Rising Sun Times, Volume 3, Number 151, Rising Sun, Ohio County, 1 October 1836 — Page 2

TWiMNG S ADDRESS CONCLUDED. -1 j t . I 1 . K f ll Vineia r f

It is immensely imporiar.T, mar. n:e great pi mcipies, bimui iuihi u... societv and of government, should be implanted in tiie minds of the young, at ihe earliest practicable age; and that these principles should strike their roots deeply, and become entwined with their earliest and most lasting associations; and like the siuidv oak, stand unmoved amid tiie stormy commotion? of party conflict; and defy ike fury of ih -se popular tornadoes, which occasionally sweep across communities, disorganizing society, breaking over the barriers of law, and laving government prostrate at the feet of anarchy and misrule. 3. Education should also aim to improve and elevate the moral character of

the young, and by means of good early impressions, to lay a sure foundation for ny of facts. Sei unbending virtue", and enlightened piety in subsequent life. It is, indeed, far : it to devise metl

from the teacher's dutv, to assume the office of a Theological I roiessor, or to

take any part, in his capacity as a teacher, in the religious controversies that divide the opinions of good men. Yet on the other hand, that person suffers his mind to vibrate to the other extreme, who thinks that it is no part of the teacher's dutv, to watch over the moral conduct of his pupils, or to seek their religious welfare. Suppose, for example, a boy in school is overheard, at play, in the use of profane language. The teacher has reason to think, that this is the boy's habitual practice, and not his only, but tSie practice of many other boys in school. Now, if the teacher is a good man, he will set himself to contrive a pi n, by which ho may induce the boys to abandon so evil a practice. Accordingly, a little before the close of sthool, he tells the children to lay aside their books, because lie has a word to say to them, on an important subject. In a few moments ail is silence. The teacher begins: A short time ago, I acci

dentally overheard one of th" hnvs using profane language. Ever)-eye is fixed with inquiring inteiest. The teacher proceeds. Now, perhaps you may think that I am about to mention the name of t he individual; but I do not intend to do this; for two reasons; 1st. because the boy himself knows he was guilty of swearing; and 2Jlv. because there may be other boys, who live in the same practice. Vv ith a few remarks, he now dismisses the subject, promising to say something more about it anothei day. In the mean time, the boys remember what was said to them; and are prepared to receive further instruction. According to promise, the teacher resumes the subject the next day, and as often after that, as he thinks expedient, ami finally succeeds in bringing the practice into deserved disrepute, and preventing its repetition. Now w hat person does not see that this teacher does an un speakahh; kindness to his school; and what parent would not thank him, for the solicitude manifested for the moral welfare of his children, and ever lemember it with approbation and delight? Now, w hen I say that every teacher should aim to create those good impressions, which will lay a sure foundation for unbending virtue, and enlightened piety in after life, 1 mean that lie should seize upon every favorable opportunity for creating a salutary moral and religious impression upon their minds, and in

culcating upon them, the great moral duties w hich God has enjoined upon men. Many such opportunities w ill occur, in his experience, which he can not neglect, without betraying a culpable indifference to tiie moral interests, of those w hom it is in his power to instruct and to benefit. Those persons are most assuredly right, who affirm that the specific business of a school-teacher, is to cultivate the intellect of his pupil-; and that their religious education belongs chiefly to their parents and religious teachers. Yet, who would venture so far as to say, thai the teacher, in common w ith the pa rent, may not seek, and is not in duty bound, to seek, to give their intellectual faculties that direction, which will render their attainments in knowledge, subservient to the interests of their mor;-i nature.

