(seq. 32)

2

The question before us regards that portion
of time, which is allotted for the attainment of
a liberal education. The several objects of pursuit
are the arts and the sciences. The first inquiry
therefore, which claims our notice, is to estimate
their value, and compare their merits. Then, by
apportioning time to each in the exact nature ra-
tio of its importance, we can at once determine,
whether any department of sciences receives
more than its proper share of attention.

Under the present system of instruction,
it is well known that the antient languages
occupy nearly one half the time, appropriated to
academical studies. If, then, those languag-
es be as important in themselves, and as bene-
ficial to society, as all the other arts and sci-
ences put together; we may suppose, they do
not occupy more than their just proportion
of time. But if the sciences are of
greater consequence than the dead languages,
if they are more useful in the various affairs
of active and social life; it will evidently appear
that the languages engross more time and