vita 
 quidquam egregium nemo unquam assequetur." — Cic. deOrat., 
 XXX. — [Am. Ed.] 
 
50 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 We must not suffer a moment to escape us without profit. 
 
 The proper cultivation of time is of such vast 
 importance, that without it, it is impossible for any one, 
 however great his talents, to acquire the reputation of 
 being either learned or wise. The mind of man is a 
 garden which Providence has bestowed upon him to 
 cultivate, and if he be not diligent to mark the times 
 and seasons proper for planting and bringing to per- 
 fection the various fruits and flowers peculiar to its 
 soil, he will find that weeds will spring up of their 
 own accord, and not only retard the growth of the 
 more valuable plants, but eventually destroy the plants 
 themselves. So that, instead of delighting the eye of 
 him who looks upon it, by its beauty and fertility, it 
 will present nothing but the harsh aspect of a barren 
 wilderness. Time is continually on the wing, and 
 when once past can never be recovered. Let me then 
 exhort the student upon no account to suffer a mo- 
 ment to pass him without improvement. The life of 
 man is made up of moments, and the fruit thus mo- 
 mentarily gathered, will, in the lapse of years, amount 
 to a noble and imperishable possession. 
 
 I would even recommend the improvement of the 
 hours usually devoted to sleep. I need not inform 
 him who is alive to the fascinations of study, that there 
 are hours when the activity of the mind renders slum- 
 
ON STUDY. 51 
 
 ber impossible. Lit not these be wasted, but let the 
 student have at hand tablets on which he may note 
 down whatever ideas and observations may enter his 
 mind, and let him re-transcribe them by daylight. The 
 greater part of this treatise was actually thus written ; 
 and by this means a considerable portion of our time 
 which is usually lost, might be rendered not only emi- 
 nently productive, but highly interesting. 
 
 Should any one court your society, who is more 
 desirous to embrace the follies and vanities of youth 
 than to excel in literary pursuits, avoid his company 
 and fly immediately to your studies ; for it is better that 
 such an one stigmatize you with a want of politeness, 
 than that you should waste your time. Regard not 
 what indolent or unthinking men may say of you ; but 
 always keep in view the opinion of posterity. How 
 many useful volumes might we not write during those 
 hours which are too often devoted to idle and unpro- 
 fitable conversation ! If we were to keep an account 
 of the time so wasted but for a year, we should find it 
 to amount to a very considerable portion of the whole. 
 There is no portion of time so brief that we might not 
 make some advancement towards excellence. The 
 space of life remaining even to young men is but 
 short, perhaps ten, twenty, or thirty years at most; and 
 yet, they almost invariably live as though they were 
 certain of surviving a thousand. 
 
52 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 We must look to our own studies, and not concern ourselves 
 too much about the progress of others. 
 
 There are some men who are almost continually 
 employed in watching the progress of others along 
 the path of literature, without manifesting any solici- 
 tude about their own. Contented with scrutinizing 
 the conduct of their companions, they regard their 
 own advancement as a matter of secondary importance. 
 The folly of such conduct will be best illustrated by 
 an example. Suppose a number of men were to set 
 out with the intention of gaining the summit of a lofty 
 mountain, and one of that number, after having pro- 
 ceeded a few paces, were to make a stand, and amuse 
 himself with observing how the others surmounted the 
 precipices which obstructed their progress ; the conse- 
 quence would evidently be, that after having seen his 
 companions, one by one, arrive at the place of their 
 destination, he himself would be left nearly at the bot- 
 tom ; and there in all probability he would remain ; 
 for the circumstance of his having to perform his jour- 
 ney alone, after having seen his fellow-travellers attain 
 their object, would be sufficient to deter him from en- 
 countering the dangers and difficulties of the ascent. 
 And so it is with regard to our progress in literature. 
 If we content ourselves with merely watching the 
 exertions of others, whilst ascending the rugged hill 
 
ON STUDY. 63 
 
 of science, without endeavoring to keep pace with 
 them, we shall find ourselves scrambling amongst the 
 thorns and briars at the bottom, or at best gathering a 
 few worthless and insignificant flowers, whilst we shall 
 have the additional mortification of beholding them in 
 the full enjoyment of those honors which are the re- 
 ward of industry and perseverance ; and which, had 
 it not been for our own supineness and indifference, we 
 might have shared in common with themselves. If, 
 therefore, we wish to avoid the mortification and dis- 
 grace of being left behind in our career, by others 
 with perhaps less capacity for exertion, but more per- 
 severance, we must take heed to our own steps, and 
 use every endeavorto keep pace with, and, if possible, 
 to surpass our fellows ; so that we may arrive first at 
 the temple of learning, which is ever open to receive 
 us ; for by so doing we shall secure ourselves a higher 
 distinction, and become entitled to a greater reward. 
 Notwithstanding, we must take care that our con- 
 cern for our own honor, do not degenerate into self- 
 ishness, than which nothing is more despicable. It 
 is the mark of a truly benevolent mind, to be anxious 
 for the welfare of another, but this anxiety for the w^el- 
 fare of others, should be in common with the anxiety 
 for our own welfare ; for should we be anxious to pro- 
 mote another's interest to the neglect of our own, it is 
 no longer benevolence, but imprudence. Let us then, 
 whilst we ourselves are strenuously endeavoring to ar- 
 rive at distinction, be ever ready to assist our weaker 
 brethren, and so we shall not only reap the rewards 
 of industry and perseverance, but those also of phi- 
 lanthropy and benevolence. 
 
"54 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 We must not waste too much time in sleep. 
 
 It is too often the case, and more especially with 
 young men, that they consume a great deal more time 
 in sleep than is necessary for the refreshment of nature. 
 This is studiously to be avoided ; for the hours which 
 are thus wasted, are by far the most valuable portion 
 of the whole day, I mean those of the morning. Six 
 or seven hours at most are at all times sufficient for 
 the refreshment of a person in health ; and what more 
 is consumed, may be considered an unjustifiable waste 
 of time. But this is not the only disadvantage. Too 
 much sleep, more than too little, renders both the cor- 
 poreal and mental faculties drowsy and languid during 
 the whole of the day, and if persisted in, gives an 
 habitual heaviness to him who thus indulges himself. 
 This will be sufficiently exemplified if we contemplate 
 but for a moment the countenance of the hard student 
 and that of the sluggard. We certainly shall not find in 
 the former that ruddiness of complexion, and rotundity 
 of feature, which characterize the latter; but there 
 will be a certain fire and expression in his look, which 
 may be admirably contrasted with the vacant, half-ani- 
 mated gaze of the drone; nor will his mind be less 
 vivid than his eye, inasmuch as the one is the index 
 to the other. But to this animation both of mind and 
 countenance, the habitual sluggard must ever remain 
 
ON STUDY. 5B 
 
 a stranger. If he possess any abilities, he is in dan- 
 ger of losing them — If he have any ideas, they are as 
 confused, and consequently as useless and unmeaning 
 as his dreams — He may be said to sleep away one half 
 of his life, that he may be rendered unable to enjoy 
 the other — In short he most resembles his kinsman 
 the dormouse — a creature entirely useless to society, 
 and born only to sleep and to devour the goods of the 
 more industrious part of the community. 
 
 Such is the sluggard: and here let me ask the stu- 
 dent whether he is willing to be classed with such a 
 character? If so, let him sleep on and take his ease; 
 his disease is beyond the reach of our remedies ; but 
 if not, let him avoid the society of such men, lest he 
 be accounted one of ^their number. Rather than give 
 to nature an hour more than is necessary, let him de- 
 prive her of one. In a word, let him endeavor to 
 live, rather than drag out his existence in a state of 
 torpor, for in no other way can he hope to find any real 
 enjoyment within his own breast, or render himself 
 useful to society. 
 
 To those who are accustomed to spend more time 
 in slumber than the nature of their studies, and these 
 our admonitions will admit of, an alarum clock, which 
 might be set to any hour they chose, would be found 
 highly serviceable. I myself, when I have been upon 
 a journey, or sojourning in any place where a machine 
 of this kind could not be obtained, have actually slept 
 upon two flat pieces of wood laid transversely upon 
 my bed, lest I should slumber too long. Nor have I 
 felt any inconvenience from this, for I have uniformly 
 found by experience, that, when weary, I have slept 
 
56 ON STUDY. 
 
 soundly, notwithstanding the hardness of my couch, 
 and when sufficiently refreshed, the hardness of my 
 couch has compelled me to quit it. But this to most 
 men would be a harsh experiment, and one which 
 perhaps few, how^ever attached they may be to literary 
 pursuits, would care to try. I therefore recommend 
 the alarum in preference ; or, what is infinitely better 
 than either, a firm resolution not to continue to slum- 
 ber after a certain hour of the morning. 
 
ON STUDY. 57 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 What time is best adapted to study. 
 
