Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-09-22
NUMBER vi.

Mn. SPEcrAroR,-In these latter days when
books much abound, proper selection of such as
should be read has become an important Object
Books are mans companions, and our characters
are very apt to take their shape and hue from the
company we keep. When young man. who has
been reared in the country, leaves home and begins
to mlngle IN the society of some large city, we be-
lleve that his destiny greatly depends upon the
character of those with whom he may associate-
But the danger is scarcely less when an acquain-
lance is first made with the world of books, and the
young mind enters upon the enjoyment of them
without experience or guide.
have been thinking lately how many evils may
result from too little attention to this matter on the
part OF those who have the guardianship of youth
This Will be the more obvious it we reflect that the
great mass of modern books, while they convey lit
tie substantial information address themselves
chiefly to the Imagination, and win their way to
the heart with the power ofaspel The principal
object seems to be TO please, and truth is thrown
into the background of picture that attracts the
eye and asclnates the mind. There is little origi-
nality to be observed in the conversation of men of
reading AT this day though there is much difference
oil opinion and animated discussion The sentiments
OF almost all may be traced to some ;ivore authors
or classes of authors, whose works have pleased
them; and hence it comes that in no age of the
world has such diversity and extravaganza of opin
Ion prevailed, as III this because scarcely any two
persons can be found who have derived their im-
presslons from the same source. 1t is well known
that In orr free and happy country where the mind
Is lett unle:tered and the conscience undisturbed
men are occasionally seen who though born AMONGST
us. openly profess their preference for the arisocrot
zeal institutions of the old world and would if thew
had their own way, roll back the tide of human al
ialrs INTO the worn channels of the past Such
persons will be found to take their views and senti
lnents from a certain class of British writers who
delight more In the pegeantry OF feudal times than
IN the refinements and comforts of the present: who
see more to crafty them in the graces of courtier
than In the seli-devoiion of the phanthropst.-
ihey turn away with indifference from Howard
and Nilberiorce, to gaze with admiration upon
Stafford and Claverhouse aud seem 10 prefer The
royal treachery OF Mary and Charles to the virtue
and patriotism OF Ilampden and Washington
ihere are others who, like Don QuiXutte of La
Mancha, have had their judgments warped and
distorted by books Of romance. They turn away
IN disgust from the more rational manners and pa
CHIC haDi'3 oil their conntrymen, and long for the
restoration of the fashions of some remote are and
the eAifavagances of chlvalry. But these persons
are rather entitled 10 pity than to censure, be-
cause their peculiarities expose them to degree of
Il"icuie OF which they are altogether unconscious
Another class are those who have acquired
taste for religious romance, and prefer the sol.
emn pomp of the Romish ritual, with all its idol
alrouS lnVOcatlonS, TO the more spiritual and purer
iorms OF our Protestant worship Novels have poi
soned their minds, and perverted their tastes when
they were not aware of danger; for it may be safely
asserted, that there is seldom introduced any inter
esling religious character who is not OF that faith
ana even those writer's who have been most scru
pulous on this point have greatly palated those e.
noImlties which they found it impossible to defend.
These considerations present the most satisfacto-
ry OF all arguments for extending the benefits Of
copy wright 10 authors ofother countries Our Anne
rcan talent should be fostered, and the minds OF
our youth more influenced by domestic than FOREIGN
literature. IL is also obvious that those who are
usually looked to the standards of taste and cor
rect criticism, should exert their influence to induce
then young friends to seek from books instruction
raiier than amusement, and to form their opinions
from facts, rather than from representations Let
them be pursuaded TO beware of those insidious
writers, who aim 10 seduce by the power OF fasci-
na'ion and not TO convince by argument They
should select for .heir companions such authors as
seem to have been governed by the love of human
KIND, and whose books, instead of retarding the
progress OF their race, have tendency to cheer and
help 1t on in the ascent of freedom and civilization
LOFlNGTON.