Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1849-04-04
,pswered and said Jesus | know, and

answered and said Jesus l know, and
Paul know, but ,eho are yc? And The
man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped
on them and overcame them, and prevailed
against them so lha, they fled'oul Of that
house naked and wounded" Acts &c.,
Let others take warning; take heed
how they assume the Office of The holy
ministers Of God, les, The Devil be let
loose ppon them, and drive them out, with
the same severe ..and signal punishment;
let them rememher that God has appointed
His way by which the moral reformation
Of the world is 10 be accomplished; and if
they invent any olher means, they are no
better Than the sons of Sceva, aud will
ultimately meet most melancholy re-
buke.
Placing now all considerations Of reli-
gious and moral character out ofIhe ques-
lion, lei US see how this Society stands on
its only remaining ground sof defence, viz :
benerolencc; for which term will use phil
anlhrophy, man heing the object of this
good will. This is the most exalted
principle that exists in Tie mind Of an irre-
lisious man. Ii is like the, first, and great
commandment. which requires love 10
God; and when connected with it they
comprehend the whole Of religion. They
com prehend the substance Of what Moses
in the law, aud wha, The Prophets have
spoken. TO produce this has been The
design of Moses, the Prophets, The Saviour,
and the ApostIes. Phianlhrophy is the
foundation Of patriotism, and have moi
the least disposition 10 de:ract from so
exalted principle Of human nature. If
then the Temperance Society, apart from
moral and religious considerations, but ac..
tuaIed by philanlhropic motives, shall
choose to organize themselves into dis.
tinct party, in order TO- effeclsome social or
political reform, who coudesive 10 oppose
their efforts, or gsinsay their motives? 1t
is This general and indefinite declaration
Of their principles and ohjecl, which has
given their movement so much plauslbfl.
,y and success.
Let it now be borne in mind, that no
sooner do they undertake, to vindicate
their cause upon The ground Of national
policy, than they become political party.
A political party is the proper name for
this society at present. Have they not
dashed aside the christians motto, moral
suasion? Have they not sent TO our Leg
islature, men lo-inlroduce resolutions and
laws to favor their peculiar views and
policy? Have they not organized Them.
selves into cliques, in small Towns and
Villages, to concert operations, 10 oppose
and ,rample down by the brute force Of a
majority, The rights and interest Of all who
are not Of their party
F. Is it any recommendation with Them,
tha, man shall possess and maintain a
character for inAexible integrity, unblem-
ished honor. unimpeachable honesty, and
UndoubIed patriotism No sir. ls,it not
lamentablej that ministers Of the Gospel.
should have become members Of polili-
cal party, whose arbitrary and wild fanali-
cism knows no bounds! They not only
subject themselves inlhis manner TO public
barrier between themselves and those very
men, to whom, they should be Tho, most
acceptible-and 10 whom they have been
sent upon a mission, 10 call 10 repentance.
IT the policy Of the temperance party is 10
be supported, like that Of the Wings or
Democrats, upon the ground Of lis national
advantages, then | would say to our pious
ministers who in the honesty; of their hearts.
have been deluded to hecome parIizans, 10
take heed lest the embltered strifes, and
party examinations which must soon sur
round them. do not through their hands,
degrade our most holy religion. Their
Individual character will become swallowed
up in that Of their party, and they will
be estimated according 10 the general
policy and principles of those with whom
they are associated. Already we see indi
cations, Of party feelings, party prejudiccs,
and party organization, TO such degree,
that some Of their ablesl and mosl judicious
friends, have been induced 10 withdraw
from the Society entirely, while others of
the moro moderate members, have become
greatly disaffected. Their great fana;icaf
leader, though we give him credit for The
hest motives, has already declared lha, the
subject must he tested at The ballot, box,
and discussed in our Legislature. TO
suppose tha. this party. will be able 10
govern The State according TO their policy,
without political struggle, Of grea, vio-
lence and angry dispu,ation, is TO expect
tina, all men, will give up the use of
liquors, wines; cider, and vinegar, without
a scriptsral inj junction, or reasonable die
tate, requiring ii.
1t is to expect all men TO acl on the
exalted and magnauiInous principle of St.
Paul, who would refuse 20 use that which
is lawful. rather than its use should become
a stumbling block to others. II this prin>
ciple be correct, it is perfecIion--a moral
to which our most pous minis.
tiers in this day, do not approximate. And,
YET, society Of men though very like
in pride and self exaIlation in comparing
with their neighbours, to the
couceled Pharisee, their iIlus,rous proIo-
type in this respect, who can mol say "Gud
| thank thee that T am not as other men
are" extoriioners. unjust aduIlerers or even
as my neighbour, lin principTe,) profess TO
act upon this great principle Of self denial,
for The good Of others.
The principle which I conceive TO be
correct is laid down by the celebrated DR..