 There are some, who set apart a certain portion of 
 each day, in which to enjoy the conversation of their 
 friends, to walk out, or to relieve the mind with social 
 and recreative amusements ; and in these particulars, 
 let every one act according to his own custom and incli- 
 nation. Recreation is as necessary to the mind as food 
 is to the body. But let the student take care not to let it 
 encroach upon the hours set apart for study. I would 
 recommend, that the whole of the morning should be 
 devoted to learning, as being by far the most valuable 
 part of the day, since the mind, refreshed and invigor- 
 ated by the slumber of the preceding night, then acts 
 with redoubled vigor. Should the tedium of reading 
 for a whole morning be too great, let it be varied by 
 writing, or by imparting knowledge to others, and in- 
 deed, this is not the least valuable method of study; 
 for whilst we are engaged in instructing others, we 
 are at the same time fixing those instructions indeli- 
 bly upon our own minds. 
 
 It is an excellent method to divide our time into dis- 
 tinct portions, each of which is to be allotted to some 
 peculiar branch of learning. This division must of 
 course be regulated by existing circumstances, and 
 even then would frequently be liable to derangement, by 
 attending lectures, examinations, &c., but let the stu- 
 
58 ON STUDY. 
 
 dent be careful to allow no trivial occurrences to alter 
 or derange his plans. By pursuing this methodical 
 course he will not only find his daily progress in lite- 
 rature much more rapid than it otherwise would have 
 been, but he will also reap the benefit of it in after 
 life, for it will give him a systematic way of thinking 
 and acting, which will vastly contribute to the matu- 
 rity and solidity of his judgment ; and from which, 
 when he has once perceived its advantages, nothing 
 will ever be able to divert hira. 
 
ON STUDY. 
 
 59 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 On bodily exercise. 
 
 AsEDENTARY life, if unaccompanied by judicious and 
 moderate exercise, enfeebles the energies of the body, 
 and too often lays the foundation of diseases which 
 subject the student to pain and inconvenience to the 
 latest period of his existence. On this account he 
 should be careful not to let a day pass without having 
 taken exercise sufficient for the preservation of his 
 bodily health. Indeed, he ought to make a rule of 
 devoting an hour at least daily to this purpose. Nor 
 is there any necessity that the time thus devoted should 
 be wasted, for the mind may be as actively and use- 
 fully engaged during this period, as when occupied in 
 severe study. Thus, for instance, in the exercise of 
 walking, (than which there is no exertion better adapt- 
 ed to the exigencies of the human frame,) if he have 
 a mind capable of appreciating and enjoying the beau- 
 ties of rural scenery and productions, what a noble 
 field does every step he takes present to his view, and 
 what an admirable opportunity is everywhere affi^rded 
 him for the expansion of his mental powers ! Is he a 
 Christian ? — How can he form more splendid ideas of 
 the omnipotence of his Creator than by contemplating 
 the work of his hands ; or of his benevolence and 
 wisdom, than by observing how admirably every part 
 of nature is adapted to the specific purpose for which 
 
60 ON STUDY. 
 
 it was created ? Is he a philosopher ? — He will ac- 
 quire more correct philosophical notions, by reading 
 the volume of Nature, with the commentaries of reve- 
 lation and science, than by poring over the absurd and 
 atheistical theories of the Epicurean system as dis- 
 played by Lucretius and others. Is he a poet? — He 
 will here behold those beauties in their simple, un- 
 adorned loveliness; of which Theocritus, Moschus, 
 Virgil, with all the other pastoral writers of ancient 
 and modern times, have at best given a faint outline. 
 Does he wish to become an orator? — The silent elo- 
 quence of nature will inspire him with ideas and sen- 
 timents equally grand and striking with any he may 
 meet w^ith in the impassioned pages of Demosthenes, 
 or the more refined periods of Cicero. So that whilst 
 the exercise of walking \£ eminently conducive to the 
 preservation of health, it may at the same time be ren- 
 dered subservient to the noblest purposes for which 
 the mind of man was brought into action. Indeed 
 there is no necessity that any time devoted to the 
 exercise of the body should be lost, for the corporeal 
 and mental powers of man are so independent of each 
 other, that whilst the body is occupied in using the 
 means necessary for the preservation of its health, the 
 mind may be as actively employed in using the means 
 necessary for its improvement, and that without injury 
 to either. 
 
 But there are many things perpetually occurring, 
 which render the exercise of walking impossible ; or 
 at least, incompatible with prudence. Such as the 
 inclemency of the season, or the unfavorableness of 
 the weather. In either of these cases I would recom- 
 
ON STUDY. 61 
 
 mend the use of such gymnastic exercises as are best 
 calculated to bring the limbs and muscles of the body 
 into action. 
 
 Gymnastic exercises, besides their use in develop- 
 ing the forms of the body and strengthening the con- 
 stitution, have also a direct tendency to strengthen 
 and invigorate the mind. In support of this, we have 
 only to refer to the histories of ancient Greece and 
 Rome ; and we shall find that their most successful 
 generals, their warmest patriots, their best philoso- 
 phers, their most eminent senators and orators, were 
 in their youth accustomed to pass much of their time 
 in the exercises of the Palaestra and of the Campus 
 Martins, whereby they acquired that physical and men- 
 tal strength, which, when brought into operation, de- 
 cided the fate of kingdoms, and gave to their posses- 
 sors such a pre-eminence, both in peace and war, 
 over their more effeminate neighbors, as ultimately 
 ended in universal dominion. 
 
 If, then, manly and robust exercises have a direct 
 tendency to invigorate the faculties both of the body 
 and of the mind, surely literary men, from their pe- 
 culiar habits, stand more in need of the use of them, 
 than any other class of individuals whatsoever; inas- 
 much as their whole dependence is placed upon the 
 strength of their mental powers. For vigor of intel- 
 lect cannot exist in a state of perfection without 
 health; and health cannot be maintained without 
 bodily exertion. Every man, therefore, who aspires 
 to distinction on the ground of the superiority of his 
 intellect, is not consulting his own interest, unless he 
 use every endeavor to improve and preserve it. 
 6 
 
62 ON STUDY. 
 
 It of course does not come within the scope of this 
 treatise, to prescribe the exercises best adapted to the 
 preservation of health ; that being left to the choice 
 and inclination of the individual using them, or the 
 direction of others to whose profession it more parti- 
 cularly belongs. Enough, however, has been said, to 
 show their utility and necessity ; there can, therefore, 
 be no farther hesitation in adopting them ; sufficient 
 care being always taken, that the body be not injured 
 by the empty vanity of performing feats of strength or 
 agility.* 
 
 * It is proper to state that this (xvii) chapter is the production 
 of Mr, Earp, the English translator, who considered Ringelber- 
 gius' remarks unsuited to '-the manners and habits of the youth 
 of our own times and nation." [Am. Ed.] 
 
ON STUDY. 
 
 63 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 On slothfulness. 
 
 Of all unhappy beings, the man who lives under 
 the influence of sloth is most to be pitied. His time, 
 his fortune, his interests, his honor, his existence, 
 are all swallowed up in the vortex of this detestable 
 vice. He is rendered incapable of assisting himself 
 or others. The world is to him a mere blank. He 
 is equally deaf to the affections of nature, and the 
 wants of them who are so unfortunate as to be depend- 
 ent upon him. The industrious man, if he meet with 
 anything more difficult than ordinary, or be involved 
 in unforeseen misfortunes, immediately applies himself 
 with redoubled energy to conquer the one, or extricate 
 himself from the other. But the slothful man, should 
 anything in the least discouraging oppose his pro- 
 gress; or should he be surrounded by difficulties, 
 which are the natural consequence of his conduct, 
 sits down in despair: and although the methods by 
 which he may avoid or subdue them be at hand, his 
 habitual indolence effectually precludes all inclination 
 on his part to adopt them ; and he continues in a state 
 of hopeless despondency, till an obscure death event- 
 tually puts a period to a miserable life; when he 
 descends into the grave unhonored and unregretted, 
 if not amidst the execrations of his family, whom he 
 
64 
 
 ON STUDY. 
 
 has wilfully made the partakers of his poverty and 
 obscurity. 
 
 Slothfulness is a vice, to which, of all others, it is 
 the most surprising that rational beings should addict 
 themselves; for it confers no pleasure, neither is it 
 productive of benefit, which are the main springs of 
 human action. On the contrary it invariably super- 
 induces a listless vacuity of mind, amounting to per- 
 petual uneasiness; and almost as invariably brings on a 
 ruinous state of circumstances which at length plunges 
 him who yields himself up to it, into the depths of 
 poverty. And yet we find men clinging to it with all 
 that tenacity which would actually lead us to suppose 
 that it was the foundation upon which their future 
 good fortune was to be erected. Suppose a man 
 about to cross a deep and rapid river, were to refuse 
 the aid of the customary medium of communication 
 with the opposite shore — a ferry boat; and obstinately 
 persist in swimming across, taking with him a heavy 
 mass of lead or some other ponderous metal, for the 
 avowed purpose of supporting him whilst in the water; 
 would not the bystanders who might witness such a 
 determination, deride the folly of such conduct, and 
 think it scarcely worth their while to save the indi- 
 vidual so acting, against his own inclination? And 
 yet many of those who would censure such conduct, 
 as the very height of insanity, are themselves daily 
 and hourly, yea, momentarily, committing the same 
 species of folly. We have all to cross the stream of 
 life — the ferry-boat of industry is ever waiting to waft 
 us over, not only in safety, but with enjoyment — and 
 yet we rather choose to throw ourselves amongst the 
 
ON STUDY. 65 
 
 rocks and breakers near its shore, encumbered with 
 the weight of our own unjustifiable indolence; which, 
 if it do not always sink us to the bottom, is at least 
 sure of preventing our enjoyment of any real pleasure 
 during the whole of the voyage. 
 
