Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-01-07

plunged head-long in inebriety's yawning
vortex, or the reckless profigate whose
highest aspiration is to win new triumphs
Ger unsuspecting innocence and gain new
trophies from purity traduced; must needs
expect, when sensuality has surfeited its
greediest lusts in premature old age to
drag an outraged frame in anguish to the
grave. And
"'Tis well, were sin to go unheeded and cul-
prits ne'er restrained,
Then back to her native haunts, fair virtue
would be driven;
And all mankind. in pleasure, inordinateIy
would reyel."
Affilction is the souls best medicine, and
the invalid's lonely chamber is oft times
the nursery in which the frail tenement of
clay IS prepared for eternal youth and un-
dying strength when this earthly taberna-
Gle shall be dissolved" Inspiring rehec-
tion That when our immortal spirits
stained with sins foul leprosy, is sick we'll
nigh unto death that we have skillful
Physician who is ever ready, with the nee
ded potion, to cleanse from all uncleanness.
and restore once more torejuvenated health
and strength. And as with the outer man.
the more desperate the disease the more
desperate the remedy required-the more
unpleasant the regime prescribed, the more
radical the cure and more permanent the
restoration And as the stricken sufferer
oft turns away his head when the bitter cup
is pressed to his lips, but lavishes his bless
lngs upon the hand who gave it when re-
ijoicing in vigor and health so the chasten-
ed soal when quafing aff1iction's nauseous
1 lraught, may oft times give vent to his RI
sing uurmurs; yet, when invigorated and
refreshed, It rejoces that the souls great
physician Is ever mindful Of It's eternal in
terest
] Affilction is a clustering rod with which
our heavenly Parent ehastises his disobediept
children and restrains them in the path 81
duty when wandering therefrom And as
an earthly father often rebukes bis wayward
son when disobedient to bis paternal will
with love rather than anger neryipo his
arm and while shedding bitter tears even as
he strikes the cruel blow; SO our Father in
Heaven often reproves his erring children
when seduced by pleasures glittering pa
geant, they wander into tie perilous paths
OF SIN. But It's mercy's hand that guides
the unsparlng rod, nor does he strike SO
hard butthe fceblest child may well endure
the blow
" Nor does he chasten only whom he loves.
And whom for Heavens eternal bliss he
would prepare"
Aga saEigps subga tR8RSht dylpAtA pAtiQtjap III
ing the heart, and disciplining it for that
full frnltlon of immmortal bliss, compared
to which the highest earthly happiness is
but shadow and a type Under its salu-
tary influence our christian graces are re-
lined, faith is rendered more strong and
vigorous, and hope glows with brighter
oeam around US, love burns with a purer
and more fervent fame; patience, meek
ness and long suffering become habitual
tenpers Of the mind, and the soul is fitted
TO adore It's Maker and enjoy his presence
forever Many admirable traits which a.
adorn the christian character, and which in
the eye of God is of the greatest value as
requisite to our assimilation to Christ. would
never be perfectly wrought in the soul but
for affilction's sanctifying means. Without
it we should not enjoy those opportunities
1or nourlshing spirit Of patience and sub
mission to the will Of God; for forfeiting
an unshaken and abiding faith in his prom
lSes, his mercy, love and justice.
but language can go no fartherin express
ing the value of the inyalid's perspective
patrlmony; for after all, words are weak,
language IS impotent, unable to portray
toe vast conception, and he who has expert.
eneed an earnest of this glory can alone ap-
preciate the Apostles meaning, when he
assures US that /" our light afliction which
IS but for moment worketh for us far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glo-
ry Who then doth not envy the humble
mourner who after being purified in the a.
iemblc Of affliction, is adjudged worthy to
JOIN that angelic host, which forever hymns
Jehovah's praises around the dazzling
throne. Who doth not covet the robe Of
spotless purity and the resplendant diadem
IN iiin which each pain and trial shall sparkle
ike brilliant gems; which await him when
lite's rugged pilgrimageis is over?
BE grateful, then thou afflicted child of
God? Your Affections are accomplishing
great work for your immortal spirit--your
sorroNs are securing you an inheritance to
which kings and emperors night we'll aspire.
Repress every heaving sigh, every rebeliious
murmur; but rejoice rather, for though,
your skies be now o ercast with clouds thew
will soon be wiped away, revealing to your
enraptured gaze your Fathers benignaut
smiles, and the inefable glories of that bet
ter cline, where the rainbow never fades
and the bright visions which now fit before
your eyes like meteors will dwell in your
presence forever. INVALID.
Elm Cottage, Va