Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-10-27
Death of our Associate Editor.

We are called upon this week to discharge
one of the most melancholy duties we have
ever had to perform. DIR. WILLIAM NJ.
JOHNSON, as no more! He departed this
life at his residence in Alamance county, on
the 10Th instant after long suffering from
that insidious Observation-Disclosures
ing a wife and two young children, and a
large circle of relatives and friends to lament
the loss of one of the best of men in all the
relations of life.
For a number of years, DR.. johnson has
been associated with us as Editor of the Spir-
it of the Age. We knew him well, and can
truly say
"Take him all in al,
We meier shall look upon his like again"
He was our friend-more, counsellor and very
brother. He was gentle and amiable, true
and constant. As a writer, it is needless for
US to pass an eulogium upon his abilities be-
fore an audience composed of readers of the
Spirit Of the Age. Possessed of a rich and
versatile mind, with fine imagination and elo.
quent, flowing style, he had few superiors il
graceful composition, or in strong, nervous
expression when called upon to denounct
wickedness and wrong.
AS a temperancema he was bold, fearles
and inlexible, whether in writing or speak
ing-and the cause may well mourn the los
of one of its noblest and ablest champions
He was always found, spear in hand, an
ready to send a j%avelin insthe enemy's cam
always foremostin the fight and in tn
thickest of the foray. But he has been Gale
to lay his armor by, ana been transported
that blest abode, where the giant ours
against which he waged an uncompromisir
warfare, can never disturb his redeemed ar
glorified spirit.
For several years DR.. johnson has held IL
position of Grand Treasurer Of the Grand I
vision Of the Sons of Temperance of Nor
Carolina position he has filled with the U
swervlng fidelity that characterized him
all the relations Of life
As an Associate in our Editorial labors, !
feel that a vacuum has been created we c
never supply. As a friend and brother,
feel that we have lost one of the truest a
best. As a christian he was true, but un,
tentatious and we eeIconf1dent he has go
to reap the rewards of his simple, u~naffect
: piety. And as the tears course down 0
: cheeks, in sorrow for his loss, as we pen the
lines, we have a full confidence, based on
merits and promises Of the Redeemer, tt
our loss, is his eternal gain.
, With his deeply bereaved widow and inf
!, children-his aged parents, and his numerC
friends who loved i mWhile living, and We
= rate his name when dead, We beg the pl
, lege Of mingling our tears, on account of t
d sad affection. And may we all so act
: parts, that when the summons m
as, we may be ready toagoand meet the 10
and lost in a reunion that shall never enc
Truly may we end this imperfect tribut
e, the memory of our brother, by quoting fl
s the great Scottish Bard
J.. 80 ye.whose cheek the tear of pity stains
n, Draw near with pious reverence and atte
Here lie the loving husbands dear rema
a. The tender father and the generous frle
h The plying heart that felt for human WOO
The dauntless heart that feard no hur
pride,
The friend of man, to vice alone a foe,
For cen his failings lean'd to virtues 81
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