 But, however unjustifiable slothfulness may be in a 
 man of business, it is infinitely more so in one who is 
 engaged in the pursuits of literature. Fortuitous 
 circumstances, such as legacies, fortunate specula- 
 tions, &c., may, to men in general, make up for the 
 loss necessarily occasioned by a want of energy; but 
 nothing upon earth can compensate the literary student 
 for the time thus inconsiderately wasted. He cannot 
 expect, on the decease of a learned doctor, his relative, 
 to come in for the defunct's share of knowledge, nor 
 can he at any time go to the Exchange, and purchase 
 literary stock as he would national. It is industry 
 alone that can confer knowledge. And whatever 
 may be the force of his genius, if he do not practice 
 the one, he must, as a necessary and unavoidable 
 consequence, be devoid of the other. 
 
 From what has been said, the necessity of using the 
 utmost exertion whilst engaged in literary employ- 
 ments, must be obvious to every one. Without exer- 
 tion, there cannot possibly be any honorable distinc- 
 tion ; and with it, we are as certain of reaping its 
 fruits, as we are of being compelled to gather those 
 of indolence without it. 
 
 But there is a particular class of literary persons, to 
 "whom these remarks are peculiarly applicable, viz. : 
 to young men pursuing their studies at a university. 
 Our conduct here may be said to be the touchstone 
 
 6* 
 
66 ON STUDY, 
 
 of our future credit and character. The knowledge 
 here acquired is the foundation upon which our future 
 reputation for learning is to be built, and unless that 
 foundation be solid, the whole superstructure, when 
 erected, must fall to the ground, or, at best, stand in 
 so precarious a state, as to be in continual danger of 
 falling. Let us then studiously and determinately 
 avoid everything which may tend to weaken this 
 support of our reputation; and let us strenuously and 
 diligently embrace every opportunity of strengthening 
 and confirming it. We shall thus find, that whilst so 
 engaged, pleasure will be the helpmate and compa- 
 nion of our labors, and honor the reward of our 
 perseverance. 
 
 There are, however, some persons anxiously desi- 
 rous of arriving at literary eminence, who, from the 
 disadvantages arising from the neglect of their early 
 education, or, what is infinitely worse, the misguided 
 indulgence of parents during their immature years, do 
 not feel that stimulus to exertion which so eminently 
 distinguishes youth educated in industrious habits. 
 Men thus unhappily situated, should accustom them- 
 selves to reading the biography of others, who, though 
 surrounded by difliculties of a nature the most dis- 
 couraging and appalling, have nevertheless distin- 
 guished themselves in the different departments of 
 literature. Let them imitate the example of such 
 characters. Let them endeavor, by entering into the 
 spirit of their history, to catch their ardor, and tread 
 in their footsteps; and they w^ill soon find their early 
 prejudices and injurious customs vanish altogether; 
 and themselves gradually habituated to a system of 
 
ON STUDY, 67 
 
 industry, from which nothing will ever be able to 
 detach them. 
 
 Persons of this latter description would do well to 
 store their memory with a few apothegms chosen from 
 the works of the ancient philosophers; so that when- 
 ever they find themselves disposed to indolence rather 
 than to exertion, they may, by the recollection of some 
 one of these, rouse the mind from its state of lethargy 
 and inertness. Of this description are the following, 
 
 fioxdecv avdyxrj t'ovj dsTiovtfa? Ivtvxn^v. '' They who Wlsh 
 
 to enjoy happiness, should accustom themselves to 
 industry." — 'OrtTta Jo^w 6 Staoj'. "He who is afraid of 
 difficulty, is thereby rendered incapable of surmount- 
 ing it." — Ot ba^Odvovt^s vax^oiacv ofioioc ddcv. " Sluggards 
 
 are little better than lifeless carcasses." — 'Odrj to rtdv. 
 *' Nothing is impossible to diligence." — 'Xzo-K'^iv eu^ovta 
 xv8oi xix^l." *' Disgrace is the reward of indolence." — 
 "Oriov Tfksiciv 6 rtovoj ixtl {xsl^oiv tj ■yj^ovr;. *' The greater the 
 labor, the greater the enjoyment." — Ev aoc to lavkov Ihh 
 iltoTia^ov sltiOyji. "If we make good use of the present, 
 we shall have no reason to doubt as to the future." — 
 As the diligent student doubtless will observe many 
 passages of this nature in the course of his acquaint- 
 ance with the Greek and Roman classics, a further 
 selection will be needless.* 
 
 * I cannot omit this opportunity of quoting a passage from 
 our own incomparable Shakspeare, which, if received with the 
 spirit in which it is given, cannot fail to be of service to him who 
 peruses it : 
 
 This morning, like the spirit of a youth 
 That means to be of note, begins betimes. 
 
 Let this be written in legible characters in a conspicuous part 
 
68 ON STUDY. 
 
 Were more than has been already said, necessary to 
 rouse youth from their indolent habits, let them look 
 abroad upon the works of creation, and from the ant, 
 which is indefatigably employed in the occupations of 
 the mole-hill, to the sun, rising from his chambers in 
 the east, to give light, heat, and fertility to our globe; 
 he will find all but man, diligentlypursuing the course 
 pointed out by the great Creator. And is it for him, 
 who exclaims that all things were made for his use, 
 w^ho proudly boasts himself superior to all created 
 things besides, to be idle, whilst all around him are 
 busily engaged in performing the tasks assigned them 
 on the great stage of universal being? If he would 
 but make use of that reason which he calls his sole 
 prerogative, he would think that every blade of grass 
 he treads upon, every insect which flutters around his 
 path, every animal he meets with, might justly re- 
 proach him with being the only useless creature amidst 
 such a display of universal industry. Let us then no 
 longer suffer ourselves to be disgraced by a just re- 
 proach from the insects we tread upon. Let not the 
 sun, w^hilst performing his daily revolution in the hea- 
 vens, be witness to our want of industry. If the vas- 
 sals of nature are actively engaged in these various 
 avocations, much more ought the lords of nature to 
 be so. Let us detach ourselves from things trifling 
 and insignificant, and give ourselves up to things 
 worthy our nature and capacity. We all value our 
 
 of the bedchamber of every literary student, so that it may 
 strike his eye every morning as he awakes; and if he can re- 
 compose himself to sleep, neither this nor any other stimulus 
 will be of the least service to him. 
 
ON STUDY. 69 
 
 possessions, much more ought we to estimate our 
 time. Yet such is the irrationality of our conduct, 
 that if we should happen by some mischance to lose 
 a portion of our property, which by industry may be 
 easily recovered, we fill the air with our lamentations; 
 but we not only bear the loss of time, which can never 
 be recovered, with equanimity, but with manifest in- 
 dications of joy and satisfaction. 
 
70 
 
 ON STUDY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Our recreative amusements should, as far as possible, be ren- 
 dered subservient to the purposes of literature. 
 
 It has been observed in a former chapter, that re- 
 creation is as necessary to the body as food is to the 
 mind. Indeed the most rigid devotee of literature 
 will scarcely deny, but that a temporary relaxation is 
 highly necessary. The human mind is, as an ancient 
 fabulist has ingeniously observed, like a bow; if it 
 be always bent it will soon lose its elasticity, but if 
 unstrung at intervals, it will long retain its wonted pro- 
 perties. But relaxation of the mind, as well as exer- 
 cise of the body, should, as far as possible, be ren- 
 dered subservient to the purposes of literature. It will 
 thus be found to be doubly advantageous; for whilst 
 it becomes an agreeable mode of communicating 
 knowledge, it will at the same time prevent us from 
 engaging in trivial and unmeaning amusements, which 
 would not only consume a considerable portion of our 
 time, but also detach us from, and incapacitate us for, 
 matters of greater importance. 
 
