Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-12-09
For the Spirit Of the Age.
IDLE S.-N O. 2.
THFODORE TT lot
IlL ELLO1r

By MANsE.
If there is nothing stranger IN truth, than
in fiction, there is less that is untrue; and
we promise those who may favor US with the
perusal of this sketch that, saving the name,
we have plain truth for their dish. Wheth-
er it be well served, Judge ye."
Theodore Eliot, when we were a little boy,
used to be the pink of child-pleasers. True,
he was not old-as people nowadays think
men who love children should be-he was
just the contrary young, strong and full of
life and energy. His eye beamed with intel
ligence, his mouth always wore the kindest
of smiles; not that cynical half grin, half
sneer expression which arristocratic snubs
greet you with, as they twirl their moustache,
nor that soft soaping smile which the rogue
who had just sold you in your last purchase
bestows upon you on your departure; but a
genial, honest heart smile, which entered the
cold heart like sunbeams the window Oh a
dismal day and made it brighter despite it
self. The old lady liked Thed. because he
could kindle a fire SO quickly, and light her
pipe so easily and nicely the old gentleman,
because he always offered him the last news
paper or congressional speech the young
lady, because he was so handsome, rich, and
intelligent the little folks, because he could
white them an arrow, play marbles with
them and treat to candy. He was the en-
bodiment of the good and noble Of human ma
ture. To know him was to love him. Such
was our friend, (even now he is such,) when
we were a boy.
About this time trouble squeezed his ugly
face through the cracks Of our old school
house: the little folks would lose Thed! he
wasgoing to get married! Worse, he would
then 90 off to South Carolina Had a little
bomb shell burst among the beyy, there
would have been no more changes of coun-
tenance than followed this announcement but
we couldn't help it and after crying till the
wedding day, we became reconciled over the
cakes, and nuts, and candies distributed as
our parting feast; and brushing our eyes
with our sleeves, we stood gazing up the road
till his carriage turned the top Of the hill, and
then went to our play.
4 X x x X X
How time flies ! Why only the other day,
it seems, when | was stumbling over my les
son in the Testament; and now-it can't be
but it isl am a man! Well, thus it is !:
in youth time moves too slowly; in manhood
we can't see how it went And here is where
my c%hildhood's friend is living. | must see
him-train gone or not. What a bother rail-
roads are to one's enjoyment! Here is q
paper; what is this 1--WE regret to an
nounce the removal of our esteemed citizen,
Theodore Eliot. He has disposed of all his
property here and'gone to his native State,
intending to settle upon the old homestead
May success attend him." So we are too late.
A few weeks afterwards found us at home,
and here we again meet our friend. The
same he was of old Yes-no. He is just
as he used to be, except a countenance bloa-
ted and an eye less brilliant than formerly.
Is it possible that he is a drunkard Alas
too sure. Not always drunk; but addicted
to sprees. He, the noble, the good, that de
testable thing-a drunkard!
We are always more interested in the &C
tons of those who WELD an influence over g
large circle of acquaintance, than those who
control but few and so it was in the case o
Theodore Eliot. He had been a member o
the church, but like q man of honor anc
truth, he had withdrawn rather than iniurt
others and the church. His friend determin
ed to save him, and in his own parlor he wa
invited to Join the Sons of Temperance.
GLADLY would | do it, my friend, if
thought it would save me-" was his reply.
ut has saved it's thousands" said his friend
"But, think you it can do me good?'
at may. Your honor is pledged with us
can you violate that"
The eye of Eliot grew brighter as he re
plied-'1 never have"
'Then," said his friend, "try the exper
ment."
He did. Time passed away. One mont
-two-three. Theodore Eliot is restless
impatient, different from himself. What
the matter
To-day is the great Temperance celebration
Multitudes are there. Thespeakers are on tt
stand. Theodore Eliot, evidently under tt
soQ,oooo &c 1;oo oIroaooC 70 4ho fcoD4 of4I
stand, and before the audience or the speal
ers recovered from their surprise, he began
Friends, for | believe you such,) friend
hear me one moment; only one. [ hav
seen the evils of Intemperance. | have fe
its curse, In younger days you knew IN
when my heart was a gushing font of JOY, al
[ lived only to be happy and make othe
smile. I.have passed that spring time no.
You see and know me as [ ana drunkar(
/ have looked out upon the sea Of life, al
seen this huge serpent, intemperance, rearil
it's hydra head above the waves, circling
decreasing eddies around it's victims, and
last gathering them in tsslimy folds, and rea
ing aloft, hiss its fire breath in the face of q
ity, and plunge with them beneath the wave
not to remain o no, toreturn without them.
have felt the feted breath of the fell charmt
l am in his power. | only bide his pleasul
My honor Is violated L am no more a m
in my own eyes. The influence of appel
is stronger than honor. | am ruined. Il
lost. Be warned by me crush the accurs
bowl; I can not"
Old men wept. Young men trembled a
renewed their VOWS; but alas for him, t
noble, the gifted, the good, he still ling
here-a drunkard. Reader, touch not ta
not. Swear eternal enmity against the IT
god.
. Rose Dale, S. c., 1857.