Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-11-24
Communications.
For the Spirit of the Age.
Charity.

Among the lofty and sublime virtues Of
the christian religion, charity stands forth
the most prominent and beautiful. 1t
towers above all-excites our warmest adj
m~iration and claims our highest praise. 1t
is the brightest jewel that shines in the
coronet Of christianity, and it will always
be appreciated BY him who delights to
walk in the ways of Righteousness and med
itate on the goodness and mercies Of God.
1t is the most beautiful flower that blooms
in the garden Of the heart, and emits a rich
and delightful fragrance on all the objects
around. 1t is like the sun that brightens
everything on which it shines and gives Vi
tally and yigor wherever its soft and gen
tie influences are felt.
There is something truly c~ommendable
and god-like in charity, and it always ex-
hibits itself Is the character Of the good
man. 1t listens with an attentive ear to
the cries Of sorrow and distress, and allevi-
atcs their suferings with a tender compass
sion and Q generous impulse. 1t bestows
aims upon Tie poor and needy and relieves
their want with a sacrificing spirit, and
with a cheerful heart and willing mind
In seeking to elevate the INDECENT to case
and comfort, il does not look to personal
aggrandue1lent, for it is wholly disinteres-
ted in all rs actions, which spring from ar
earnest desire TO do good. 1t joyfully en-
braces every opportunity to ameliorate the
condition Of society and to advance its best
interest. Charity delights in the prosper
ity of its ucighbor and does not envy his
position nor coyet his pleasures, his honors
and his wealth, but is content with its own.
II locks upon the faults and ~frailties Of hui
manity with great allowance, and readily
forgiycs an injury. 1t endeavors to heal
the wounds which arc often inflicted by the
errors and violence OF men, and aims tC
adjust and settle the difficulties and con.
t]entions which sometimes arise. 1t trie
to mite ruptured friendship, and realize
pleasures in success. 1t is not hasty to tax
up an evil report nor is it swift to form it
judgment and pass sentence on the guilty
"If n man has been oyertaken in a fault, j
strives TO rest0re, such an one in the spin
Of meekness," and does not essay to bias
his reputation, ruin his prospects and crus
him forever. Charity weeps over the mi
fortunes and miseries Of men and sympl
thiscs with them in all their Affections
How appropriate and beautiful are ii
lines Of the poet:
'No radiant pearl that crested fortune wear
No gem that twinkling hangs from beauty
ears,
Not the bright stars. which Nights blue arr
adorn,
Nor rising san that gilds the vernal morn
Shine with such lustre as the tear that flo,
Down GharitJs manly check for others woes
CHARITY is long suffering, forbearin
patient, gentle, kind, easy to be entreat
and Of great mercy" Charity oh he
lovely is the theme! Who can allow !
thoughts to run out upon it without TIN
ing Of Him in whom it was soIYTSnifes
aud g%loriousIy pcrsonifed1
Reader, arc IeS Charitable in your fe
ings I1I(Gctions? Are you endeayori
cultivate hat noble spirit Of benevolel
which has in view the reformation of
poor inebriate? II so, the sunny smile,
Gods appreciation will rest upon you, 1
IL YOU be faithful to all the trust conn
ted to your care, great will be your rev
in Heaven. ELMORINO
Farmyille, Va, Nov. 1858.