PREFACE. THE following Lectures, as the title indicates, were prepared for the use of Teachers' Institutes, and have been delivered at intervals, before these bodies, during the past five years. They were intended to be addressed to an assembly of teachers and citizens, such as are usually found at the evening sessions; consequently, they are not designed for the exclusive reading of teachers. The attempt has been, to make the opinions developed thoroughly accord with the fundamental principles of our institutions and form of government. The necessity to the safety and prosperity of the State, that every child should be educated, and that the wealth of the country should pay for this education, has been made a prominent feature. There will not be found in this volume a systematic treatise for the special guidance of the teacher, but those motives and incentives to preparation, which may serve to awaken inquiry and stimulate thought. In the hope that it may contribute to the development of our noble school system, it is submitted to the public. MEADVILLE, June 6, 1859. LECTURE I. DIGNITY OF THE TEACHER'S PROFESSION. VERY man should regard his profession with EVER pride. He should see in it something to challenge his admiration and win his affections. He should seek to view it on its sunny side and in its fairest aspects. He should feel that love and regard for it that inspires him with energy and enthusiasm in its pursuit, that enables him to triumph over its difficulties, and to glory and revel in its charms. He who looks upon his profession with disfavor, who thinks meanly of its labors, and speaks disparagingly of those who belong to it, will inevitably be a drone. His labor will press upon him as drudgery. The action of all his powers will be sluggish, and in despising the pleasures of professional pride, he misses the finest enjoyment of active life. There is no feeling more degrading to a man, than the thought that he is engaged in a business of which he is ashamed; than to feel that other men look upon him with contempt because he labors in it. It stifles every attempt to excel. It obscures |