Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-08-04
gaAiss' 9tpartm,nt.
For the Spirit Of the Age.
II BRIDE.

ahA06'
She wa, very beautiful, and her fair
voung face was irradiated with pure and
HOLY harrincss, None who saw her as she
stood beside the altar, doubted but that all
would W well. As beheld the youthful
couplc just entering upon the sacred rela-
tiOus Of married life, | could net but pic
ture out, in imagination, their futur, l
saw many temptations before them, and
many trials but stal The vision Of a pleas
ant home and their devoted love, counter
acted and overtalauced all. In imagina-
ton I saw them, rs years few hy, still de-
voted 10 each other, and pursuing the even
tenor of their way, untaintcd by the world,
and untrammellcd by It's follies. Trials
have come upon them, aud cares have Oft
times cFoudrd their brow, but they know
in whom they put their trust, and all has
gone well. Wealth perhaps took to itself
wings aud few away, hut they regard it
not for "bettcr is dinner Of herbs where
love j., than a stalled OK and hatred there
with
But leaving imagination, | return to the
bride as ! see her now, just launching her
frail barque upon the stormy pillows Of the
treacherons sea of life. She is a dear
friend, and one for whom | have always
telt a deep and afectiondte interest. Will
she not listen to the voice Of a tried and
true friend? You have now assumed the
duties, cares aud responsibilities of a Wye;
and oh as you value your o,OR happiness
and that of the one who now loves you so
truly, guard weH that holy trust! Remem-
Der that in a great degree, your future hap
piness lies in your wi actions. When
ever you are tempted 10 speak harshly, re-
member hat a cross word carries a poison
cd sting, and oittimes penetrates deep into
the heart. Aud remember too, that a
soft answer turneth away wrath" and let
kind and loving words, ever be upon your
lips.
knew a couple once, whose married
life begin with az many indications of hap
pincss as yours has shown. The bride was
young, beautiful aud intellectual, and pos
sessed every accomplishment calculated to
win love, or retain it. Everything appeared
brilliant before them. But time flew swift
~ BIZ, and the novelty wore off. Then
sometimes when the young husband re-
turned from the arduous duties of his pro.
f%essiou, tired out and worn down with ia
tiguc, a cross look or an unkind word, wa
ofttimes his only welcome. Easily le,
astray, he soon learned to forsake his drea
ry, comfortlcss home. Tor the forbidden fas
einations Of the drinking aud gambling 50
looms His wife instead Of trying to wi
him back by gentle words and kind after
tious, irritated him by continual reIroacl
es. Soon all his time was spent at tn
tavern , and not long since, | met him c
the street so drunk as to be a complete nj
saucc. Then, my dear, dear friend, let IN
beseech you, whenever you are tempted
be iretiul or exacting, think what effe
your actions may make upon a sensiti,
spirit aud let your ways ever be "ways
pleasautuess, and all your paths be peace
To you, youag husband, allow me
make a few remarks. You are now entC
ing upon the serious duties and sober rea
ties Of life. You have won the undivid,
love of a gentle, g%nileless heart. Qua
we'll that priceless treasure! Whenever
word of reproach arises to your lips, or
harsh look clouds your brow, rememb
how much she has given up for you. Thil
Of her leaving family and home and clea
ing alone unto YOU. Remember that Y,
are all The world to her, for to none 9th
can she look for protection or support
Oh! never let her regret the hour 81
placed her young affections in Your kee
ing. Again, | beseech you to cherish W
that frail flower, that ven have chosen
blossom nearest your heart. The hum
heart is a strange mystery, and it's impr
sions are inetfaccable. Beware then, b,
yol Impress the heart Of her who looks
to you for instruction and advice. A
oh bswaye Of ne ,ciae cup. "Look not ,
on The piae l0hcR 1t is red,n for believe 1
there are more broken links in the CHI;
OF love from drinking, than from any oil
cause known in existence. And now d
friends, fareWeH! and may Tie God oil
bless and protect You. May lie guide
Alright in all the cares and temptations
life, and when the night OF death comes
may He take you to dwell with Him at
right hand in heaven forever.
MINNIE Z. RAY
Near Wilmington, n. G.