Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-05-11
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A Beautiful Sketch.


V. Cook, Esq, of Columbus. Texas, on the
Education and Influence OF Women. 1t will
touch the heart Of the reader We do not
often stumble upon SO well expressed an idea
of woman's true mission:
fancy ayoIng man just emerging from
the bright elyseurh of youth, and commen-
cling the long journey of life. Honest noble
and gifted-the broad world, to his warm
hopes, is in the future scene of affiuence,
fame and happiness. 4 Beneath his active en-.
ergles business prospers, and as conse
quence, friends comes about him. Ere long.
he meets some sensible and aimable girl who
wins his heart, and who loves and trusts him
IN return He doesn't stop to ask what the
world will say about the match in case he
mairies her. Not he. The world is kicked
out Of doors, and the man determines to be
the architect of his own happiness. He doesn't
stop to inquire whether the girls father is
/, rich in lands and slaves and coin; but he
marrles her for that most honest and philos-
ophic of all reasons because he Zoues her
de builds his home in some quiet spot where
green trees wave their summer glories and
where bright sunbeams fall Here is the
Mecca of.his heart, towards which he turns
l
green island in the sea OF life, where rude
winds never assail, and where storms never
CONG! Here, from the troubles and cares of
existence, be finds solacs in the society of
her who is gentle without weakness. and
sensible without vanity. Friends may betrav
him, and foes may oppress but when to-
wards home his weary footsteps turn and
there beams upon him the olden smile of
welcome, the clouds lift from his sQul-the
bruised hsart Is restored and the strong man
made whole. 4 see the man tall into adver-
sity. Creditors seize his property, poverty
stares him in the face, and he is avoided on
all hands as ruined bankrupt. When he
sees all gone-friends, credit and property
grief stricken and ponniless, he seeks his
humble home Now, does the wife desert
him too Nay, Verify When the world
abandons and persecutes the man, she draws
close to his side and her affection is all the
warmer because the evil days come upon him.
The moral excellencies of his soul rise supe-
rior to the disasters Of fortune. And when
she sees the man sit mournful and desolate
like Themistocles by the Household Gods o1
Admetus, hers is the generous task to COM
fort and console She reminds him that mis-
fortune has oft overtaken the wisest and the
best that all is never lost while health anC
hope survive; that she still is near to love-
to help and to encourage him. The man lis
tens, his courage rallies, and the shadows het
from his heart armed once more. he enters
the arena of life. Industry and energy
restore him to competency, fortune smiles
upon him, friends returns Joy mounts
exultiEg on triumphant wings"
Again the scene shifts. | see the maj
stretched, weak and wasted on bed of sick
ness. The anxious wife anticipates every
want and necessity. Softly her foot falls up
on the carpet, and gently her hand presse
the fevered brow of the sufferer. Thoug
the pale face gives token of her own weari
ness and suffering, yet through the lon
watches of each returning night, her vigil
are kept beside the.loved ones couch. A
last disease beleaguers life; and the physical
solemnly warns his patient that death is sure
ly approaching. He feels it too and the las
words of love and trust are addressed to lie
who is weeping beside his dying bed. AM
in truth. the last hour hath come. imagir
it is fit time to depart; for the golden su
himself has died upon the evenings t;
horizon, and rosy clouds are bearing bill
to his grave behind the western hills !
Around the couch'of the dying man wee
ing friends and kinsmen stand; while II
minister slowly reads the holy words
promise: Il am the Resurrection and Il
Life, saith The Lord he that 6elieceth I
me, thOagh he were dead, get shall he liUe, an
aohoso lireth and 6etisreth IN me, shall neU
die"
Slowly the clock marks the passing mt
ments, and silently the sick mans breath
ebbing away. Slowly the cold waters a
rolling through the gateway of life. Al
now as the death damp is on the victim
brow, and the heart throbs its last pulsatior
the glazed eye opens and turns ip one Fl
farewell glance of affection upon the trem
ling weeper who bends over him; and c
the spirit departs forever, the angels he
the pale wites whisper-"PH meet thee
meet thee an Heauen :"
Why is young lady just from boardi