Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-07-06
Original Qapsrs.
For the Spirit of the Age.
THE NORW GODS.
ny LUCY LELAND.

BY LUCY LELAND.
oh what a lovely morning! The rain
had given to every thing new life and beau
ty--the rustling leaves, the green fields,
the sweet smelling flowers, and the soft
rays of the sun peering thro' every leaf and
bower, and kissing the very lowliest, hum
blest flower. Oh every thing is beauti-
ful-beautifu Such fair index to the
Creator such kind almonitons to love
and serve Him. Such sweet promises and
bright glimpses Of that Heavenly land -
How many enter life and leave it, without
knowing what it is and for what it was Civ
en--its aims and purposes. They gather
of its best fruits-pull down-heap up
pile together and are filled to very surfei-
ting-yet never raise the eye nor stir the
thought from whence came all these mer-
cies. Oh life is such blessing such
gift, yet so solemn, so responsible J Teach
me so TO wear it that as time disrobes me
Of il, in days weeks and months, each mo-
ment NAV be so numbered as total bless
ing on all around
But will go over to the Norwoods-
that stirring, bustling family of ten chill
dren-walk thro' this green field, cross the
babbling brook, and take in little more
of this fresh air and beautiful vision. But
they do not know every thing is looking so
glad and happy; that nature in her sweet
est tune is singing the praises of her God
and Maker They may know it is not rai-
ming and that the sun is shining but they
are too wrapped up with this present life,
with dollars and cents, and pushing ahead,
10 look abroad aud see the Singer of God
in his beautiful handi-work, pointing to
things far beyond this present time
Though they are both members of the
church, Mr.. Norwood I've seen there oc-
casionally, Mrs. Norwood never but once.
They may have bible, and may read it,
tho my vision has never been blessed with
the sight of either. They havn't time to
attend to these uncertain things. They've
worked hard, gained some foothold in the
world and what they we're denied of the
pleasure and fashions Of life, they intend
their children shall enjoy in all its varieties
But here is Mrs. Norwood, surrounded
with ribbons, flowers muslins and tinsel
intent upon repairing these injured vesti
ges of the chidren's previous nights revel
ry. "Oh Mrs. Norwood what brigh
flowers and soft muslins but leave those
gaudy things open your eyes wide anc
come out here, il you want to sec beauties
tongue cannot paint, nor soul embrace
And with eyes greatly dilated she flew t.
the door, glanced from earth to HEAVIER
over lawn and meadow, and away dow
the misty horizon, to the broad rolling riy
er, and then at me, to know what it wa
and where it was "Why; don't you Sc
the beauty, freshness and fragrance this
compasses the whole earth, and fills ever
soul with delight?"
"Now Mollie, this ssomc of your mischi,
making. reckon YOU intended it for a
April fool ~
"No, indeed, Mrs. Norwood comm
over here the scene almost made me hal
py. wondered if Heaven could be fairer
"What, this cool, damp morning; an
the birds keeping such noise | can hard
hear my ears ~
ayes, their little tongues seem all II
loosed, chirping their sweetest notes Fl
this is one of natures grand gala days"
"Oh quit your nonsense; come in II
house and let me tell you about the ch
drep's dance. They went last night, al
say the whole town was out and they a
going again tonight. It's the Soiree.
want you to go and see Mittic dance, Th
say it is a sight worth seeing-her al
John Sherwood polking together"
And we went in-discussed elaborate
the dance, dresses and fxiHgs, much to
ANNOYANCE of baby, who till now had be
wholly neglected, and the little cherub n
tied close in its mothers arms and ga2
in her face, with the beauty of immortal
stamped on every feature-peading
something more than care for the body
to be fed and cIothed--peading for the
wing of its soul-for the "bread of III
and the garbs OF purity and righteousn
But this intelligent gaze was returned "
only-"Baby has new dress, and whe
gets biz enough, it shall have the niC
little shoes, and the prettiest little clotI
and 90 to the dance too {; for this is
baby-boy, my tenth child"
Yes, this is the tenth responsible chill
wearing the garbs of life, and posses:
the germ Of Immortality, and not thou
nor action have they beyond this pres
time. Bnt mothers and fathers care
toll is for this uncertain life. They
no thought nor action laid up in Hea
No hopes of Heaven, nor fears of hell, h
they ever dropped in my ear. Oh |! m
er, open your window-look out upon
ture and CLEAN lessons of wisdom, OF
and Immortality. Take down your d
Bible and read of the night Of death,
of the long eternity of bliss or woe W
the fruits Of this world arc to be rewar