the warring elements of wild fanaticism; and lawless, reckless insubordination. The restraints of law and authority, and of morality and religion, seem to have yielded to restless impatience and enthusiastic zeal. Respect for age, fear of justice, and regard for truth, are giving away to youthful ambition and heedless enterprise. Retiring modesty and female delicacy and loveliness, are throwing off the veil, and assuming rights, and exercising an influence that ill become them. The very floodgates of licentiousness are giving way before the impetuosity of aspiring tyrants and ignorant zealots. They seem ready to break down the laws of society and of nature, and in defiance of the positive commands of heaven to bring all on a level. Nor is there hope left, but in education, based on the invariable characters of men, and conformed to the fixed laws of nature, revelation and providence; that qualifies them to stem the torrent of licentiousness with peaceful composure, and brave the dangers of hereafter in triumph. This alone may hold in check the panting spirit of wild fanaticism; a spirit warring against good order-the peace of individuals, families, communities, nations and the world: and one that nothing but intelligence and virtue may ever tame or even restrain. Heedless and ignorant, it knows no fear, and will take no advice, while it urges forward its course. To check it, then, light must be thrown into its path. And what more successful in this, than education? It throws light all around; and makes the darkness of fanaticism visible. No sooner is the mask torn away than it hides itself in retirement. Fanaticism shrinks from the light of education. And thus it may be held in check. So with lawless, reckless insubordination it may be held in suspense by education. Though it sometimes shows itself in opposition to parental authority; then in rebellion against school, academy, and college regulations; next in city mobs and political parties; and finally in contempt of the moral government of heaven: still there is a redeeming principle in education. A principle, that may hold insubordination itself in suspense. It holds up the strong arm of civil authority, and the overwhelming retributions of eternity. And though they should not stop its course entirely it will be held in dread suspense. Lawless and reckless as it is, it dares not brave sworn vengeance and Almighty strength. Thus, by suspending the operations of insubordination, and checking the warring spirit of fanaticism, education tends to order. It holds fast the struggling elements of discord, and gives form and character to society. Nor may the ambitious and enthusiastic grasp all power, and hurl the moral world into chaos unprepared. Though revolution proceed to ultimate consummation, its progress is gradual, and may be guided by education. And thus order partial is sustained amidst ruin else. Finally, education may restore order complete, by making men loyal and obedient to civil authority and bringing them under moral government. As social beings, men have formed themselves into civil society, and adopted rules and regulations to govern their intercourse with one another and as rational and accountable beings, they are ever under the moral government of God. These different forms of government are necessary to their well-being. The one to regulate their civil conduct; and the other their moral action. Nor may they deviate from either with impunity. Yet many trample on civil authority and disregard the threatenings of the Almighty. They will not acknowledge the claims of any government, and refuse to be regulated in their course by God or man. And in open defiance of both, they violate the laws of the land, and the laws of heaven. Their responsibilities, however, are commensurate with their obligations. Consequently they subject themselves to deserved punishment for every offence. Loyal and obedient, however, under the forming hand of education, they would neither offend nor be punished. And educated in accordance with the laws of nature, revelation and providence, they would be loyal and obedient to civil authority. They would be subject to the powers that be, and never deviate from good and wholesome laws. Though human, they would be revered and obeyed. And thus the laws of the land would become their guide, and the protection of the weak; a terror to evil doers, and the pride and boast of the whole; frowning the lawless delinquent from civil society, and holding out the olive-branch to the civilized world. Order thus would be restored, and peace reign through the abodes of men. The same loyalty and obedience under moral government, would make men willing subjects of heaven. And rightly educated they would be loyal and obedient. In accordance with the principles of their natures, as revealed in the Bible, and developed in providence, their moral actions would accord with the government of God. And thus acknowledging their allegiance to heaven, and submitting to the requisitions of their sovereign, they restore order through all the ranks of his moral kingdom. Nor would aught disturb its repose, were all loyal and obedient. Thus by making men patriots and christians, loyal and obedient subjects of civil authority and moral government, education effects an entire change, and restores order complete. Amidst confusion, chaos and ruin, it may guide the storm, and bring the scattered fragments of broken institutions into one harmonious and universal government: a government based on virtuous intelligence and loyal obedience: one that the storms of revolution cannot shake, and the crumbling elements of earth shall not undermine. Such are the conservative powers, the redeeming energies of education. It controls the man, guides the storm of revolution, and brings order out of confusion. It is the secret of self control the basis of free institutions. It makes us free; while it calms the passions, and hushes the noise of strife. It "Fixes on the skies, and bids earth Noble object! high aim! worthy of the Institute — and of man. Persevere educate the world, and it is redeemed. Redeemed from ignorance and delusion; fanaticism and insubordination; civil discord and moral revolution. And though brass and marble immortalize not your name; when these are mouldered in the dust, or have mingled in the last fire, you shall live in immortal honor. |