Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-11-14
SPIRIT OFTHE AGE.
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
Remember the Poori

~ " uCu nInIHI. IN
evening of the year, heralded bv the shr;I
whistle OF the piercing BLAST. approacbe
US apace. Nipped by the frosts of Autumn
tne mowers that bloomed so brightly hay
wlted ana died the trees green foliage be
streWs the ground and withthe earth strin
pcu VI summers gorgeous robes, begin {
assume a sombre and dreary aspect. Alas
now many who were here to welcome the an
Proach OF Winter last year, have. like thu
mowers, been nipped by the frost of death :
anu now many OF US who yet remain. will h,
spared till Spring shall unlock the vaults q
earth and bring forth her treasures again.
10 many, Winter is peculiarly a time 81
festivity and pleasure. To him who possess
es the means of obtaining the comforts of life
II offers many sources of social enjoyment
10 gather around the blazing hearth in tbe
coy and comfortable chamber. father am
mother, brothers and sisters. a united horse
mold; with the curtains drawn close to oy
ciude the pelting storm that rattles apa;ns,
the window, and enjoy the long EVENING II
peasant conversation or over the fascina9;no
pages OF some useful book; this is a piet,Ire
the thought Uf which must bring a Glow ~
happiness to every breast.
Ana then there is the long programme ot
festivals and parties the social reunions and
the family gatherings, the weddings and
the anniversary f~easts, which Winter ALWAYS
brings whilst the little folks already begin
70 anticipate the wOnted visit of ubiouitouc
oante Claus with his inexhaustibIe stores al
good things to cheer their young hearts.
But though Winter be a season of festiv;.
ties to the rich, to the poor it is often one ot
suffering and want. When the rivers and
lakes become locked with icy letters obstruc.
ting the wheels of commerce and manufac-
lures and partially obstructing many Of the
industrial persuits, thousands of needy toll
ers are deprived of their accustomed employ-
ments, at a time when they are in greater
need of it to provide those extra supplies of
fuel and clothing which are necessary to
protect them against the rigers of the sea-
son.
1t is true that here in the country we have
no sucE exhibitions of entire restitution and
squaiid want, as are to be beheld in towns
ana cities; yet the children of want and suf-
ierlng may be found everywhere, and even
mere AMID scenes of general content and glad
ness cark spots OF oorroding poverty maj the
6eauties OF the happy picture. And whilst
the rlch man is basking in the warmth of his
comfortable fire, surrounded by his we'll fed
and warmly clad household, whilst the ras-
ting of the storm only adds new zest TO h;s
comfort; there are these whose soualid how
els are overshadoweS by his luxurious nal.
ace, who would rejoice to receive the crumbs
that fall from his fastidious repast: frail wo-
men and children who tremble in their scant
attire and whose misery is Knocked by the
tickering blaze upon their comfortless
hearths.
Such are the extreme and bitter contrasts
OF human life. Whilst the music of the yiol
and the whirl of the dance. the laugh of
happy children and the shout ofgay jewellers
echo along the proud corridors of one habita-
ton In the very next is heard dismal voices
OF human Woe or the loathsome oaths of hu-
man degradation. A celebrated writer has
SAID that the same principle pervades the in.
equalTtles of social life as exists m the laws
Fof Physical Science; that they who stand on
the lofty eminences-in the high places Of the
world-can scarcely hear the sound of the
explosions which alarm the quiet of the
PLAIN and II would seem indeed to be true
wnen we regard the Indifference so often
manifested of their INDECENT and humble
%neighbors.
In the larger towns and cities it is pleas
am 10 know that benevolent associations .ex-
ISL LOT the relief OF the poor and the Attic
1eu; put In the villages and country cemmu-
mites they are. denen d4otganlzed efforts of
the 6eneFolent and kind. May we not hope.
gentle reader, that your warm and ready
charlty may not be invoked in vain by the
scenes OF want around you; and thattheugh
winter Is locking nature in icy bands, it NAV
not arrest your genial ~sympathies or shut un
.he avenues to your warm and generous
heart!
All! tbs a bleak, a fearful night,
And the earth Is wrapt in robes of white.
while moon and stars have hid their light:
the naked arms of shivering trees
are wildly tossed by the boisterous breeze
lhe frost-kings piercing breath;
klt symbol of that rayless gloom.
Which awaits the prisoners of the tomb.
In the silent hour of death.
The stormrking shouts his angry blast,
Portentous clouds the skies o'ercast
And the binding snow is falling fast,
Wniie you, protected from the storm,
ana clothed IN garments snug and warm,
SIT by your blazing hearth;
Whose rays dispeI from your COW room
The deepening shades of deathlike gloom
Which broodeth Ger the earth.
oANhRO Va IL 10 dIIu OOVS.
Around your feet display their TOYS
AS a happy wife their sport enioyS.
WINE you ensconced In your old arm chair,
Detying all the shafts of care.
Some ~favovite book peruse
Or else the evening hours so lone.
Beguhe with story or with SONG.
Or else recount the news.
But, gentle friend thus blessed indeed.
And by suspicious fate decreed.
exemption full from want and need.
When plenty 0 your store and board
And countless charms does wealth afford
And pours her golden stream:
On then remember the suffering Door.
When haggard famine guards their door
And haunts their nightly dreams.
And ere tonight you rest your head.
upon your warm and downy bed.
with so many blessings round YOU spread.
BE sure in fancy to explore,
The lowly hOmesteads of the poor.
Where hunger reigns supreme:
Where children famished for want If bread
And shivering in their cherries bed
VI food and raiment dream.
ana then resolved should Heaven snare
ANA guard you with his sovereign care:
you'll not neglect your wealth to shaYe.
That you'll be sure with generous heart
And open hand a mite impart.
10 those who need it more
aye that the bounties conferred bv Haavop
Shal be by you as freely given,
Unto the wretched poor.