The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-11-29

~lthstanding the threatening weather
ana the neglect to give general notice OF
the lecture, good audience was gathered
last evening in the First Baptist church.
The lecturers theme was "Thc Dangers
OF the Hour" Ably and cloquently was
tho subject discussed. After a brief in.
PRODUCTION, he remarked that it was not
ms purpose to speak as 4 partisan section
allst, but as one who loved his country
his achote country. But, at the same time,
he must speak as a son Of the Old Domi
Mon. Then, in most eloquent apostrophe
TO the old Commonwealth, he testified his
love to her in the. day Of woe as well as oil
prosperity.
He felt it high and holy duty to warn
the young men of the South against the
dangers which besct them; for dangers
always have their attractions to the young
and brave. The first danger alluded to
vas that of imagining that high attain
ments in scholarship are not needed, when
our material interests press SO heavily
upon US. This idea is absurd the reverse
is true. The prestige formerly attached to
wealth and birth has now vanished, and
now aristocracy of talent and merit alone
must rule. Mind hcrccforth must be the
master, and Education the true signct Of
nobility. While Virginia has given to the
world orators, statesmen, and divines, her
sons have written but little, and as con-
sequence their fame may have passed away
when that of Inferior men Of other sections
will still live. 1t is now more than ever to
be feared that this will be the case. Let
it be remembered that in our stricken
land we need ripe scholars. But they
cannot be produced in a day. The lamp
of genius will 60 out unless fed by the
beaten oil Of patient labor.
1t was remarked in the second place
that we are in these times in danger Of
losing that keen love Of liberty which has
hitherto charactized our people. By
liberty is not meant the cheap patriotism
which fumes and frets at tho situation,
and exhausts itself in abuse of those who
are our rulers. The true patriot cheer
| fully acquiesces in tie government Of the
powers that be, and with brave heart
meets the duty Of the hour. We once
cherished the hope Of separate national
existence, but now our destiny is linked
with the Union, and our fervent prayers
should arise for the aclole land. 1t is ab-
surd to revive dead issues but first prin-
ciples can never die, and the youth Of the
land should be taught to cherish the spirit
Of liberty, and to 60 to the old fountain
head under the guidance Of the fathers of
our Constitution.
Again, it was urged that there is dan
ger from the decentralization which has ever
followed upon the heels Of revolution.
Upon this point Dr.. Hoge dwelt at length,
quoting Macau!ay's graphic description OF
the infidelity and decentralization which
swept over England after the restoration,
and alluding to the bad influences of the
revolution of nc upon American citizens
The fourth danger remarked upon was
from the skepticism and infdelity which
infects our current literature. This dan
ger was wildly pictured, and the warm
ness Of the lecturer left, we may hope, a
lasting impression upon the audience.
MASONIC HALL CORNER sToNE.-The
Masonic fraternity are making active pre-
paratious for the laying OF the cornerstone
of their new hall on the corner of Main
and Third streets, to take place on the
Sd proxmo. Among other things, they
have invited very large number Of lady
and gentlemen amateur singers OF our city
TO aid them in singing odes and musical
pieces for the occasion. Tho leading
talent Of the city will be lent, and the
whole, forming grand chorus, will be ac-
companied by Kessnicb's orchestra.
The ladies and gentlemen invited to aid
in the singing have generally very kindly
oonocntcd to do SO; but We learn that
some of the ladies' have some dclicacy
about being present on an occasion SC
public. Tie actuating spirit is good
one, but in this instance an entirely mis-
:, taken one. By lending their talent at
these ceremonies they are no more guilty
of an act of indclicacy than. if they were
to do the same at the laying of corner
stone or dedication of a place of public
worship. In Baltimore and other large
cities, in an'lirs Of this kind, the ladies
always aid in the singing, and, as on al
other occasions, render them much more
attractive. And, above all, the ladies vii
be surrounded 10y circle Of Sir knight:
within which no breath Of rcproach cal
enter.
The first rehearsal will be held with al
due privacy in the Spotswood ballroom
this evening at ! x o'clock, and all partie!
invited to assist will please attend pune
tually. Any of them having a copy of the
musical book styled the Casket' are re-
ouested to bring it, as there is great
scarcity of musical books. The singing
will lie conducted by that finished teacher
Professor Ericsson.