J. F. Campbell Collection > Address to the middle classes upon the subject of gymnastic exercises

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When a whole nation is thus nursed in the lap of
luxury, there is danger, lest not only its vigour but
its spirit decay. It may still retain an unwearied
activity in the accumulation of wealth. It may dis-
play unparalleled industry in a restless pursuit of
gain. It may keep up a ceaseless irritation and
fret, amid the sordid and selfish calculations of
avarice. But the danger will arise, lest the lofty
courage, the nolle hardihood, the proud constancy,
the enduring fortitude, the magnanimous patience,
which have ever formed the peculiar characteristics
of ray countrymen, should sympathise with the de-
cline of their physical powers, and lest the heroic
soul should become lifeless w^hen the frame that
contains it is effete.
From what I have said, it will be seen, that, in
my opinion, athletic exercises exert a moral as well
as physical influence, and are of importance, not only
to the national health, but to the national character.
Ought not, then, gymnastics to form an indispen-
sable part of the education of youth ? Ought not
every school to be supplied with the apparatus, which
is requisite for their practice, and to be attended by a
professor well qualified to direct them ? So much of
the moral and intellectual, as well as corporeal well-
being of the man, depends upon the physical educa-
tion of the boy, that no pains should be spared at an
early age, to harden his constitution, to improve his
vigour, to strengthen his stamina, and to perfect
the development of his frame. Many an invalid
with tremu ous nerves, and vitiated digestion,
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