Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-05-21
For the Standard.

FOR the Sandard
Mn. EDITOR: In the process Of mans investiga-
tons, there are three epochs in the history of mans
mind-to which it has always had recourse to ac
quire that information which was necessary to ena
Die man set himself right and to steer his course
safely through the shifting scenes of time.
The past, the present. a:.d the future, have occu-
pied the whole mass of human intellect from the
Gays of Adam down to the present time. What has
ranspred in the past and what is transporting at the
present time, alone presents itself to our minds in
tangible form, provided they be not concealed from
our minds, or mantled in falseheods, or deception,
as appears to be the case to an alarming extent at
the present time The future to US is IN great
measure unknown time alone will to certainty, re-
veal to us what is to come. Yet we can, to some
extent, determine the future from the past and the
present
To this end suppose it was that the sacred wri-
tiers so frequently and earnestly admonshed US to
examine ourselves-David says, commune with
your own heart on your bed, and be STILL" Again,
"My spirit made diligent search I thought upon
my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
Thus saith the Lord, consider your ways" We
might add many similar passages but the above will
suffice. The reason why men persist in evil doing
is attributed to the fact that they do not consider
they will not unfold the pages of the past and learn
wisdom. In the history of the past we may learn
much as individuals or as nations--ke causes pro-
duce like effects, and they are examples for US
here we might make some alluson to the downfall OF
primitive natons-such as Greece and Rome; but
they are among the things that have been, and we
leave their own history to tell the sad tale of their
destruction What more Immediately concerns US
Is. that we do not share the same melancholy fate
They sinned and fell-and SO have we as is evident
from the distressed state Of things in our once happy
country. Are we as nation examining ourselves
with view that we may see our error and be
brought to humble ourselves before Him. who rules
the destines Of nations as well as Individuals n il
not my intention to trace out the sins Of our nation
This would require y wiser head and an abier ne,,
| than. can command. Neither isit for me 10 saw
whether the revolution which is new desoatinp o,r
once happy but new bleeding and struggling conn.
4 try, was brought on by the North or tie south
These grave questions in regard to which have
no doubt all must and have no doubt have made
I up their own minds. Il has passed into an adaoe
that are in it md mast get out the best wsy
We can But there are rome facts connected with
4 tne nsRner ia which II was brought on; md the
nsnneE u which It has and is still being prosecu
.eo, which will never be forgetten, and which viii
some extent. give shape and direction to the fu
M su.e n'ssoty Of our, country In the first place.
taere was not thai strict adherence to the truth on
inc part OF those who took the lead in this allim.
portant natter and consequently hundreds and
thousands OF the uususpectinx Hud that thew have