Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-11-30

which has reduced our age to a
span? Fore-score years of trial are sufi-
long and more than such a term al
to the wicked, would render them be-
yond all measure vile. Our way to the king
dom of heaven lies through tribulations.-
Shall we then accuse, shall we not rather
bless kind Providence, which has made the
passage short? Soon we cross the vale OF
tears, and then arrive at the happy hills,
where light forever shines, where Joy forever
smiles. Christian, there it will he, your ar
mour shall with dazzling brightness ever
glitter in the pure sunshine of uasullied
bliss. Christian, there is no cold chilling
winter there, no trial there-no pain or Attic
ton there; but Angels tuning their harps
afresh, chanting the praises of God and the
Lamb forever-and ever.
But happily for man, winter comes when
there are no howery crops in the valley to be
overwhelmed no fields standing thick with
corn, to be laid waste At such a juncture,
it would have been ruin to the husbandman
and his family. How often, and how long,
has the Divine Majesty bore with the most
injurious affronts from sinners /! His good
ness triumphed over their perverseness and
graciously refused to be exasperated. ButO!
presumptuous creatures multiply no Ion
ger your provocations. Urge not by repeat
ed iniquities, the Almighty arm to strike
How mighty how majestic! and oh how
mysterious are thy works. When the air
is calm, whore sleep the stormy winds In
what chambers are they reposed, or in what
dungeons confined, till thou art pleased to
awaken their rage, and throw open their
prison doors? Then, with irresistible impet-
uosity, they fly forth, scattering dread and
menacing destruction.
The atmosphere is hurled into the mosttu-
multuous confusion. The aerial torrent
bursts it's way over mountains, seas and con-
%tinents. All things feel the dreadful shock.
All things tremble before the furious blast.
The forest vexed and torn, groans under the
scourge. The ocean swells with tremendous
connections. Ships are rent from their an,
chOrs, and with all their enormous loads, are
whirled swift as the arrow, wild as the winds,
along the vast abyss. How vain is the pilots
art! how impotent the mariners strength !
Sometimes the face Of things wear a more
pleasing form, the very reverse of the fore
going. The sober evening advances to close
the short-lived day. The armament, clear
and unsullied, puts on its brightest blue
The stars, in t~hronging multitudes, and with
q peculiar briliancy, glitter through the fair
expanse.
Who is so hardy, as not to shrink at the
excessive pinching weather. Every cheek is
pale with excessive cold. Ye that sit easy
and joyous, amidst your cOmmOdious apart
ments, s~olacing yourselves in the diffusivt
warmth of your fire, be mindful of your
brethren, in the cherries tenements of pov.
erty. The sky is clear, soon We see in the
east a bow of no hostile intention a bow
painted in varigated colors. How vast is its
extent, delicate the texture of that showery
arch! 1t compasseth the Heavens with {
glorious circle, and teaches us to forget the
horrors of the storm. 1t writes, in radiant
dyes, what the Angel sung in harmonious
strains peace on earth and good will to
wards men," 1t is the pledgoo of OmnipotencC
for the continuance of the seed time and har
vest for the preservation and security o
the world. 1t is the comfortable token Of
better state and a happier kingdom whore sill
shall cease, where storms shall beat ant
Winter pierce no more: but holiness, happi
ness and JOY, like one unbounded Spring, for
ever, ever bloom. JAMES H. w.
BERTHE Co., November, 1853.