Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-11-05
g.. 30.
Time for other Things.

AS 40 b4O A1A6
So completely has the public mind been
absorbed with the momentous consequences
depending on the contest for the Presidency,
that it has been little disposed to engage in
any other matter. But now that crisis hav-
ing passed, it will naturally turn to subjects
of a more peaceful and profitable character
than those of sectional strife and bitter po-
litical acrimony. Let us indulge the hope s
that as much activity and zeal will now be 3.
manifested for the other great interests Of
society-interests which, lie at the foundation
of all civilized government, and exalted,
christianized social economy-as has marked
the great political struggle from which We
have but just emerged.
The only hope upon which a free govern
, ment may rest for the per2ctuity and ad-
yancement of its institutions, is that of the
virtue and intelligence of its citizens. Ind
: the ore must accompany the other, or else
! we fall into the excuses and follies which
have marked the downfall of the other Re-
|, ,ublics of the earth which have preceded
ours.
tion-Refnement-th
Arts and Sciences-these alone, are not ca
as pable of rearing and sustaining a free and
Sc prosperous Nation. The histories of Greece
b. and Rome rise up before us with their une-
es, qualled orators and tatesmen-their extern
I'D sive systems of education reaching and per-
For meating through every grade of society
is their gorgeous temples, their ravishing stat
yer uary, their glowing canvass bursting into
DIS, real life under the magic touch of the mas
the ter's pencil all these they had to boast of;
so but in their midst there grew up an immor-
tit al voluptuousness and prohigacy that ere
long rased the walls of their turreted temples
are and Pantheons, and buried beneath their
ruins all the boosted grandeur and glory
which it had taken centuries to rear. We
look up and down their history, survey their
W. temples without a religion, their streets lined
tire with chisled divinities set up for ornamental
the effect; we listen to their orators; we open
sat the shining rolls Of their literature; and ex.
ices, claim" Splendid sensuality elegant fac
1T in toni ornamental religion nations perfect
that in outward criticism, but blind to the real
at 7 nature and power" of true virtue, and the
reed moral sublimity of revealed divine truth.
mt of To perpetuate our Nation, with its fire.
de to and blessed Institutions, we must avoid thos
decisions which led to their overthrow-w
must renounce those excuses which betraye
8 no them into the hands of their enemies. Ou
t the system of education must have somethin
f the more than glittering dome or towering tn
will ret our religion must be something MOI
1.-THE than finely ehiseled images or finished spec
,enta- mems of the painters art our lessons
Y. sacrifice something more than self murd
rather than disclose their own guilt 90
principles of virtue something besides Il
nIaas- common proprieties of life.
mann The historian tells US that it was thrOu,
the revelry, dissipation ard profigacy of b
,riops people, that Rome, the proud mistress of 4
world, fell into the hands OF enemies al
met her final overthrow. The United Stat
- should learn wisdom by this striking exal
.L;.L pie. If our proud liberties and glorious fr
- institutions be preserved intact and hand
.,nst down to future generations, the pure prin
,r day e., 80" O'H
of her people, and a correct system Of Writ
bs and morality be engrafted upon the policy
>, the Nation.