Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-08-10
For the Spirit Of the Age.
Musings at Forest Glen

In glancing over a recent number of the
Age, | noticed an inquiry concerning the 80
cial Circle" and also of the genial spirits that
formed its golden links. | too have often
wondered what spell had ccme over the joy
Gus spirits that once held sweet converse in
the fairy realms of thought, and wished that
though | might never hear the music of their
gentle voices, that our spirits might hold
sweet communion in the fairy like regions of
fancy.
Long ago l used to watch the coming of
the mail boy, and when the cage" was re-
ceived, turn Immediately to the corner occu-
pied by the Social Circle, to see if any of the
dear familiar faces we're to be seen. lie was
thus, that a strange longing came over me to
trust my waits to the charities of a criticizing
public.
/ sought not Fame; l only wished to feel
and know that was considered worthy to
take an humble seat amid the happy band
that weekly met and charmed each other with
their converse and their song. Years have
passed, and the blooming child is now the
weary invalid. Sorrow and care have almost
finished their work and the heart-sick soul
ofttimes signs for its holier, happier home.
/ glance again to the past, and among the
familiar names that cheer me in my woodland
home,is that of Invalid" the noble, unselfsb
christian Invalid" The man who through
years Of trials and sickness has cast away the
spirit of dependency, and shielded himsel
with the strong armor of Religion, and still
with an humble, thankful heart improves tn
talents which God has so richly bestowed up
on him, and through his literary production
leads the hearts of his readers above tn
senseless frivolities Questionable life, 'throug1
nature, up to natures Gcd.'
Again the sparkling arrows from the sh
ming armory Of Florence Fay, have ofte
amused and interested me, and o but sc
dom do we'haye q single 'shotito wsken, U
up fIom our apathy. Why does she n
write oftener 2 Dear Florence, may we nj
have a long, long letter, from you soon?
Gertrude Perry, where have you gone to
Did Warland carry you off to his old Virgin
home? Ali I fear that Cupid, with his s.
very wings, has found a resting place ava
back in a little corner of your heart of heart
But don't let that prevent your giving us a
other series of sHearthside Musings !" +
though the wild winds of Winter no long
whistle mournfully around, yet your lette
are ever welcome.
And last, though not least, the noble LoE
The one whose sabbath Musings" have
often warmed up our hearts with q deer
love of the glorious and good-the author
those thrilling stories ITO the Young Lad
|, of North CarolinaY Ali we need not al
!. In her " happy home, surrounded by
loved ones, and cheering by her gentle pr
ence, the life path Of him whom she has cl
en-. God bless thee Lors, even as thou b
blest others.
But l must close, with q hope that from
7 ashes of the former sCircle," a new one n
arise, possessing all the beauties and era
of its predecessor, combined with those m
: enduring qualities, which will preserve
: firm and unfsding, through the long ye
: which lead from time to eternity.
8 MINNIE E. RAY
/, Near Wilmington, N. G.