arts, (not to speak of minor purposes,) the beauty, ele gance, and majesty of the human face and figure,—the spirit fixed in the countenance of the objects of our affection and admiration, are detained for respectful and delighted contemplation long after the living models have been removed from our view. History gives us descriptions which we labour to lodge in our memories, though after all our efforts its record is often speedily effaced, or but dimly remembered. But these arts enchain the volatile, embody the spiritual, and set before us, in individuals or in groups, for detestation and avoidance, or for admiration and imitation, the scourges and pests, or the sages and benefactors and heroes of past ages, till indignation, gratitude, benevolence and heroism, as occasion may be, take possession of our hearts. The power of MUSIC is almost universally felt and acknowledged. It is one of the sweetest and most powerful lenimina of the toils and cares of life; it soothes into tranquillity the darkened and troubled spirit; it imparts alacrity and vigour to labour and enterprise; it lends redoubled joy to festivity, and exalts to higher rapture even the high pleasures of devotion. ORATORY of all the fine arts produces the most sudden, varied, and irresistible impressions. The orator wins the attention of his audience by the sincerity of his address, interests their feelings by a sound exposition of the importance of the subject of his discourse, and engrosses their minds by the grace, dignity, and earnestness of his manner, and by the precision, fluency, and force of his language. He fills and fires their imaginations with splendid imagery, he touches the springs of action and unlocks its powers: by vehement expostulation he overthrows all opposition to his views; by demonstration he captivates reason; he transfuses his own thoughts and feelings into the minds and hearts of his auditors; the fire spreads from eye to eye; the general mind is fused into one glowing mass; the spirit of a high and sacred ambition presides; and conviction admiration, resolution, are the immediate and necessary consequences. From the preceding sketch we may form some idea of the value of the fine arts as branches of a liberal education. They enlarge and sharpen the intellectual powers of those who cultivate them; and besides refining the taste of all among whom they are encouraged, they are sources of much delicate and elevated pleasure; and it may be of considerable moral benefit to all who have any relish for them. To excel in any of them requires the union of great susceptibility of impression from beauty and grandeur or excellence in that particular art. It requires all the higher powers of mind, disciplined by a long course of laborious training to a clear and comprehensive knowledge of its principles; and it requires an unwearying practice in embodying in actual specimens the conceptions of such a mind;-in short, it requires at once genius and much education; education, however, during which the individual must be more indebted to his own mental resources than to the instructions or imitation of any one else. THE END. Printed by Richard and John E. Taylor, PROSPECTUS OF THE COURSE OF EDUCATION PURSUED BY THE REV. ROBERT SIMSON, A.M. Author of "A Manual of Moral and Religious Instruction for the Young;" "System of Grammar and Arithmetic ;" and "A Selection of Questions and Exercises, adapted to the Improved System of Education." AT COLEBROOKE HOUSE ACADEMY, ISLINGTON. THE Course of Instruction in this Academy comprises whatever is deemed essential to the formation of a sound classical education, with the study of Modern Languages and Mathematics. The English Pupil is carefully taught a correct Pronunciation, the principles of Elocution, the rules of Grammar and Composition, with exercises on the etiquette of Letters and forms of Address, Writing with neatness and expedition, Arithmetic and Merchants' Accounts, Astronomy, Geography and the Use of the Globes, with such other branches as are calculated to make an accomplished English Scholar and Man of Business. The Student of Mathematics is taught the Elements of Geometry and Algebra with systematic regularity, and rigorous exactness of demonstration. A part of each day is allotted to the study of Ancient and Modern History, General Knowledge, and English Literature. The French is taught by a Parisian Master resident in the house. Drawing constitutes a part of the system of education. Music, and the other polite accomplishments, are taught by masters of eminence. The most assiduous attention is paid to the moral and religious principles of the Pupils. In addition to the usual branches of education, the following philosophical Courses of Lectures have been given. The first by the Rev. Dr. William Ritchie, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy in the London University,-on Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, and Electricity. Mr. S. has purchased a large collection of philosophical apparatus, and a chemical laboratory for the use of his Pupils. The second by Mr. Johnson, Lecturer at the Literary Institutions of London,-on Chemistry. The third by Henry Innes, Esq., Lecturer on English Literature,- -on Elocution and Composition. Mr. Garnett commenced lately a Course of Lectures on Natural History. A branch of the Young Men's Religious and Literary Society meets at this Academy once every week, where Essays are read, Lectures delivered, and questions of interest are discussed, in a manner well calculated to diffuse much useful information. All Mr. Simson's Pupils have free admission to the Lectures of this Society.-Mr. S. takes this opportunity of stating that several of the youths who have left have done his Academy credit by the examinations in the London University. Three of them last year received honorary rewards. One of them gained, after a keen competition, one of Dr. Williams's Exhibitions for the University of Glasgow. Holidays-A Month at Christmas, and a Month at Midsummer. TERMS FOR BOARD AND INSTRUCTION. For Pupils under Twelve Years of Age... per ann. 30 Guineas. 35 ditto. 26 ditto. Reports of the Rev. Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Crombie. "DEAR SIR, "University of London, Jan. 8th, 1835. "I have much pleasure in stating that I attended your last Examination, and was much pleased with the progress of your pupils in the various departments of useful knowledge on which they were examined. Having examined your highest class on the Elements of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, I can safely affirm that I was much pleased with the readiness and accuracy with which they answered the various questions which I proposed at the moment as they occurred. It is gratifying to see boys thus initiated in the elements of the useful sciences at so early a period; and the collection of useful apparatus which you have lately procured must add very much to so desirable an end. As an additional proof of the care and attention with which you cultivate the intellectual and moral powers of your pupils, I may add, three of your pupils have already obtained certificates of honour in the classes of Mathematics, Logic, and Natural Philosophy, in the University of London. I remain, dear Sir, (Signed) "Yours truly, "WILLIAM RITCHIE, LL.D., "To the Rev. Robert Simson, A.M.” "26, Bedford Square, East, 7th Jan., 1835. "MY DEAR SIR, "Having, on Thursday, the 18th of December last, examined the Classical department of your Academy, I have the pleasure of testifying, that the senior classes have made a most respectable proficiency in their knowledge of Greek and Latin. |
