Page:Calcutta Review Vol. II (Oct. - Dec. 1844).pdf/381

Rh endeavour, it is always another atom added to the momentum of onward improvement; and, however insignificant when viewed prospectively in reference to the grand design of national regeneration, it is sure to be viewed with peculiar satisfaction in retrospect, as one of the units in that mighty aggregate of influences, which contributed to ensure so glorious a consummation. Let us, then, each and all of us, resolve to discharge aright his own individual part in this great work; and let the recorded utterances of a wisdom that may be pronounced oracular, incite us to perseverance in such a course. Let the cutting reflection of shame us, as rational beings: “He that knoweth not that which he ought to know, is a brute beast among men; he that knoweth no more than he hath need of, is a man amongst brute beasts; and he that knoweth all that may be known is as a celestial being amongst men.” Let the sententious aphorism of our great English moralist quicken us, as accountable beings: “He that voluntarily continues in ignorance is guilty of all the crimes which ignorance produces; as to him that should extinguish the tapers of a light-house might justly be imputed the calamities of shipwreck.” Let the generous sentiment of Sir  encourage us, as philanthropic beings: “Whatever be our learning, we ought to communicate it freely; imparting knowledge is only lighting other men’s candles at our lamp, without depriving ourselves of any flame.” Let the weighty remarks of a living statesman, in reference to the circumstances of another land, accommodated and applied to those of India, alarm us, as social beings: “Consider, too, the rapid progress of time. In ten years from this hour—no long period in the history of a nation—all who are nine years of age will have reached the age of nineteen years; a period in which, with the ten years that follow, there is the least sense of responsibility, the power of the liveliest action, and the greatest disregard of human suffering and human life. The early years are of incalculable value; an idle reprobate of fourteen is almost irreclaimable; every year of delay abstracts from us thousands of useful fellow-citizens; nay, rather it adds them to the ranks of viciousness, of misery, and of disorder. So long as this plague-spot is festering among our people, all our labours will be in vain; our recent triumphs will avail us nothing. To no purpose, while we are rotten at heart, shall we toil to improve our finances, to extend our commerce, and explore the hidden sources of our difficulty and alarm. We feel that all is wrong; we grope at noon-day as though it were night, disregarding the lessons of history and the word of God, that there is neither hope nor strength, nor comfort, nor peace, but in a virtuous, a wise, and understanding people.”