There is scarcely any thing which is more injurious to the
mind, or which will more effectually prevent the acquisition of
knowledge, than a habit of reading for amusement only.--For, it
will necessarily happen, that impressions, which have not been
strengthened by reflection, will be quickly obliterated; and we
cannot expect to derive permanent advantage from the mere pursuit of
temporary enjoyment.
To obviate the effects of a practice so pernicious, and to accustom
the mind to the investigation of causes, the study of history
is peculiarly adapted, for while it furnishes to the reflecting
mind, ample room for the exercise of its powers, it is in itself,
sufficiently attractive, to engage the attention of the most
careless reader, it is indeed delightful, to
--------------------------"Steal
From all we may be, or have been before;
to associate with men, upon whom a world has gazed with fear and
wonder, to mingle in the conflicts Of nations, and to dwell upon the
restlessness of ambition, the fearless perseverence of patriotism:
nor is it less instructive to mark the gradual unfoldings of
virtuous or vicious propensities, and to observe how frequently
the sacrifice of all the enjoyments of life to the attainment of
some favourite objects has been rewarded, with the hopeless gloom
attendant upon satiety. History may thus be said to convey to us the
experience of ages; and he must be an indifferent or a prejudiced
observer, who cannot find his own feelings portrayed in the motives
which it developes.
But, with whatever views we may have undertaken this important
study, we shall find it fruitless of permanent benefit, unless
we shall have been impressed with the conviction of the absolute
necessity of examining into the evidence of facts, and the
correctness of deductions. It is thus only that we can be preserved
from the danger of imbibing erroneous opinions on subjects affecting
the common prejudices of mankind, or the peculiar doctrines of our
authors. It is this assumption of popular sentiments which has
degraded the human character, and reduced the highest intellectual
powers to a dependence upon the lowest; and it is this reliance upon
the impartiality of the historian, which has lent its assistance
to the speculations of a false philosophy, in leading men into all
the wanderings of scepticism. Let the student of history who is in
pursuit of truth, endeavour to acquaint himself with the private
opinions of the author whom he has taken for his guide, and let
him beware, lest he admit any conclusion, however unimportant,
which may seem to be at variance with the dictates of reason
or of experience. Two important ends will thus be attained. By
establishing a connection between the events detailed in history,
and the reasonings founded upon them, they will be more likely to be
retained in the memory; and by convincing himself of the fallacies
in the arguments of its opponents, the reality of any truth will be
more deeply impressed upon the mind. He who is thus habituated to
scrutiny, will derive instruction from the errors of those with whom
he is conversant; and may be compared (to borrow from the beautiful
simile of bishop Horne,) to those who visit the country in spring,
for whom "the very hedges are in bloom, and every thorn produces a a
flower."