The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-01-10
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE.

On Wednesday evening, in Gusport, there was
really an interesting meeting The cellar of The
Church was crowded, with an attentive an inuu-
ring audience. The meeting was visited by seve
raj gentlemen, distinguished for their dsinterested
labors in the Temperance cause, among " HON we
will notice, particularly, our friends Reid, Chlds
and Mesmer, and The very interesting and beaut
full Choir ofTemperance Singers, Ladies and Gen
teman, headed by their leader, Mr. Beloie, who
favored the meeting with several Odes and Songs
Alter few appropriate remarks from Mr. Reid
who very justly and severely rebuked the spirit
Of Christianity that could force such company,
gathered In such cause, into the rough and I'M
finished cellar of building erected with the peo-
pies money, when fine and commodious room
was above them, Mr.. Mesmer took the stand
and for short time entertained the audience with
some excellent and eloquent arguments, but owing
to the confined, heated and uncomfortable room,
IN which some of the ladies actually tainted, he
had to give it over, without finishing Several
persons signed the Pledge
We have few words to cav, on the occupa-
ton of Churches for the holding of Temperance
meetings. The Pastor and Members of the Bsp-
tisi Church have always, with great liberality,
permitted the of their elegant House, up stall
and down, in the cause, and we believe, in no
case, has it been injured. No other congregation
has extended this courtesy to cause which is do
ing, and is destined to do as much good as Chris
iianiiy itself, in this world at least We were
told by friend last night, that the upper part of
the building was not inteded for such MEETINGS
true, but it was intended for good for the pro-
motion of morals and virtue. He objected that
would destroy and deface The seats, &c.-that
does not follow; for the churches in Norfolk. and
the Baptist Church here, have received no ipiury
from these gatherings. The audience are gene.
rally the same who attend the churches on occa.
sions Of Divine Service, and the property belong
ing to them, they would be as careful in one
meeting as another. 1t is feared that unruly per
would get into the audience and do mischief
This fear is merely imaginative. 1t does moi fol-
low that because men drink they do not, and will
rot, behave themselves when in such association
They seldom injure those who ostensibly meet f.
do them good. For one we should oppose hold
ing these meetings in churches, if there were
other suitable and comfortable Halls 10 assemble
in; but as there is not, we think it but ripbt and
proper that they should all be thrown open for
this good work, to those on whom the churches
depend for support, and whose contributions aided
10 build them and feel sure that upon proper
representation, and application, they will be
granted.
Tone and character must be given to these
Temperance meetings. The work the member,
are engaged in is noble, phiIanrhropic, and those
they operate upon will soon become exemplary
men; and, as has been frequently the case, they
will naturally seek that greatest good. which is
above all price. Iotempe'aoco is encouraged in