r.sy [For the Northern Star, Sci
THE CULTIVATION OF THE MIND.
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ucaton, both to individuals and to society, it is
perfectly natural to- suppose that it is the greatest
source Of entertainment and happiness to the one,
and of stability and independence to the other
But speaking of individual good, its admirable ef-
fects upon the mind may readily be perceived
Theman of cultivated understanding, what does he
enjoy? Why, his mind is not cifcamscribed by
his native town city, but it takes excursions
through the universe-reviews times long since
past, and anticipates those to come: BY the
aid Of history and observation, man familiarizes
to his mind the manners and customs of all ma
tons, ancient nd1modern-contemplat the rise
and fall of empires-admires the stupendous and
inscrutable plan of experimenting providence,
and traces the human character as il is regulated
ments. If we possess minds we'll cultivated, we
have an inexhaustible fund of entertainment with
in ourselves. We may form proper idea of the
surface of earth and the situations of its de-
rent countries with respect to one another, and
lose ourselves in the contemplation of the various
revolutions that have occurred and the scenes that


have been witnessed on it since the world began.
Thus, we cannot peruse the records of ancient
nations, nor those of our own times, nor even
look around us without learning useful lessons fo


the regulation of our conduct and the melioratio,
of our hearts. Are we in prosperity-we have
sufficient examples to make moderate. Are
we in adversity-we have sufficient to make US
resigned and dignifed. In short, whatever be our
lot, little reflection will show us that others
have been as we are. BY clear and expanded
views of men and manners, we insensibly gain
knowledge of the human passions, and of the mo-
raj government of the world, and our minds be-
come filled with a universal philanthropy for our
own species, and we are affected at the woes of
others. But agair1-admitting a experimenting
providence (and The more we see and learn and
know, the more we feel convinced of this import
ant fact) we cannot but feel grateful for his gra-
cious designs for our redemption and preservation.
Knowing our own degeneracy, and the degenera-
cy Of our species, and pereeiving that the annals
Of all countries are blended with the most ntole-
rant principles and the blackest crimes, yet these
reflections are not to be despsed as they open our
eyes to the depravity of our natures, and though
those who have long. since quilted this stage Of
existence exhibit the mirror of our own conduct


they are produced by learning and meditation, and
those qualities which give. more accurate and
comprehensive viewsrofrthe deformity of our ma
lures can certainly arm us against the fo!lies OF
others who have gone before us, and make us
6rmer in ourpurposes Of living well. These are
a few, and but few, Of, the benefits resulting