but, perhaps, some are ready to ;:-k, w hat hearing this has upon the use. of I the Bible in schools? I reply, that to speak of moral education, without the ! aid of the Bible, is as unphilosophical, as to propose; to navigate the ocean by the light of the stars, when you can do it much more safely, and much belter, by the compass. W hat book would you recommend as a substitute for the Bible? Would you recommend the works of Plato,or of Seneca, or Socrates, or Aristotle, orof any other man, ancient or modern? This would be disrespectful to the word of God. It would be saying, that certain human productions are better than the scriptures; whereas, the Bible is as much better for the purposes of moral instruction, than all human productions, as the t ompass is superior for the purpose of navigation, to the old method employed before the invention of this instrument, when the best navigators rarely ventured out of sight of land. The reasons for the use of the Bible, in preference to all other books, are the most weighty and decisive. 1. It is the best book for the purposes of moral instruction. The moon is a very useful luminary. et we should scarcely be willing to dispense with the sun, from which her light is bor rowed. So, many human productions are very good; yet no truly w ise man, would think of using them as a substitute for that from which their goodness is derived. 2. The Bible 12 not a sectarian book. !f it be sectarian, which sect does it favor, or aim to promr.'c, exclusively? Many would indeed be glad to know. "Then might Christians be united, and contend with their common enemy, under one banner, and denominational distinctions cease to exist. But now, all are not united. Vet all truly Christian people do agree in reverencing the Bible; and are active in its circulation; yes, ami they can unite in its circulation, because it is the pillar and ground of the truth; and they would commit it to the minds, if it might thus be borne to every family, and might carry to them its own messages, without no'e or comment, because; it is the tree of life, irhose. leaves are for the healing: "f the native. The tree of life. Every g od man takes care to plant it by his dwelling, thai his children may be blessed by its life-giving influence. Plant it then, also, by the side of your schools and seminaries of learning, that the youths who resort thither, may inhale its fragrance in the atmosphere; that the very waters, at the fountain of science, may be impregnated with its healing properties; and that the streams issuing from them, maybe the waters of life to the world. By means of the Bible, the minds of men, are enlarged with true charity and benevolence, not reduced to the narrow dimensions of sectarian bigotry. Bigotry is one of man's imperfections. It may exist in connexion with religion, but it was never breathed into the soul, by the spirit of inspiration. The Bible, therefore, cannot mislead and injure the young. 3. This last argument, deserves additional weight, from the consideration, that the Bible is admirably adapted to the capacities of children. Every part of scripture, is not plain to persons of mature understandings; much less to children. But young people, comprehend no writing, more readily than they do most parts of the New Testament, especially the "Gospels. The simplicity of these writings is remarkable. The language employed, is the language of common use; and the truths taught, are conveyed by means of figures, or parables, drawn from real life, with which young people are familiar. In this respect, the Bible excels most oilier books. Why, then, should it not be used? Let any teacher make the trial fairly, and his experience will differ from thai of most other teachers; if he does not find if, in many points of view, of unquestionable utility to his pupils. For my own pall, I am satisfied, that to open the school in the morning, and to close it in the afternoon, w ith the reading of

rt puiuo.i 01 sc.ipuire, permitting each individual to read two or more verses, is an interesting exercise to the scholar, and affords important aid to the instructor, in maintaining good government. But the last and strongest reason for the use of the Bible in schools, is, that the Bible is the basis of society. Men have fondly dreamed of a state of society, without religion on tiie one hand, and without disorder and anarchy on the other. They might as reasonably attempt to abstract that properly of the soul's light, which dispels darkness, from that which enlightens the world. Certain French physicians, were long intent upon separating tlat property of opium which produces sleep, from (hat which is deadly l th,; human system. The result of their labors was, indeed, the discovery of two very important ingredients, which are now extensively used in medicine. lJut another result was, they were satisfied that drowsiness am death, are only different degrees of the same operation. There are abo certain persons, who, being under the same kind of delusion, have long endeavored, to ecparale that influence of the Bible, which confessedly tends to promote the moral good of society, from that which tends to make men decidedly religious. They imagine that there is a power, distinct from religion, which is able to secure the perfection of human nature; and that religion, being nothing hi t superstition, may be thrown

away, like a deadly ingredient in a medicine, which is extracted and separated from those with which it is combined, that their operation upon the human system, may be wholly salutary . Such men are not aware, that the very thing which thev call the superstition of the Bible, is the secret of its reforming influence; and that they can no more abstract it from the Bible, without destroying that influence, than t!"y can remove (he fluke of an a-.-ebor, without depriving it of its power to confine the ship to its moorings. i be attempt is as vain as it is sacriligious. The Bible is the only firm basis of social order, and the basis must be laid in the hearts of the people, or the whole fabric of society must fall into anarchy and ruin. Look for yourselves, and listen to the testimo-

