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

UENTLEMEN-l1 COulu meet you mere
this evening for the first time, with perfect
freedom from all solictude, L should not be
influenced by the motives, or operated upon
by the feelings, which belong TO human ma
ture. have ventured to undertake a task
ofgreat Importance and esponsibility-one
which involves not merely my own poor in
terests and humble reputation, but the per-
manent concerns OF others, who having ia
voured me with their confidence, and relying
upon my supposed qualifications have right
to expect the faithful and efficient perform
ance of engagements to which | am bound
by all the strongest considerations of duty &
of honor. My hopes of success are founded
upon no vain and silly concet of superior a
bilities / am sensible that nature and science
have withheld from me those high endow-
ments which confer upon the favorite few gil
gantic strength and magic powers. But
feel encouraged by the reflection that much
may be done by persevering zeal and patient
labour, and that poverty in genius and learn
ing may in some degree be relieved from
the resources of long experience.
have reflected much upon the plan of in
struction proper to be pursued in an institu-
tion like this and that which have deter
mined to adopt is, trust, free from all pre-
sumption and rashness, and adapted as we'll
to the wants of the pupil as the limited quail
ifications of the preceptor. 1t is my first duty
to lay before you distinctly my views of this
subject, that no Misrepresentation may arise
IN relation to the nature and extent of my
undertaking, and that you may be appraised
of the eXertions requisite on your part, and
OF the objects to which they must be direct
ed.
You are no doubt aware that the profess
sion which you have chosen, though highly
hnnnurahIp in nc che Il t..F,
an alluring prospect 10 youths in quest Of
wealth and fame, is not plain and easy path,
bestrewed with roses, and leading through
pleasant fields and shady groves, to lovely
bowers. You know, on the contrary, that
the way IS steep and rugged, encountered
with dlihcultes and beset with dangers; and
with prudence and forecast worthy of COM
mendation, you have resolved upon patient
preparation, and to seek the advice and direc-
ton expected to faciitateyour progress. Let
me, therefore, invite your attention to the
nature and extent of the preparation which
you should be DESTROYS oieflcCting, the means
by which il is to be accomplished, and the
assistance which you may reasonably expect
from the teacher honored by your selection.
The liberal professions are distinguished
from all others by their high Intellectual
character, and consequently by the extensive
mental cultivation which they imperatively
require. The Law, yielding TO none in its
lofty eXactlons, demands all the tributary
aids that can be furnished from the most i'm
portant departments ofliterature and science.
IL does not fall within my province, nor does
the occasion seem TO render il appropriate
that should desCant upon the many various
attainments which supply strength, facility
and grace to the able and accomplished law
yer. Let it suffice for me TO say, that he who
aspires TO the first honors of the profession,
must not only become distinguished for pro-
lound technical knowledge, but should win
the iayours OF the Muses., & learn from them
10 Dend Apollo's bow, and sweep his sweet
lmpassloned Tyre But you, gentlemen, do
not come here in search ofClassic lore or ge-
neral science, and are supposed to have pass
ed through the scholastic discipline so desi-
rable for every professional student This is
not the place TO remedy the defects of early
education, and you will not expect under my
direction to gain those treasures which lie
beyond the limits Of your legal studies. I
must ask, with view both TO your interests
and to mine that during the brief period of
your time allotted tony care, no portion oft
shall be Withdrawn by The soft allurements of
taste and fancy, from the less attractive, but
lar more useful, nay indispensable, objects Of
your wishes. Let me take you by the hand
and lead you amongst the frowning sages Of
the law, and teach you, if can, 10 become
ehamoured, for season of their stately forms
and rigid features.
would impress upon your minds deeply;
100 deeply | Cannot-the absolute necessity
OF becoming intimately acquainted with the
immediate learning Of your profession. With
such STOCK of information, you may obtain
respectability, though deficient in many 9th
or branches Of knowledge; but without it,