Article #40 - Thoughts on establishing a Lyceum

          Thoughts suggested upon the consideration of the subject of establishing a Lyceum.

            Persons not familiar with the buisiness [sic], not understanding the object of such an assosiation [sic]; will naturally inquire into its nature and design; and as that is of a public character and meant to interest all, it is important that every person should understand clearly the object and buisiness in order that they may act knowingly in whatever way they may feel disposed towards it.

            The object therefore as I understand it and as stated in the Constitution adopted by this

assosiation, is the mutual improvement of its members and the general diffusion of knowledge.

That is, we feel the importance of knowledge, the necessity there is in order to be enabled to promote health and happiness, to know more concerning those laws of our nature, and my-

sterious relations by which we are connected with the external world upon which our health

and happiness depend. The desire to possess such a moral power as shall enable us to direct every action of our life according to the dictates of enlightened conscience. The desire to qualify ourselves for the ordinary duties of life, and to this end believing it can be more effectually arrived at by assosiating together and using such means as may be suggested, do we organize this

Lyceum. The buisiness as proposed to promote to such an object is having lectures, discussions, reading, writeing [sic] essays, answering questions, and such other exercises as the members may adopt. By having lectures as opportunities may offer, we adopt one of the most efficient means of acquiring knowledge. Equal information may be derived from the reading of such matter as may be adopted to promote the object of the assosiation, discussions conducted in such a way, and under the influence of such feelings as a leading desire to promote the object stated would cause, or lead to, by giving opportunities to exchange views and sentiments, would be a scource [sic] of much improvement. Writing essays on such subjects as may be thought proper would probably

be attended with the most general benefits, and especially in giving exercise to the various faculties of the mind in developing, classyfing [sic] and methodizing thought. The opportunity of having such information as may be had in relation to any subject or theory by means of questions and answers will afford pleasure and instruction, such then is the object and buisiness of the assosiation [sic].

            Who will not labour to promote such objects, some may not find time apart from other

duties to take an active part, but some may say that they feel favourable towards it but

cannot aid in sustaining it. In answer to this let it be understood that the progress of such an assosiation depend not so much on particular qualifications, as on the fixed determination spirit and motive of the members, for as the object is improvement, every effort will improve and upon that rests the prosperity of the assosiation. The method of conducting it so as to be attended with the greatest general benefits, especially to young members is to be determined by the members.

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Dec. 1850