Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1831-10-21

OF my proposition TO The public But feel
that 1t would be but poor return for the en-
couragement already bestowed, If combining
myself 10 The letter of my contract, should
nil TO extend IFS spirit 10 all the usefulness
within my reach, There are certain subjects
connected with our municipal law which an
ambitious student should not neglect. for
they will yield him additional armour in eve
ry forensic combat, and fit him, in some de-
gree, for great achievements. allude TO
Natural and Political Law, the Civil Law
and Medical Jurisprudence. These are so
lar professional that they ought not TO be ex-
GUIDED on The supposition ofhaving been en-
oraced by collegiate studies and the post
ponement OF them now 10 a future period,
would dismiss them, in most instances, from
all PROBABILITY of methodcal investigation.
Yet he is surely an imperfect Jurist Tho dis
regards the principles Of moral Justice and
natural obligation, which should form the
broad basis OF every civil code, or who seeks
to discover them by the uhaided reflections
OIL ms own mind, instead OF resorting TO the
pure and wholesome fountains furnished by
the labours and hallowedby the veneration
oil ages. Nor ought any man to expect the
reputation ofprofound learning, even in our
peculiar Jurisprudence, who treats with en-
tire indifference that beautiful and philosoph-
&c system OF laws which exalted, no less than
her arms, the proud mistress of the ancient
world; which still rules, under various modi-
hca'lons, most refined and polished nations :;
ana from which our own sages have been
compelled TO borrow, though with scant ac-
encouragement, many copious streams of fer
tiilZlng wisdom. And | can vouch from my
own observation, that cases often arise in the
course OF practice, invoking the aid of anoth-
er profession, and requiring from the counsel
concerned that ommingedknowledgew which
springs from the occasional natural union be-
twiXt legal and medical science.
You will, L am sure, neither expect nor
desire that these auxiliary subjects shall &C
cupy more of your time than can be conven-
lently spared from the immediate objects of
the school. They are intended for such of
the pupils, of both junior and senior classes
lndlscrlmlnately, as may wish TO pursue
them and VIII be so regulated as not to in
teriere with their other avocations. One of
them eNacts qualifications on the part of the
preceptor, foreign to my pursuits, which do
not profess to have gained; and have there
lore solicited the services of a scientific and
! experienced medical gentleman, who has
obligingly consented to take charge of that
| department; and who by his lectures and
examinations will afford ou the only oppor-
tunity you may perhaps ever enjoy of pros
ecutIng successfully study not less delight
full than instructive. The other auxiliary
studies will be confined TO some of the most
approved elementary works, the careful Pc
rusai OF which, connected with examinations
weekly, will, it is hoped, enable the student
to continue bis researches afterwards, with
great facility and advantage, to any conven-
lent extent.
You have now ,igentlemen, before YOU, my
plan of instruction, with such explanations
as, trust, will enable you TO understand it
fully, and tojudge ofits probable expediency.
That 1t may receive your entire appreciation
is undoubtedly my anxious desire but your
favourable opinion only, even if Justly bes-
towed. cannot ensure its success; and my
eXertlons for your improvement mustneces-
sarlly fail, unless sustained by your own zeal
Gus and untiring cooperation. Shall de-
tam you longer on this OCCASION, for the pur-
pose OF stimulating your efforts by all the
various considerations that might be address,
ed TO your pride, your ambition and your in
/ terests. No, gentlemen the attempt would
be altogether fruitless. 1.-THE desire TO act
well your parts in life, TO secure an honest
independence, TO obtain theapplause of friends,
and the sweet soothings of selfapprobation-
II generous wish TO scatter blessings around
you, to protect the oppressed, pull down the
oppressor, and advance the great cause of
truth and jusice--ifa noble ambition TO rise
above dull mediocrity,to become distinguish
ed for high attainments, to advance the pros
perity, adorn the institutions and defend the
Liberties of your beloved native country-if
these incentives have not already stirred I'd
your youthful spirits and kindled in your bo-
SONS strong and steady flame OF burning en-
thusasm-all eXhortations from me would
prove more idle than the passing wind, and
my counsel "fall into your ears as proftless
as water in a'sieve." shall leave you there
fore TO your own reflections, with a request
that when we meet again you will be prepar-
ed to commence the labours of the session.
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Martyrdom.-The New York papers
q -. I