Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-22
For the Spirit of the Age.
ARROW DELL, U. N. Nav 9th 1s5e

ARROW DELL, U. N, May 9th, 1859.
Florence will ''be the first to speak out in
meeting" Mollie, since it would please Inva-
lid to see her once more Sin the Spirit
She was as much surprised as gratifed to
find that Invalid had ever noticed her enough
to remember the name of one so sarcastic
and saucy," as some ill-natured, captious crea-
lures have been good enough to term her
Nobody ever grumbles at Florence, who don't
richly merit her arrows right through
their left vest-pocket, and we are ALWAYS de-
lighted to hear such limitations of humanity
snarl, because we feel confident, then, that
our cRossBow was we'll strung, and hit the
mark plump in the middle!
We should never fear a random shot in In
valids direction, for one so patient in suffer-
ing-so peculiarly afflicted, for some wise
purpose only known to Him ''who doeth all
things WELL" we know is watched over bv
guardian Angels ''sent to minister unto them
who are heirs of sa~lvation"-and the especial
care Of a loving Father who, behind a frown-
ing providence, hides a smiling face"
We look out upon this bright, beautiful
world of ours, with its wealth Of golden sun
shine and liquid azure, its mantle of deem
green, and crown of blushing flowers. and
think how sad it is to be shut in from its
cool, purple shades and floating fragrance, by
the close walls of a sick chamber; and fancy
how great will be the Joy of Invalid's immor-
tai Spirit, when after long years of suffering
and Imprisonment here, he opens his clad
eyes in a fairer and better world han This
and wanders free from all pain and care
where the bright green leaves never fall in
the moaning Autumn of the wear. and the
fresh, sweet blossoms never wear a tinpe of
change or decay. l wonder if his capaetv
ior enjoyment in the glory-land, will not be
far superior to ours, who have not, like him.
been made patient in suffering" | hope
sometime, when the sunset of mortality red.
dens the western waves, to go over in the
old ship of Zion, to the Better Land. as a
sPlrit-passenger, and sit down with Invalid
on the green edge of the crystal river that
sings Its music-song under the Tree of Life
and hear him rejoice in. the revelation thai
Eternlty Will make, concerning the affective
dispensatlon now shut and sealed in the great
mysterious volume of Gods providence
what love, what gratitude would be awaken
cd IN the heart of a saint, to learn that but
lor some great calamity, some deep sorrow
on earth, they would never have swept the
sparkling strings of a golden harp, amid the
white throng around the Throne, and sung 8
new song with the redeemed in the Aidenn
land, God works in a mysterious way. If,
wonders to perform and s'our light Attic
tons which are but for a moment, shall worI
out for us a far more exceeding and eterna
weight of glory" Beloved, think it no
strange concerning the fiery trial that is t,
try you, as though some strange thing han
pened unto you: But rejoice, inasmueb q
We are partakefs of Christ's sufferings. tha
when his glory shall be revealed, We NAV b
glad, ALSO with exceeding joy"
| dare say you think me in a strange moo,
to-day, dear Lora, and open your ewes witt
establishment at the Change that has com
over the spirit" of the whilom rollicking an,
volatile Florence; but don't boast, for 7tyo,
know not what a day may bring FORTH
Did you never see a blue, s~lumberous SIX,
suddenly overcast by a purple-black cloud
and a red stream flash down, unexpectedly
and play the mischief with something terres
trial When there's electricity in the air
will thunder, as . natural consequence. an
why shouldn't the spirit-storm burst, some
times, upon the same principle?
But il you look from my window now, La