Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-06-12
GaAits' department.

MrA n. z aoRMAE. Editress.

- sP0Ae, Out sue Woutu not SuLer q san.
gle tear to escape from the over-charged foun.
tam WILLIE, her only son, had joined the
brave and gallant soldiers who had volunteer
cd 20 defend his loved southern soil from the
k~4 ~r "a S~s~ Aa,ader, and beat him back
ere he should reach his home in North Caro-
lima, whore a doting mother, an invalid fa-
ther and lovely sister dNSelt. He was going
20 batle--to achieve ~s'yictory or death" His
knApsaek xas strapped upon bis back, his
musket was in his hand, and now the entire
family group are in the little sitting.room
awaiting the roll OF the drum to summon him
TO join his noble comrades in arms and take
up the line of march.
The father was the first to speak-"You
are just twenty years old now, my brave boy,
and your country calls for your services. l
would not have you play the laggart by re-
manning at home when so many of your com.
rades and school-mates are so nobly yolun-
teering. surrender you with all the pleas
nre that my love for you can bring to bear:
but, Willie, before you 80, take a few words
of counsel from your devoted father-it may
be the last you will ever hear from his lips.
You will be exposed to many temptations, and
a variety of associations will surround you.
Remember the golden counsel of Heaven IL
self-"K sinners entice thee, consent thou
not" Be very careful about who you take
to your confidence as associates, and do not
forget the holy truths we have endeavored to
impress upon your mind from your earliest
childhood. Go, my child, and may the God
of battles go with and defend you" lie fol-
ded his brave soldier.boy to his heart, raised
his eyes TO Heaven, impressed a kiss upon his
fair forehead and left the room.
ut will not seem like home without you,
Willie" said his agonized mother-'but you
must go. Ibid you go. Write to US often.
Don't forget US, Willie, and above all do not
forget your Father in Heaven. Ihave placed
a Bible in your knapsack read it often and
attentively-and don't forget to pray for Gods
protection and blessing, remembering that
the voice of supp!ication and prayer will ever
ascend from the family altar where you have
been taught to worship, for Gods favor upon
you"
Willie sssayed to speak, but could not, and
covering his face with his hands burst into
manly tears. In an instant the arms of his
fair sister were clasped around his neck and
her raven ringlets were buried in his bosom.
'"Don't cry brother" she sobbed, God will
take care of you and grant you a safe re
turn"
"Amenl" shouted the family in heartfelt
chorus, and the sound of the drum fell upon
the ear.
Dashing the tears from his eyes, he said
GOOD bye, sister dear" as he unclasped her
arms and kissed her fondly. 1--WE shall meet
Rgaini"
mothers eye, and was folded in her tender
embrace. Her parting kiss will thrill his
heart in many a weary and lonely hour.
Goodbye, my son." said his father,
grasping his hand "God bless you"
A wave and kiss Of the hand as he left the
holy precincts Of Home, and Willie was out
of sight, and the distant, still growing more
distant sounds ofthe drum and fife, proclaim
cd that WILLIE is GoNEl'
But the prayers of that pious family will
be answered, and Willie will return safe tt
the bosom Of his Home again-for ours is
prayer answering God-and He will gran
what His children ask Of Him.
= y + II
Another Life Scene looms up before on
mental vision, with its Lights and Shades
but thank Heaven, even the shadow is en-
compassed in a Halo of Glory:
1t was a beautiful evening in May innu
merable stars twinkled in the clear sky, an
the lovely Queen of night was seen midwa
the heavens in all her 81 lendor. Beautifl
Spring had adorned the forests with their vel
dant robes. All nature seemed to speak
happiness, and nothing was seen or hear
inconsistent with the lovely beauty Of tn,
evening.
The cheerful light Of a hundred LAM
shone through the windows Of the hospit
BILE mansion of Mr.. j.; within, the merr
voices OF q large assembly were heard. III
ample preparations and the large number
guests proved this to be no ordinary occ
sion. The city belle, adorned with Jewel
and the country beauty, with all her sin
plicity, were there in striking contrast. II
dandy, with mustached lip-the rustic bca
unskilled jim the ways Of polished gallantr
were there. The grave matron and the We
fIaolc sire mlBuI DC Scen IN the corner, WO
dering at the lollies of the present da,
while in an opposite corner sat the man
pleasure, with his lively partner, criticism
the old fogy notions Of the aged couple.
Mr.. J. was a man ofextensive wealt
agreeable manners and great hospitality.
the time Of which / write, his third dau.
ter-Maggie-was just budding into womi
hood. She was pious, amiable, and acco
plished. Kind and agreeable, gentle a
f~orgiving, she won the admiration ofall W
knew her. Thus accomplished, she of cou
had numerous admirers, one of whom |
won her heart and on that lovely event
that brilliant assembly had met to with
the sealing Of the solemn vows between tn,
The last one of the expected guests
arrived. All things were ready for the c.
mony. Silence peryaded tue assembly.
venerable Minister took his station ia
centre of the room. The bride, dsessed
spoless white, with n wreath o. beani
flow ers on her temples, was led to thea
by him who was to be herstay through life;
in the stiffness Of that hour, their VOWS v
plighted before God and in the presence
man. Numerous friends pressed arc
them, offered their congratulations,
wished them a long and happy life.
sounds Of merriment and gayety were
sumed, and happily the hours glided b
GRADUALLY the guests departed until the