Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-09-05
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
TRUTH.-BY J. E. RHElM.

TRUTH.-BY J. E. RHElM.
Truth is veracty-conformlty to fact. 1t
is opposed to Falsehood in every possible
manner Our inquiries should always be af-
ter Truth. In whatever position we may be
placed, by whatsoever circumstances surround
ed, our researches should be after Truth, and
our statements in conformity to facts In
pursuit of knowledge, especially should our
great aim be to acquire what is true, and to
shun what is false. The object of every dis
cusson should be to ascertain and establish
the Truth. If this be kept in view, False
hood will fly before the golden scepter of Rea-
son as the mist before the brilliant rays of
the sun; but Truth, the handmade of Rea-
son. shines with lustre more brilliant when
subjected to the criticism Of the cultivated
mind AS the statements of Falsehood are
contradictory so there is harmony in Truth
alone. We have, then, sure criterion to
guide US. Andhow careful should writer's be
to make their statements conform to this
rule. Among those who seem to have de-
sire to violate this rule, are political writers.
| Truth appears to be out OF the question in
every breath they breathe-so discordant are
| the statements of the demagogues of two diff
| ferent parties. Especially should the Histo-
rian be careful in his statements. There
should be no discordant notes to mar the
harmony of Truth. The events of the past
when placed in contiguity without Error,
serve as connecting links to form bright
chain along which Truth is conveyed from
generation to generation. II these events are
not truthfully given by the historian, the
chain only serves as conductor of Error
and Falsehood The writer, then should de-
scribe events as they occurred; he should be
unbiased by party prejudices or religious
opinions.
In our researches after Truth, we are much
aided by an education. 1t illuminates our
minds :; mental darkness is dispelled, and we
behold causes followed by their respective ef-
fects. But the ignorant man is stranger
upon the planet he inhabits. Effects may
fash upon his senses, causing fear ano dread
to seize upon his superstitious mind, but
their causes act behind curtains impenetrable
to him. He connot trace them to their
sources hence, he ascribes them to some
supernatural agent, to witch or some other
hobgoblin. Behold for few moments our
: ancestors as they were troubled with witch
: craft 1t is the beauty of Truth, that moth
ing but justice can rest upon it. The minis
ters Of New England, therefore, desirous of
unjust influence, could build their hope of it
only on error; and the struggle thus COM
menced against the dominion of the sta e for
greater freedom Of mind. There were many
/. persons ready to deny and denounce the truth
of wtchcraft, but Cotton Mather delivered
Y his celebrated discourse from the sacred desk,
in which he shouted, Witchcraft is the most
nefandous high treason against the Majesty
!, on High capita. crime" "The denial of
t devils or witches was regarded as evidence of
a ignorance, incivlity and dishonest impru-
dencc." Many Of the best citizens were hang
ed-so blinded by superstition-so enveloped
v were the people in moral and mental gloom
Education has done away with witchcraft
t, its light has scattered the clouds of mora
and mental darkness which then covered the
world its sun shines brighter and brighter
T. and Truth is more firmly founded. We sec
j. how ignorant and superstitious were our an
cestors :hey regarded the denial of witches
as evidence of ignorance; we regard the &C
acknowledgement of hobgoblins as true ties
of ignorance and superstition. We are in
Q, debted to education for the overthrow of Er
e, ror, and the establishment of Truth upon he
1t throne of justice.
I'd Truth is said to be stranger than felton,
= That the green planet we inhabit, is sphere
revolving on its axis, is true but, to some
this is stranger than the fiction of " Do
s. Quito" or Rinaldo Rinaldini." Sometime