Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-06-13
IaAirs' Dtpartultnt.
WHAT MoTHER CAN no.

~~
WHAT A MOTHER CAN DO.
The silent and insidious approach of the
habit Of intemperauce is a characteristic so
extremely dangerous as to demand perpetual
vigilance. This is especially true in regard
TO all families and individuals not solemnly
pledged 10 total abstinence. Nothing steals
50 msensibly upon its ~votaries, as excess in
this brutalizng indulgence. Little by little,
the poor victim IS tempted to increase the
quantity Of poison that is secretly consuming
his vitals while he remains, too often, who'll
ly unconscious Of the dreadful chasm that
yaWns beneath his feet.
Henry my dear Henry-said a fond
mother to her son Of eighteen, whose pale
cheeks and haggard eyes, once blooming and
brilliant, but now hollow and dim, gave but
too sad evidence Of the formation Of habits
fatal to his future health and happiness
what i the matter with your You are not
we'll know you are not. These late hours
are destroying you. Tell me, my dear son,
are the friends with whom you spend so
much Of your time, members Of a Temper
ancs SocietyP
A flush Of shame spread over the cheek
Of the ingenious youth, who, conscious Of
guilt, answered timidy-sNo, mother-no,
mot that know Of. But why do you ask
meP
Because, my dear, the character of our
companions but too often decides our own
fate IN life. Hyour associates are not tenn
peFance youths, they may indulge in drink
beyond The limits Of prudence, and may even
tempt you to follow their example,
Yes-mother; but they never get intox-
icated. None Of us drink to excess
50 you think, Henry, no doubt. But why
drink at all, except when thirsty 2 and then
why not quench your thirst with water? Il
is not enough, that people who drink wine
or brand, do not get tpsy. l have some.
times thought that it is easier to reform the
drunkard, than the tippler. Why Because
those who are Arrays drinking, and yet, new
err get tipsy, are more certain to undermine
their ne~rvoussystem, and fall victims to dis
ease and death, than those who are positive
inebnates. It is because they think them
selves sober, when they are not, and appeal
msensible oftheir excess for the reason tina
they can say they nsUer get drunk! De.
pend upon il Henry, this sober habit o
drinking, Is the most dangerous Of all.
you have fallen into it, my dear son, 70,
cannot too soon commence a reform
Well, mother| really believe there j
much truth in what you have said. We Al
Of rs drink, and perhaps too often
Nov, my dear Henry, your candor ha
relieved me Of weight on my heart that
cannot describe to you. KNEW you wouI
not deceive your mothw. No one shoul
ever drink, but when he Is thirsty; and thel
he should drink water, or some innocent b,
verage that quenches thirst which wine an
brandy do not You, Henry, have too muc
good sense to make It necessary that / Shout
expatiate on the folly, w~ickedness, and de-
radiation Of tipping Reflection viii enab
you TO- see your own danger and give yo
resolution to shu the pFeeipice that yawl
II your very feet l see theVe is a new s.
Getty formed IN our neighborhood, and fro
what / have read Of it in the Temperan,
Advocate very much approve it, and thin
il will do great good. Imean the Sons
Temperance Promise me, Henry, that yc
Win become a member, and | shall no long
have my sleep disturbed by the horrid dream
that often haunt me. You have not forge
ten the sad fate Of your unhappy father r
Here the eyes Of the anxious mother owe
flowed with tears for her heart was now Fl
mdsbe could no longer restrain her feeling
1have no. forgotten, dear mother-Ihs
NOS forgotten it-cried Henry, as he attem
ted to keep the tears from filing his eyes,
Mol / have not forgotten it and | will j.
the Sons Of Temperance at their very ne
meeting. / feel, that my honor once pledJ
Twill be safe. No man will dare ask me
violate my honor! You have saved me, l
dear mother-you have saved your only 81
now see the dangers that beset me-
God bless you, my dear son ; you h'
made me happy ; and God will bless a
prosper you, depend omit
Dry your tears, mother / viii drink
more
The happiness of that loving parent '
too great to endure in silence. She encirc
her noble boy in the arms of affection, 8
then, falling on her knees, poured forth
prayer Of gratitude to God for his deE'
ance-S. C. Temperance AdUocate.
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