ay take therefore, for their
next lesson, the State of South Carolina; to-morrow they will recite in
the hearing of the whole school, when I shall make such additional
explanations, as will occur to me. The next day, I shall assign to the
class in History, a passage giving an account of the formation of this
government; and afterwards lessons will be recited from the Political
Class Book, explaining the mode of collecting money for the use of our
government, by duties, and the relative powers of the General and State
Governments. After hearing all these lessons recited, with my remarks in
addition, you will be the better able to understand the subject, and
then I shall bring in a newspaper now and then, and keep you acquainted
with the progress of the affair."

Now the propriety of taking up the particular subject, which I have
here introduced, by way of illustration, in such a way, would depend
altogether upon the character and standing of the school; the age and
mental maturity of the scholars, and their capacity to understand the
circumstances of such a case, and to appreciate those considerations
which give interest to it. The principle however, is applicable to all;
and one such experiment, dexterously carried through, will do more
towards giving boys and girls, clear and practical ideas of the reason
why they go to school, and of the importance of acquiring knowledge,
than the best lecture on such a subject, which ever was delivered.

There is no branch of study attended to in school, which may, by
judicious efforts, be made more effectual in accomplishing this
object,--leading the pupils to see the practical utility, and the value
of knowledge, than composition. If such subjects as are suitable themes
for _moral essays_, are assigned, the scholars will indeed dislike the
work of writing, and derive little benefit from it. The mass of pupils
in our schools, are not to be writers of moral essays or orations, and
they do not need to form that style of empty, florid, verbose
declamation, which the practice of writing composition in our schools,
as it is too frequently managed, tends to form. Assign practical
subjects,--subjects relating to the business of the school,--or the
events taking place around you. Is there a question before the
community, on the subject of the location of a new school-house? Assign
it to your pupils, as a question for discussion, and direct them not to
write empty declamation, but to obtain