Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-08-23

Jefferson. After the brethren were seated
l Bro. ~ Y, w Humphrey introduced to the
Worthy Patriarch, Ladies and Gent1emen
and Brethren Of the Order of the Sons of
Temperance We hail with cheering auspi-
ces, this our first public meeting at Rich
lands. The present occasion, like the Or
der under which we are associated, pre-
sents to many around US a scene entirely
novel, and naturally exciting in some Gu
riosity to see and learn how this society
transacts its affairs, having some concern
to know what may be the probable desti-
ny of this great and mighty agent that thus
revolutionises society. But to all who are
not over superstitious and skeptical. We
are satisfied that the motto of our Order
will carry its own recommendations and
ITS fruits will every where form its own
defence in the enlightened judgement of
the public. It's motto l.. p. and F. are
harmoniously blended in the benign cause
OF Temperance to carry out its happy con-
sequences and to promote the peace and
moral harmony of the world. Intemper-
ance that arch enemy of human good,
still prevails 10 some extent, though many
we'll directed effort has been made to ex-
terminate the evil. Yet this writhing
monster, .PhGnix-like, seems to possess the
power ofreproducton from his own ashes,
and like some loathsome plague continues
its work of destruction, by the contagion
that follows its first outbreak. Intemper-
anee is vice that has become as insidi-
Gus in its different forms and modes of al
lurements to temptation. as the .artful de-
this vice, the Temperance cause has exer-
ted powerful and regenerating effect
| Different orders softemperance societies and
different forms of pledge have been adop-
ted, all of which have dispensed a redeem
ing efficacy in staying the ravages and des-
olation of intemperance.
1t has been said. that the Temperance
cause has done more for America than the
army Of the Revolution. And though the
assertion may be viewed by some as par
adox, yet when duly considered, it will be
found to be not at all beyond the TRUTH
For it is fact too we'll known at the pre-
sent day to admit Of dispute by the enemies
of the Temperance reform, that through
the instrumentality of this cause. many
hundreds and thousands of the votares OF
intemperance, who were bending body and
soul under viler thraldom than that from
which their fathers rescued them, have
been emancipated from the degrading bon
dage of inlemperance, and raised to the
high standing of moral virtuous and re-
spectacle men. When the pledge of tota
abstinence was first adopted, great ano
mighty opposition was reused to life
The charge of ultraism was loudly ant
impiously made to stigmatize the cause
with all the eXtravagances of anti-repub
llcanism. But the result has proved, tha
then commenced new and glorious era il
the history of society and Of our owl
country. The reformation has steadil,
. and successfully advanced until opposition
has become powerless before the triumph
of this mighty engine Of moral power
Temperance has passed its stage Of novel
: ty but has lost none of its interest. Th
excitement caused by its startling innova
l. tions and by the overturning of ancier
= customs has subsidized. The discovery ths
Dr. the drunkard can be saved is chronicled b
more recent truths.
Of The cheering and successful efforts tha
e. are every where made among the masse
IL not only 10 rescue the inebriate from tn
at degrading vices of Intemperance, but ais
ir to elevate his condition, and character
r. society; consequence which the pr
n sent organization of the Temperance eau:
NJ is best calculated to effect.
of These are omens that demonstrate clea
ly and beyond a rational doubt, that Il
n Temperance cause is destined ultimatel
ne and at no distant period, to complete tt
on full circle of its glorious triumphs. v
p deem it unnecessary on the present occ
ot sion, to entertain you by descanting on Il
ct well known and dreadful effects of inter
d perance. We believe that in this enligh
: ened age but few can be so skeptical,
Ie- ignorant, in regard to the baneful cons
'ut quences of the habits of Intemperance,
es, to need any argument, or reiteration of
Ill here, to produce a conviction of the trut
,re and TO convince them Of the direful efe'
Ike of intemperance, as we'll as the blessin