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MAN THE SUBJECT OF EDUCATION. 61
EDUCATION FORMS INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER.
We have laid down the position that education forms human character. This is not only true as a matter of theory, but of practice: not true only in general, as regarding classes of men, but as regarding every individual. I do not mean to affirm that all arc moulded by what is called education. I use the word in that larger sense, which includes all the influences which aid in the development of our various faculties. Nor do I mean to touch the question of innate ideas, or the unseen impulses which may be supposed to arise from providential influences. There may be a benignant power watching over the orphan, and supplying, by holy suggestions, the place of parents. There may be a power in the course of providence corrective of the mistakes made by the natural guardians of children. As the Avind is tempered to the shorn lamb, so there may be inwvard light given by Heaven to those whom society Avould leave in darkness. But however this may be, our course of duty is plain. The Swaying tide may give some lee-Avay to the ship, but the mariner may not therefore neglect to spread the sail or guide the helm. Revela-tion, experience, common sense, teach us that 6 |
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