In the actual education of the mind, our course will necessarily be modified by the ultimate objects at which we aim.  Properly these are twofold—­the first general, the second specific.  The first embraces the general training of our intellectual powers, with direct reference to the high spiritual life here and hereafter.  We place before us that state of immortality to which the present stands in the relation of a portico to a vast temple.  The intellect is itself destined to survive the body, and as the instrument through which the heart is to be disciplined and fitted for this condition of exalted humanity, is to be informed with all that truth most essential for this purpose.  Whatever there be in the heavens or the earth—­in books or works of men, to discipline, enlarge and exalt the mind, to that we shall be attracted.  A right heart breathes in an atmosphere of truth; it grows and rejoices in communion with all the light that shines upon it from the works or word of God.  All truth, indeed, is not of the same importance.  There is that which is primary and essential; there is that which adds to the completeness, without going to the foundation of character.  The truths that enter a well cultivated mind, animated by right sentiments, will arrange themselves by a natural law in the relative positions they hold as the exponents of the character of God, and the means more or less adapted to promote the purity and elevation of man.  All truth is of God; yet it is not all of equal value as an educational influence.  There are different circles—­some central, some remote.  The crystals of the rock, the stratification of the globe, and the facts of a like character, will fill an outer circle, as beautiful, or skillful, or wonderful, in the demonstration of divine powers, but not so in themselves unfolding the highest attributes of God.  The architecture of animate nature, the processes of vegetable life, the composition of the atmosphere, the clouds and the water, will range themselves in another circle, within the former, and gradually blending with it, as the manifestations of the wisdom and benificence of God.  Then the unfoldings of his moral character in the government of nations, in the facts of history, and in the general revelation of himself in the Scriptures, will constitute another band of truth concentric with the others, yet brighter and nearer the center.  While at length in the cross and person of Christ—­in the system of redemption, and all the great facts which it embodies, we behold the innermost circle that, sweeping round Jehovah as its center, reflects the light of his being, most luminously upon the universe.  Such is obviously the relative order of the truth we seek to know.  It is the different manifestations of God, ascending from the lowest attributes of divinity, to those which constitute a character worthy the homage and love of all beings.  Now, as it is the great object of life to know God and enjoy him, so in education