Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-11-21
LADIES DEPARTMENT..
For tho spirit OF the Age.
The Night and the Morning.

W. nv RlhA" va N6%
The Night and the Morning.
A6sctionately Inscribed TO Mouie, Minnie, Nat
tie, Carrie and Kate.
ny lone.
It is winter. Autumn fed like a fright
ened bird as the storm king rushed over the
world. See how tho windows in that old
house shake rs he passes and he has with
his viewless fingers opened that door to ex-
pose to our view a scene Of wretchedness.-
II Is . meagerly furnished room, occupied
nv four persons. See that drunken father
come staggering in, his once handsome face
innamed with anger aud with that vile poi
son, with red eyes and clenched hands. All!
that look Of sorrow sweeps its dark cloud over
the face Of the wife, as the little one in her
arms clasps its arms tighter around her neck,
while it's brother grasps her tightly in his
little hands, tells plainly the feelings Of her
full heart. Not many years ago she went
forth from the home circle Of which she was
the idol, to give light and happiness to an
others heart and home. Her husband was
generous, high minded. and seemed in every
way worthy Of her and so he was then /:
hut the dark stream, which like the SiroccO
Of the east blasts all that is bright and beau
tiful and bears upon its swollen bosom the
taars and groans of Father, Mother, brother,
sister, Wife and children to the dismal abode
of the lost, touched his lips, and the story Is
written upon his brow in characters not to
be mistaken. All how many homes have
been changed by il! How many hearts had
their life blood pressed out 10y its whitening
influence How many are now dropping
like the early flower, throbbing slowly ana
painfully almost every throb a prayer Tor
the reclamation Of their loved ones
The little ones are now asleep and the hus-
hand has thrown himself upon the bed but
still the mother sets over the few Goals and
weeps. The night is very dark and stormy
without, but it is nothing compared to the
darkness and tempestuousness that mas It's
home in that young loving heart! To her
the silence seems oppressive, and, kneellng'
sbe asks the God of " the weary and heavy
laden" to give her strength to bear her lot
And now she asks him to protect her darling
babes and pardon her erring husband. Hel
PRAYER is eloquent for it comes from the
heart. The night is very dark now," sht
prayed ooh! my Father, for the morning
NAV it be as bright rs it is dark now anC
OH if it comes not in this life, give me {
bright aud glorious morning with Thee
where the night comes not" The husband
heard that prayer and there before hig
Heaven, he vowed to taste no more the stream
of Death, and soon his name was enrolle
among the Temperance hosts. =.
Come with me, dear reader, and WI
show you another home. Autumn with pal
fingers is laying aside her gorgeous robes,
sink in her peaceful grave, while the pie
cling winter winds with loud blasts ring ht
sad requium: SEQ in that pleasant villag
that neat cottage, with its shady trees, !
smooth grassy yard, the G%ravelcd walk, Il
flowers in The windows minGIing their brig
hues with the snowy muslin curtains. Con
in and let us see to whom the house belong
Is it not tastefully furnished? See tn
good natured, handsome matron, hushii
the babe upon her bosom, ever and an
casting looks Of love on that father with
merry romping children and see that fat
err; his face is familiar is it ? Is there Il
something noble about his furrowed brow
bearing the impress Of many wars throu
which tho spirit has passed. lie is speak,
to his son let us hear what he say
"Three years ago your father was a vi
drunken %outcast, living in poverty and mise1
until that noble, self sacrificing band
brothers, the Sons Of Temperance, God bl
them, came along and rescued me. By
grace Of God, / will touch no more the
auid flames Of Hell. Pray for them,
children for they are yet doing their wo
of love-yet rsscuing thousands from cert
destruction" Eyes and praise God for
glorious morning after the long night
wretchedness," added the mother-'Th
God for the bright star Of Temperance"