Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-12-26
For the Spectator.
A N + w DO X.
The Log Cabin"

This Is a little book, which, young and old, may
read with pleasure and profit. Although its Mlic
under some circumstances would be most appro.
pirate, at present think il rather unfavorable To
its reception by many Of the reading portion of
the community. Al present every mind, plutted
with subjects connected with the great political
exci,enents Of the last four years, is ready 10
turn away with something like feelings of dis.
gust, from all that relates elections and election
stories.
The most natural impression made upon tho
mind, from seeing the words 'IHe Log Cabist'
on the back Of book, would be, that its contents
nave some connection with the exciting scenes Of
iSlo. Such is not the case with this interesting
mule work. 1t has connection whatever with
politics or political life. 1t pourtrays in very
simple, unaffected style, the character Of young
man, who arose step after step by his own exer-
uohs. Ills struggles against adverse fortune
MS many and varied lessons learned from expe-
rience-hls disappointmenis and newly excited
hopes, produce lively interest in the mind of the
ieader' while each incident brings with it moral.
gu would suppose when you begin to read, that
the book was probably intended by the autho1
more especially Tor children; but when you have
hnished 1t, you will be ready to say, that sit is
one OF the few works Of fiction, which persons of
every age and every class may read, and feel that
they are both wiser and better from having read
IT," 1t contains lessons for the appren,ice-les-
sons Tor the school boy-lessons for the teacher
en- Tor the student, for the orator in the pulpit or
at me bar. For example, the following =
"ihey talked now of my eloquence-there was
no eloquence but truth. Would that every orator.
whether from the bar or the pulpit, bore this great
secret In mind. do not mean truth in the abb
suac.' out the truth Of his own conscience-the
convictions OF his own soul-then alone can 10
speak to the souls of others. He is firm, he is
strong In what he believes TO be right-he is con-
sisteni and clear, for he has but one object-to
make the right felt. The graces of oratory re-
semoie the Aurora Borealis-playing around tho
ueavehs, anlmating and cheering. But the elo-
quence OF truth is like the forked lightning, like
'he D., thunderbolt of Heaven-(or God is truth -,
me Impressions made upon the mind of a
youth, OF lively imagination and warm feelings.
rom oeholding Niagara for the first time, are thus
orlehy and beautifully expressed :-"Never can I
express the sensations which overwhelmed me.
~ was new conception Of the power of the Del.
V-him who had opened the hollow of his hand
ana poured forth this mighty flood of waters.
hao seen him in the beautiful meadows, the ex-
quisite flowers, the winding rivers,-in the rising
ana setting sun, in the silver crescent and starry
Dut mere IL was majesty, not loneliness
III was sublmlty, not beauty; and felt as if
mere was scarcely 'vel in the temple to divide
!he HOLY OF Holes from the Holy place. The
Impression is now as strong on my mind as then.
!. mas d"e!t with me ever since, and can at any
''lle recall the lasting roar of the waters.
~, on ''u's'"cl iuea OF seeing gay and fashion,
able people around me, beautiful women talking
and laughing, but was absorbed in the one idea.
ana It VIII never pass from mo. Ah there are
advantages in being alone and fIiendless!
STOOD on the summit of Table-rock, and wan
dered to the foot of the mighty cataract; COM
muned with no visible being but there was one
P'sseh'-ffe who slteth among the clouds"
do not say that there is nothing TO be found
In THIS book worthy 10 be condemned but in
mining Tor mental wealth, we should always be
careful to separate the dross entirely, and throw
it aside. I.EGIIIIIS