 Suppose, for instance, the junior members of a col- 
 lege were to make a practice of meeting alternately at 
 each other's apartments, for the purpose of discussing 
 some interesting philosophical speculations, of unravel- 
 ing the more curious properties of the mathematical 
 sciences, or writing or conversing upon moral, reli- 
 
ON STUDY. 71 
 
 gious, or literary subjects, either in their own native 
 tongue, or in the learned languages ; they would find 
 any of these occupations productive of more real plea- 
 sure than most of those which are, though falsely, 
 termed amusements ; and they would also find, that 
 by these methods, they were gaining what, after all, 
 is the main end of study — practical knowledge. In 
 order to perceive the advantage of such a course of 
 conduct, let the student weigh the pleasure derived 
 from these sources, against that resulting from vain 
 conversation, idle lounging, and dissipated practices, 
 and if he do not perceive the balance preponderate in 
 favor of the former, let him still continue to practice 
 the latter ; but that this, if he give the matter an im- 
 partial consideration, will be the case, we are not un- 
 der the slightest apprehension. 
 
 But independent of such a course as the one pre- 
 scribed being an agreeable mode of communicating 
 knowledge, it has yet another advantage, which is by 
 no means its least valuable one, viz., that of exciting 
 emulation. There are many men who would not 
 think it so degrading not to rank high in the classes 
 of an university, as not to be able to equal their 
 familiar companions in their researches after truth. 
 Consequently, although in the former case, they might 
 content themselves with being placed a remove above 
 mediocrity, they would, in the latter, exert their inge- 
 nuity to the utmost stretch, lest they might incur the 
 derision of their more intimate associates. Let such 
 a principle as this be once fairly brought into action, 
 what results might we not reasonably expect from it. 
 Instead of seeing young men leave the university with 
 
72 ON STUDY. 
 
 the possession of a little learning, acquired but to be 
 forgotten, we should behold their minds, as it were, 
 tablets, on which the records of general knowledge 
 were so legibly and indelibly engraven, that everyone 
 who looked thereon might read. 
 
 Of all those occupations which come under the de- 
 nomination of trivial, the fascinating but destructive 
 vice of gaming holds the most distinguished place. 
 This is the rock upon which many a young man of 
 the most promising abilities has split; and on which, 
 it is to be feared, the genius and fortunes of many more 
 will hereafter be wrecked. And yet this vice, like 
 slothfulness, is productive neither of profit, pleasure, 
 nor recreation. 
 
 It is not productive of profit, for it would be easy 
 to prove upon mathematical principles, that the habit- 
 ual gamester, if he play fairly, must, whatever may be 
 his temporary successes, eventually become a loser. 
 There can be no greater exemplification of this than 
 that numbers of men, who would fain be thought to 
 be possessed of genius and ability, are daily reduced, 
 by their indulgence in this their favorite passion, either 
 in private circles, or in those public sinks of iniquity 
 which are established for the infamous purposes of en- 
 snaring the inexperienced, and of fostering the vicious 
 propensities of crafty and designing men, from the en- 
 joyment of affluence and happiness to a state of beg- 
 gary and despair. 
 
 It is not productive of pleasure, though it certainly 
 is of excitement; but it is the excitement of a demon, 
 founded upon a desire of enriching ourselves at the 
 expense of our neighbor's welfare. Who that has 
 
ON STUDY. 73 
 
 observed the countenance of a gamester, when a lucky 
 cast of the die has elated him by the success which it 
 has conferred upon him, can say, that the wild emo- 
 tions there depicted proceed from the enjoyment of 
 real pleasure! Or who, that has witnessed his features 
 when an unfavorable throw has at once drained him 
 of his peace of mind, and his pecuniary resources, can 
 pronounce, that the conflicting passions by which they 
 are distorted, are the indices to the happy serenity of 
 his mind ! As well might the diabolical agents of the 
 infernal regions, to whom pleasure is unknown, feel 
 joy in having added a victim to their number, or in 
 seeing him, w^hom they had marked out for destruc- 
 tion, elude the malice of their grasp ! 
 
 It is not productive of recreation, either mental or 
 corporeal, for by superinducing an unusual degree of 
 anxiety, it always leaves the mind more languid than 
 it found it; and whatever, by sudden excitement or 
 otherwise, contributes to destroy our equanimity, has, 
 if often repeated, an indirect tendency to injure and 
 weaken the vigor of our animal powers. 
 
 But gaming is chiefly to be regarded by us as it 
 stands when viewed in relation to our studies ; with 
 which it must manifestly appear altogether incompati- 
 ble. In order to study with profit to ourselves, it is 
 necessary that our thoughts be detached from every 
 other subject, except the one under consideration, and 
 be, as it were, riveted to that alone. But how can 
 this be the case, when our minds are perpetually under 
 the influence of this pernicious passion; either occu- 
 pied beforehand with the hope of indulgence and in- 
 ordinate desire of gain, engaged in the commission of 
 7 
 
74 ON STUDY. 
 
 the vice itself, or in a state of elevation or depression 
 — both of which, though proceeding from opposite 
 causes, are equally hostile to study — consequent upon 
 our success or want of it. The mind of a man thus 
 occupied, can never be free from anxiety, and conse- 
 quently, can never become adapted to study; and 
 though he be gifted by nature with the powers of an 
 ^schylus, the eloquence of a Cicero, or the genius 
 of an Archimedes ; the talents confided to his care, 
 will become useless to himself and others, and instead 
 of returning them, at the last great day of account, with 
 tenfold interest, his conscience will be compelled to 
 testify against him, that he, of his own accord, buried 
 them amongst the rubbish of vanity and dissipation. 
 
 But there is yet another light in which gaming, in 
 common with other trivial amusements and occupa- 
 tions, is to be regarded by us, viz., as they stand when 
 viewed in relation to the human intellect. Man, cry 
 people of all ranks, from the monarch to the boor, is 
 a creature made for lofty purposes! and with the words 
 yet lingering on their tongue, they sit down with a 
 stoical gravity, well befitting the dignity of that in- 
 tellect of which they are justly proud, to improve the 
 faculties of the soul by speculating upon the highly 
 interesting and truly sublime effects produced by the 
 fortuitous and varied combinations of a few pieces of 
 painted paper : nay, such is the ardor with which 
 they endeavor to unravel the intricacies of this intel- 
 lectual science, that they do not scruple to sacrifice 
 their health, their happiness, their fortune, and even 
 their future expectations, for the sake of being ini- 
 tiated into its admirable mysteries. Who can deny 
 
ON STUDY. 75 
 
 that such occupations and disregard of worldly advan- 
 tages are worthy of creatures who derive their origin 
 from heaven, and who are destined to the enjoyment 
 of immortality? But the noble spirit of man does not 
 rest here; he is frequently known to seize upon the 
 capricious Goddess Fortune, and confine her within 
 the narrow limits of a dice-box, when he will sit for 
 hours, and even days together, violently tormenting 
 her in that circumscribed prison, as it were, in revenge 
 for the freaks she sometimes practices upon him. 
 Should he not find himself in a sufficient state of ele- 
 vation to perform these arduous avocations, he has re- 
 course to the renovating juice of the grape, by which 
 he is enabled to form more splendid ideas of things, 
 and to perform actions of which he before had no con- 
 ception ; such as breaking the heads or the windows 
 of his less aspiring neighbors, which things having 
 been done, he sallies forth with all the pride of a vic- 
 tor, to enjoy the glorious triumph of disgusting a so- 
 ciety of virtuous ladies by a recapitulation of his feats 
 of glory ; or should chance throw an unprotected fe- 
 male in his way he immediately evinces the superiority 
 of his prowess, by alarming or insulting her. Who 
 will say that a man capable of such actions as these, 
 is not "a creature made for lofty purposes." 
 
 But methinks I hear some one exclaim, were such 
 a burlesque upon the human character as the one you 
 have exhibited, to be exhibited by the buffoon of a 
 pantomimic theatre, he would be hissed and pelted ofli' 
 the stage for his consummate impudence; and so in 
 all probability he would : but he would at the same 
 time fall under the displeasure of his audience for his 
 
76 ON STUDY. 
 
 display of truth. The absurdities I have here depicted, 
 are by no means exaggerated. On the contrary they 
 are the ''recreations " to which many, who are am- 
 bitious of being denominated " men of literature," but 
 too frequently have recourse. May all such see their 
 folly in the mirror here held up to them, and profit by 
 the view. 
 
 We have thus seen the folly of trivial amusements, 
 and the advantage of rational recreations ; let us then 
 no longer hesitate to adopt the latter, and avoid the 
 former ; by so doing, we shall no longer have to re- 
 proach ourselves with being guilty of a waste of time; 
 but, on the contrary, peace of mind, and a sense of 
 improvement, will testify to our hearts and con- 
 sciences, that we are employing the talents confided to 
 our care, to the best purpose. 
 
ON STUDY. 77 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Conclusion. 
 
