The general reader cannot fail to be pleased with many, if not all the communications which are inserted. In the article headed "_Example is better than Precept_," he will recognize an elegant and vigorous pen;--and, in the "_Recollections of Chotank_," it will not be difficult to perceive that the hand employed in describing the generous customs and proverbial hospitality of that ancient portion of our state,--is one of uncommon skill in the art and beauty of composition. The article from the Petersburg Intelligencer, entitled an "_Extract from a Novel that never will be published_," (but which we hope _will_ be published)--though not expressly written for the "Messenger," will be new to most of our readers. If we mistake not, the writer has furnished strong evidence of talent in a particular department of literature, which needs only to be cultivated in order to attain a high degree of success. The poetical contributions, which are entirely _original_ in the present number, whilst they do not need our eulogy, we cannot permit to pass without some special notice at our hands. The "_Power of Faith_" will not fail to attract the lover of genuine poetry, especially if his heart be warmed with christian zeal. It is written by a gentleman whose modesty is as great as his merit; and whose writings, both in prose and verse, will do honor to his native state. The sprightly effusion among the prose articles which is headed "_Sally Singleton_," is from the same hand. Of "_Death among the Trees_," it would be unnecessary to speak, as it will be readily recognized and admired, as the production of a distinguished female writer already known to fame. We take pleasure in placing in the same company two other charming effusions, by writers of the same gentle sex, whose assistance in our literary labors we shall always be proud to receive. We allude to the "_Address of the Genius of Columbia to her Native Muse_," and the "_Lines to an Officer of the United States Navy, by E. A. S._" The "_Sonnet, written on the Blue Ridge_," and the "_Stanzas, composed at the White Sulphur Springs of Virginia_," are both the productions of the same superior mind. There is not only decided power, but a most attractive pathos and bewitching melancholy in the two {64} productions referred to. We hope that the author will continue to adorn our columns with the offspring of his gifted muse. The author of "_Lines on a Billet from an Early Friend_," will always be a welcome guest at our literary table. We know him as a gentleman of fine taste and varied endowments. The "_Cemetery_" is from the pen of a young Philadelphian of fine talents. He need not at any time apprehend exclusion from our columns.