ss valuable than the teachings it communicated, and which he
incorporated into the very web of his future life.

We can readily perceive how a work like this is suited to arouse the
dormant energies of the mind, and start it off upon a career of thought
and influence. That knowledge of human nature which it imparts, and
particularly the Philosophy of the Mind which it unfolds, are suited to
aid the orator and statesman. He who understands these laws of human
nature can more surely touch the springs of emotion in the soul, by the
flow of his fervid eloquence.

This was not the last visit of Nat to the Boston bookstores.
Subsequently, as he had opportunity, he walked to the city on a similar
errand, and always returned with more knowledge than he possessed in the
morning.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE DEBATING SOCIETY.

The plans of Nat for a debating society were successful, and
arrangements were made accordingly. Permission was obtained to use the
school-house for the purpose, and Tuesday evening was appointed as the
time to organize.

"Much will depend upon beginning well," said Nat to Marcus. "We must
make it a good thing if we expect any favors in the village."

"Shall we admit spectators?" inquired Marcus.

"After we have fairly commenced," answered Nat. "There won't be much
room, however, if all the members attend, and other young people who
want to come in."

"I should think it would be well to have some declamations and dialogues
occasionally," added Marcus; "it will give more variety. I imagine that
our debates will want something else to back them up. And then some will
be willing to declaim who will not attempt to debate."

"That is true," replied Nat; "but we form the society for debating, and
therefore this ought to be the principal object. It may be well enough
to have some declamations and dialogues occasionally--I think it would.
But it will do us more good to debate. We shall be more interested in
reading upon the subjects of debate, and then our debates will be better
in consequence of our reading."

Tuesday evening arrived. Nat and his intimate associates had prepared a
constitution, so that an organization could be effected without delay. A
good number of young people assembled, of both sexes, and a society was
formed in a most harmonious manner. The unanimity of feeling and action
was a lesson to most legislative bodies, and to the Congress of the
United States in particular. It was deci