See, how long men have put their invention to torture, (o compel

lods of government, that w ill effectually prevent the outbreal

ings of human wickedness, and secure the common good. But of what avail

are any, or all, the external arrangements and provisions of law, when the fear of that Being, who commands men to pay respect to the sanctity of law, to the Powers that be, because they are ordained nf God, is absent from the hearts of the

people. Why is it, that unoffending citizens, in certain sections of the United Slates, have been publicly beaten, or otherwise maltreated, and forced to flee for their lives, on the charge, and in some cases, mer e suspicion of entertaining sentiments opposed to the commonly received opinions? W hence does it arise.

that 111 some of our cities and larger towns, meeting of peaceable citizens have been disturbed, and in some instances violently assaulted; that printing presses have been destroy ed, ai d buildings demolished ; the public authorities meanwhile, standing by, and conniving at the violence of the mob? Is the cause of this disorder to be sought for, in the absence of sufficient constitutional provisions, for the protection of the rights of opinion? No. The cause is not there.

The. cause is, the diseased and disorganized state of public sentiment. We, who live near the scene of these outrages, and possibly, partake in some measure, of the excitement under which they were perpetrated, may view them only as the outbreakings of individual wickedness, not as the symptoms of a fearful absence of mor.il principle fiom the community. But the fact is too

manifest to be denied, that with the increase of irreligion, the foundations of

public order, and of individual safety, are rapidly weakening. People in lhi country are becoming reckless and ungovernable. The storm of revolution has begun, and when will it be arrested, by any other power than that of God, exerted through his inspired truth. Never, (unless it be true that Satan can cast out Satan;) never, until (lie moral principles of this nation shall he sanctified by the sacred influence of the Bible. Never, without some special interposition, which God in mercy grant, till it shall have been abundantly proved, that the best constitutional provisions, for the liberty and rights of individual-, are nothing but bulwarks of paper, when the laws are not written upon the hearts of the peeple, and founded on the basis of moral principle in the commu

nity. Ahead' it has been said, that there are duties which we owe to the laws, but th it we owe higher duties to the community. Already, public meetings have undertaken to prescribe limits of free discussion, and magistrates have taken pains to inform certain persons, that thev will not he repoi sible for the consequences to the public peace, if (hey continue to publish their sentiments. And what will he next? Why, soon the public will undertake to tell us, that we must close our churches, and have no preaching, and hold no religious assemblies, and discontinue our religious periodicals, or they zril not be r( sponsible for the consequences ; and the watchword will be, duties to the lairs, but .higher duties to the community. Such must be the course of events in this country, unless prevented by the conveisative power of education, and of religious influence. This is our last hope. The Bible is an enemy to confusion.

