Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-03-08
miscellaneous.
THE "pEAKs OF OTTER >

These peaks rise from the Blue Ridge of
Virginia, to The height of $3.50 feet, near the
gap where the James River penetrates that
Ridge, and not far from the Natural Bridge.
The sharp top peak" which is most Wis
tied, consists oil huge naked granite rocks
When you have planted your feet on the top
most rock, the very cap stone of this natural
pyramid, you are overwhelmed with wonder
and delight at the almost ilimitable extent
of the view which the eye vainly endeavors
to take in, as it gazes earnestly towards the
east over country gradually slipping to the
Atlantic, for distance Of $50 miles, You
can scarcely believe that the horizon that
bounds your view is not the "deep blue SCI"
ITSELF This Nhoiesyast area Of country seems
like one level plain; or variegated as it is by
field and forest it looks ike large splendid
carpet opened before you. If you turn your
face to the north, the west or the south, you
have spread outin every direction, as far as
the power of vision extends, one ,oide lrilder-
ness of M juntaias The peaks stand upon
the extreme eastern boundary of this noun
tain region, like granite sentinels" stationed
there for protection and defence
The late eccentric John Randolph, having
spent the night on the peak that he might
see the sun rise, was SO overwhelmed with the
wondrous beauty and glory Of the scene, as
the sun rose suddenly in view, that he could
not behold it; but sunk down on bis knees,
and covered bis face, declaring that there
was 100 much of the Divine power and glory
Thereof for sinful eyes to look upon" Indeed,
you cannot but feel, while standing on that
lofty pinnacle of rock, that you are curtain
ed round by God"
But that summit has peculiar interest to
me On summers day, in 1851, there stood
on that rock young infdel lawyer He was
the son, the only son of doating, devoutly
pious mother, and she widow, who resided
in an adjoining county, in the town Of L.
Our young friend was on visit to Chris
tan family living in the vicinity, and belong
ing to congregation bearing the name ofthe
peaks. A revival of religion was at that time
in progress there, and the interest was wide
spread and deep From where be stood, he
could almost see the locality of the old "meet-
ing, house" in which his friends were then
worsh;pping God, and where many souls were
earnestly seeking salvation. He knew that
courtesy required that he should attend the
meeting and also that it would be crafty
ing to his fond mother to hear from his own
mouth an account Of it
He therefore resolved to attend. lie had
felt secure in bis infdel opinions. but now the
thought arose. "Perhaps the worshippers at
the meeting arc right 10 their faith and if
so, am wrong." Anc with sincere de-
sire to know the truth, he then and there
bowed down upon the rock. and gave himself
up to the divine guidance, and solemnly COW
cnanted with God to follow the light be might
Incredibly youchsafe to him He attended
the meeting and kept that covenant; and in
few days was found among the rejoicing
young converts
He still lives. and is now the happy father
of believing children, ruling elder 10 the
PRESBYTERIAN Church. and professor in one
of the most popular literary institutions Of
Virginia. The granite summit Of the peak
stands there 10 all its solemn grandeur as bis
bethel, his pillar of memorials, the altar Of
his covenant. May his love and JOY remain
when these mountains shall melt like wax
before the flame "--Americdn Messenger.
Rx5~ Birds that have no feathers jail-birds.