Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-12-15
For the Spirit Of the Age.
Thoughts Suggested " the Closing Year
BY NELLIE.

BY NELLIE.
Another year win soon dawn upon US
What it will bring with il, we cannot tell
whether joy and happiness, or pain and sor-
row. The one just past, brought many DAYS
of sunshine to glad our earthly journey, the
memory of which will long dwell within our
hearts, and to which we shall look back, as
upon bright spots in our existence, but can
never return. They are past recall, but mem
DRY will keep them ever bright, and fresh
Hours of sadness have visited us, but these we
seldom treasure up, and memory cares not to
recall them; yet we can but cast Q thought
toward the many golden bonds of affection
and love that have been severed-the many
gleesome voices that mingled around the
cheerful fireside, that are heard no more on
earth-that sleep in the silent tomb. There
are few Of us, who have not parted with sGme
acquaintance during the past year-that have
not been deprived Of a familiar face by the
monster death. Many, or perhaps some of
us, have lost those who were dearer than
aught else below ;-eartn's brightest, golden
flowers have budded in the hearts garden
Of hope" alas how soon to fade, and droop,
and die, and leave their cherished places for
lorn.
can but r~ecollect the presence of a lively
SCbAbSiAAAhNN bAadb JhdANC OH ia - ll&l ny Ills
witty remarks so full Of youthful mirth, Just
twelve months ago. We did not think it was
the last time he would join in our Christmas
festivities nevertheless it was true. The
Spring flowers bloomed around his silent
tomb. No more will he cheer our dropping
spirits no more will we hear that welcome
voice of melody that pointed us to a brighter
shore for he has gone before. The trials 0!
earth with him are no more; his mansion is
one that 'eye hath not seen, neither has the
heart of man conceived the glory thereof
1t is among the redeemed Of God. He ming
led not in the giddy dance--bowed not the
ungodly knee in the worship of mammon, but
he looked up from the paths of human exis
tence, ever yearning to realize the reward
that only God can give. Neither was he one
of those who strive to get to heaven alone
but he would take in his hands, those of 9th
ers, and by his love, charity, and encourage
ment, setting the sweetest of examples, leaC
them onward, and upward to become angels
of life.
When such spirits leave earth, does it no
darken with the eclipse of death They de
part from us like the setting sun in calm
beautiful summers eve, and we gaze with so
emnized souls, while our thoughts come an
go all dripping with tears. They leave on
spirits darkened, but add a brighter lustre t
the kingdom Of love! And in heaven dot
not the heart of our wise Creator gladden. i
the fragrance and beauty of the neU Dor
foaCers of paradise, that breathe upon hin
their grateful incense, while all around tn
essence of their being spreads, sweetly charm
ing with the dewy odors of love and praise
Would that all might thus live, and thus pas
away. But, alas! many float amid the ga
circles Of pleasure and fashion, without on
thought Of the soul, that never dies. Thu
carelessly they permit themselves to glide OF
with the current, till sinking among rocks, c
falling upon some deceptive quicksands, al
shipwrecked and forever lost. They are e.
pecting q long life, but are cut down in til
bloom of youth, and beauty. Thus hope 1
some proves a delusiye phantom to Other
a bright and balmy winged angel, that ho'
eCs in the distance to incite to %virtuous deed
and as a beacon light to lure and guide IL
tempest-tossed wanderer to a bright, an il
!, mortal shore, where are pure pleasures, ar
everlasting joys.
May the New Year add unnumbered bles
sings to all, and may we meet in 3 cir
, where all will be peace. And may we at
! close be wiser and better and happier tn
now and when all the years of our life q
, fled, may w be transplanted from this VOL
J of care, Of sin, and sorrow, to that land p
tpared for the followers of our Lord. The
we may dwell in perfect, uninterrupted bli
singing hosannas to the King of Kings, a
Lord of Lords.
: The dim and shadowy future
!, Not one of us can know,
/, Whether shall lie before us
Bright joy or bitter woe5
!, But we know ola Heaven, a land Of love
i Where we may dWell forever above.