The Fall of the Leaf, John Ruskin. Contrasted Views, W. Wordsworth. In 1. Advantages of Studying Literature. In studying the literature of a nation, we become acquainted with the best thoughts of its best minds. such writings, we have revealed to us the highest ideals and the noblest motives that prevailed during the successive periods of the nation's growth. Daily association with such thoughts and motives has its influence upon the mind of the learner. It calls into action the best that is in him. It fosters a love for pure thoughts and beautiful expression; it creates a distaste for whatever is low or unworthy. Thus one comes at length to turn from coarse or worthless reading as instinctively as from vulgar society. 2. Not Biographical. - We like to form the personal acquaintance of those whose writings have delighted us; but we can do that by private reading. Our time in school would be better taken up with the more important study of the truths which their writings reveal, -subjects in which we need the guidance of a teacher. And besides, it is not always profitable to study the per sonal traits of authors. They could never in their lives rise higher than the ideals which they have presented in their writings; and if they had foibles or disagreeable habits, it cannot make us wiser, and should not make us happier, to know them. We shall, therefore, give attention to the literature itself rather than to the peculiarities of the writers who produced it. What we want is the best an author has thoughts that inspire, and language that "Whatsoever things are to give us, teaches the art of expression. pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report," these we will study and take to ourselves. 3. But One Source of Wisdom.-There is but one original source of light and truth, and that is not among men. All true wisdom comes from the Father of Lights, who rules above, and who has revealed himself in the works of creation, in the Written Word, and in his influence on the inner consciousness of men. Some are, by nature or by culture, more susceptible to these revelations than are others. They can better read the handwriting of God in nature. Their hearts are so attuned that they more readily vibrate to the pulsations of the great universal Heart of Love. Such are truth's interpreters, the "singers" that God has sent to earth “That they might touch the hearts of men, And bring them back to heaven again.” 4. All Men Fallible.- Men possessed of such rare gifts are said to have genius. But genius may err. The choicest gifts are held in earthen vessels. Even |