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There is no country where the importance of the phrenological principle, of the necessity of harmonious action between the great functions, is more exemplified, than it is in ours, by the consequences of their violation or neglect.

The great errors seem to me to be, a neglect of the physical nature of man; the custom of treating boys too early as men, and sending them too early into the world to act for themselves, the existence of too much political excitement, and too extravagant, notions of personal and political liberty; the fact that we are too zealous, devout, and untiring worshippers of mammon; and, that we mingle passion under the name of zeal, with our religions feeling.

The physical nature of man, is sadly neglected and abused in this country, and many of our Institutions tend to increase that neglect and abuse. It is too much in the fashion to talk, and think contemptuously of matter, as though its nature and its laws were not fixed by the same God who created mind. And even when attention to physical health and strength is enjoined, its claims are urged by considerations so low; so purely selfish, that the aspiring contemn them.

I would not have gymnasia for muscular effort -- I would not have exercise for enjoyment, or appetite alone; but I would that the cultivation of physical health, and the rearing of strong and robust children should be favored by all our social institutions; I would that stern conscientiousness should be appealed to; that the abuse of God's gift should be forbidden; that the body should be considered as the instrument by which the soul is not only to influence others, but to operate upon itself, and prepare itself for its future and eternal condition.

People in this country, too often consider and treat their bodies as avaricious men treat their horses, they try to get the most possible work out of them, in the shortest possible time; and, like overworked horses, indeed, they do look.

We may first view the united effects of the causes I have mentioned, by contrasting a physical and moral picture of men in different generations; for, allow me to say that the physical appearance of a race of men is not an unimportant matter.

Picture to yourselves, therefore, the immediate descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers, as history tells us they were; and you see a band of erect, full-chested, robust, and ruddy youth; simple in garb, and modest in mien, but with the quiet dignity, and imposing air, which physical health and strength, backed by mental vigor always imparts; they were calm, but resolute; they were deliberate of decision, but inflexible when decided; their feelings, their efforts, their energies, were divided between their duties to their God, to their country, and their families; their physical, moral, and intellectual natures were all developed, and they stood, nature's true noblemen. And yet, to-day, if they should appear in our crowded marts of commerce, in our gay cities, or among the elite of fashion, they would be jeered at and quizzed! Aye! jeered at and quizzed by the pert merchant's clerk, by the sickly sophomore, by the puny man of fashion.

Or, should we select to place in contrast with them a band to represent the young men of our cities on the eastern coast, what would be their appearance? They would be smooth-faced, flat-chested, slightly made youth; forward, and self-sufficient in air, precocious in intellect, impetuous to act without thinking, impatient of control, and incapable of self-government. Their whole energies are devoted to one darling object, personal aggrandizement and wealth: they think of their country as a glorious one for business; her institutions, as presenting a fine field for personal advancement; and even in love, the unhallowed thought of gain will obtrude; for, in spite of himself, the youth whose morning orisons and whose evening vespers are for wealth, and more wealth, will be swayed by it in the domestic relations which he assumes.

Do not think I am severe; I grant there are many, and noble exceptions, particularly in our favored section; but, as a whole, the class to whom I refer, would not be wronged by the picture I have drawn. Nay! I will venture to say there are thousands of youth in our Atlantic cities, who would be flattered by it; for, how often do you meet with round-shouldered, lank-sided, weak, pale, and puny abortions, who know nothing, and think nothing of the earth, but that it has mines of gold; nothing of the seas, but that they float ships; nothing of the skies, but that they send fair winds; nothing of their fellow-men, but that they are worth so much money: their thoughts, their hopes, their prayers, are centred all in self; "their God is gold, and their religion, pelf."

When I think of them, I cannot repress my indignation at the social or anti-social institutions and regulations, which have converted the sons of the pilgrims into such specimens of human nature, or help contrasting them with some of the first settlers of our forests, as they are described in the glowing lines of a noble bard, who says,