Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-11-29
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i.dDDRESSto the Young Men ofthe Uni-
ted States, on temperance,
ny Rr. REV. C. p. M'ILvAINE, D. D.,
Bishop oftae Protestant Episcopal Church.
ICoNcLUDED FROM OUR Last
We say no more upon the plan of en-
tire abstinence. But we will mention
four reasons which should embolden
any friend Of temperance in urging it mp
on others.
/. 1t is extremely simple. All can
comprehend, all can execute it. II re-
quires no labor; costs no study; con-
sumes no time.
2. Il contains no coercion. It's whole
force is that Of reason. The influence
of laws and Of magistrates it does not
embrace. No man can complain of
trespass upon his liberty, when we
would persuade him to escape the drunk
ards slavery by not tasting the drunk
ards cup
8. In this cure there Is no pain. 1t is
recommended to whoms the temperGte-
to those who, having formed no strong
attachment to ardent spirit, can feel no
great self-denial in renouncing its use.
4. In this remedy there Is no expense
To those who complain Of other works
Of usefulness because Of their cost, this
is without blame. To drink no spirits,
will cost no money. But what will it
saver It will save the majority Of the
poorer class of the population, in most
Of our towns, one half their annual rent
It will empty all our almshouses and
hospitals Of two thirds Of their inhabi-
tants, and support the remainder. Yes,
such is the tax which the consumption
Of ardent spirits annually levies upon
this nation, that the simple disuse of
strong drink, throughout the land, would
save in one year the value of at least
I've times the whole national revenue.
II is too late to say that general a.
doption Of The great principle Of total alb
stinence is too much to be hoped for
A few years ago, who would not have
been considered almost deranged had
he predicted what has already been ac-
complished in this causes Great things,
wonderful things have already been eff.
fected. The enemies of this reforma-
ton, whose pecuniaIy interests set them
In opposition, are unable to deny this
fact. It is felt from the distillery 10 the
dramshop. It is seen from Maine tC
the utmost South and West. Every
traveller perceives it. Every vendel
knows it. The whole country wonders
at the progress Of this cause. II is rap
idly and powerfully advancing. On
thing, and only one, can prevent its en-
tire success. The frenzy Of drunken
ness cannot arrest its goings. The hun
dreds Of thousands in the armies o
intemperance cannot resist its march
Rot the temperate can. If backward +
come up to the vital principle Of thi
work, they iUiH prevent its accomplish
ment. But the banner Of triumph wi
wave in peace over all the land, halle
by thousands Of grateful captives fror
the grippe Of death, in spite Of all tn
warning Of the " mighty to drink wine,
if those who abhor intemperance, an
think they would be willing to make
great sacrifice to save theiI children {
friends from its blasting curse, will onl
come up to the little effort of entire absl
nence. This is surest and shortest wa
to drain off the river Of fire now flown
through the land. 1t is the moderal
use of the temperate that keeps ope
the smoking fountains, from which thi
tide is poured.
To YOUNG MEN who have not yet bee
brought under the dominion Of inten
perate habits. we address the urgent E,
hortation Of this cause. Consider Il
immense responsibility that devolv,
upon you. II is not TOO much 10 sa
that the question, whether this nation
to be delivered from the yoke of deal
whether the present march Of reform
ton shall 60 on till the last hiding plat
Of this vice shall be subdued, or else
arrested and turned back, with the so
row0f beholding the yaunting trump
and the emboldened increase of all Il
ministers of woe which attend in Il
train Of intemperance, rests ultimate
with you. You compose the muscle al
sinew Of this nation. You are to set Il
example by which the next generate
is to be influenced. By your inAuen'
its character will be formed. By yo
stand its position will, in a great mea
uFe, be determined. You are soon
suppiant those who have passed Il
state OF life you now are occupying
Soon the generation that is to grow
under the influence Of your example aI
instruction, will have reached 70
place. Thus are you the heart Of d