Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-24

pand beneath the genial influence Of iudic-
ious culture and exercise. The present state
Q fthe world favors that development Of soul
which 50 much happiness depends -
The organizations and associations Of the
present day are doing a work Of REFORM
They are in a measure renoyatine the hui
man soul. The first step they make in this
reform is to place all within their limits upon
an equal footing. Here merit alone takes
precedence. Here are no artificial distinc-
tons based upon wealth or circumstance
Here, If there be within these frazier caskets
a soul, it has a chance to expand, beneath
the genial and fostering care of the a~ssocia-
ton. Its powers are developed-called out
not forced, but induced into healthful ac-
tien. We are each of us conscious of pos
sessing a soul, a spirit, a something that
moves us, that WINS no earthly origin, and
we are equally well aware, that upon the ac-
ton Of this innate thinking principle our
earthly and eternal welfare and happiness de-
pend. We are all aware that it becomes O
duty to cultivate this soul, to make it rich in
feeling, thought, purposes and action. This
needs no proof. Else why our various insti-
tutions Of learning? Why our organizations
for mental, moral, and social Improvement ?
Why the institution Of the Sons Of Temper
ance, but that they may renovate the human
soui-that they may reform the erring, and
strengthen the virtuous in pure and holy pur-
posesf Why do the daughters of Temper
anee, under their strong organization, com
bine their less efficient efforts to aid the great
work Of progression 2 It is that under the
full consciousness of duty, no human being
can be idle. It is that the assurance of hap
piness to a greater mass Of human beings,
rising through their efforts, stimulates them
on to action. We cannot toll for that which
endureth but for a day. Ours is a greater
and anobler work. IT'S ours to aid the re
turning prodigal to the path, Of rcctitude,
sobriety and peace. IT'S ours to aid sociaI
reform, casting from us all false distinctions
lis ours to promote mental and mora
culture. IT'S ours to show by our practice
{ as well as by U profession, that we arc ae
ting on earth as though allied to angels anC
heaven. Here, as | have before stated, thu
ground Of equality upon which all stand
/. gives the first healthful stimnlous to action
Here no petty aristocracies intrude to binG
3 down human power by the curb-bit Of fear
Every feature Of our institutions favor til,
fun development and action of human pow
er. Here we may that work 0
I progression that is perfected in heaven. But
says one, ] have 50 many cares ; / have s.
much to epgross my time and attentions
many perplexities, that I have no time to de
4 vote to the improvement Of which you speak
1 | would only ask Of such, are you satisfied
Are the pursuits that engross your time an,
y attention adequate to FIJI the soul, and prc
duce the full amount of enjoyment Z
which you are capable? Do you ODE
the full and entire dictates of your IN
ner nature7 Are you fully conscious {
the powers ofyour own soul Are there nc
yelling up from the fountain depths Of th
heart, desires that are not satisfied? Al
there not cravings for ahigher and a holier Ii
le which the plaudits Of fame, the honors of an
bition, and the pleasures of wealth can neys
IS Satisfy We are aware that we are capabl
d higher and holier enjoyments, that we 81
$ commencing here discipline that is to 1
N perfected IN heaven. The institutions of ii
le Sons and Daughters have become so man
radiating points from which light is drawn
upon darkness, alight that shall gid the S
i ciai and moral horizon of our being. Ma
se kind Heaven prosper our every effort and e
p able US 10 go forward in unity and strengl
TO the utmost perfection Of which we, as "a
IT ional, intelligent, and immortal beings, a
in capable.