It leaches men the duty of obedience to the laws; and an unresisting submission even to the tyranny of unrighteous rulers. It makes man the friend of his species. The Bible is the power of God, and the w isdt m of God; might) through God to the pulling down of strong holds. What wonders it ha effected! Jt has accomplished a work, to which nothing else has proved adequate. The pride of the world has been against it; tin; wealth of the world has been against it; and the power of the world has been against if; and if it had been possible, its enemies would have lurried it to some remote corner of the Uni verse. But (he hand of Omnipotence has pressed it to the earth, and in spite of opposition, it has forced its way to (he attention and respect of a considerable portion of mankind; and wheresoever it has gone, it has carried with it the blessings of light f.nd liberty, of virtue, and of enlightened pietv; and by (he victories which it has already achieved, it gives the assurance, "that it will accomplish all it has promised, and restore to nien, the unbroken unity, the perfect peace, and the warm friendship that are inseparable from the the religion it inculcates. It was not my first intention to dwell upon this point; but it is one of great public interest, and I have permitted myself to pursue it, perhaps too long, certainly to the exclusion of topics, w hich I hope some future lecturer will discuss before our society ; particularly the very important practical question, in what way can the Bible be most advantageously used, by teachcis. for the moral instruction of their pupils. For my own part, I would gladly sit at tin- feet of any man, who will instruct me, on a point in which so much experimental wisdom is required. One thing, however, is clear, namely, that the biblical exercise in every school, should be understood to be strictly for moral instruction. In many schools, the Bible has been used merely as a common class book, for ex ercisc in reading. This practice is extremely objectionable. The young should be taught to venerate the sacred volume, and never to open it, except lor religious instiuction, and spiritual profit. Therefore, I say, that the exercise of reading the scriptures, should not he placed on a level with the ordinary school exercises, but should be understood to be exclusively for moral instruc

tion and improvement. But 1 must desist. To say more on ibis point, would

not the

ure

TO TIIE PUBLIC. Aware of the influence of public opinion on the institutions of our country, and of the claims the people have on their agents for information, when their institutions are assailed, we feel

that we should be recreant to the trust reposed in us, should we not attempt to prevent the abuse of the public by charges made in a newspaper called the Indiana Signal, against the management of the Branch of the Stale Bank at Lawrenceburgh. We. should not have felt ourselves called upon to pay any attention to the charges, had they have been preferred in the form ofan anonymous communication, but coming as they do from one w ho professes to be the Editor of a week

ly Periodical, published for the purpose of disseminating truth, and founded as lie says upon personal observation, we deem it a duty as public agents, appointed Directors in that institution on the par t of ihe State of Indiana, to guard her interest in it, to say to the public that no connection has ever existed between the Branch and Insurance company, in the management of their concerns, and that all the statements in the Signal, are a fabrication

and ivilhout any juundatwn in truth. We stale that the Bank has never permitted the Insurance Company to lend one cent of her money at any rate of interest, nor has she ever made any loan to said Company, at any time. We further state that the Bank in Lavvrencebuigh, has never loaned any money at a greater rate of interest than six per cent, discount per annum. It is true that they have bought bills of exchange and other evidences of debts due in other places, and in addition to the xis per cent, charged from one half, to one per cent, to cover the expense of postage on letters, and of tadlection. With these statements we leave the public to judge who has the best opportunities of know ing, and who is the best entitled to credit, the undersigned, or an impudent, irresponsible youth, but a few months since, from one of the Eastern S'.ate, who, it appears from his ow n statements, has undertaken to investigate the affairs of the Bank in pursuit of corruption, belore lie has been long enough among us to be entitled to the privileges of a citizen. EZIIA FERRIS, J.M. DARRAGH. Sept. 1?, 133G.

place me under the necessity of saying much, w hich your patience would endure. Enough for the present. No reflecting person can doubt, that Bible is the support of the laws and institutions of societv. and that the s

loundalton of public peace and welfare, must be laid in the hearts of people, through its sacred influence. Then surely it is the dictate of sound wisdom, that this foundation should be laid deeply in the hearts of our children. Let the Bible be continually held up to them as their guide; and its (ruths he closely associated with their earliest fnd most precious recollections; and its holy impressions planted too deeply in their breasts, to be ever entirely eradicated. In accomplishing (his important object, all who have the charge of the education of the children of our land, should unceasingly labor, the parent, first; next the teacher, and the Christian minister; that at every step of their process in life, the influences of truth, and of piety, may stand as a wall about them, guarding them on either hand, and securing them from the destructive courses, into which, without those influences, they will most assuredly he led.

TEXAS.

