Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-09-16

North Carolina.

ged sense of the term, who contents himself 4
with the performance of those personal obi
cations of beneyolence merely which meet
him in the immediate sphere in which his
lot is cast. As he advances up the steep of
life, the horizon of his cares and obligations
expands; and no sordid motives-no selfish
considerations, should SO dim his vision, as
to shut out from view those lofty incentives
to action which appear in the distance, and
which alone can satisfy the expanded aspira-
tions of an exalted patriotism. 1t behooves
us not to forget the high obligations under
which we rest to the State and country
whose prosperity should be our pride,-by
whose laws we are protected, and for whose
shame or glory, we are, in part responsible.
The past history of our State, it is true, is
not emblazoned with a succession of SPLEEN
did deeds, which so often captivate and daz-
zle,-but there has shone around it, a clear
and never failing light. The lamp of her
destinies having been fed with the purest
oil, has burnt with a steady lustre. Having
been taught in the infancy of her career in
tlO SfOiC SliOO VI oOfCIoAbJ, Il Aso SNSA
observed the lessons of prudence and for
t bearance. Early subjected to trials and diff:
fculties, may she be sehooled in the virtues
t of honorable aspirations, and a ready and
willing submission to the high behests of
e just and rightful authority. Called early to
proclaim and defend her own rights, may
she be prompt at all times to recognize and
/ respect the rights of others. Knowing full
well that boastfulness, is not the surest cvi-
dence of merit, may she be content to deserot
without being praised, rather than claim de
e. serts, with no other proof of merit than thu
y righteousness of self commentator. Tit
'e bright spots which occasionally appear il
her character, like the gold which shine
here and there upon the surface of her soil
G. are but an index of the inexhaustible treas
'ss ures which lie imbedded in her bosom. Sue
were cast up by the passing flood, but tn
hand Of the laborer is required to lay bar
the massive richness concealed beneath
las Honest, may she ever scorn to shine with
43. borrowed lustre-Modest, let her spurn
ess praise she does not deserve-eDer endeavo
in ing, nevertheless, to merit whatever, in ii
elk; estimation of the great and good, viii ado
md and bless a people. Loyal and patriotic, al
alls aspiring to no encroachments upon the RICH
be of others, may she ever be quick to res
its, aggression upon her own. Having been t
it'll first to unfurl the banner of freedom in da
nom gone by, may she be the last to yield up
Iem- the hand of foreign or domestic tyranny,
liberties which were gained by the valor .
cord consecrated by the blood of her r~evolutio
our ry sires. May her patriotism prove, in ey
ence trial, as pure as her mountain air-her sp
wor- of freedom as firm and immovable as the
stru- jestic pyramids Of nature, which shoot Fl
rived her bosom to the clouds
rown In the hour of need or danger, shall &
Iced, a mother call in vain upon her offspring
aid? Can they pause or retire in ~listless
action under such a call? When she q
ndsd of her daughters the pure and gentle il
,otod ence of their heavenly minds to infuse
Az. the hearts of their husbands and brother
. orr high and noble spirit Of temperance. ofinc
- try, of State pride, and patriotism, will I
r refuse il? When she demands of her s
n;toa that lofty and uneonquerable loyalty to
49,. wants and veneration for her charat
- which should ever throb in the breast,
fire the ardor of the generous and the br
-, &c will they shrink back in contemptuou
e onr neglected silence-puffed up with vanit
- eankered to the soul with avarice-and
- !. not her voice ? Let such reflections
ID fear ueep ih'o Il ino - mus "no iee
. - bo the prosperity and honor of our State
-. mainly depend upon, and be commons,
with, the sobriety, industry, virtue an
+h;n,s ~telligence of her people. And in beha
- these great objects, let them
Z ba.a ACT for in action, are wisdom and glory
800 Fame, immortality-these are its crown
New Would they illumine the tablets of story ?
evil Build on achievements their hope OF renoWl