 Lest the preceding chapters should have been read 
 by any in a thoughtless and unheeding manner, it nnay 
 not be altogether useless, by way of conclusion, to re- 
 capitulate some of the most important of them ; on 
 which, as it were, the welfare and success of the lite- 
 rary student in a great measure depend. And first, as 
 the basis on which his future reputation is to be found- 
 ed, let him be careful to form a just estimate of his 
 own abilities, taking care neither to undervalue nor 
 overrate them ; for by the one he will be prevented 
 from making those attainments which he otherwise 
 might have made, and by the other he w'ill be in 
 danger of generating a species of intellectual pride, 
 which is never the concomitant of, and always detri- 
 mental to, sound learning. Having satisfied himself on 
 this point, he must then determine to what extent in lite- 
 rary acquisitions he intends to proceed, and in fixing 
 this boundary, if he possess a mind ambitious of dis- 
 tinction, and determined by every means in its power 
 to gain it, he is seldom in danger of proceeding too 
 far; but when once he has pointed out the goal to his 
 ow^n imagination, let him. never relax in his exertions 
 to reach it. If the proposed extent of his learning be 
 not so great as that which has been acquired by others, 
 there is not the less merit due to him on that account. 
 
 7* 
 
78 ON STUDY. 
 
 Nature has not bestowed upon every one the abilities 
 of a Plato, an Aristotle, or a Cicero, consequently it is 
 not in the power of all to rival them in the attainments 
 of literature and philosophy ; but it is in the power of 
 every one to rival them in merit, for they did but make 
 the best use of their talents, and it is in the power of 
 all to do the same. To this end, let nothing divert 
 the mind of the student from his pursuits ; let him not 
 yield even for a moment (for even in this there is 
 danger) to the debasing influence of effeminacy, or the 
 fascinating allurements of luxurious enjoyments. In 
 short, as has been before inculcated, he must consider 
 all things, the more immediate object of which is 
 pleasure, in the sensual acceptation of the term, as the 
 greatest enemies to himself, and his pursuits, and as 
 such studiously avoid them. Let him remember, that 
 his ability will increase with his exertion, and that it 
 will, on the other hand, decrease with the want of it. 
 Let him also bear in mind, that what he sows, that also 
 he may expect to reap ; and if he, during the season 
 of youth, fosters the seeds of luxury and indolence, 
 he may expect, in the season of age, to reap a plenti- 
 ful harvest of disease and contempt. 
 
 Let him never despair. Whatever difficulties he 
 may meet with in the rugged paths of science, let 
 them only serve to increase his ardor and redouble 
 his energy, for in no other way can he hope to con- 
 quer them. If in his ascent he should fall headlong a 
 thousand times, he must begin to climb again every 
 time more ardently, and fly to the summit with recruit- 
 ed vigor. He to whom difficulties are appalling, w'ill 
 meet with continual opposition; but from him who 
 
ON STUDY. 79t 
 
 disregards them, or who possesses the art of rendering 
 them subservient to his improvement, they will at 
 length altogether vanish. 
 
 Let him not be too desirous of riches. A moderate 
 fortune is amply sufficient for all the purposes of 
 human happiness; and he who possesses more than 
 this, too often carries with him a stumbling block, 
 which he can seldom get over. Not but that it is at 
 all times his duty to improve his possessions by all 
 honorable means within his power. Only let him 
 beware that an immoderate hankering after wealth, 
 do not blunt the desire of acquiring more valuable 
 possessions, and blunt his capacity and inclination for 
 more laudable pursuits and worthier attainments. 
 
 The student must be fond of applause. He must 
 diligently seek out and seize opportunity of surpassing 
 his fellow-laborers in order to gain it. So long as he 
 fosters this spirit of emulation, there is every hope of 
 his performing actions which will be a lasting credit to 
 himself, and also of the utmost benefit to society. When- 
 ever he sees any one passing him in the common race, 
 let him not rest for a moment till he has repassed him. 
 This will be highly beneficial to either, for each will re- 
 double his exertions, the one to keep before his compa- 
 nion, the otherto regain his lost ground ; whilst they who 
 are witnesses of the contest, w^ill give, if not the palm 
 of victory, at least the reward of perseverance to both. 
 
 It may not be improper to advert here to some of 
 the acquirements necessary to be made before a man 
 can enjoy the reputation of being learned. — A thorough 
 knowledge of the Latjn language is, in the first place, 
 indispensably requisite. This has been the universal 
 
so ON STUDY. 
 
 language of men of literature of every civilized na- 
 tion, and in all ages, from the days of Augustus to our 
 own ; and it is at this fountain that we must quaff the 
 draughts of knowledge, or otherwise be contented with 
 satisfying our thirst at turbid and polluted streams. A 
 knowledge of the Greek language is also so necessary, 
 that a man who is destitute of it, can scarcely come 
 under the denomination of learned. But much re- 
 mains to be done beyond the mere acquisition of 
 these, for it does not necessarily follow, that a person, 
 be he ever so well skilled in classical literature, should 
 be either learned or wise. Indeed it may so happen, 
 and undoubtedly is in many instances the case, that 
 a man may by practice acquire a considerable readi- 
 ness in reading works in either of the above-mentioned 
 languages, and yet be utterly unable to comprehend 
 their meaning; notwithstanding which, he values him- 
 self highly upon these acquisitions, never considering 
 that language is only valuable as it is a means of ar- 
 riving at knowledge. But as the inutility of such 
 parrot-like attainments is too apparent to require a de- 
 monstration, we shall pass on to the consideration of 
 scientific acquirements. 
 
 In order to become, in the modern acceptation of 
 the word, a philosopher, it is indispensably necessary 
 that the person aspiring to this distinction should be 
 acquainted wuth the whole range of the mathematical 
 sciences; and this is the grand test of a man's ability. 
 The acquirement of classical literature requires little 
 more than the exercise of patient industry ; and is so 
 limited in its nature, that a man of inferior abilities 
 may, if he think it worth his while, easily become ac- 
 
ON STUDY. 81 
 
 quainted with it in all its varieties. But it is not so with 
 the sciences, it w-ould be totally impossible to assign 
 a boundary to their extent, or their utility. The ac- 
 quisition of the former is a mere effort of the memory ; 
 the acquisition of the latter is the result of the most 
 arduous application of the mind. The former is, as 
 it were, a kind of mental provision gathered into the 
 storehouse of the brain, for the use only of him who 
 possesses it; but the latter is like seed sow^n in a 
 fertile field, yielding an hundredfold for the use of 
 others. 
 
 One great advantage of the mathematical sciences 
 is, that by constant exercise in them, we become ac- 
 customed to a close and infallible habit of thinking 
 and reasoning, so that a person well versed in this de- 
 partment of literature is in no danger of being deceived 
 by false representations of things, however ingenious 
 the sophistry under which such fallacy may be con- 
 cealed ; for whenever a theory is submitted to the 
 consideration of a mathematician, he immediately 
 traces it from its first principles through a series of 
 consequences till he arrive at a demonstration of its 
 truth, or a conviction of its error, according to which 
 he either adopts or rejects it. So that whatever may 
 be the contentions of illiterate disputants respecting it, 
 whether arising from their incompetency to decide 
 concerning the truth of its premises, or from their ina- 
 bility to judge of the correctness or fallacy of the con- 
 clusions drawn from those premises, he is enabled, by 
 an infallible mode of reasoning, to establish or over- 
 throw it, according as he has proved its truth or want 
 of it. 
 
82 ON STUDY. 
 
 Another great and peculiar advantage of mathe- 
 matical learning is, that it accustoms us to a great 
 diligence in study, whilst at the same time it renders 
 our labors delightful. Indeed, a greater punishment 
 could not be inflicted upon a mind thoroughly imbued 
 with a love of science, than by compelling it to relin- 
 quish its object whilst engaged in the pursuit of it, al- 
 though that pursuit be accompanied by the most severe 
 mental labor. And it is no wonder, that, where an 
 ardent attachment to abstract learning is firmly rooted 
 in the mind, such should be the case ; for as a great 
 philosopher has beautifully observed, '' whilst the mind 
 is abstracted and elevated from sensible matter, it dis- 
 tinctly views pure forms, conceives the beauty of ideas, 
 and investigates the harmony of proportions ; the man- 
 ners themselves are sensibly corrected and improved, 
 the affections composed and rectified, the fancy calmed 
 and settled, the understanding raised and excited to 
 more divine contemplations." And what can be more 
 delightful than to behold our minds increasing in know- 
 ledge, in a manner which appears to us really wonder- 
 ful ; to feel that we possess the power of unfolding the 
 secrets of nature, and fathoming, as it were, the depths 
 of omnipotence itself; to rise above the littleness of 
 this terrestrial planet, and by the mere volition of the 
 will, transporting ourselves into the immensity of space, 
 to mark the courses of the planets as they journey on- 
 wards in their respective orbits ; to know the causes 
 which prevent them from wandering from their accus- 
 tomed spheres ; to follow the ellipse of the comet to 
 the very boundaries of the universe. These are things 
 worthy of the mind of man ; and he who is destitute 
 
ON STUDY. 83 
 
 of them, whatever may be his other attainments, may 
 be said to be a child, who has scarcely passed the al- 
 phabet of human knowledge. 
 
