qualified, all his instructions will be in

[For the Journal of Education. complete and defective—and, if the facili

EDUCATION. ties and appliances for study and illustra

Man is a child of God. He is so, not tion, experiment and demonstration, be simply because he was called into being few and inefficient, all the instructions of

by the Almighty, but because he is creathe schoolroom, will be either wholly ted in the image and likeness of his Maker. wrong, or imperfect and inadequate.

That man's faculties, though finite in Then, with what care should every school

degree, are in kind the same with those room be built and furnished, should ev- of the Lord, is demonstrated from the fact ery text-book be selected, and every that man is commanded to be holy as God teacher chosen!

is holy. Likeness of character consists in Again, the instructions of the school

likeness of acts and conditions of like facroom, especially here in this “Prairie

ulties and susceptibilities; and if man land," have a great work to accomplish.

were not mentally constituted in the imNot many years hence and the Valley of the Mississippi will be the central power, command him to be of a like character.

age of his Father, it would be vain to as it is now the geographic centre, of the United States; and whatever governs and

Education in its true and extended sense controls its destiny, will govern and con

means the development or drawing forth trol the destiny of the Republic. Who- of this divine or seminal image in man, erer corrupts the youth and degenerates

with ever increasing fullness, in harmony the people of the Mississippi Valley, cor

with the Supreme. The soul, upon which

this office is exerted is as eternal in regard rupts and degenerates a nation. But whoever educates and renders virtuous

to the future as God himself; and must the youth, and reforms the people of this

become happy and advance in blessedcountry, protecting and securing them

ness as it approaches its divine original;

or miserable as it recedes from Him.from moral degeneracy, educates, happifies, and secures the permanency of a

How all-important, therefore, is education. great Republic, effects incalculably the

The Almighty himself, is the Great good of humanity, and blesses the world;

Teacher; for he only can communicate a for, a knowledge of science, literature

knowledge of himself; but He operates and art, and the discipline of mind con

both directly and indirectly. In all cases

however, one indispensable condition of sequent upon a thorough pursuit of the

the attainment of a right education, is a same, together with the regularity of hal

voluntary co-operation on the part of the its secured, are equally essential to the

learner. Strength of character, integrity reformatory energy and progress of so

and wisdom depend on acts of will. A ciety, the stability and perpetuity of a

man or child is that, which in the right Republic, and the highest good and happiness of mankind.

use of means, he wills himself to be.

All subordinate teachers must conform To the accomplishment of these ends and these great purposes, then, should to the laws of the Great Teacher. The all our schools be adapted, and should commandments which God has written

in his volume of nature, are as obligatory unite all their interests and labors; for

as those written in the volume of his it is only by a united effort that these objects can be accomplished.

word. God has ordained, in this life, an Wilton, Wis.

inseparable connection between a health

A. C. s.

ful body and a healthful mind. So long It is absurd and impious to suppose that as mind remains a tenant of this taber-God's truth can be defeated. This noble nacle of flesh, the command—"go preach reliance upon divine help, sustained the the kingdom of God," cannot be disjoined prophets and apostles in times past; and from the command—"and heal the sick." must and ever will sustain the righteous

ind wise in all ages. The development In education, the law whereby different

of this pricciple is one part of a correct organizations produce different effects, al

education. so demands attention. The organic law

Not by one force of circumstance only, is potential in all things, at all times and out by all forces and circumstances is everywhere. Trees and plants differ in character or education formed. School organization; therefore trees and plants systems and discipline may be very good, differ in their fruits and other productions. but if the system and discipline at home You may

insert different grafts upon the be bad, the labors of the teacher are counsame stock ; yet, notwithstanding they all teracted. Parents and guardians, who, receive nourishment from the same roots instead of co-operating with the teachers and stem, their fruits vary according to at school encourage or connive at a contheir organic peculiarities. Thus it is in trary disposition in their children, do nations and in all social organisms. Mon- much harm; they impair the efficiency of archical, aristocratic and republican insti- the school ; they inflict a lasting evil upon tutions do not and cannot educate men to others; and very greatly retard the genthe same character; neither can our in- eral public advance and happiness. The stitutions in the South educate men to most powerful and thorough means for the same character as those in the North. the elevation of society, and the prosperThis power of the organic law is no less ity and stability of a nation, is the rightforcible in schools. A school system and ful education of the youth; and whoever discipline should be such as to draw forth strikes a blow at this foundation, commits the mental and moral powers of youth in an evil from which flow very sad and fearfree, generous and candid directions; to ful consequences. form the mind and body to hardihood ;- The great Author of nature, has also to educate the will into habits of fixed and ordained laws in the mental constitution concentrated attention ; to cultivate of inan, to which we must conform in the promptness as well as accuracy and depth work of education. thought, with vigor of imagination; and Imitation and emulation are very disto imbue the heart with an ardent love of tinct forces. Imitation incites us to copy truth, of justice, of humanity, of picty.- the manners and habits of others. EmuScholars should be trained to wisdom.— lation exerts a deeper power; it seeks to Wisdom consists in choosing a right end equal or excel in real or supposed worth. and right means to accomplish it; and in A child may imitate a grown person.executing such purpose with courage, en- The action is external. He may do it in ergy and a confident reliance upon the sport; or, insensibly, from habit. A Almighty. For he who fights God's bat- child, also, may be instructed to venerate tles has God upon his side, and is sure of the character and admire the actions and victory; though he water his cause with life of a great and good man; and to his own blood, his cause still conquers, mould himself after his example. But and he himself ascends to a higher glory. emulation puts not forth its greatest force

