Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1838-01-25


pei the gloomy mists Of care and trou-
BILE that often surrounds the best OF US;
yea, whose fidelity could be relied on
in our most tying emergencies.
AerXes was great. wealthy, and pow
eriu,, yet IT appears. that among the I'm =.
mense multitude that accompanied him
in his celebrated expedition against
Greece, there was but one who had the
moral courage TO give him true and sim
cere advice. While thousands urged
him on, and flattereG him with the idea
Of an easy victory. this noble. upright
and sincere trend, told him that his ar
my, owing 20 its numbers and other
circumstances, was calculated TO defeat
itself, anG the issue proved the truth Of
the assertion.
II appears. then. that friends are but
few on earth. aud should, therefore.
when met with, be held in the highest
estimation. So congenial to the human
constitution and heart IL a friend, that
though often long sought after, and in
VAIN, we are never willing TO give up
the pursuit. This should not be a cause
OF surprize, for, among the many beau
tiful. iair, and precious objects which
the benefcent hand OF the Creator has
presented 10 our view. there is none
which can vie with the face of n faith
fol friend, which seems, If possible, fair
erin the day OF trouble, disc ase, and sick
ness. Sweet are the notes OF warbling
birds, but sweeter far the voice of a
faithful friend, especially, if il greets
our ear, While stretched on the agoniz-
ing and sleepless bed OF sickness;
~ had q friend whom never can forget,
An early friend friend OF my evil day,
Friend 10 my mirth, friend ia my misery too,
My comforter, my counsellor. and guide,
My JOY ln grief, my second bis, IN Joy.
Companion IN my young desires. "a doubt
My oracle, my wing IN each pursuit "
J Well do ! remember our meeting
spots, and the chosen, sacred hours,
where and when we interchanged, with
! out restraint, the Utmost secrets of our
hearts. TWAS our custom To retreat 10
a iayoTlte grove, situated on the side of
Verdant hill, when the sun had set,
and the SILVER moon appeared and shed
I her glorious beams all around; when
the stars studded like so many bright
gems, the clear blue sky; when not a
sound was TO be heard, save that of the
lone breeze signing Ger the hill. the
murmuring Of the feathered tribes rust
/ ling IN the branches, or the rush of The
I limpid streams, which meandered in
romantic winnings in the green and fer
tile valley below, and mourn over our
mutual sorrows, or exult ser our bright
/ prospects. dwell on hopes of future
/ bliss, and soar aloft on the wings of fan
/ cy, while we cast beneath US the clouds
OF despair, and the soul-subduing cares
and strife Of earth, and mediate on
things and scenes beyond its alden in
/ luehcc. Aud though the broad Allan.
tic now rolls between us, and many
wears have passed away since we be-
held one another, still my heart thrill.
wrh the most pleasing emotions,
i "wEen memory
At dewy eve, with lingering eve looks back,
Ger the bright spots Of that familiar track.
I Which erst we trod with careless steps and
free"
These were delightful scenes and
hours, the recollection Of which nei-
ther time, nor place, nor circumstance
can eface. Yes,
I ''Let fate do her worst,
Z There are relics Of lov,
/ Bright dreams Of the past,
I Which she cannot destroy"
The enjoyment Of similar feelings
and delight. Is within the reach Of eve
~ one in this assembly, If he cultivaies
The virtue Of friendship, true and genu.
me friendship, not that hollow and in.
sincere kind, which clings TO us in
prosperity and forsakes us in adversely.
five do this, believe me that the hours
spent together by the members Of this
Clan, shall never be forgotten. and
that the ties which bind W. together
shsll be lasting IS our lives; and, II &C.
cideni, choice, or necessity should So.
parate us, the recollection Of the hal
lowed associations which we have
formed. will come upon US like mu-
sic's dying tone, breathing q peace that
has less OF earth in u than Heaven.
Now, true and sincere friendship can
exist only between the good and the
yifiuous. You might as we'll attempt
TO unite on friendly terms, sheep with
goats, bees with hornets. a. 10 form
bonds Of amity between the yirtuous
and the vicious. You should be eau.
hous, therefore, not 60 admit men into
your Society without being thorough
( ~ acquainted With their character
Vice . contagious. You should there
fore, keep alooi from ITS ha5iiual and
determined votsfles. IS you would from
those bodies which are affected BY pes
tlenual diseascs
Our Society Is not established on
sordid. exclusive. or merceuary conI-
domtiont. 90. 10 rcste on the broad f0un-
dauon Of charity and hroiherly love.
we wish 30 reform the vicious and en-
courage the uriuous. without regard 20
Cline. co0otry rellgion. or political
sentiment These principles emaDaie
from God aud tend Go God and what
e"eris based upon them must be good.
By following these principle YOU viii