 But the chief end of mathematical learning, as far 
 as the interest and happiness of mankind in general 
 are concerned, consists in its practical utility. It is 
 owing to this, that a mariner is enabled to steer his 
 vessel across the pathless ocean to a distant part of the 
 globe, with a precision nearly equal to that with which 
 a man would go from his own house to that of his 
 neighbor. Hence flow our national and individual 
 prosperities; a considerable portion of our necessaries 
 and enjoyments; and our knowledge of the existence, 
 and the relative situation of the different parts of our 
 globe. It is to this that we are indebted for the mag- 
 nificence and comfort of our public and private edi- 
 fices. It is upon this base that our commercial sys- 
 tems are erected. In short, from this source spring 
 almost all the advantages which we possess, and the' 
 greater part of the pleasures we partake of. 
 
 But in addition to classical and scientific literature, 
 it is necessary that a man of learning be acquainted 
 with the different branches of historical literature, so 
 as to be able to assign the rise, progress, and decline 
 of empires to their respective causes, and to judge of 
 the effects of different actions and events. He should 
 also be somewhat skilled in the modern languages, 
 and acquainted with modern literature ; but these, to- 
 gether with some inferior attainments, are too obvious 
 to all to require particular comment. 
 
 It is thus evident, that he who aspires to the character 
 of a man of learning, has taken upon himself the per- 
 
84 ON STUDY. 
 
 formance of no common task. The ocean of literature 
 is without limit. How then will he be able to perform 
 a voyage, even to a moderate distance, if he waste 
 his time in dalliance on the shore ? The path to emi- 
 nence is not only long, but arduous; and how can any 
 one rationally hope to arrive at its termination, unless 
 he use diligence proportional to its difficulties? Our 
 only hope is in exertion. Let our only reward be that 
 of industry. Whatever may be our conduct in this re- 
 spect, of one thing we are certain — That unless we are 
 vigilant to gather the fruit of time, whilst the autumn of 
 life is yet with us ; we shall, at the close of its winter, 
 descend into the grave as the beasts which perish, 
 without having left a record behind us to inform pos- 
 terity that we ever existed. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 " Adolescens eram, says Erpenius^ annorum plus 
 minus sexdecim, cum primum, quae mea felioilas fiiit, 
 in libellum hunc incidi. Missus eram a fidelissimo 
 parente, viro non erudito quidem, sed eruditionis ta- 
 men et eruditorura amantissimo, studiorum causa, Lei- 
 dam, Ubi mox nescio quae me salietas eorum cepit. 
 Ita dum sum affectus parum diligenter, studia tracto, 
 et tantum non negligo, unice desiderans Musis valedi- 
 cere, Quern animum meum dum differo parenti ape- 
 rire, forte fortuna in inanus meas venit hie libcllus. 
 Qui vel leviter, tantum inspectus, ita me affecit, ut ju- 
 dicaverim eum non emendum tantum mihi, sed et at- 
 tente perlegendum esse. Quod ut feci (feci autem 
 non sine magna animi voluptate) incredibile dictu est 
 quantum mutatusfuerim ab illo qui ante eram studiorum 
 hoste. Nihil mihi placere coepitprseter studia: Discere, 
 et alios, quod didiceram captata etiam ad id occasione, 
 docere, summae mihi voluptati fuit. Quid multa? 
 Auctoris hujus consilium, quantum quidem pro rerum 
 mearum ratione mihi licebat, per omnia sequatus, ad 
 8 
 
86 APPENDIX. 
 
 indefessum me laborum accingo, spem concipiens, fore 
 ut licet ingenio essein non admodum felici, assidua 
 tamen diligentia aliquosque, in literarum curriculo 
 pervenirem. Quse spes non omnino me fefellit. Gra- 
 tia sit Deo immortali, qui, pro immensa sua bonitate, 
 tarn benigne, labori meo benedixit." 
 
APPENDIX. 87 
 
 COLLEGE DISCIPLINE. 
 
 [Extracted from " College Life" — Letters to an Undergraduate, by the 
 Rev. T. Whytehead, M. A.] 
 
 The very first step towards entering into the true 
 spirit of college life is to learn to view yourself here 
 as in a state of discipline and pupilage ; and, what is 
 more, to rejoice that it should be so. Of this be sure, 
 that the submission of your own will and judgment to 
 the system of the place is of itself, a far more valua- 
 ble exercise, than could at all be compensated for by 
 any self-devised improvement on the course you find 
 marked out for you. Beautiful, and most worthy of 
 remembrance, are those words of the wise man, '' the 
 very true beginning of wisdom is the desire of disci- 
 pline; and the care of discipline is love ; and love is 
 the keeping of her laws." This is an essential part 
 of the college student's character, to regard superiors, 
 and especially seniors, with reverence and honor, and 
 to pay a glad and graceful obedience to discipline and 
 law. Perhaps there is nothing which so much tends 
 to make the years spent at college so happy a part of 
 a student's life as they generally are, as the light- 
 hearted feeling of irresponsibility arising from our 
 having the way of duty here clearly marked out, (so 
 that we are freed from fhe anxiety of choosing it for 
 ourselves, and have only to follow it,) and the single- 
 ness and simplicity of purpose, which a docile sub- 
 mission to this guidance creates. There is, indeed, 
 
88 APPENDIX. 
 
 as an able writer has expressed it, ^' a painfulness in 
 the very sense of entire responsibility, a bitterness in 
 t!ie full cup of freedom from coFitrol which those who 
 drink most freely of it, are the first to taste. A 
 thoughtful mind will scarcely look on any condition as 
 more deserving of pity than his who enters upon life, 
 
 'Lord of himself, that heritage of woe:' 
 
 and in the full liberty of the mind before it is fixed by 
 sympathy in its choice, there is an oppression from 
 which the most vigorous understanding hastens the 
 soonest to escape." 
 
 Dr. Hammond, when he was asked by a friend 
 what special thing he would recommend for one's 
 whole life, briefly replied, " uniform obedience ^"^"^ by 
 which he meant, as his biographer, Dr. Fell, tells 
 us, that the happiest state of life, was one which im- 
 posed on us the condition of obeying^ rather than di- 
 reding — the lot of not having to choose for one'^s selfo 
 but having our path of duty marked out for us. In 
 just such a state of life is the student placed at Col- 
 lege ; and the spirit which pervades the whole of 
 Wordsworth's fine Ode to Duty, exactly represents the 
 tone of feeling which ought to be habitual to his mind. 
 
 '•' Stern Daughter of the Voice of God ! 
 
 Duty ! if that name thou love 
 Who art a Light to guide, a Rod 
 
 To check the ening, and reprove; 
 Thou, who art victory and law 
 When empty terrors overawe; 
 From vain temptations dost set free ; 
 And caim'st the weary strife of frail humanity! 
 
APPENDIX. 89 
 
 <^ There are who ask not if thine eye 
 
 Be on them -, who, in love and truth, 
 Where no misgiving is, rely 
 
 Upon the genial sense of youth : 
 Glad Hearts ! without reproach or blot ; 
 Who do thy work, and know it not : 
 Long may the kindly impulse last ! 
 But Thou, if they should totter, teach them to stand fast!-' 
 
90 APPENDIX. 
 
 THE DIGNITY OF THE MEDICAL PRO- 
 FESSION. 
 
 [From an Unpublished Lecture to the Medical Students, by Dr. 
 Matter.] 
 
 And now what shall I say in conclusion to urge 
 you to the observance of such a course, as must in- 
 sure a life of future usefulness to your fellow-men, 
 and of honor to yourselves ? Shall I rouse you to a 
 more ardent love of your profession, by painting in 
 glowing colors, but none too gorgeous for their de- 
 sert, the many labors of love with which the practice 
 abounds? Go with me to that sick chamber, where 
 lies exhausted and suffering one of your fellow-crea- 
 tures. Perchance a father in the death-agony from an 
 attack of apoplexy, or a wife in convulsions, or a 
 child suffocating with croup or scarlet-fever. Prompt 
 and energetic, skilled in the resources of your science, 
 calm amid danger, you administer the appropriate re- 
 medies, and, in a few moments, the house of sorrow, 
 over which the grim messenger has for hours been 
 hovering, is changed into a house of joy; the sun- 
 light of life is once more shed abroad, and beneath 
 his genial rays, the mists and gloom of death vanish 
 away. Is there not something here that would cause 
 the heart of the good physician to leap for joy ? Is 
 there a feeling that can compare with that which 
 springs from the consciousness, that by our aid the 
 balmy influence of repose has been shed upon the ex- 
 
APPENDIX. 91 
 
 hausted victim of restlessness and vigil ; that the ago^ 
 nizing pain has been assuaged; the parched tongue 
 cooled; th'e outgushing current of life arrested, and 
 a fellow-being snatched from the brink of that 
 dark vale which all approach with fear and trem- 
 bling? Nor does your opportunity of doing good 
 cease with this labor of love. How manifold are the 
 occasions for the exercise of that crowning virtue, 
 charity? A virtue that *' covereth a multitude of 
 sins," — and it should be exercised in the extreme ac- 
 ceptation of the term, not restricting it to the mere 
 giving of alms. — No, there is a charity far more pre- 
 cious than this, the charity of the heart. The kind 
 expression, the sympathizing tear, the gentle admoni- 
 tion to look for help to the great Author of all joy and 
 all sorrow, will convey often more solace, more heart- 
 felt and permanent satisfaction, than if we poured 
 the gold of Ophir into the lap of our suffering patient. 
 And it is in the benign light of these labors of love, 
 that our profession assumes its true dignity and excel- 
 lence, and appears eminently worthy of the entire de- 
 votion of its members, — " Transcending by these of- 
 fices of humanity, the pretensions of common science, 
 and passing by the cold acknowledgments of the un- 
 derstanding, she makes her appeal at once to the heart, 
 and there vindicates her claim to the distinguished 
 consideration, which a grateful world in all genera- 
 tions has accorded her." — But if the feelings which 
 arise from the performance of such acts of humanity, 
 are insufficient to stimulate you to a love of the pro- 
 fession, let me lay before you a few of its more solid 
 Inwards. The rewards of the profession are twofold. 
 
