Article #30 - Process of Learning

            For the Journal

            The truth of the old adage which says, “as the twig is bent the tree inclines,” has been fully exemplified in the moulding and forming of the minds of all persons with whom we are acquainted. One unacquainted with human nature and the surrounding circumstances, upon bringing his mind to bear upon the causes which produce such a variety of minds, will inquire, how is it that there is such dissimilarity, when it is maintained that we have desended [sic] from the same parents, and are closely connected, one with another, by the ties of consanguinity.

            Although this subject is one of interest, and deserving attention, it appears to pass almost unnoticed by a large portion of our citizens, who are persons of much thought and of inquiring minds.

            The circumstances which have brought about this great change are indeed so numerous that I shall not attempt to philosophize upon more than one of them at the present.

            In connection with the influence of a certain kind of diet, the effects of climate, and the character and disposition of our associates it appears that the nature and character of the authors we read, or works we peruse, fail not to mould our thoughts in a great degree, to those of their

author. 

            This embraces the presumption that all are in the habit of reading which I am well aware would be a faulse [sic] assumption, but in these remarks, I shall speak only of those who can, and are in the habit of reading.

            Yet I hope that in discouraging the perusal of unprofitable artacles [sic], that no one will be deterred from making the strongest exertions within their power, to drink deep from the fountain of knowledge which is everywhere gushing up from the great book of Nature.

            Like the food that is prepared for the support of the physical constitution, which according to modern customs often becomes poisonous and detrimental to health, by the addition of impropper [sic] artacles, which disturb the regular and harmonious action of the system; has there also become a corruption among the food for the mind as prepared by numerous gardeners of the intellect, who are ignorant of natures laws, or wilfully transgress them for a selfish motive, while they not only are guilty of an unrighteous thought, but of attempting to instill into the minds of others, that which is poisonous and tends to pervert.

            From my very limited observation it appears that variety is now perfect.

            There is not a subject within the limits of mental comprehension, which has not been the theme of some writer, even from our duties to our creator, and of the nature and power of the indwelling spirit, down through the numerous subjects connected withEthics to the material being, and from thence to every trifling subject of which the human mind can conceive to be worthy of an investigation.

            To follow the pen of every writer, or to peruse all the writings of those who have gone before us, is an impossibility; and it therefore becomes our duty to make a selection and content ourselves with little when compared with all that has been recorded, yet we all have much to

performe [sic].

            To attempt to draw a line of demarcation between the profitable and unprofitable would be useless, inasmuch as it is impossible to judge correctly of what we do not understand, and again a perfectly natural state of mind is actually indispensible for such a requisition.

            Then how shall we judge? who shall judge for us? My rule has ever been to read nothing but what would interest me for the time, and afford a subject of thought while prosecuting physical labour. As mans first and greatest duty is to love his creator as himself, he should endeavour to acquaint himself with his omnipotence, wisdom and goodness for it is through a knowledge and admiration of his mighty works that we adore him. What a grand and interesting

subject for meditation. It is one of which a natural mind never wearies, for thought begets thought in its meanderings in this wide range, until it is at last absorbed in some hidden mistery [sic] which it is beyond the power of a clay clad spirit [to] discern.

            It was the intention of the writer of this artacl [sic] to have written a few lines, and only a few, concerning the writing of Thomas L. Dick, [Wikipedia: Reverend Thomas Dick (24 November 1774 in Hilltown, Dundee - 29 July 1857), was a Scottish church minister, science teacher and writer, known for his works on astronomy and practical philosophy, combining science and Christianity, and defusing the tension between the two.] which I presume no one

who has perused them can rationally complain of having spent the time without being improved thereby, and in summing up all the valuable properties they possess I feel that it would be but speaking my sentiments if I should assert that they contain as much valuable information, and are capable of affording as much real pleasure to their readers, as any work that has ever been

written upon the same subjects as those of which they treat. On scientific and theological subjects does he appear to be equally versed and every subject he attempts to investigate he examines in all its bearings. There are indeed few works so popular among their readers as his, yet I am sorry that they are not generally more sought for, and that their value is not more properly appreciated or generally known.

            What novel reader is there in our country who would not lay aside all novels to read his Philosophy of Religion or his Sidereal Heavens.

            These are grand subjects for meditation when retired from the busy cares of the world, but when under a master intellect, which has matured amid high and holy aspirations, how rich and eloquent the language how philosophic the sentiments.

            It appears as though Dick has been selected as one, by the great father of all, to publish to the world a series of artacles [sic] ‘relative to scientific and religious subjects by which mankind will be greatly benefited.’

            Should every juvenile mind be trained to the reading of such works, undoubtedly soon be a great change produced in the mental and moral condition of our people.

            The twig once bent in this channel, would continue to follow it, unless perverted by some unnatural stimulant.                              B. B.