men in town who have taught private schools, where better instruction was given. They were the worthy ministers, who knew that piety without knowledge is superstition. Mr. Witter, of the North Parish, was a scholar. Mr. Brown had a grammar school. Mr. Warren, of the South Parish, had scholars till his death; and Elder Bennett not only had private scholars, but sometimes taught a public school. By these means, the children of the town were enabled to obtain a very respectable education without leaving its limits. Academies were opened in Springfield and Monson, and some of the most thrifty and earnest sent their children abroad. In 1826, however, the necessity and desire ceased, for this academy was founded, by the self-sacrifice and persistent labors of Calvin Brewer, Abel Bliss, Abraham Avery, and others. They were not ashamed to accept the day of small things. A regenerated tavern was made a boarding-house, and that building,' only half-finished, for want of funds, was dedicated as a school-house by Wilbur Fiske, the principal. Would you know the result? Look around you. How has the little one become a thousand! Twice burned to ashes, the boarding-house has risen like the fabled Phoenix in renewed strength and greatness, till she now invites her children, from ocean to ocean, to walk around her and number her towers; and princely merchants from Boston to the Golden Gate lavish on her their treasures. BishPresidents and Professors of Colleges and Theological ops, 1 The speaker pointed to the old academy building. |