92 APPENDIX. 
 
 1st. Those which arise from the pursuit as a means 
 of livelihood, and which are paid in money. 
 
 2d. Those which spring from the same source, but 
 are paid in the blessing and thanks of the relieved 
 sufferer, the poor and the needy, the widow and the 
 orphan, and by the pleasing reflection that you are in 
 reality " a worker of good," and deserve the title once 
 bestowed on St. Luke the Evangelist, of the " beloved 
 physician." 
 
 I have told you that the rewards of the profession are 
 twofold. Were we to receive no other recompense than 
 that which money affords, I would advise you, without 
 a moment's delay, to strike your names from the list, 
 and direct your energies to some more lucrative em- 
 ployment. — Yes! ours is no mere money-making pur- 
 suit : — Politics, the law, commerce, the arts, agricul- 
 ture, all offer a more speedy road to w^ealth. But if 
 assiduous in your studies, you may certainly calculate 
 upon a competency. Be satisfied with this, and look 
 for rewards of another and a much higher order. Not 
 the least of them, is the ** position in society" usually 
 occupied by the kind and skillful physician. Whose 
 friendship is more highly prized, whose name is so 
 often coupled with expressions of gratitude, and love, 
 and confidence, whose visit is more anxiously expected 
 or more warmly received, w'hose cheerful smile and 
 kind expressions so readily banish gloom and sorrow ? 
 Whose hand is so eagerly grasped by the devoted 
 wife, as she thanks him for the care with which he has 
 watched over her husband, herself, or her children? 
 Into whose ear is the tale of private griefs, hidden sor- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 93 
 
 rows, blighted hopes, and dreadful anticipations so 
 readily poured forth? 
 
 What reward, for example, can be compared with 
 the consciousness that we have been the humble agent 
 of Prov'idence in saving the life of a brother; that we 
 have soothed the suffering frame, or perchance minis- 
 tered to a mind touched with the prospect of futurity; 
 that we have gladdened the heart of the weary victim 
 of disease, and soothed the couch of death of half its 
 terrors? When we reflect upon such labors, w^e feel 
 that our reward is treasured up in the heart of Him 
 who bade lis " heal the sick." But if such incentives 
 fail, shall I force you to labor by depicting the mo- 
 ments of shame and profitless remorse that must over- 
 whelm the ignorant, the idle, or the dissipated physi- 
 cian ? Are you aware that success in your day of life, 
 depends much upon the character of its dawn? If 
 this be obscured by idleness, coarseness of behav- 
 ior, gross immorality, or beastly sensuality, its noon 
 must be marked by disappointment, distress, and dis- 
 repute among men, and its evening will close in sad- 
 ness, remorse and gloomy uncertainty. Believe me 
 when I tell you that your position in life depends upon 
 the steps you nowtake. Do not imagine your deviations 
 from the path of duty will escape observation, for this 
 is impossible. And oh ! could I but describe in lan- 
 guage so glowing that not a word would fail to sink 
 deep into your hearts, some few of the scenes of sor- 
 row and heart-rending grief it has been my lot to 
 witness ; the chief actors in which were young men 
 like yourselves, noble, generous, warm-hearted, full of 
 energy and vigor of life, the pride of their parents, 
 
94 APPENDIX. 
 
 the chosen associates of the virtuous and honorable, 
 the type of manly virtue, they were all these, until the 
 tempter in the guise of the fatal bowl, or the painted 
 harlot, or the fiend-like gamester, who gloats upon his 
 prey, ere he strikes the fatal blow, entered in, and, 
 like " the worm i' the bud," made all these gorgeous 
 beauties fade, and wither, and fall, leaving nothing but 
 the gnarled and misshapen stalk: the body without 
 the soul. Oh ! gentlemen, shall it be our lot to wit- 
 ness such a change in any of you? shall it be our me- 
 lancholy task, when the brief period which binds us 
 together here shall have passed, and we as your teach- 
 ers are asked for the fruits of our culture, shall it be 
 our sad duty, I repeat, to present to your friends and to 
 the world, the idle dunce, the shameless debauchee, 
 the contemner of that priceless gem, female honor, or, 
 what is even more hateful, the heartless gamester? 
 God forbid that such should be our task! 
 
 Lastly, let me cheer you on to the good work in 
 the language of one who feels the impulses of a noble 
 soul and hastens to obey them. 
 
 ^^ Oh ! what a glory does this world put on 
 For him who with a fervent heart goes forth 
 Under the bright and glorious sky, and looks 
 On duties well performed, and days well spent ! 
 He shall so hear the solemn hymn that death 
 Has lifted np for all, that he shall go 
 To his long resting-place without a tear.'' 
 
 Longfellow. 
 
 May this be the mind of each and every one of you, 
 and may you at the last be able to say with the great 
 Mr. Pitt, " My lamp is nearly extinguished ; I hope it 
 has burnt for the benefit of others." 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 95 
 
 LEGAL EDUCATION. 
 
 BY LORD BROUGHAM. 
 
 [From Law Review, November, 1844.] 
 
 ^^ And first of all, in discussing the question, how 
 is a man to prepare himself for advancing to the 
 height of this renowned profession, assuming as a mat- 
 ter of course, that he is to make himself master of the 
 law, as far as any one can become master of it; by- 
 reading and by attending a pleader's office, without 
 actual practice in giving opinions or conducting causes, 
 we must lay it down as clear that a foundation should 
 by all means be laid broad and deep of general learn- 
 ing. The classics are chiefly to be studied, no other 
 means existing, of making the taste pure, and attain- 
 ing a proficiency in the oratorical art. But the sciences 
 are of much importance. The moral sciences evi- 
 dently cannot be too carefully studied by those, whose 
 occupation it is to reason upon evidence, and proba- 
 bilities, to address the feelings and the passions, to 
 discuss points of duty, to discriminate between shades 
 of guilt. The business of practical lawyers lies very 
 mainly among questions of morals. But physical 
 science, too, demands their care. No one can be ig- 
 norant how many cases are always coming before 
 courts of justice, which turn upon principles of natu- 
 ral philosophy and niceties in the mechanical and che- 
 
96 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 rnical arts. Lawyers and judges of the highest emi- 
 nence, have frequently been heard to declare, that far 
 from considering any portion of the time which they 
 have spent in learning the different branches of phy- 
 sical science thrown away, they only lamented daily 
 not having laid in a larger provision of such know- 
 ledge, aware how well they could find the means of 
 turning it to account. It may fairly be questioned, if 
 any benefit can result to practical men from the extra- 
 vagant degree of attention paid at Cambridge to pure 
 mathematics, or to the niceties of the ancient metres, 
 at Eton and Oxford ; but, indeed, it is equally ques- 
 tionable if such excessive refinements are at all pro- 
 fitable in any other department of exertion even with 
 a view to the cultivation of the sciences, or of letters 
 themselves ; and in aid of this doubt comes the known 
 fact of so very minute a percentage of wranglers, and 
 first class men ever in after life distinguishing them- 
 selves in scientific or in literary pursuits; nay, as the 
 generally known fact of very few, if any of these 
 classes, after leaving the banks of Cam and of Isis, 
 ever looking at either a mathematical or a classical 
 book. But these are extravagant actings on a good 
 principle; excesses to which sound doctrine is use- 
 lessly, even hurtfully, carried on by the zeal of the 
 learned. No man can doubt that a familiar acquaint- 
 ance with mathematical principles, mathematical me- 
 thods of demonstration, the doctrines of mechanical 
 and of chemical science, is of unspeakable importance 
 to the practical lawyer, whether conducting causes at 
 the Bar, or deciding them on the Bench. If any one 
 doubted this before hearing Lord Tenterden try a 
 
APPENDIX. 97 
 
 patent cause, all his doubts must then have vanished 
 for ever. After that he was more likely to overvalue 
 than to underrate this acromplishment. But next, the 
 branches of knowledge not cultivated at schools and 
 colleges, are also of eminent use to lawyers. No man 
 can be an excellent lawyer, without a knowledge of 
 history; especially the history of his own country. 
 But also no accomplished lawyer can be without a 
 general knowledge of the legal systems of other coun- 
 tries. They who have studied the ablest legal argu- 
 ments in our courts, in modern times especially, must 
 be aware what sources of both reasoning and illustra- 
 tion the comparative view of other systems has afforded. 
 This is in truth almost the only particular in w^hich our 
 lawyers of the present day surpass the learned and ela- 
 borate ones of old. 
 
