edge is obtained, perfected, and used, is language; not language consisting of mere words, as it is found in spellingbooks, and dictionaries, but LANGUAGE used as the MEDIUM of KNOWLEDGE or the vehicle of thoughts, and hence called Sentential or Thought-Language. It is language as it is used by those, who entertain, persuade, and instruct; the orator, the poet, the historian, the philosopher. The medium of communication alike when "we commune with our own hearts," and when "in the still, small voice," the Creator holds communion with man, the creature. The ability to use language orally and in writing for the communication of thoughts, affections and desires distinguishes the human race from all others. By its aid, man gathers the histories of the Past and the Present-garners the wisdom of ages; so that the sciences of centuries become the starting point for the student of to-day-preserves the institutions of the race- presents new plans and new improvements of old plans for the further progress and development of mankind. Without it, where are the hopes of human progress-the hopes of the Apostle, the Prophet, the Teacher? With it, where are the limits to man's progress in the knowledge of his relations to himself, to his fellow-man, and to his Maker? No other science presents such varied inducements to study, nor so well rewards its votaries. |