5 on suspicion of being engaged it) a plot

We have been favored with the pe-5 'or ""eralion of Santa Anna, in rusal of two letters from a highly 1 e J consequence of which he had been in epectabb; source, underdate of Vclasco I ir"!!; (l,c rrew of chr. Passaic, F. August 13(h and 20th. They confirm S C- (7r:,)' formerly publishcrof the Tex

ii . . . . . ' I, I. : .1 1 . : . r

information received some days?"" lllTu"ut'U!) "s wne,

and

the information reer.ivr-.t BMmn ,!'iv?;'s Republican, and

ice, of the abandonment of the block-1 l'1 ''nchman by the name of Bar (ballon, !dc of Mitamoras, for the present, at j!,r(! '"S ,hc number arrested; they leasl. J were to have been examined on the 'vin , rr . ,i 1 i 201 h, the result of w hich, will probahe (ovvn of Boslrap on the Colera- be known , , ' . uver, was burnt by the Indians, and ' A, 0rkansBcc, -uu government troops had boondes-S . patched fo prevent further denreda-1 1- 1 r ,; ,PI ' . , . -""" ? r iif.xch Imifmxity. On inquiry a Hon. The Agent sent by the Pre -$n , 1 , 1 ,1 dent of Ibo IT S,,tM. ' ll,e '-;'"'7 department, we learn that

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ii,,, , 1 ,. .... e , ' all rne money receiver MIC relalivo citn:ili! rkf '1 v : J

r T v ' i'" v four first

10 acKiiowreugmeiii o her 111-

rancc on

instalments of (he (reaty has

reached (hi country; and (hat in a few

hi be

out

5 last may, win ne paid to the claimants i :i llip several nficne r. 1 1-

c 1 111 S .. . r-""" "i which punnc several persons had been arrested ) notice will be officially given. Globe.

linn. A 1 1 1 n, ' rear neu ill couiui y : ami a in a pendence, had arrived in Texas, and I 1 .1 . "'" h-,l : 1 - ! .1 n V, ' days, as soon as (he net proceeds ca nul an interview with (he Pros dent of I . 1 .1 ' il,.,! n , ,. ., ,, r , , 11 '"ascertained, the residue, not naid hal Republic, the result of which was 1 m 111 ' notknnvL ' wahslast May, will be paid to the claim

From ihe Richmond I';il!.uliurn. CANAL. CEL. LB It ATI ON AND EAST FORK COM VENTION. We had the pleasure of attending at Brookville, on Tuesday las!, the ceremony of breaking ground on the Whitewater Canal. T'ie assembly of spectators was very large and enthusiastic; but one feeling of g'ad rejoicing seemed to pervade the whole, and the stale of the weather was the only interruption of the festivities of the occasion An appropriate and highly eloquent address was delivered by Lieut. Governor Wallace, in the grove below the town, after which (he ceremony of digging t he first earth was performed by Gov. Noble, Ex Gov. Ray, Dr. Drake, of Cincinnati, and others, amidst the deafening shouts of the multitude. The company then repaired to the dinner tables abjacent, and after partaking of the cheer, a number of regular toasts were drank, which called forth appropriate addresses from several of the distinguished guests; letters were also read from Messrs. Clay, Johnson, and others, in reply to invitations given (hem (o the celebration. A heavy shower of rain prevented the offering of volunteer toasts, and the company hastily dispersed. The day previous, (he East Fork Canal Convention met at Dunlapsville, in Union county, ihe proceedings of which are given in another part of this paper. The Convention was characterized by its respectability and the unanimity of its proceedings. No doubts appeared to be entertained in regard to the practicability and great utility of the proposed work. The subject of Texas has been agi. fated in the British House of Commons. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs was called upon to state whether any communication relative to the establishment of slavery and the slave trade in Texas, had been received.--The reply was in the negative. A question was then put in regard to the importation of t;,v;s from the United Slates into Texas, to which a negative was also retur ned. The London press seem quite excited, for fear of (he annexation of Texas to the United Stales. Cn. Chronicle. The value of real estate in (he city of New York is estimated this year at over $300,000,000, last year the real estate was valued at $144,000,000,. An increase which, says the Advertiser, cannot find a parallel in the history of the world,