 An acquaintance with the lighter literature of the 
 country, is also highly beneficial to the advocate — to 
 him especially who has to address either a parliament- 
 ary tribunal or jury. Generally speaking, our older 
 lawyers (we mean of modern times) have been con- 
 fined in their reading to Shakspeare, as, indeed, the 
 sameness of their quotations appeared to testify. Yet 
 even this modicum of the English classics had its ad- 
 vantages, and their making provision of it was a tes- 
 timony to the advantages of such classical knowledge. 
 Sir Vicary Gibbs, it was said, had never read but two 
 books out of the profession, since he quitted Cam- 
 bridge, where he took a good degree. In the one he 
 was fortunate enough ; it was Shakspeare. Not so 
 felicitous did he turn out to be in his second choice ; 
 it was Damberger's travels, which he had painfully 
 9 
 
98 APPENDIX. 
 
 studied, and even indexed. But unluckily it turned 
 out to be a very clumsy fabrication, no such journey 
 into Central Africa having ever been undertaken, nor 
 any such traveler having existed. 
 
 It has often been questioned, whether the student 
 derives any benefit from those lighter studies, suffi- 
 cient to compensate the risk he incurs of having his 
 mind drawn away to the mere flowery-paths of litera- 
 ture, from the arid and tedious road of the law. But 
 we must consider that the studies in question, are to 
 precede his devoting himself chiefly to his professional 
 studies ; and even if they be continued during his pre- 
 paration for the Bar, they are likely to form rather a 
 wholesome and invigorating relaxation from more 
 severe pursuits, than a distraction. It may safely be 
 affirmed, that unless a young man have the fixed desire 
 of becoming a good lawyer, either from ambition, or 
 from narrow circumstances, (by far the best prepara- 
 tion for Westminster Hall,) or from both, he will never 
 master the science of the law, and with such a reso- 
 lution to govern and to guide him, he may safely be 
 entrusted with access to the classics whether of ancient 
 times or of his own." 
 
APPENDIX. 99 
 
 THE ERRORS TO BE AVOIDED IN THE 
 STUDY OF DIVINITY. 
 
 [Extracted from Du Pin's Complete Method of Studying Divinity, 
 c. vii.] 
 
 ** Theology affords so large a field for study, so many 
 different subjects being there treated of, and enlarged 
 upon, and the volumes that have been writ upon them, 
 being so numerous and great, that a man's whole life, 
 though drawn out to the greatest length, and spent in 
 continual study, is so far from being sufficient for a 
 thorough search into every subject, and a curious and 
 exact reading of every work, (which indeed is im- 
 possible,) that it is not even enough for a superficial 
 and cursory reading of that abundant variety. An 
 abridged plan is therefore necessary to be formed, and 
 a good choice made of the best and most judicious 
 authors, such, I mean, as have nicely, accurately, and 
 thoroughly handled each particular'subject ; which will 
 save a great deal of time, that otherwise would be 
 spent in useless studies, and reading unprofitable 
 works. How frequent is it for men to spend a great 
 part of their time in laboring after that which is nei- 
 ther of use to themselves or others, only for want of 
 taste and judgment, or of some direction in the choice 
 of their studies ? And_ how many are there that be- 
 stow years in the study of the most obscure and subtle 
 schoolmen, without ever looking into the Holy Scrip- 
 
100 APPENDIX. 
 
 ture, or the Fathers ? And what advantage do they 
 reap from this, besides filling their heads with an infi- 
 nite number of metaphysical questions, which are of 
 no manner of use in the conduct of life, or the de- 
 fence of religion? Others again there are, that instead 
 of drawing maxims of sound morality from the pure 
 sources of the Gospel, tradition and able casuists, have 
 recourse to dirty cisterns, which aflford only a tainted 
 and corrupt morality. There are some, also, that waste 
 their time in dabbling in shallow controversies, whose 
 authors, instead of wading into the depths of religion, 
 will be engaging, how ill qualified soever, in the de- 
 fence of its truths, which they ought rather humbly to 
 sit|down with and believe. Some, again, in holy orders, 
 whose business is in the Ministry of God's Word, 
 often miscarry through reading weak sermons, instead 
 of forming themselves upon more excellent models. 
 Others, again, there are, whose knowledge in eccle- 
 siastical history reaches no farther than a few legends, 
 from whence, for want of criticism, they load their 
 memories with Romantic stories, which they as firmly 
 believe, as they do the Gospel. Lastly, there are others 
 that spend all their days in the study of a sort of mys- 
 tical theology, and dote upon the most contemptible 
 works of this kind, through their ignorance of any 
 other. I pass over those that are infatuated with here- 
 tical studies, and are daily laboring therein. And 
 here I cannot but observe, that a confused method of 
 study, and an irregular pursuit of it, is very often the 
 cause why so little advantage is reaped from it ; where- 
 as, on the contrary, method and order, disposition and 
 connection of authors, and subjects, contribute very 
 
APPENDIX. 101 
 
 much to our improveraent in the sciences, to the clear- 
 ness of our ideas, to the justness of our judgment, and 
 to the relief and fidelity of our memory. Thus, it ap- 
 pears, that we cannot take too much care, especially 
 in a course of theological studies, to set out well, and 
 make a good choice of valuable and judicious authors. 
 But then this is as difficult as it is necessary, and it 
 requires a nice judgment, a great deal of learning, and 
 a just distinguishing faculty, to be able to point out 
 the course that is to be taken, to give a complete plan 
 of the several studies we are to wade through, and to 
 make a right collection of authors. It will also be 
 pretty hard to please all men in this respect, by rea- 
 son of that variety there is in men's tastes, opin- 
 ions, and judgments. Moreover, the variety of tem- 
 pers, inclinations, and employments, is such, that it is 
 next to impossible to lay down such a plan as shall 
 be agreeable to all." 
 
102 APPENDIX. 
 
 FREQUENT CHANGES IN THE PLAN OF 
 STUDY. 
 
 [Extracted from the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Potter's Hand-book for Students.] 
 
 " Beware, on the other hand, of frequent changes in 
 your plan of study. This is the besetting sin of young 
 persons. * The man who resolves,' says Wirt, ^but 
 suffers his resolution to be changed by the first coun- 
 ter-suggestion of a friend ; who fluctuates from opinion 
 to opinion, from plan to plan, and veers like a weather- 
 cock to every point of the compass, with every breath 
 of caprice that blows, can never accomplish anything 
 great or useful. Instead of being progressive in any- 
 thing, he will be at best stationary, and more probably 
 retrograde in all. It is only the man who carries into 
 his pursuits that great quality which Lucan ascribes to 
 Ceesar, nescia virtus stare loco, who first consults wise- 
 ly, then resolves firmly, and then executes his purpose 
 with inflexible perseverance, undismayed by those petty 
 difficulties which daunt a weaker spirit than can ad- 
 vance to eminence in any line. Let us take, by way 
 of illustration, the case of a student. He commences 
 the study of the dead languages; presently comes a 
 friend, who tells him he is wasting his time, and that, 
 instead of obsolete words, he had much better employ 
 himself in acquiring new ideas. He changes his plan, 
 and sets to work at the mathematics. Then comes 
 another friend, who asks him with a grave and sapient 
 
APPENDIX. 103 
 
 face, whether he intends to become a professor in a col- 
 lege; because, if he does not, he is misemploying his 
 time ; and that, for the business of life, common mathe- 
 matics is quite enough of the mathematics. He throws 
 up his Euclid, and addresses himself to some other 
 study, which, in its turn, is again relinquished on 
 some equally wise suggestion ; and thus life is spent 
 in changing his plans. You cannot but perceive the 
 folly of this course ; and the worst effect of it is, the 
 fixing on your mind a habit of indecision, sufficient in 
 itself, to blast the fairest prospects. No, take your 
 course wisely, but firmly; and, having taken it, hold 
 upon it with heroic resolution, and the Alps and Py- 
 renees will sink before you. The whole empire of 
 learning will be at your feet, while those who set out 
 with you, but stopped to change their plans, are yet 
 employed in the very profitable business of changing 
 their plans. Let your motto be, Perseverando vinces. 
 Practice upon it, and you will be convinced of its 
 value by the distinguished eminence to which it will 
 conduct you.' " 
 
 THE END. 
 
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