Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-02-24

MARY"
There is something in a name, albeit it
arise chiefly or entirely from the law Of asso-
citation. To me there is beauty and eloquence
In the name-MarV. II carries me back to
scenes Of long ago, and reminds me of many
dear friends who have long loved me and
sweetened the cup Of my life-and who still
have hearts that cherish me and smiles to
welcome me-should | meet with them again.
More than one who bore this sweet name,
started life's journey with me-shared many
a pleasant scene Of my early days-won my
fondest friendship and then sank quietly but
swiftly away from my vision and rested in
the grave. They still live in my soul-em-
balmed forever by 'hallowed memories. AL
ways when | think Of them, | remember that
their lives were adorned with the sweet beau
ties Of virtue and religion, and that in dying
they said they were going to a happier world.
So, often when | think Of the name-Mary,
my thoughts run on and up till they reach
Heaven-and there they pause while mem
DRY gently changes to anticipation-and l
feast on the raptures Of a re union at last.
Then Mary is a sweet name.
But il has numerous other associations
which are truly affecting and enchanting
As it falls on the ear, the mother of Jesus is
remembered for that was her name-a truth
that must endear it forever to the heart Of
every Christian. See her as with maternal
tenderness she first softly folded him to her
bosom See her as she flies with her little
treasure over the moonlit hills Of Palestine
to escape the Destroyer See her, years af-
ter, standing and weeping by the cross-watch-
ing her noble son as he dies! See her stand
ing, with mingled hope and fear, by his sep
ulchre the first after he was risen! In the
name of the birth, the preservation, the cross
and the tomb Of Jesus-Maryi is a sweetname.
There was another Mary. She was the
mother Of one of the first disciples Of the Re.
deemer. and her door was always open to
the humble and prosecuted christian.
1t was in her generous home that the faith.
full met and were praying when Peter, rescued
from the prison by the angel, came suddenly
to the door, to their great establishment and
delight. Some believe that with her the
apostles sojourned after the crucifixion oi
their Lord. In the name then of early chris
tianity and true hearted kindness and piety
Mary is sweet name.
There was another Mary. She was proba
bly the sister of the Virgin-was the mother
Of apostles-yas almost continually with Je.
administered unto HMM his sore tolls anC
~trials-stood heroically by his cross-atten.
ded his burial-assisted in preparing the per
fumes for his bndy-went early to the sepul
chre-and spread the intelligence of his re
surrection. In the name then of all the af
fecting history Of our Saviour, Mary is a swee
name.
There was another Mary. She wept bitte
tears as her warm heart bled at her brother
grave. She had q pure and fervent love fo
her Observation-Disclosures promptly an,
frankly to his comfort-poured the rich spike
nard upon his head and wiped his feet witt
her flowing hair. In the name then Of wo
mans tenderness, tears, love and holiness
Mary is n sweet name.
There was another Mary-Mary Magdalene
Behold her as with sorrowful, faithful hear
she witnesses the deathpangs Of the mucl
loved Master-and then preparing and bring
ing the sweet spices with which to embalr
him, and tell me if Mary Is not a sweet name
Think Of that scene when lovely womel
stood with streaming eyes and heaving be
som-sadly and t%ouchingly crying tell IN
where they have laid him :" and Jesus turf
ed unto her and said 'Mary"-with a ton
and manner that drowned the eloquence
death and in a moment changed grief by tn
tomb, TO a precious, heavenly JOY and the
exclaim with me that Mary is a sweet nam,
Yes, Jesus enchanted it-sanctified it the
forever. Surely then If there be a name
women that is known, loved and spoken b
angels in glory, it is the name MARY"
Do YOU tell me that there have been sou
heartless, wicked Marys? Does that tai
away the charm and the sacredness of Il
name Have there not been thousands
cruel mothers-andd does not the name mot
or" still fall on the soul like a name fro
Heavenp
Do YOU tell me that it is too common ?
That Il is so common and still so pretty al
dear, is proof of the unchanging e~xccllen
and beauty that invest it. The name is
blessing. Happiness and Heaven to all w
bear it A. w. M.
rsy- We have received " Stedman's Sale
Magazine" LIST No.-but at too late an no
for flrther notice this week.