EDUCATION, (Encycl.) The follies of a too delicate education are well expressed in that device of an ape; which by over caressing and hugging its younges, strangles them; with this motto, complectando necat. Octavius Ferrarius has a very good Latin treatise on the subject of education, intitled Chiron, the name of the centaur who was Achilles's tutor.
Mr Locke's excellent treatise of education is known to every body. Quintilian employs the second chapter of his first book in inquiring whether a domestic or a college education be preferable, i. e. whether it be better to bring up one's children at home, or send them to the colleges and public schools. After urging all that can be said on either side, he concludes for a college or school education.
The plan of education, whether it be domestic or collegiate, should be suited to the station and views of parents, and to the genius of their children; and it is also right to consult their constitution and inclination. It is of great importance, that those who are destined to occupy superior stations in society, should enjoy the benefits of an enlarged and liberal education; that they should be furnished with every substantial and ornamental accomplishment; and those that are intended for any particular profession or employment, should be principally directed to those studies which are appropriated to their respective views; and in every rank of life, an attention to the morals of youth should be a primary object. Though the municipal laws of most countries have made no provision for constraining a parent to bestow a proper education on his children; yet in the case of religion, they are under peculiar restrictions in our own country. Some of these restrictions, as they affect protestants who dissent from the religion of the state, may be thought both impolitic and injurious, and have, therefore, lately been considerably relaxed; but those which are to prevent the progress of popery, are prudent and necessary. Thus, if any person sends a child under his care beyond the seas, to be instructed in any Popish college,
&c. in the principles of the Popish religion, or shall contribute towards his maintenance, he shall forfeit one hundred pounds, besides the disabilities incurred by the child so sent, (1 Jac. 1. cap. 4. and 3 Jac. 1. cap. 5. 11 and 12 W. III. cap. 4.); and both shall be incapable of suing in law or equity, of being executor or administrator, of enjoying any legacy or deed of gift, or of bearing any office in the realm; and he shall forfeit all his goods and chattels, and likewise all his real estate for life, 3 Car. I. cap. 2.