Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-01-16

self with that stalwart band and like Han
lbal of old, swoFe eternal enmity against this
damning curse. And amid the many delin-
quencies omissions Of duty, which rise up to
taunt Inc in the retrospect of the past, my
conscience can boast of a clear record for
having faithfuly-and u~nsparingly denounced,
at all times and under all circumstances, this
hateful vice, this child of He'll, and parent
of human woe" But scarcely had the month
ofyoung manhaoap&aAe len npon my shoulders,
and T1had girded myself for the conflict with
vigorous arm and bouyant heart, when the
ruthless hand of disease, by stretching me
upon the couch of affection, a suffering and
helpless invalid, bedimmed every ray of
hope and withered every aspiration for future
usefulness. But my devotion has not abated
in it's fervency-I have lost none of that I'M
dying hatred which animated me in the hal
cyon days of boyhood and if you can de-
cipher the chirography of a young sister,
who is now seated by my bed side, inditing
these desultory thoughts, you are welcome
to them. Would that | could do more
Would that I were capable of supplying the
place of old Isle of Nights more gifted rep
resentative, the brilliant "Mollle," whose
~sprightly effusions / hope, en- PEASANT, will
continue to be issued from her new home IN
the beautiful " City of Oaks"
But what shall I say of the prospects of
the glorious cause III this section of the Old
Dominion? | deeply regret that | cannot
communicate to you Intelligence OF a more
cheering character; of the more rapid and
gigantic strides o&he reform in our good ole
Shire. Did hermit, gladly would
draw the veil sity ayer the apathy apt
indifference 'whicn i~nvepope, like a leader
pail, our entire community. Gladly would
conceal the Notifying truths, that man.
who 4 few months since seemed nerved Tor
long and arduous contest, have relaxed thei
energies; aud that many, alas too many
have returned TO the flesh pots of Egypt.
Alas! that 81 many cheering Indication
which for a season promised such happy r.
suits, have succumbed to the more potter
influence exercised by the ever active emf
saries Of the ~insatiate and sanguinary Run
God.
Bal in despite of all this, lam farfrom beir
disheActeaed | have never for a momel
, doubted the ultimate triumph of the Tempe
: ance Reform. The storm may for q seas(
! abate it's fury, but it is only to concentra
d its forces, and go forth with r~edoubled vi
. lence upon its fearful mission. The valia
warrior lays down for a moment his armo
} to recuperate his tagging energies, but an
will return to battle with renewed vigor a
giant strength. Tell me not that it is a mus
room enterprise to spring up and flourish
g day, and wither and die tomorrow. |
~ ride the idea. Itaaay fora tiEae talter in
onward progress, but like the iron-wins
le eagle, it is only piuming its pinions TO
re more vigorous and triumphant flight. No
le ing can deter. it. Like the rushing torren
OF will gather strength from each little strea
te until it shall overIeap every interposing /
rier.
us Opposition we expect. No great moral
III form has ever been SO fortunate as to ESQ.,
it. Christianity has buffeted a heavy ii
but, thank God, she has gone forth conqt
p ing and to conquer, until she has reached
e very zenith OF It's noon-day splendor. I
I'll ~ so it must be with this. With Truth
~ Justice for its landmarks, and the angel
.Le Heaven for its approving patrons, it N
1ol eventually triumph. Let but its friends
" new their pledges of eternal fealty and +
as like v%alorous soldiers around its stand
70 and ere many of my young readers shall /
been numbered with the pale nations of
ion tomb, victory will have perched upor
banners and shouted the battle Ger. !
W will Humanity clap her glad wings with
IN OF exultant JOY, while Seraphim and Cheru
lhu will attune their goldel harps with strail
neu heavenly rapture ero~ a. dazzling .th
- -~f al fteUotr. IN ALI
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