These are the objects of that higher grade of education, the
benefits and blessings of which the Legislature now propose to
provide for the good and ornament of their country, the gratification
and happiness of their fellow-citizens, of the parent especially, and
his progeny, on which all his affections are concentrated.
In entering on this field, the Commissioners are aware that
they have to encounter much difference of opinion as to the extent
which it is expedient that this institution should occupy. Some good
men, and even of respectable information, consider the learned
sciences as useless acquirements; some think that they do not better
the condition of man; and others that education, like private and
individual concerns, should be left to private individual effort; not
reflecting that an establishment embracing all the sciences which may
be useful and even necessary in the various vocations of life, with
the buildings and apparatus belonging to each, are far beyond the
reach of individual means, and must either derive existence from
public patronage, or not exist at all. This would leave us, then,
without those callings which depend on education, or send us to other
countries to seek the instruction they require.
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