Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-06-26
TIE LECTURE OF THE HON. ). RroRRr-
S0rT HARRIS

! II LECTURE OF THE HON. j. EIORRE-
sou HARRIS.
| The lecture of this gentleman before the
Christian Association on Thursday last was
attended by a large audience, and we arc
sure that we announce the opinion of every
one present when We say that more eIoquept.
instructive aud intellectual performance has
rarely been heretofore enjoyed - the people
Of the community.
The subject selected by Dir II. was Duties
Opportunities and y gencies." Opening with
comprehensive aud graphic view of the
condition of the cor6try, at the close of tho
gigantic strusgIe through which it has lust
passed, enumerating many of the evils nat
urally engenderedb by such a contest, protract-
ed as it was through four long weary years,
during which passions were evolved and
habits formed, Injurious to tine great moral
and social interests' Of the whole country,
Nlr. Il. proceeded to indicate the splendid
opportunities exhibited in every direction,
both ti9 individual effort and the more ex-
tented labors of associations such as he then
had the pleasure of addressing. Abiding to
the present condition of the country he said
that questions which had been referred to the
great arbtrament Of the sword were no LONGER
open for discussion. They should be consid-
cred as forever settled; and the grand and
controlling purpose Of all now should be to
re-i"vest the nation with its ancient rights
and privileges, and restore it as far as possible
to its ancient ways of prosperity. TO that
end much, lie thought, could be accomplished
through the proper influences of the family
organization on which more perhaps than all
others depended the moulding of the national
character. The young men of tho country
especially should be brought within the scope
OF Its powerful but persuasive discipline. 50
that they ray be able to carry INFO all the
practical affairs OF life, lessons ef moderation.
truth, justice and conservatism, inculcated
around the hearlhstones of happy homes.
In such work the ennoblng and distinc,
tive power of woman could be most adta
ScoHsiy displayed. For, the tone of society,
VIII 5her elevated Or depressed, is traceable to
the influence which she cxcrts in the circles of
its household and tho manner, in which she
may meet the great duties devolved upon her,
will determine the moral condition OF the COM
mu"ities tnus largely committed to her gov
eminent. In this connection Mr. H ehlarg-
cd upon the subject of home education and
closed y ,nriimngiy ciYYus,,. ,:,c2s-cnta-
tloz OF the Bible, as the grandest revelation to
man OF tue great principles of action that
should regulate human conduct
We have not Of course, attempted any thing
like an accurate report of this admirable lee
tore which vas utersrcrsod ,7;,h series of
happy Illustrations beautiful imageries, and
stirring passages Of genuine oratory.
We have heard the desire universally cz-
pressed that Mr.. Harris may be induced at
some future day to repeat an effort which af>
ioTdcd 50 mitch pleasure to all who had the
good fortune to be ofthe audience at the Pres
hyterian Church on Thursday evening last
" hope that he may be PERSIA led to comply
with the public wish.