Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-06-03
Fer ne Martin,bure Ga.st.e.

EOf nc HANfttfSVAfS &~H~Sttcs
Ma. EDIToH 1t was eIoqusn,Iy remarked BY a
gentleman, TO whom must refer hereafter, that
whenever an age or community wss distinguished
for its literary requirements. il was also distin-
guished for those qualities which bind man TO his
fellow man by the promotion Of peace, prosperity
and general happiness. That such is the case is
undoubtedly true--the field Of literature il neu-
trail ground, where all parties may meet in friend
religious differences may here at least, without
strife, 60 hand in hand, in the most refined iadul-
gence known to man. Here is already an object
gained-persons are brought into friendly collision
who have been heretofore kept apart By mere diff
ferences OF opinion and each party has Frequently
occasion to observe that his past dislike the
child Of prejudice-he finds his political adversary,
but literary colleague, honest in bis opinions, liberal
in his views; he then begas to take the " man as
he is" and even if ii so be that be is misguided in
religion or politics, he may display many OF those
traits by which honorable and heightened men may
choose their friends But this is not altman pro-
gress is onward in virtue or vice. Now, as the
temptations TO the latter are manifold and reach oil
classes Of society i, is the duty of the philanhropis
to oppose counter agents, equaily influential, and to
change if possible, toe current Of the stream, from
vice 10 virtue. How is this to be effected We
have not the shaded groves of classic Greece
where philosophy was dealt out to the mutitule to
youth especially by hoary sages, who painted yir
tue in such fair colors that the populace rcoiced
inner empire. We have not this, but we have tina,
which goes deeper in mems hearts and which
brings knowledge and virtue to sit with the family
circle at the Preside. This MAJ appear like magic
be II SO, the spirit that brings all to pass is the
Genius Of Literary Assoetations 1t is by this
simpa means that the whose circumstances
will not ennble him to surround himself with books
or to read them il he had them, may, almost with
out expense, supply himself, bis wife and his chill
dren with that, which will make his home sweet, by
employing rrofitably, as well as pleasantly, many
idle hours which might otherwise prove the seed of
dissipation at least family di.cord. We have
among US such society as yet in its infancy--it
was most happily introduced to public notice few
evenings since, by agentleman, whose great acquire
ments and the excellence of whose heart, fitted him
in an especial manner for such duty--which was
discharged in manner grateful to the society and
the friends of literature large and hope that
others will follow, who will maintain the high repa-
tation we are led to expect from the introduction
This would seem I'll occasion for some general
remarks the utility OF lectures so much in vogue
in all our large cities-but have already extend.
ed my remarks much further than was first intend
ed-suihce it TO say, R looking over some late city
papers, | observed some comments on lecture
of DR.. Dunbar's, Of Baltimore, gentleman equally
distinguished for his literary and professional ac-
qurements. The intelligent critic after spea,ng OF
its great merits observed that it was the finale OF
course of lectures delivered by various gentlemen
before the Mercantile Association Of Baltimore,
the good effects of which apparent in all whose
taste had led them TO use that means of obtaining
information, Many other instances might be cited
showing the importance of lectures in the diffusion
of useful knowledge; but there must be some ground
work for their proper appreciation, and this may
be laid in our
"BERKELEY LITERARY ASSOCIATION"
MaItinsbuTg, June lsi, 1871.