Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-02-16

Mrs Seaford, who was once so beautiful
and lively, now looked broken hearted =
One could see that death had marked her
for his victim. Her little son, who was
then beautiful child of ten summers,
would often enquire why she looked so
sadly-saying to her that she must not be
discouraged, for he hoped there were bet
ter days yet IN store for her. Many a
sleepless night did that poor child pass,
when all was still save the ticking of the
clock, then would Charlie lie awake, while
warm tears would gush from as pure a
heart as ever throbbed, for he know that
he would soon be motherless. Those dear
lips that had so often pressed his cheek
would soon press it no more; and that sill
very voice that he had so often listened TO-.
would not be heard by hira much longer.
During her last illness, he would sit by
the bedside all the time, enquiring very Of
ten if he could do nothing to relieve her.
Bring me a glass Of water, my darling"
said the mother, "and come sit closely be-
'ide me, fer | have something to say to
on." The child quickly brought it and
eated himself by her. any dear son.
began Mrs. Seaford, "the time will soon
rome when you will have no one to call
mother Ere long her spirit will take its
light to brig ghter and better world. Live
20, my child, that when you die, you NAV
meet me there where pain and sorrow will
be felt no more"
ooh dearest mother, do not saw that ;
GU must not die; how can [ part with
'ou?" said the distressed boy. "You have
s.lways been such a devoted mother: have
administered to all my wants, and watched
'ver me when | was helpless infant. Who
'lII there be, dear Ma, to take care Of me
when you are gomez"
DO not give yourself any uneasiness
about that, Charlie He who tempers the
Winds to the shorn lamb, and feeds the
avens when they cry, will also take care
If you. Love the Lord, my child, and
Keep His commandments, and He will
lever desert you; for He has said that
will be with thee in six troubles and in the
feventh | will not forsake thee" After
laying this the mother put her arms low
ng around the child's neck, imprinted a
1iss upon his cheek, and strove to utter
'ome words, bat they died in her throat
The sunlight came to that once beautiful
'ace and the lips moved again-then all
was still
Alone in that silent chamber Law the
ing cTiId, until nearly dark, when Mr.
5eaford made his appearance. He had
sust returned from the grogshop, but was
quite sober then. When he entered the
house he enquired Of Charlie whathe was
weeping about? The child could not say
anything, but pointed to the bed in which
lay his dead mother Mr.. Seaford quick
y went to the bedside, but could not be
lieve his wife was dead. He still calIeC
her namc-stll bent over the motionles
form with pleading words; but it was al
in vain. ooh! miserable man that am,
he exclaimed as he paced the room-''jus
for the love of ardent spirits, | deserte,
her who was once dearer to me than life
Would that she was only alive, that nigh
ask her forgiveness; but ah it is too lat
now. She has gone to a blissful hom
above, where all her troubles and trial
are ended"
The unhappy man was about to leav
the room, but seeing his little son so di>
trcsscd, thought he would try to comfoI
him. "Charie," said he, "you must et
deavor not to grieve so much. Though
know You have lost the dearest and be-
friend that You had on earth, yet yo
should be thankful that YOU have faith,
living. Though | know I have not al
peared much like one to you, but | a
now a changed man. Never again will
taste Of that accursed stuff which has i1
poverishcd me and my family, and whio
has been the cause Of your dear mothe
going to an untimely grave"
Years have passed away since that p
riod, but Walter Seaford has not broke
his promise, but has been sober, indust
ous and economical man. He went
: hard work and success crowned his etfor
He lived to be quite an old man, and
, rigid economy and perseverance, he acc
muaied a fortune. 1t was pleasant to S
the old gentleman Of summer evenil
sitting on his piazza, surveying his farm
e the tall grain waving like an inland oce
in the fitful breeze that swept over t
k broad fields, whose verdure was shak
+ here and there by grazing herds. Tul
: ing from this the eye would pause up
c extensive fields of ripening corn, whc
IS golden tasseIs waved in the evening S,
shine, filing the mind with joyous ideas
: plenty and luxuriance. Charlie was n
Il handsome Young man Of twenty; h
it been sent to College, studied physic, a
n afterwards made quite an eminent ply
" clan. In a few years he married be
C tiful and accomplished young lady, ant
ID now happy and contented man, belo,
[e and respected by all who know him, {
Of is considered an ornament to society.
-, For the Spirit of tue Age
m AFew Strange Things.
er Bro. GoRMAN That this is q stra
III world, no one will will doubt who