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

What is true courage, and in what doth 1t con-
sist In boldly bidding defiance to the laws OF
and man and challenging your fellow to
meet in mortal combat upon the ensanguined PLAIN
of murder, christ;anized by the chiUGtrotS title
of the " FIELD OF HONOR q" Is he truly cour-
ageous, and does he manifest the principle OF
brGUery, that rejoices over the mlsfortunes OF IN
nocence and weakness, and joins In the popular
shout of approval Of measures which carry sor-
row and ruin to the once happy and prosperous
family? Does taking sides with the strong, re-
CARELESS Of the justice of their cause, because OF
their power, exhibit marks of the truly courage
Gus heart? Or, does he display the true moral
courage of a Patriot and Phi!anthToplst, who IS
ever to be found engaged in promoting the cause
of virtue and humanity, whether clothed IN the
purple of affluence or the rags of poverty 2
With whom principle and right are the ruling,
propelling powers?
II this land of liberty and plenty is to be found
slavery and restitution in their most calling and
4 e6F IN re
,os IN their struggles for freedom, no expires
-" e.umpathy is heard for our own IelioW-cltl-
tzeHS, who are bound hand and foot by the slavish
chains of intemperance! When the cry for aid
came across the waters for the relief of starving
Ireland, hundreds of vessels, laden with bread for
the hungry and clothing for the naked, were des-
patched from the hospitable shores Of God-blest
America, to their rescue but here at home we
have hundreds suffering and dying for the necessa-
ries of life, in consequence of the robberies commit
ted upon their once we'll filled larders, by the rum
fend, and yet no public, national demonstration is
made Gas in the case of Ireland) to relieve the des-
titute thousands in our own midst!
We have no complaint to make against these
p~raise-worthy demonstrations in behalf of others
we cheerfully contributed our mite in sympathy
and extending relief to these unfortunate and snf-
fering countries-but we would ask, are we to pass
by, unheeded and unheard, the voice of lamenta-
ton and wretchedness which rises from our own
citizens, and raise not a hand for the relief OF the
: suffering in our own midst? If it were a popular
: move-if the great men of the nation were exert
ing themselves in stirring up the people to actor
in this truly benevolent work, what an earnest ant
enthusiastic rush would be made in behalf of down
trodden humanity! But, thank Heavens, TIT
masses are the rulers and controllers of events ii
this free government; and we hope yet to see then
rise in the majesty of their strength, and frown in
to disuse the vile practice of indulgence in intoxi
eating beverages. If the people will it, the con
summation can readily be attained. Enough ligh
use is injurious and ruinous-that the only safe
. guard is to be found in total abstinence. He, then
who, despite Of popular prejudices, formed unde
the sway Of unwholesome and corrupt appetite;
will raise his voice for the good of his race, Attic
assaulted by the would-be trainers Of public sent
" ment, is the truly firm Patriot, humane PhilanthrC
pist, and consistent Christian, although he bash
not in the cushioned chair of State, his name is NJ
' lauded as one of the benevolent of the earth, an
he r%ejoices not in the rustling folds of the gov
- and s%urplice. True greatness-real courage, liz
= Sc charity, vaunteth not itself"-but is content
labor in the cause of humanity, and revel in the Ell
y joyment of an approving conscience.