Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-05-14

the once glorious dominion of the Caesars
Why have the idolatrous Egyptians ceased
to defy crocodiles,to adore cats and swine,
to worship trees and shrubs? Why have
the Athenians ceased annually to devote
the sacrifcial hecatomb to their tutelary di-
vinity !? Why do not the streets of Athens
of mow, as they did 1000 years ago, echo
with the wild shouts of heathen fanatics,
and resound with the midnight revels, and
barbarous orgies of ranting Bacchanals'I
What has brought about this great re-
formation which has done, and will contin-
We to do, so much for the melioration of the
temporal and spiritual condition of man ?
The answer is short, adequate and decisive.
tits knolcEedge, that powerful agent, which,
under the direction of infinite wisdom,
has effected all these resula, which, so to
speak, have metamorphosed this little
world of ourst: the knowledge of things
human and divine, temporal and spiritual,
mundane and celestial.
1t is to knowledge, which comprehends
the acquisition of the Arts and Sciences,
moral, political and intellectual philosophy
and which bespeaks and acquaintance with
the laws and phenomena of nature, we are
indebted for all the happiness we enjoy in
this world, and that which we naturally
hope to experience beyond the pale of NOR
tality and the misty shores of time.
This knowledge, which, according with
!, the prediction of the Jewish prophet, has
marvellously increased in these latter days
was coeval with time itself. It sprane
from the seeds which grew upon the tree Of
life in the garden of Eden, and its germs
first took root in the mind of the primeva
progenitor of our race. Ever since Adam
titled the soil of Paradise and Eve pluckec
its flowers, it has been slowly but steadily
and surely advancing. In its progress TO-
wards perfection, it has undergone count
less changes, presented ten thousand diff
ferent aspects and worn every possible form
till the present time, when it has received
such an impetus from the invention of tn
art of Printing, that in three short centu
ries it has triumphed over all the civilize,
j nations of the earth. 1t has gained an as
Q tendency over men of all ranks, professions
v capacities and degrees. BY its powerfu
4 influence, barbarous and savage nation
e have been advanced to degree of con
h parative civilization. Ignorance and s,
,e perstition have been precipitated from the
< rotten thrones into the dust of oblivion
ID ancient customs as repugnant to human
Us ty as to common sense, have been consig
a. ed to the records of the dreamy past, an
at are now thought of only as :" things tn
,ui were" By its silent and unseen but a.
|. has within the last half century been eie
Q ted from his proud station into insi,
k nIHcancei r,Ar}-l,leoaadH tyrantS haS
f been forced to resign their tridents an
IS have been hurled from their gloomy thrones
(. It's effects and results are visible alike
5 kingly courts and imperial councils; in tt
le hovel Of the peasant and the palace of Il
e. King. In fact, the sun of knowledge b
ce risen upon this dark world, never more
es set. It's effulgence has eclipsed the stal
nd and caused the moon to hide her face |
,h- hind the blue drapery of heaven.
brightness has turned darkness into ligl
mt Its grateful beams have penetrated eve
Isl nook and corner on the globe, sheddi
oh peace, pleasure and prosperity among m
he of all ranks and conditions, and bestowi
to happiness upon oil climes and countri
lch all sects and all nations.
md (To BE CoNTINUED.)