we are to keep this steadily in view, and follow the order of procedure for the attainment of it which God has himself established.  To spend the life or the years of youth on the study of rocks and crystals, to the neglect of the higher moral truths which lie within their circle, is unpardonable folly—­a folly not to be redeemed by the fact that such knowledge is a partial unfolding of God to man.  It is little better than studying the costume to the neglect of the person—­than the examination of the frame to the neglect of the master-piece of a Raphael inclosed within it—­than the criticism of a single window to the neglect of the glorious dome of St. Peter’s—­than viewing the rapids to the neglect of the mighty fall of Niagara.  In education, the observance of this natural order of truth will bring us, at length, to that which fills the outer circle, and thus all the kinds of knowledge will receive a just attention.  Indeed, the study of the one naturally leads us to the other.  We shall pass from the inner to the outer lines of truth, and back again, learning all the while this important lesson, that the study of the more remote class of truths is designed to conduct us to a more perfect appreciation of that which is moral, religious, central and saving; while the study of the higher parts of revelation will show us that the former come in to finish and perfect the latter.  We do not despise the frieze—­the architrave—­the cornice—­the spires, and the other ornaments of the temple, because we regard as most essential the foundation, the corner stone, the walls and the roofing; but in due time we seek to impart to our edifice not only strength and security, but the beauty of the noblest and richest adornment.  According to our means, and as the necessities of life will permit, we shall seek for knowledge from all its various spheres, and despise nothing that God has thought worthy of his creative power or supporting energy.

Now this large course of education in obedience to its first great object, is not limited by anything in itself or in us, to a particular class of individuals.  It is the common path along which all intelligent beings are to pass.  The object to which it conducts is before us all, and common to all.  It is not divided into departments for separate classes.  Woman, as well as man, has an interest in it, and an obligation to seek for it, just as binding as that which rests on him.  All souls are equal, and though intellects may vary, yet the pursuit of truth for the exaltation of the soul is common to all.  As this obligation to unfold the powers of the intellect, that we may grasp the truth, is primary, taking precedence of other objects—­since all duty is based on knowledge, and all love and worship, and right action on the intelligence and apprehension of God—­so education, which in this department is but the development of our capacity, preparing us to pursue the truth, and master the difficulties which frown us away from