Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-05-15
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
ObservaRda-No. 2.
BY IGNoTUs.

Kind Reader, allow me to introduce to
your acquaintance an humble individual by
the name of Leland, in relating to you the
following fragments.ef history, which, though
they have never before been published to the
world, have, long since, been registered in
the book Of memory.
When Leland first launched his bark upon
the tempestueus sea of Human life, he was
often tossed and driven by contrary winds
towards the whirlpool of despair. The rest
less, upheaving, and dashing waves OF this
troublesome world oftentimesWe nigh over
whelmed him. Yet, amidst all the adverse
winds and waves, he had a heart to feel for
others wees, which often moved his right
hand to feel in his pocket for their relief
The calls of Humanity were never passed
unheeded by him.
One day q paper, in the hands of q friend,
was going the rounds Of the neighbQrhood
for the benefit of an individual who, for
the present, Twill call Leonard, whose house
had been consumed by fire. Among all the
contributions solicited and .obtainea, there
Te6ndrd mad ffosft much, but still he was
rich, and needed not the aid of charity. And
although Leland was, comparatively, poor,
vet the call was responded to by him. With
a sympathis;ng heart and liberal hand he
lent his aid to Leonard. And though his
contribution was small one, it was much
for the wealth of Leland. And though it
was given for the distressed-yet it could
not be called a charitable donation, for Leon
ard needed not the aid of charity, though he
had lost his house.
A few feeting years had passed away up
on the rolling tide of Time. Leonard had
passed along during those fleeing years on
the down grade of human life in worldly
prosperity, and had not only ,regained al
his loss, but had added much to his former
wealth.
Leland by application to business had be
gun to prosper in, the woFld, and was nov
living at home where he had "a little farm
a little house, and a little wife in it" Blu
being, with his little family, absent from
home one night, he returned in the mornlnI
and found that little home in ruins-con
sumed by fire. He did not, as had bee
done for Leonard, send round his paper
But seeing Leonard one morning soon afte
the disaster, he said to himself, | will te,
him Of my misfortune; perhaps be ma
reauite me for the little aid whichii once OF
fered him. But Leonard received the sa
intelligence unmoved. His only reply was
cold and selfish end mean, and lying too
am too poor to help. you" The wise ma
hath said "he that giveth toethe poor. lend
eth to the Lord" From which we may II
fer that it will be repaid to him.. But, sal
Leland, / gave to the rich, and find it a ba
investment. By miR and others AID Leo
ard has built a mansion. Fertile lands ar
able bodied servants and intervening yea
of prosperity have made him a richer ma
And vet he is too, poor to help me. We
though [ am poor, said Leland, thanks
kind Heaven ] can live without it. But
will one day have it to pay. Though be do
not legally tito me, it is recorded again
= him in the great book of human life. A
: unless it shall be cancelled in time by Coz
.e forgiving hand, 1t will appear against hi
"a there in the day of requisitive and retrib
tive Justice, when he will have nothing
q meet the demand. But God grant that
ar may see the poverty of his soul, and repe
SIS and be forgiven before his body shall be &C
st signed TO the prison house of clay, and
!. miserable ghost to the darkness of despi
" TIL Gaerierstrumpet shall wake the sleepi
ID nations from their dusty beds, and the lie
to OF eternity shall reveal the hidden things
:. darkenness.
Leland is still steering his little bark o,
III the troubled waves of this world and
re floating trash. And though he has not. a
e. never may acquire as much eff its pelf
of Leonard, yet he has the consultations of
honest, liberal heart, and approving &C
81 science, and more of the enjoyment of
than Leonard has ever known in all
7 prosperous meanness.
Forever restless and unhappy must be
man of avarieious heart. There is no !,
pose Tor his stricken conscience, no rest
his hayward soul no sweet. remembran,
ofby gone days glide over the morbid sensib
ties OF such an infatuated soul, Ike the swe
ness OF the spring groves, waited along
the evening zephyrs. Such e man is
advantage to society and the world wos
OF have been better without him.
ne An enemy to Ged and his country.
in lives only for himself, and, without a char
81 heart, must die only for the Devil.