except between persons who are equal or should exalt him in honor and power

far nearly equal. Emulation is a kind of above all others; but it is base, maligrace. We do not willingly, or with alac-nant and injurious, for any one to seek rity, engage in a race with others, unless or desire to retard another, in order to we have some hope to win, or to be equal; gain a superiority. Let each be educated or at least not to be distanced in the con- to the top of his ability; and if my neightest Thus nature in inciting children bor's capacity is more than mine, may I onward in the career of mental improve ever thank God for it; just as I thank ment, by the force of emulation, one of God that there are Angels and Seraphin her strongest powers, does not stand so higher than men. Truly educated and far off from them as at the great distance conformed to the will of the Supreme, of mature manhood. The man acts on

all rational beings are co-members one of the child by reverence, authority, the another; and the advancement, beauty force of imitation and love ; rarely, if at and blessedness of one, is for the common all, throngh emulation, except in youth good of all; just as the hand is benefited when ripening into manhood. But na

by the strength of the foot, and each

member by the health and perfection of ture presents to the small child, another child still more advanced ; to this other,

all the members. This is Christain doc

trine; and it is so, because the principle a third : and so continually, the great law

is founded in the very nature of things of emulation, by connecting links, unites

which the All-wise Creator has ordained. childhood to youth; and youth to manhood; and urges on the whole family of

It is indispensable, therefore, to a correct man and successive generations in un

education, that emulation be so guided ceasing progress.

and instructed, as to incite, not to hate One evil child does very great harm to or to subversive competition, but to love many. One generous and noble youth and good works. may influence multitudes for good. —

God's character and purposes are reChildren are by a law of nature, and to vealed in the Scriptures ; neither can the an inconceivable extent, either for good human mind be developed or drawn forth or evil, the educators of children. This in conformity with the Divine, except as instructs us that the education of no child indicated in the Bible. The doctrines can be safely neglected ; and that all so- and life of Christ enter into the foundaciety and the whole nation are interested tion and superstructure of all truthful in the education of all children.

education. But there are many distinct Emulation needs guidance and disci- departments in the great and unending pline that it may not degenerate into ill work of training the human mind. Pawill or enmity. When we direct our

rents, the Clergy and Teachers, have thoughts to our Father above, we perceive

their separate and various functions. Yet that all mankind, being the offspring of can no school be safely entrusted with one Parent, are brothers, and have a com

the education of youth, which ignores the mon interest. Malignant rivalry must practical duties of Christian piety, of revnot exist among them. It is right and erence to God, and love to man as taught commendable for one brother to seek in the sacred volume. his own full and perfect development, Racine, Wis. according to the capacities given to him

ConscieNCE. Man's dominion ends, says by his Creator, even if that development | Bonaparte, where that of conscience commences.

H, H, V. A.

2 o'clock, P. M., Discussion on Uniform

Superintendent's Department. ity of Text Books

SECOND DAY.

3 o'clock, P. M., Call by towns as to OFFICE OF Sup'T. OF PUB. INSTRUCTION,

condition and progress of Education. Madison, April 15th, 1856. Desiring to meet, as far as possible, the

4 o'clock, P. M., A Paper on Moral Ed

ucation in our Schools. Teachers, School Officers, and Friends of Education generally, in the several coun

5 o'clock, P. M., Recess. ties of the State, for the purpose of con

8 o'clock, P. M., Address. ference, I hereby call a series of Educational Conventions, to be holden as fol

9 o'clock A, M., Miscellaneous Business. lows:

10 o'clock, A. M.,

Lecture on Physical

Education.
In Elkhorn, May 2d and 3d.
In Janesville, May 6th and 7th.

11 o'clock, A, M., Call by towns as to In Monroe, May 9th and 10th.

condition and progress of Education, In Shullsburg, May 13th and 14th.

12 o'clock, m., Recess. In Mineral Point, May 16th and 17th.

2 o'clock, P. M., Discussion on the subIn Lancaster, May 20th and 21st.

ject of County Lyceums as a means of In Prairie du Chien, May 23d and 24th. promoting the interests of Education. In La Crosse, May 27th and 28th.

3 o'clock A Paper on School Govern't. In Richland Centre, June 2nd.

4 o'clock, A Paper on Union Schools. In County Seat of Adams Co., June

5 o'clock, P. M., Recess. 5th.

8 o'clock, P. M., Address. In Baraboo, June 9th and 10th.

Each paper and address will be followed In Portage City, June 12th and 13th. by brief discussion if the time will per

mit. In Juneau, June 17th and 18th. In Jefferson, June 20th and 21st.

A. CONSTANTINE BARRY, In Waukesha, June 24th and 25th.

Supt. Pub. Inst. In Racine, June 27th and 28th.

