VERMONT

SCHOOL JOURNAL AND FAMILY VISITOR.

Volume II.

OCTOBER, 1860.

Number VII

METHODS OF STUDYING HISTORY.

A historical method assuming some apprehension of its object, and a definite conception of history, with boundary lines, fixed limits, and connective links, clears the way of many doubts, throws light upon mysteries, and leads the mind to a better conception and more masterly comprehension of its significance and aim.

The modern traveler visiting Rome for the first time, or London, finds it much to his advantage to ascend St. Peter's cathedral, or St. Paul's, and take a bird's-eye view of the various elments, blended but distinct, which reach around and far below his stand-point. Thus his mind becomes a chart, impressed with the main objects and points, or, like a compass, directs itself, and knows the bearings. So in history, let a general survey be taken as the first step. In this rapid, preparatory movement, the past approaches in the panoramic march, and burning cities, battlefields and rivers colored with blood, move just before the eye; then an age of mythic dwarfs and giants, strange beasts and enormous serpents, the rites of magi, and enchanted waters, and of mythic beings whose home was in the woods, or gods who spake in the thunders of Olympus. The Athenian age of poetry and sensualistic beauty is called to life, and Spartan vitality passes in the brief, general review. The quiet, but momentous introduction of the Christian religion, with clear outlines and continual progress, giving joy to man and blessing the race, is viewed in turn. After this, the intellectual ages of Germany, Italy, France

and England, engage the attention: the revolutions and their ef fects, and, in short, whatever of science, literature and art has been known to the world since the reign of Elizabeth. As an illustration, the above, with much else, will greet the student in a general survey.

Use a good Map. For instance, while reading the victorious march of Alexander among the eastern nations, have a reliable map at hand, by which you can recognize the localities referred to, mark the battle-fields and their surroundings, or trace the course of the conqueror from city to city. This simple plan ensures accuracy, and helps the memory, first by fixing facts correctly in the mind, and secondly. by retaining them by an association with places.

of time.

Chronologically. Unless time be considered in historical pursuits, all the divisions, sub-divisions, and even the outlines of the system, become chaotic and vague. Nor will memory perform well, unless systematic endeavors and classifications be always in view. Thus men and great events may be classified in the order Who were the great men of Christ's time? of Luther's? of Franklin's?-the nations contemporaneous, and the great events? What battles in the reign of Philip II., and the time of Nelson? Whoever studies history with an improving aim. and would vividly recall whatever has been passed over, let him give heed to such a manner, and he will the better retain his knowledge.

Philosophically, or with reference to cause and effect. The philosophical eye of the historian viewing the phenomena of the world, and the laws of nature, which reveal the principle of cause and effect, perceives a chain of influences and events connecting the great divisions of history as well as the minor portions. From creation a chain of connection runs, and the links are the events of time, bound by a mutual dependence. Hence, the principle of cause and effect is seen in all the outlines and movements of history. This principle being the natural property of history, and existing with it, it is important to study it philosophically, or there is no science in it. The way brightens, and a serene region

of perfect harmony opens to the eye in the light of such a plan. The confusion of disordered elements, general outlines, and specific details, all vanish away. Ideas act and react upon each other, event follows event, popular enthusiasm and liberty succeed iron despotism, and nomadic tribes are elements of a powerful race; but for each and all there is a cause. For example, the French revolution of Louis XVI was caused by preceding monarchs. Their courts, brilliant with beauty and gilded vice, their corrupt and oppressive reigns, paved the way for scenes of blood and horror. Galileo discovered that the world moved. The swinging of lamps in a cathedral caught his ready eye, and the great mind solved a problem which has immortalized his name.

Seize on the genuine facts, the general prolific causes. Thus, the building of Rome is a genuine fact, in that it was the beginning of a mighty empire, and distinct by its isolated feature.-General causes are productive of grand results on an extensive theatre of action; as, for example, the battle of Waterloo, which changed the destinies of Europe. Prolific causes generate a train of events which affects the entire life of nations. The discovery of a passage round the Cape of Good Hope, was prolific of great results. The commerce of the Mediterranean was ruined, and wealthy cities declined in power. The civilized world received a new impulse. The East poured forth its boundless treasures, and enriched the British nation. The whole course of society and nations is thus sometimes changed by a single event. That event

should be carefully noticed.

All history should be studied with reference to that unity which enters into the Divine plan. Uniform and eternal principles govern the world, and hence, throughout the entire fabric of nature there is perfect unity. Uniform and eternal principles control the destiny of man, and hence, throughout the historic fabric there is complete unity. He who acknowledges no God, and believes in no hereafter, who comprehends no divine agency in the scenes of earth, the mystery of stars and other worlds, who ascribes only chance to things seen and unseen, the glories of the heavens and the existence of other systems, fails to comprehend

the historic unity and harmony, perfect and beautiful in all its parts. Hence, no atheist can be a good historian, and his efforts, however brilliant, fade at last. No sympathy with the inner temple of human nature, or the hopes which look beyond the grave, appears in its pages, and its vitality is lost. But he who keeps ever in view the harmony of historic principles, and the laws of the universe, in his pursuits, is constantly cheered by fresher insights, brighter lines of demarkation, and deeper impressions of futurity. As he grows in knowledge, time imparts a better lesson of its value, and pencils life with a truer color. A future is written in his sky, and his eyes are fixed on its language, that in the still air of morning, and by the setting sun, he may interpret its letters of prophesy. He learns to inscribe on his heart, as the Sultan did on his ring,--" And this, too, must pass away.” WILLIAM CUTLER WINSLOW.

THE SOCIAL GATHERING.

VT. STATE TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION-TENTII ANNUAL MEETING.

This was held in the spacious and elegant Town Hall in the village of St. Johnsbury, on Tuesday evening, August 14th. Although the rain had literally poured down all day, the attendance from abroad was good, and of citizens very good, the large hall being well filled. The Gathering was called to order by J. K. Colby, Chairman of the Executive Committee, with appropriate remarks. A temporary organization was then ef fected by the appointment of Hon. Erastus Fairbanks (then exGovernor, but now Governor elect,) Chairman. On taking the Chair he welcomed the Association to St. Johnsbury, with the following

ADDRESS:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Vt. Teachers' Association:

I consider myself fortunate in having been selected as the organ for extending to you, in behalf of the citizens of St. Johnsbury, a most cordial welcome.

We welcome you to our village, and our homes. We welcome