Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-07-13

FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
FLIGHT FROM DEATH-BY T. c. wEsTALL-

E1l061 EhOm OGA1a-Bf Il V. |
A conviction frequently steals to my mind that I
am rapidly passing away. Though am still called
a young man, / am astonished when I look back on
the years that | have already numbered, to see that
the wheels of time have been whirling me so swiftly
to the gravel o! that time would stop its speed, if
1t were but for q moment, that I might rest in some
green vale close by the high way that leads to the
land of forgetfulnessl Oh T for a land where there
are no noxious vapors to engender death-where
the vigor of manhood is preserved forever. Such
were my thoughts and desires not long since,
when sleep suddenly transported me to the land of
dreams. was standing close by a mighty sea of
water The shore was crowded every way as far as
could see with excited people; and some who had
pushed their way through the throngto where l stood,
said they were coming in from all quarters, so that it
seemed the whole world would be assembled. Kings
had laid aside their crowns and broken sheir sceptres,
and, as common people, Mingled with their subjects;
the noble and the mighty men of wealth forsook til
ties and estates that had caused them so many years
of toll and mixed with the multitude. When | ask
ed what had drawn all the world to the seaside, L
was told to look out to sea. 1t was covered as far as
l could see with ships, some coming to shore,
and others with sails set, leaving it. There were
many also anchored near the shore-and | was much
surprised to find them all vessels for passengers, for
there was no merchandise on the wharfs to be sent
away.
What is the meaning Of so large an ~assemblage
of people and ships" | enquired of one who stood
near me, on every line of whose visage | could read
truth.
"Oh young man. why have you been so long in
learning the good news-the glad tidings of great
joy that shall be to all people? We have messengers
from a company of n~ayigators with positive proof,
that they have discovered a new country many miles
away beyond this sea-and it is just such a country
as all have desired ever since the loss of Paradise
Every body is invited to 60 to that goodly land, and
you see the whole world is moved with a desire to
possess an inheritance there. When they get there
they will grow no older, but will preserve the vigor
OF youth forever. There is no war there, no pain, no
death. Parents have no fears that the death angel
will slip in as a thief at night and steal their children
away from their embrace. 1t is a land of peace
These are the reasons why kings have deserted their
thrones, mobiles their titles, rich men their treasure
and all the homes of their childhood. What will il
profit a man if he gains the whole world and los
ON inheritance in that land where the ~despoiler O
earth has never made a foot-mark ? Who is so fool
ish as to barter that land for all the pomp and splen
doris of three-scOre and ten years.
.y Us every body going to t e%igrate p .b l e aapn,sa
all are hustle for departure" | saw them make
mighty rush to the beach, each striving to gain ad
mittance first. Some to make sure of passage, jump
ed on board some old rickety sail ships that had no
ventured to sea in many years. Indians were ther
also, willing to risk the chances of a voyage in thei
frail canoes. | enquired of my monitor why ther
was so much hurry and confusion at this ~particula
time.
"a dreadful epidemic" said he, "has broken OF
among the people, and there are also certain mon
sters in the shape of men, who, for selfish purpose
are trying to stir up the people to battle. Those no
embarking are innocent, apd trying to get away fro
this land Of death. Lookt how anxiously those pa
rents yonder are to see that all their children are t.
gether ready to embark. Some of their families ha
already been broken by disease and the casualties
the battlefield, which makes them the more anxio
to save the residue. Listenl some one is warnl
them of the danger they may incur in those Q
worm-eaten ships. Do you hear their reply? Z"
we stay here VT will die, if we go we can but die, a
we'll make the venture, for o favorable breeze m
drive us beyond danger" l began to think it til
for me to assemble all that was. near and dear for
parture to the newly discovered country. I "
willing to risk the Indians canoe, or even a pla
rather than remain longer in the land of death. E
while / was trying to find passage, the multitude
people and the ships vanished. l was awake.
Now, reader, if we had positive evidence tina
land had been discovered where man did not have
die, would not all mankind strive to reach it? Wo,
not the most miserly forsake his shining dust for
inheritance in q land where there was no death?
shrinking, trembling mortal! there as a land of i
mortal life, but it is beyond the borders of this VOL
and how few are striving to reach its shores! n
has full evidence Of its existence, and hears one CT
ing to come and live forever, but he disbelieves
evidence. spurns the invitation and dies to live
more.
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE
The Poor Woman's Troubles.