AN ACT In Kenosha, July 1st and 2nd.

To authorize the State Superintendent of Public In[To be Conti nued. It is desired of the Town Superintend

copies of the Wisconsin Journal of Education.

The People of the State of Wisconsin représented in ents in the several places designated in Senate and Assembly, do enact us follows: the foregoing list, that they make such Section 1. The State Superintendent arrangements for the Conventions, with of Public Instruction, from year to year,

so long as he small deem expedient, is regard to place of meeting, accommoda- hereby authorized to subscribe for so tion of members, &c., as may be required. many copies of the Wisconsin Journal of

The following Order of Business is re- Education, published by the State Teachspectfully submitted :

ers' Association, at the price of fifty cents per year as shall be sufficient to supply

one copy to each organized school district 10 o'clock A, M.,

Organization. in the state : Provided, The State Super

Address by State Su- intendent be allowed to publish free of perintendent.

expense to the state, any and all matters

of an educational character, that he may 11 o'clock, a. M., Miscellaneous Busi- wish to publish from month to month in ness,

the columns of said Journal. The said 12 o'clock, M., Recess.

periodical shall be sent by the publishers

struction to subscribe for a certain nuun ber of

FIRST DAY,

66

to the clerk of each school district in the wish that the Journal should be the Organ of state, and to each town superintendent in the Departınent of Public Instruction, and that the state. It shall be the duty of each some arrangement should be made by which he district clerk, to cause each volume to be might have a voice in deciding as to the charbound at the expense of the district, and

acter of the Journal. to be kept in the library of such district, subject to the general library regulations.

On motion of Jno. G. McMynn, the CommitSec. 2. A sum sufficient to pay for the teo proceeded to ballot for editor to fill the vanumber of copies of said Journal so sub-cancy occasioned by the resignation of Geo. S. scribed for, is hereby annually appropri. Dodge Esq. Hon. A. C. Barry was unanimousated from the income of the school fund, ly elected a member of the Editorial Committeo. and the same shall remain in the treasury

On motion of Jno. G. McMynn, it was ordersubject to the draft of the State Superin- cd that on the title page of the Journal, aster tendent of Public Instruction, to be drawn quarterly, and paid over to the publisher the words “ The Organ of the State Teachers' of said journal.

Association" the following “ Also of the DepartSec. 3. In making the annual appor- ment of Public Instruction” should be inserted. tionment of the income of the school fund The Resident Editor then stated that he had among the several towns and cities of this assumed the responsibility of having three thoustate, it shall be the duty of the State Super- sand extra copies of the Ist number of the Jourintendent to deduct from the whole amount nal printed, upon the request of the State Suotherwise subject to apportionment, such sum as may be necessary to pay for said perintendent. The Committee then yoted to ap

prove the action of the Resident Editor. journal at the price above named. Sec. 4. In certifying to the State Trcas

On motion of Jno. G. McMynn, it was voted urer, the apportionment of the school fund that the Treasurer be required to give bonds annually, the State Superintendent shall satisfactory to the Chairman and Secretary of state in such certificate, the aggregate the Editorial Committee, for the safe keeping amount deducted according to the provis- and faithful disbursement of all money that ions of this act.

may come into his hands. Sec. 5. This act shall take effcct and

The Comunittee authorized the Resident Ed. be in force from and after its passage.

itor to enter into contract with the State SuJOSHUA STARK, Speaker pro tem of the Assembly.

perintendent of Public Instruction, to furnish L. P. HARVEY,

the Wisconsin Journal of Education to the State President pro tem of the Senate. according to the provisions of the law enacted Approved March 19, 1856.

during the present session of the Legislature, WM. A. BARSTOW.

and to contract to publish such additional num

ber of copies as he may deem expedient.
WALKER HIOUSE,
Milwaukee, March 28, 1856.5

Committee voted that the Chairman and Sec-
The Editorial Committee of the Wisconsin retary of this meeting act in the same capacity
Journal of Education met pursuant to notice. during the current year. Adjourned.
A. J. Craig, Jno. G. McMynn, W. Van Ness,

A. J. CRAIG, Ch'n.

A. C. Spicer, Sec'y. V. Butler, W. C. Dustin and A. C. Spicer were present. A. J. Craig was called to the Chair

20" Chicago is destined to be great in evand A. C. Spicer was appointed Secretary. ery thing. lier citizens seem anxious that her

The object of the meeting was stated, viz: to educational development shall keep pace with confer with the state Superintendent in relation

her unparalleled physical growth. Read what

they are doing there for schools: to carrying out the provisions of an act lately

A beautiful building three stories high, of passed by the Legislature, authorizing the State Athens marble, has just been erected in Chicago Superintendent to subscribe for a certain num- for a high school. The building is 38 feet by ber of copies of the Journal. The State Super-88, and stands in an eligible position in the

western part of the city, and cost $36,000. The intendent being present, by invitation, made school is to go into operation the present season. a statement in regard to the circumstances un- Another school house is also under contract, der which the bill was passed, and expressed a for the North part of the city, to cost $25,000.