Page:History of the University of Pennsylvania - Montgomery (1900).djvu/245

Rh when we have thought the youth worthy of the honors of the Seminary, yet still we must recommend them to the Scriptures of God, in order to compleat their Wisdom, to regulate their conduct thro' life, and guide them to happiness forever. In the disposition of the parts of this Scheme, a principal regard has been paid to the connexion and subserviency of the Sciences, as well as to the gradual openings of young minds. Those parts are placed first, which are suited to strengthen the inventive Faculties, and are instrumental to what follows. Those are placed last which require riper judgment, and are more immediately connected with the main business of life. In the meantime, it is proposed that they shall never drop their acquaintance with the classic sages. They are every day called to con- verse with some one of the ancients, who, at the same time that he charms with all the beauties of language, is generally illustrating that par- ticular branch of philosophy or science, to which the other hours of the day are devoted. Thus, by continually drawing something from the most admired masters of Sentiment and expression, the taste of youth will be gradually formed, to just Criticism and masterly Composition. For this reason, Composition, in the strict Meaning of the term, cannot be begun at an earlier period than is proposed in the plan. The knowledge of Mathematics is not more necessary, as an introduction to natural philosophy, than an acquaintance with the best ancient and modern writers, especially the Critics, is to just Composition. Whoever would build, must have both the art and materials of building ; and therefore Composition, from one's own stock, is justly placed after Criticism, which supplies the art, and not before Moral and Natural Philosophy, which enriches the understanding, and furnishes the Materials or Topics for the Work. Thus it is hoped the Student may be led thro' a scale of easy ascent, till finally render' d capable of Thinking, Writing and Acting well, which is the grand aim of a liberal education. At the end of every term, there is some time allowed for Recreation, or bringing up slower Geniuses. Perhaps, after all, some who see this plan, may think three years too scanty a period for its execution. We would not be tenacious of our opinion ; but, from an attentive consideration of the business proposed for each term, we are inclined to think the time will be sufficient for a middling genius, with ordinary application. And where both genius and application are wanting, we conceive no time will be found sufficient. Experience, however, being the best guide in matters of this kind, we only propose that a fair trial of three years may be made, before anything farther is determined upon a subject of such high concern. Such a trial we think due to the present state of our Seminary, as well as to the public, and the particular circumstances of these colonies,