Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1843-01-23
TO- Jcc Smith, the Mormon Prophet has surrendered
himself 10 the proper authorities of Illinois,


FOR TIE yIRoINIAN.
sit desire the end without enduring the means
BACON
II believed and most respectfully suggested the
citizens OF this town, that varied and substantial adval
,ages would be derived from The bostowa of greater at
tsnton than is given by this community To Litera
~ pursuits. Every citizen. matter what may be his
vocsin, add his mite the advancement of tins
Uause-can cast some influence and rive some strength
to syser whose design 10 improve by elevatng and
snlighiening the Literary taste of the community
From such system. even though feeble aud imperfect
all ,n0p derive ,rropurloned to the zeal and en-
orgy with which the task is underlaken-and none can
by possibility, be injured Those who suppose that then
rannot be benefited by giving their personal counenace
TO such an undertaking, surely will be SO inconss-
tent as to Affirm that they cannot benefit others Ifthpy
can yield nothing either by precept example, calcula
ted TO give onc and dignity and character such en-
ierprze 1t Is confidently submitted that such inability
tends to show them appropriate subjects to become the
recipients of such advantages if others be found ca
pabe of bestowiug them. fthey cannot pire they can
sdke-lt they cannot inpdt they may receire. Every
citizen. therefore, who regards his obligations as such
ought TO feel, that his individual exertions could add
something, in the promotion of scheme for the diffusion
oi more knowledge, and the cultivation OF Lite
rary lasle than at present found in our com
nunlty. Those who would derive their portion of the
advantages OF such scheme, BY being the REGIMENTS of
nowedgc-at useful and ornamentsi--would find
rich reward by forming the earliest rcsolre for tho
future to engage in such enterprise. Thuse who
from their age, wisdom and requirements feel that then
can prohtaby exert their energies mparnp instruc
ZION TO olhers-not by teaching them scholars. lee
turing thom as sudenis-but by giving to some nsu-
ton for general Improvement, The aid of their coune
nance character and example, owe it, as duty to the
community in which they live, throw the influence OF
their names and personal assistance in sustaining aud
conducting such plan.
Literary institutions desg ncd and calculated to
Improve the minds and the morals of men-and let none
yalny imagine, that they derive advantage from
them.
In community like ours--embracnr about six thou.
sand persons-.ctiye, temperate and industous-it is
arng reflection upon the population, that little atten
sseu - bestowed upon the cultivation of a literary taste
nEd gen, ral mental improvement We are emphatIcay
business ,eopte, andin this rcspec we can successfully
compete with my southern community This characters
tic il an honor nf which we might justly be proud. But
In this we lray b. come culpabe and bameworihy, it,
cur daily avo atoms. we sacrifice in too great degree
Ghe bs e6is and re-, acInents which accompany
gust zsie0tin 10 literan pursuits II is not presumed.
that persons whose occu atoms demand their daily pre-
senot ard auention can no the leisure necessary to at
taa the highest grade ofmentan. movement But all can
find time tocoHtfbo tessmcthing by elr example TO the
formation of such habits and pursuits, as VIII surely be
attended by hlger and FareE pleasures, than are 10 De
derived from the dull and monotnous routine OF business
engagements. The necessity and propr;ety Of alten'
ding TO the affairs which belong professions or oc-
equations. Is known and admitted That imam s,,a' Ia
bourby the sweat Of his brow is the fiat Of wisdom. and
'provide for his louSshoidbut 10 10 so, he need not
neglect other duties. large majority of the require
n,ents OF the Decatogue cnjon the performance of our
relative duesthus showing that they arc not the less
important. tho more numerous than ,hcee due to our
seres The instincts Of selflove aud sefinetest are
quite strong enough in all mankind to insure the prompt
discharge Of all duties which TO ourselves, but
some incentive, reward or punishment, have been ever
found necessary to bear the cheerful performance OF
those obligations which result from positions mem
bers of society,"
The numerous benefits which would result to
town. and by consequence to the individuals who
"ose it, from the adoption and prosecution OF some plan
TO encourage and stimulate greater attention 10 mental
Improvement are so obvious that thrv need not be gwen
IN detail II re@ad be requisite, to engage the acu'e
cooperation OF our citizens IN such enerrrize-i t
discharge of this rcldtire dutyhe who can il ;magna
lion, contrast the aspect of the community i1c with he
enc which 1t would present. plan for general men
tai Improvement successfully prosecuted, will see with
readiness, the cheering incentives to individual and uni
ted exeron.
IL Is lelt to be reflection our town. that it con-
talns mol one Reading Roam--and only one institution
which is designed to elevate and improve the literary
zone and taste OF the community. ''The Young Mems
society has been IN existence for eight years. 1t
was believed should say, it hoped) by its foun-
ns' mat IT'S establishment, would accomplish much in
disseminating those blessings and benels which are so
''ssdfy 10 give retired and virtuous caste to any
"c,nhln'y. For short time, ii gave promise of FIJI
mug me wishes of lis friends. No,c, it has lanqusll-
'e ana dropped, from the nattentor in the first place
VI us members and again from the neglect of the citizens
seheIaliy W iih large Llhrary-anounting To up
",'os Oh IOOO volumes-hisorical, philosophical scen-
hfc, BIOGRAPHICAL miscellaneous &c &c-which is open
every citizen by the contribution If mere pittance-it
NV s'ahds rather as monument OF the exceeding list
sess OF The community. such subjects than as any
eaeree OF their love knowledge desire for mental
cultivation.
oI Ill,