Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-02-03
ORIGINAL PApGRs.
Written for the Spirit of the Age.
AN EXTRACT FROM MY SCRAPS,
Of Attested Infdelity.
A TRUE NARRATIVE


The DYING Christian can exclaim, 80
death, where is thy sting o grave, where
is thy victory" 2" 'and thanks be to God,
who giveth us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ"
"This, only this, subdues the fear ofdeath."
But there arc those who will not have |
the King Of glory to reign over them. They
will not obey him in their lives, nor ac-
knowledge that they need him in the hour
Of death. OF such it is said "They hated
knowledge, and did choose the fear of the |
Lord, d,"-"thereiore they shall eat the fruit of
their own way, and be filed with their own
devices" Relying upon their own prowess,
they "march alone to the terrible fght,"
and in the strength Of their own right arm !
they think to grapple with the last enemy.
The thought of death is painful, and they
put it far from them. They boast that they
have no fear, forgetting that their 'fear
cometh as desoation,n and their "destruc-
ton as whirlwind.n Ofthe truth of these
remarks we have constant and awful proof
A very remarkable instance occurred a few
years ago. Names and dates could be
given, but this is thought unnecessary, and
might, in the present case, be improper
The circumstances Of the closing scene are
related by young lady, who was an eye
witness -
Mr.. NJ was noted for his contempt
Of every thing sacred. He could scof at
the religion Of the Bible; and those infu-
enced by it were the subjects of his mirth
and ridicule. He affected to despise the
idea Of mans accountability to God, and of
future rewards and punishments hereafter.
he not only professed to be an inidel in
theory, but appeared determined to carry
out his principles; and, with bold, un-
daunted front, exhibit them in practice
Being the master of public house, he was
surrounded by men exactly suited to his
taste and habits of thinking. In their com
pany he would spend whole nights in riot
and dissipation, cheering their hearts and
strengthening their hands by his profanity
At one time Mr.. B, who was in the
habit Of frequenting his house, was taker
sick. The hand Of God was laid heavily
upon him, and it was thought he must die
His stout heart began to quail; and as eter
nity began to draw near, and yet nearer
his fears increased, till he could concea
soul he cried to God for mercy !: and prom
ised that, il spared, he would repent, anC
live different lite In the midst Of hi
agony, his old friend, Mr.. NJ. called to se
him. Here Mr.. NJ had solemn warning
but alas it was rejected. Mr. BIS pray
ers were answered he was spared anC
he sought and found favor Of God. 500
after his illness he met Mr.. NJ, who accos
ted him in his usual manner "Well, b
Won WIS afraid of dying (" Mr.. b. solemn
" replied, an, If YOU ever see eternity a
saw it, You will be afraid too" Their
the voice of warning was repeated an
happy would it have been for him if he ha
followed the example and advice of hi
friend but the warning voice was agai
sighted, and he only laughed and ridicule
Mr.. b. for being afraid to die without a
interest in that Saviour which he had dt
termined to reject and despise. 1t was nc
long, however before Mr.. NJ. was called {
tread the dark valley alone, and his boa
ted courage was brought to the test. VIII,
follows will he, as much rs possible, in th
young lady's own words I:
She says, vas on visit to friend WI
lived in the same neighhorhood, with N
NJ. While there, his wife sent for n
friend and myself to spend an afternoc
with her. The invitation was accepted
On our way TO the house, my friend to
me that Mr.. M. was in the last stage
consumption but was not aware of
sentiments or state ofmind until | saw hi
We were politely received by his wife, a
she introduced US to her husband. VIII
we entered, he was seatetl in the center
the room, with a small table and pillow
fore him, on which he was leaning for 81
port. The afternoon was very warm, a
the windows were raised to admit all
air that could be procured, and yet he
evidently laboring for breath and the {
impression made upon my mind, by his
pearance, was, that he could not long
IN this world. NY friend asked him SCI
al questions respecting the state of
health, all Of which he answered in an {
sive reluctant manner, as though the {
iect was not very pleasing to him.
said he was "rather poorly but that
should soon be better, In few mini
he requested his wife to lead him into
bar.room afor," said he, ut will an
and divert my mind" After he had
ken some brandy and water, Mrs NJ.
ported her trembling, dying husband, "
he tottered to the place where he had
his mighty reyels. His chair and pi
were carried after him. and he was Sc