Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-06-12
STAUNTON, VA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE l2, 1850.

virtue and for happiness upon our hands, and whom
the State had gathered together here; and the touch
ing appeal has never failed affect the hearts of Vr
ginia representatives. In such cases the eloquence
OF The advocate, well the cheerful response of
the lisener sprung into being under the influence OF
that great law of "primal sympathy" "whch having
been must ever be,' from "those soothing thoughts
that spring out of human sufering"-a law whose
authority penetrates the abodes Of the rich and pow
er!ul as well as the homes of the poor and humble;
which with all its holy power commanding US to feel
for, to enlghten and TO protect those whom God has
given as sacred charge to our keeping is elt as well
in the crowded resorts of men, as in the solitary
fdwelings Of the mountains. Yes this IaS of"pri-
1nal sympathyS shining relct of prins:.ivt, aure
humanity, chastened and viyfed by christianity,
reaches wherever human hearts throb with human
afections-wherever the father leans with yearnng,
sorrowing heart over his child, berelt of sight or
lspeecl-wherever the mother presses TO her bosom
with stranng tenderness and love,he child of alic
on, the more tenderly beloved because afflicted. 1t
is the great law of "prima sympathy" that binds the
hearts Of all to this nslitution and hence say its
foundation is solid rock, and lasting the gen.
erous throbbings of nations heart.
And may be permitted to say that it is the inhu-
ence of such Institutions as these that in some de-
gree dispels the dark mystery of human suffering. of
temporal evil, paraking they do of that precious
quality of mercy which is twice blessed blessing shin
that gives and him that takes"-developing and keep
ing warm in the hearts of great people, affections,
sympahies and charities that eyalt nation, whilst
they furnish those bee of the usual gifts of Heaven
with substitutes for The blessings withheld from them,
making them cheerful, conenled and happy, inform
ing their minds, training their hearts, preparing them
for usefulness in life and disclosing to them the cheer
.1c. .l,oT al
= Animated by that sympathy for the afflicted OF
which have spoken, and by desire to create a.
mongst the pupils of the Deaf Mute Department Of
the institution generous emulation in the pursuit
of knowedge and virtue, DIR. Lewis w. Chamberlayne,
a distinguished and benevolent gentleman of the City
Of Richmond has for several years past caused to be
furnished to the Vsitorsa Gold Medal, 10 be by them
presented as a reward Of merit' to the pupil in the
Deaf Mute Department, most distinguished for his
advance in knowledge and for his good behavior
Last year this prize was conferred, with what elo-
quence and tenderness Of manner all will remember,
by my friend Mr. Stuart, upon young Chamberayne,
the son of the donor This year after an impartial ex
animation and comparison of the merits of the pupils
the medal has been awarded to Holdridge Chichester
ofthe County Of Harrison. He will receive it as the
gift of DR.. Chamberlayne, and at the same time as
an afeconate testimonial from the Officers of the
Institution of his good conduct and progress in
knowledge.
TN after years, when struggling with the world, the
sacred associations connected with this medal will
stimulate his mind to new altainments, will warm his
heart with fresh impulses to virtue, and it will serve
as alisman of safety amidst the trials and dangers
of ie.-Such, trust will be the effect OF this gift
upon him. Upon those less successful in the gener-
Gus competition for the prize of merit, let this scene
cast no dark spell Of envy-no shadow Of jealousy
but let them whilst rejoicing in the success of their
friend, resolve to follow his example, and TO win, if
not ihe Chamberayne MeGal' in this Institution. at
least the prizes of knowledge and virtue in the world
and chiefly and above every thing else, let this
Medal be to all the type Of that precious reward in
Heaven promised 10 those who on Earth do Justice.
love mercy, and diligently seek that wisdom which
comeh from God