The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-03-27

1HE OF hEN. !. IL. NJ W Rhf
Attracted no less by the fame OF the lee.
turer than by the important subject to be
discussed, large and appreciative audi.
ence assembled last evening in the Second
Baptist church to hear the Rev. J. l.. M
Curry's lecture before the Young Mems
Christian Association of Richmond. After
PRAYER by Rev. +. M. Peterson, of the Me-
thodist church, the lecturer commenced
by stating that he wished to discuss some
truths no less important because familiar
There never were more incentives to labor
than at present. We are commencing a
new era-behind us are ruins, the present
is seasen of inquietude. High enter
terprises now demand our attention. True,
there are obstacles; our political institu-
tions have been destroyed; our States
have been absorbed in the national vortex
our Union consolidated, and we have new
relations and new duties. We are no longer
part of the chivalry Of the world.
Jealous of our rights, and resentful OF
wrongs, yet the present Government is
ours, its laws ours, its flag ours, and whe-
reluctantly or cheerlully, we are under
its sway. We cannot without criminality
sink into sloth or Indifference.
The learned lecturer then compared, at
some length, the state ofthe sOuthernpeo-
pie before and since the war-their hospi-
talitv, their reverence for woman, their
chastity of honor, and specified slavery as
the cause of these proud characteristics of
Il southern gentleman. He urged that
there must be nobility somewhere, if not
of refinement and education,i it may pro-
baby be of Goldfish and shoddy. A nation
may be Judged by its manners, by its
amusements, its bull-fghts, &c. The
sentiments which lead to the election of a
representative of the prize ring to a seat
in legislative halls furnish an unfailing in
dex to the character Of that people. In
these times of excitement and trial we
should not forget our principles of gentil-
ity-principles instilled from infancy into
the mind of every southerner. He here
dwelt at seme length upon the qualities
which constitute gentleman, and exposed
with caustic severity the prevailing false
notions of polteness and gentility. Jesus
Christ was the highest type of gentleman.
In the second branch Of his discourse
the speaker suggested that in these times
we are apt to forget our religion. The
league between politicians and preachers
which has been made in some sections
has had an unfortunate effect upon the peo-
pie. The South can proudly boast that
there has been little of this spirit within her
limits. ISms and iniidelity are not indi-
genous to her soil. With us Christianity
has been little diluted, and has always been
respected. Above all things, he would
urge young men to cling to the principles
of the religion of Jesus. 1t is the corner
stone of gentlemanly character and start
ing point to sure success.
There is yet future for the South, and
her fate depends in great measure upon
her young men. Let us cling to our
country only the closer on account of her
Affections. Let her honor be considered
as a part of our own. We have yet many
advantages, and if we cannot enjoy the
blessing of a government such as in all
respects we would desire, We must de-
termine, at least, to deserve it.
We have attempted mere outline OF
the remarks of the learned gentleman,
and it will of course be understood that
we cannot do him justice in hasty para,
graph.
The audience dispersed, we'll pleased
with Mr.. Curry's noble effort, and inspired
we trust, with renewed hope and with an
earnest determination to pursue the course
so ably recommended.