Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-03-27
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
AFFECTIONS.

Ever since the fall of man in the garden of
Eden, over which, doubtless, devils rejoiced
and angels wept, the human family have been
exposed to disappointment, pain, disease and
death-the natural consequences of sin. And
however painful, however severe they may
seem, yet those received from the hand of
Goo, are sent in mercy an alternative to
wean our affections from earth and earthly
objects, and place them upon their Creator,
who Justly claims them as his own. And al
though no affection 'seemeth for the present
joyous, but grievous.' yet how essential it IS
to true happiness. For without them our
hearts would become hard, our affections cold,
and our religion lifeless. Without Affections
Of any kind, we would almost imagine that
we were happy. without God in the world
which would evidently strengthen temptation
to sin against Him. We would almost forget
that there was a better land and that there
was a wise and mcrciful God When the
flowers of Spring would burst forth in all
their beauty, eAhaling from the depths of
their graceful petals sweet odors of refresh
ment: and while their flashing hues would
fascinat the eye, and their perfume cheer the
heart, we would imagine they were ours
that no mighter power had placed them here.
When the birds warbled forth from hill and
OxtlS o"NNN AESOOo VI uloO W nv = Wv
ator, man in his depravity would presume
they were honoriag him! When the fields
would spring forth, exhibiting their beautiful
dress of greea, producing grain and herb for
the nourishnacnt of man, and all nature SEEM
ed smiling, We would imagine no greater skill
than man had wrought. And while viewing
and partaking of the many spontaneous pro-
auctions of the earth, we would dream of
nought but chance.
Without Affections we would forget that
Jesus had suffered: that He was 'sorrowful
even unto death neither could we claim the
sweet words of consolation, Whom He loyeth
he chasteneth.' The Book which treats of
eternal felicity, would seem as a fable. And
yet how prone is the human heart 10 murmur
and pine at the approach of affection while
We should rejoice in tribulation; knowing
that tribulation worketh patience Who
then would not cheerfully suffer, having the
assurance that Affections strengthen the en-
joynent Of the religion Of Jesus Chr list, the
great source of all true happiness, and sweet
en- heaven at last. NO cross, no cTowD.'-
But when enemies surround and secretly lay
snares, and dig pits for us with sly insinua-
tons to our inlury-p ercing as it were to
the quick-we can then lay hold Of th'
promises. assuring as that there IS y balm fol
every wound and that the world hated Jesu
before it hated lis. When shades Of adverse
ty frown upon us and hearts are cold ans
friends are few, we are then better able 10 ap
preciate the One Friend who 'stieketb Gloss,
than a brother When the delicate frame i
tortured with disease, and the cheek gyow
pale. the brow fevered, aud the eye Eangobd
tbs then the hearts more ready to acknOw
!, edge a Great Physician! And wben col
q death enters the family circle, and eonsign
its richest Jewel to the damp embrace of th
grave, burying with it many joys: tits the
ones heart is linked to heaven, and to Hi
. who conquered dcath and the grave
Q Affections then are blessings. For OFT
. light Affections which are but for a 1mosoen
work for US a far more exceeding and stern
weight of glory What is a few DAYS OF 81
fering then, compared TO heaven? What
- comparison to that song our lips shall s~
e in heaven-wtich angels are denied
% song of redeen,ing grace and dying love J
~ Let my days, then, be spent in suffering b
+. let me have Christ and heaven at lastr
- ACHSAH-