Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-10
THE WEDDING.

PRINCIPLES CARRIED OUT.
To know the right and live up to that
knowledge in all cases, is a state of ex-
cellence TO which few have ever yet at
tanned.
The heart Of Alice Graham was deep
ly imbued with sense of right, and her
innate love oft enabled her 10 discharge
the smallest obligations with the same
fidelity and exactness which was mani.
tested in the performance of the greater
and more ostensible duties. Beauty of
person and "sweet attractive grace she
had not, but candor and decision, togeth-
er withsa highly cultivated intellect
were her distinguishing characteristics,
and these secured for her place in So
cietv which she rather stunned than
sought. She was now the atfianced bride
of Francis Woodbury., Esq, the eldest
son Of Hon. 7. Woodbury.. of B --.
The day of their nnptials was appointed,
and Alice looked forward to the approach
ing event, in all confidence, as the con-
summation Of her highest earthly hopes
of happiness There was one eircum-
stance, however, which she foresaw
would be source of discomfort to her,
not because the path of duty was con-
cealed at all, but the conflicting notions
of propriety among her friends, in re-
gard to her conduct on this occasion, was
something to be dreaded. But the fol.
lowing conversation with her frienc
Grace Vernon will show her entire con.
secration Of self TO principle.
" Not have your own minister to sol
emnize yonr nuptials? | fear people
will think you very obstinate, and pity
Frank for the unhappy choice he ha'
made.
Grace was one of those who was gov
erned most essentially by auhat people saq
or think, and although Alice had assid
uously labored to correct this low and er
roneous notion in her friend, yet It wa,
still besetting sin. Does God approve
was the only question which Alice as
ked, and the appreciation of conscience
was rich return for whatever she did
Grace was possessed Of aliveIv temper
brilliant fancy. and a kind heart, and Al
ice loved her with all the affections of
sister. She sought to improve her fnint
by directing her thoughts into amore Sc
rious channel.
Mine is to be temperance wed
ding" SAID Alice. "As both parties ar,
pledged 10 temperance, would it not b
consistent that an Apostle of temperanc
should seal the holy bands2' -
} Yes, and | would have the Cold Wa
ter Army called out, with all their songs
banners and badges" said Grace, ironi
cally, /" and make great occasion of it.
81 seek not a display of my princi
} Piles. Grace, only desire to live agrees
bly, to my professions, as an accountabI
I being"
D Your heart is so much in the cause
| fear therelis little room left for the on
| you are about to be united to-"
: / do not love Frank the less, with tn
: view take of the cause. 1t is one cal
9 culated TO enlarge, ennoble and purif
E the heart Of its promoters-they are tn
: ones to be benefited even more tha
5 those who are raised from degrade
r condition TO levelw society. An
e besides, the spirit Of benevolence an
. forbearance which it cherishes, is su.
]. foundation for domestic happiness.
a shall take the vows IN the perfect assn
e rance that mine will be cheerful, calr
It and happy life. shall enter joyousI
+ upon its duties, with no dark cloud to OF
e scure life's setting SUM-"
n g. see your determination is TO carr
e out your principles TO the greatest poss
i BILE extent. But does not Frank max
d any objections to this arrangement"