Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-04-29
FOR THE MARTINsBURG GAZETTE
QUINTEN OUTWARD.

QCllN L LIN DU II w AhD.
If the kind of interest, or the degree
of emotion which 1sousl causes or ex-
cites, be proper criterion by which to
Judge of its merits, | would class some
of the Waverly novels thus, Old Morta-
lily, Ivanhoe, and thirdly Quinten Dur
ward. Correctness of style, elegance of
construction, and artificial arrange ment
of sentences seem to be of minor i'm
portance in the estimation of the Great
Unkno,cn. The hustle of action, the
development of character, the acute
ness and profoundness cf observation,
draw us from the consideration of the
errors of his composition to admire his
accurate delineation of men and things.
But doubt the correctness of that cri-
tcism which is founded On feelings
they are so much qualified, if not crea-
ted, by the condition, pursuit, profession,
education, or age of person, that there
has been no work perhaps ever written
but what has had its admirer. And a
man who by age or education IS quail
fed to form an opinion, will at one time
weep over the Sorrows of Werter, Char
lotte Temple, or Sterne's Sentimental
journal; and perhaps a few years after
wards, he will read them with indif-
ference and dlsrelish. At one age SEN
timent, at another action, excites emo
ton. 1t must also be observed that
some works which address themselves to
the passions are immoral Hence some
novels which have been most popular
have been the most improper to be
read. ......s..t
Correct Criticism must then be found
ed on abstract principles And when
we reflect that in this age, novels COM
pose the light reading of . vast number
of people of both sexes, especially of
the young, the moral critic who consi-
ders sound instruction of more impor
lance than amusement, will perhaps
doubt whether a youth whose moral
character is not formed, can safely read
either Ivanhoe or Quinten Durward.-
Sensibility, which is great safeguard of
virtue, ought not to be blunted at an
early age. And the mind can be accus-
toned to reflect on scenes of cruelty
and perfdy without horror, by frequent
perusal as well as by frequent sight
Therefore the ferocsous cruelty of
Frontboeuf and the subtle villainy of
Lewis XI. especially when represented
as crowned with success, might be i'm
proper objects for the mental as well as
the occular contemplation of the young.
from the Baltimore Morn. Chronicle !
We have often taken occasion to de-
plore that hungry and ferocious rapaci-
ty for office, that has designated SO many
of our countrymen: we have lamented
it as leading to moral debasement, to
a direliction of personal dignity. Per-
haps our remarks have been considered
as the results of gloomy fancy, album
dant in evil prognostcs. Let us then
come to fact and circumstance. The
following is an extract from the speech
of one OF our candidates for the Presi-
dency, Mr.. Clay, on the bill to amend
he several acts imposing duties on inn
ports.
81 have been again and again shocked
daring this session, by instances of So
licitatons for places, before the vacan-
oies existed. The pulse of incumbents,
who happen to be taken i'll, is not mark
! ed with more anxiety by the attending
physicians, than by those who desire to
succeed them, though with very oppo-
SITE feelings. Our old friend the faith
lul sentinel, who has stood SO long al
our door, and the gallantry Of whose
patriotism deserves to be noticed, be-
cause it was displayed when the virtue
was most rare and most wanted, on a
memorable occasion, in this unfortunate
c"y, become indispoSed some weeks
90 Tie first intimation which | haC