Chap. III.]

CULTIVATION OF THE MIND.

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A sound mind in a sound body,'—a mind proof against passion,however violent, and inaccessible to degrading pleasures, how-ever enticing, and a body able to bear any labors, however ardu-ous, — is the perfection of the physical and intellectual man.Finally, physical accomplishments are intimately connected withmoral, as well as intellectual ; and, for this reason again, it isstill more a personal duty to aim at the utmost physical improve-ment of which we are capable.

CHAPTER III.

CULTIVATION OF THE POWERS OF THE MIND.

It is, then, a duty to cultivate and, if possible, to perfect ourphysical powers. But it is a still higher duty to cultivate thefaculties of the mind generally ; and, in this cultivation, we areto include the discipline of the temper and passions, and atten-tion to manners and personal habits.

The intellectual and moral faculties are the chief prerogativeby which man is distinguished, and are the most valuable bles-sings conferred on him by the Almighty. In their natural state,however, they are capabilities of reflection and usefulness , rath-er than faculties actually in exercise. In too many cases, theycontinue substantially in this state, through life. In every case,they wait to be called forth by cultivation and discipline. Byneglect, by disuse, by sloth, they remain unawakened and unim-proved. Even when awakened and cultivated, vice and profli-gacy waste, corrupt, and ruin them. Extremely feeble in infancy,these powers, under wise and judicious cultivation and discipline,are susceptible of almost indefinite improvement. Some aidmay be given towards improving them, by instruction, and bythe advice, suggestions, encouragements, and example of others ;and still more by the direction which others are frequently instru-mental in giving them ; but, with slight qualifications, all mentalcultivation and excellence, of whatever kind, are the fruit of thepersonal sacrifices, efforts, and energy of the individual.