Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-05-05

and length Of his ministerial visits and
some time since, when the infrmities of old
age had greatly impaired his physical pow
ers, released him and his wife from all
active participation in the operation of the
farm, merely deputing to them the super
vision of the younger members ofthe family.
In this capacity his services are still inval-
liable, for all yield to him the most i'm
plicit obedience, and simple suggestion
is all that is necessary for him to restrain |
the most wayward from the commission of
crime He has beena faithful servant, and
as long as | i've will divide with him my
last morsel; and should he Survive me, am
pie provisions shall be made to secure him
from the pangs of want!"
To say that our visit was a very pleasant |
one is but feebly to express the truth; and
ever afterwards our new acquaintances and
ourselves remained fast friends, Uncle Jack
acting as our medium of communication,
invariably bearing as he passed to and fro
some suitable token of our affectionate re-
membrance. A few Saturday evenings
thereafter, we were enraptured at the ap-
pearance both Of our old and young friends,
the latter of whom were to remain as our
guests while the former was absent on a
visit few miles farther on. These appa-
rently trivial circumstances | record mere
ly as indications of that exhuberant charity
which endeared him to all with whom he
was thrown in contact both old and young.
Definite arrangements were also matured
during this visit for the erection of the
roootipoe hO,co. &Ao &C Al
succeeding year heNsad the satisfaction Of
witnessing its comp ton, consummation
for which he had long and zealously strug-
gled; and when by unanimous choice he
was inaugurated as the pastor, he selected
as the basis of his salutatory sermon, the
memorable invocation of the COOL man of
old "now let thy servant depart in peace"
My parents frequently took me with ttem
on Sabbath evenings to hear the old preach
er, and we not unusually found the most in
tellgent people in the community among
his audience. Indeed his sermons though
lacking that polish which literary cultiva-
ton can alone impart were replete with
sound sense, practical suggestions and stri
king illustrations. Besides, they were the
outgushings of his inmost soul, delivered
with an earnestness that attested his sin
ceritv; aud hence they were attended with
an eff ;ieucy and success which the elabo-
rate hOmilies OF learned doctors faiFed TO
achieve.
Let it not be supposed however, that he
met no opposition. On the contrary there
was here as in every southern community,
set of demons incarnate, whose fendish
inhunanity creates much Of that prejudice
which our northern brethren entertain to-
warls ''the peculiar institution" who neg
lccted no opportunity to thwart his purpo-
ses and annoy him with their petty persc-
cutions. There were but few individuals,
however, ain pleased to say, who were so
reckless as to incur the odium and con-
tempt with which an enraged community
rebuked such graoeless wretches.
Years glided on, and yet the frost of old
age fell so lightly on his head, that he re-
tanned possession unimpaired, both Of his
physical and mental vigor; and SO inurec
was he to his pedestrian habits as to de
cline accepting a substantial horse and
wagon rendered him by the youthful par
of his congregation. had but few weeks
returned from distant seminary of learn
ING, at which | had been prosecuting my
studies, when one morning, on the very
eve of the great annual Pentecost, or meet
! ing of days which an observance of an ole
custom the slaves were permitted to hol(
at each recurrence of this season; a ser
want, convulsed with grief came in to an
nounce the intelligence that Uncle Jacl
was no more. Had tidings reached US Q
the sudden demise of the Executive of thi
broad realm, it would not have excited
greater sensation in the family circle! H
had retired on the evening before apparent
ly in his usual robust health, but was sud
denly attacked with violent symptoms, an
ere the first dawn of returning day, h
breathed his last in the arms of his maste
and in the midst of stricken mourners.
Of the funeral obsequies, which wer
: solemnized the succeeding day, few OF
servations must suffice. | have witnesse
many similar ceremonies since then
have seen the great men of the world col
/ signed to their last resting place-but
S have yet to see one where there was S
1 much solemnity of feeling or such exhib
: tions of sincere grief. Here were the re-
: resentatives of all classes and conditions
S society-the proud Caucasian and the S
Bile Aflican-the old and the young, Il
: rich and the poor-came up from evel
e quarter of the community to mingle the
g tears together over the grave of him wi
l. had been alike beloved and esteemed
n all.
S Mr. Stanley had spared no pains or e
4 pense in making the requisite preparatio
le for interment; his spacious and elegant
OF furnished parlors were thrown open for t
'e assembled multitude, in the largest of viii
rs was lain the neat walnut coffin, in viii
Id the old veteran was to take his last 10
al and dreamless slumber. After an impr
q, sive and affecting sermon from the RI
I'd Mr.. Stanhope, his old pastor and friend, t
ne silver plate which concealed the little W
lie dow in his coffin was opened that each O
to present might be permitted to take the |
ce look of those familiar features of viii
OF even death could not rob their gentle a
IL benignant expression. 1t would be ra.
ness to attempt to portray the scene viii
on now ensued! Gray haired old patriarc
ar- who had been his comrades in youth,
IN, they filed past. placed their hands ur
ch their breasts, and turning their eyes upw.
IL u