Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-10-10
TW o PICTURES .
ny W. L. MYERS.

NuNtltu anniversary VI q 10y
departing. The accumulation ofsnow that
rests upon her dark bosom gives the earth a
pale and delicate appearance; and the bright,
passive moon shedding her beautiful silvery
rays impartially upon earthly surroundings,
makes all Nature look white and cold. With
in a pleasantlooking, snow-covered cottage,
engirdled by coscy oetlhouses, indicative of
plenty and comfort, before a huge, cheerful
Are cracking upon a shining hearth, and CT
f~ectually keeping at bay the keen, frosty air,
sits a happy family. Each wears a biIthe
and smiling face; and the rudy flush that
nantes the cheek Of each, plainly denies
that winters long reign is attended by hard
ships and p~rivation to them. 1t IS an en-
chanting group and one that would amply
repay the skillful artist who transferred it
with faithful minuterfcss to his canvass. The
father is there, n noble example Of honor,
uprightness, and sobricty. A few gray hairs
nestle in his dark locks a fqw linesyof
care traverse his bronzed cheek; but age,
otherwise, has dealt lightly with him, for he
has lived a life of sobeThess, industry, and
manly toll; the laws ofNature have been re-
Hpected by him; no vice or wretchedness
has left it's telltae impression on his face
lie has never touched rum his eye is not
blcared and redeemed; his sight remains
GOOD. and a spirit Of manliness flashes from
his eyes as ne gazcs with a straightforward
h' = - -
Glance into the face Of the world. Although
hCty wears have passed over his head with
their toys and sorrows, they have left him an
upright. vigorous frame, a sturdy arm, har-
drned by toll, uhblcmished wisdom and rea-
Eon-=all the rnanly attributes clustered
around him in the prime Of his young man
hood. lie has been an honest man-his
ncighbors say this Of him. His dealings
with them and the world nave been charac-
tcrized by strict principles of right and JUS
tice no artfully concealed fraud has ever
been disclosed against him no little act of
Injustice has ever demanded reparationa at
his hands. Young men ask his advice and
receive IT with gratitude and respect. Old
men listen to his words with signs of ac-
ouiesccncc. His conscience is clear, for he
has lived in strict accordance with the laws
human, natural and divine. He is a religious
man his Bible, often read and studied,
taught him carly the one true and proper
avenue to the promised eternal happiness
and in endeavoring TO walk in the right way,
he sheds this beautiful halo Of Joy and pleas
uro on those who mingle in the immediate
society of himself and family.
The mother is there; and on her CHEEKY
countenancc is a truthful sign content
mcnt. Her mission in life, as given her by
the Allwisc Bencfactor, has thus far been
faithfully and strictly fulfilled; and now,
perhaps, the conscious smile that fingers at
times around her lips, is caused by the feel
ing of an arduous task well completed, that
pcrvades her breast. She has been a faith
fl wife. Sorrows and adversely have dark
sucd the prospects of her husband as well as
other men but she lesseneG the blighting
effect by cheerful, confident smiles, and hope,
fully pointing her companion to fortunes broat
duced her from the duties Of her household
sh: possessed good Judgment; and this ena
hlcd her to see the v~ulgarity and fippancy o
fashionable dress, and with wisdom drew
back from the whirlpool. Now, in her ad
vanccd age, as she leans back in her arm
chair. busily plying her knittingsneedles
and listening with an unqualified belief t
the words Of comfort and promise read b,
her husband from Gods holy Word, she ap
pears the model mother and wife.
And the children, large and small, ar
there to complete the family circle. Fac
one appears happy and contented; and thei
orderly conduct and cheerful civility shoy
that the careful training and lessons of thei
parents were not lost upon them. Tn
smaller, seated upon the floor in brotherl
proximity, examine the christmas present
in merry, but quiet delight; and their ring
ing laugh and gleeful FRANKS testify to thei
complete enjoyment while the larger AZ
81 VI RpNbS OSNdBObtOA "
absorbed in books, glancing OCCASIONAL
from the enhancing pages into their parents
face, to see il they perceived the extraord
nary smartncss of some Of their little brotl
rrs' dOings. II is truly a happy family
No discord, quarrcling, o. bad feeling no il
humor or peevishness; no harsh and pei
hapS unjust threat or command from fathe
ar mother nothing. indeed, to mar the pc
feet and beautiful harmony but all ii
peace and quiet n weary man could desire
hts home, is embodied in this first picture.
Not a half mile from the little cottage "
have referred TO, the moons rays rest upc
another. But all, how different in its GU
ward appearance. The house is surroundt
10y a dilapidated old fence. Many Of Il
palings are gone and rough boards hasti
thrust in it. supply their place. No appea
ance Of comfort can be ascri ed to the br
ken hen.coops, bottomless barrels, and ric
ETY., tumblc.down sheds with other litter IN
liu promiscuously in the yard, each cover
with n drapcry of snow.
Within is %afamily. A broad hearth is
one corner Of the cherries apartment. b
not a spark Of fire is there to drive out Il
Stinging cold and mitigate the gloomy dar
ncsS. But, who are the occupants? L
father is there a hideous image of wretC
e'IncSS, BRUTALITY, ana despair. lie lies up
the carpetless floor, which is bare and co
except where ragged clothing is scatter
about with the mcagre furniture in endlt
c. INFUSION. Ills breathing is heavy and u
natural. He has touched rum. His e,
are red and swollen his face is haggard a
CHASTITY, and distigured by scratches, bruis
aud the different signs Of Indebtedness a
vice. His clothes are ragged and dirty
beard neglected and shaggy. He is dish,
est. His neighbofs say this of him freque
~. lie scruples not to cheat and defra
them whenever he can. Injustice, reven
miness, and cunning, are the attributes
his eharacter-a character which his mel
bors ascribe to him. He is an outcast
'capeSoat in the world-a thing for ill-m
nercd urchins to pelt with stones, laugh, 4
make faces at, and hang rags upon for amt
'ncnt Young men, ~yearning to do rig
avoid him and his pernicious example.
men point him out to children who deli
to be premature men, and tell them to
ware, or their manhood will be trailing,
his, in the dust. He is q sceptic he del
his God, and with blasphemous oaths of
Devils invention, he scouts at piety and
lsion, and makes heavenly things the sub
at ribald song and obscene jestin his drum
levels.
The mother is there in the opposite col
OF the room. She is as dissolute and
lainouS as her british husband and abe
In sin. She MIGHT have haen batter.