Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-05-29
For t1s&a;tttr,
Oy INSTRUCTION.
No. III.

| the reluctance superstition expressed
| upon being dethroned from the mind.
OF men, by the illumination of science,
| and also observed that she was indebted
for her existence TO that tyrant | de-
picted in such awful acknowledgements
Whether the picture be very appro-
pirate one or not, 4 shall not undertake
to determine: it arose in my mind at the
moment and such was the power of the
impulse, that was unable to resist it,
and resolved forthwith to submit it to
the inspection and consideration of my
intelligent readers.--It will be expected
perhaps, for me to. trace the progress OF
history from the 10th century up TO the
present, as minated that to be my
design. l am apprehensive, however,
that it would be productive of too much
proiixity; more than | conceive would
be consistent with the plan have pro-
posed | shall not, therefore, attempt
to develope the multitudinous ramiica-
tons of history; but content myself with
making such observations upon its utili-
ty as may appear requisite.
1t will be remembered by the reader,
that was speaking of the excellency Of
instruction to person in private life,
who was adverse to placing himself up
on pinnacle of publicity. In doing this,
| was drawn into some. remarks upon
history, which affords such variety of
objects to please and to sweeten our sol
itary moments. An acquaintance with
it, l may say, is almost Indispensable
To be able to cast shade of remem-
brance over the different ages of the
world, and bring, as it were,~ momen-
tous events and revolutions, sages, phi
losophers, heroes, and Legislators again
into being must, at all times be delight
full task. Where the mind feels and ex-
ercises its capability in, this respect, il
does not appear lonesome in retirement;
nor is it constrained to court the society
of the idle and dissolute to make the e.
yer-moving stream of time flow more
! gently. e.
But collected within itself, it scrutini-
yes the thoughts, sentiments, and &C
tons of the most conspicuous men who
have ever lived on earth,--examines inn
partially into thier characters--observe
what is worthy of imitation, and rejects
that which seems exceptionable. The
incense of praise is bestowed according
to the respective and real merits Of each;
for there is no partiality or prejudice to
bias its Judgment BY decomposing
bad from good acts, it discovers by what
model its own actions must be shaped
Regulating our hearts by the conduct
of those eminent for virtue and piety,
we form within us those moral princi-
Piles which guard and protect us under
every allurement. For if we discern a
blemish in the character of an individu-
al, which has diminished his fame in the
| eyes of the world, prudence forbids our
falling under the same obloquy. We
should be strongly urged to avoid an
act which would stigmatize our reputa-
ton: "a good name is rather to be cho-
sen than great riches" ~.
Youth particularly should be,strength-
ened in their moral department The
syren voice of vice sounds SO delight
fully in their ears, that they are too
apt to be diverted from the path of rec
titude; and, unless they are assured by
the most indubitable authority of her
destructive intentions, they cannot with
stand her persuasive invitations. And
with how much edification can we ran
sack the voluminous pages OF history,
where human actions with their results
are faithfully delineated. By this means
1--WE anticipate the result of certain
course of conduct; for it is an establish
ed maxim in philosophy, and one which
| rests upon the basis of mathematical
| certainty, that 'the same cause will, in
similar circumstances, always produce
the same effect" We know, for in
stance, that vice produces woe and mis-
| cry, and virtue, peace and felicity
| Will not every person assent to the
truth of this assertion. Or must we
drink the hemlock in order to be con-
| vinced ofits deadly qualites3 God forbid.
/ should suppose the man who would
make such dangerous EXPERIMENT to
have disordered mind. Let u.s. also
rely upon the testimony of others in re-
gard to the good tendency of virtue, and
the bad tendency of vice. Why are
we exorted emphatically to love the
one, and abhor the other. 1t is for the
sovereign excellency of the former,
proved by the universal experience OF
mankind. If I'VE aimat happiness, (and
where is the man that does notO we
may peruse history and biography with
much benefit When we behold So
CRATES smiling at the thoughts of