Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-10-06


ed that we will free our associates from the "thral-
dom of the inebriating cup"
We feel our little band of brothers growing strong
by degrees, and we hope ere long to see the day
when nothing will be left for the exercise of our
genius, or the energies of our ambition. Had we to
transfer to canvass a picture in which were combin-
ed the horrors of a maniac writhing in the madness
of frenzy, the anger Of an insolent and PROSTATE
demon grooming beneath the serenity of punish
ment proportional to his guilt, and the fell revenge
Of a devil ~weltering in q sea Of Ere I: We Mpnid paint
would realize @ conception of the nature of that in
definite and detested being, so aptly described by
Milton when he said:
"Him there they found squat ike a toad,
Close at the ear Of Eve"
who has brought sin, death and misery into the
world or if we would conjure up an image wither-
ed by disease, consumed by distress, and laboring
under a raving insanity: we would point to the
haggard features of one suffering the terrible ago
nies of Mania Potu.'
Intemperance encireIes its devotees with disease,
and generates within the bosom of pale-hearted
man the desperation of hatred, malice and revenge.
Its power over the mindsa and reason of men is to be
only for the melancholy disaster with
which 1t has shrouded the destiny of many a soul.
Whenever it has insinuated itself into society, there
viii forever remain evidences of its blasting curse.
Hence, we may point to our own country, to our own
State, and 1 fear / may say to our own beloved
county, as the victims Of an intemperance more hor-
rible than any over which the tears of human sor-
row were ever shed. But thank God, the progress
Of this monster is " growing small by degrees, and
beautifully less" and will continue so to do, until
we the advocates of its diminution shall occupy the
the Hottest position among the sons of men.
Man has turned his ingenuity to the good of his
fellow-man. He directs his genius, and applies his
science to the advancement and welfare of humane
y. We live not for ourselves alone, but for our fell
bowman. "Let all our soul be given to succor and
to aid, to cheer and to love-" Let us not be diseour.
aged therefore let US not sit with folded hands ex-
pecting our work to be done for US. Our own arms
IN this cause are demi-gods. 1t was intended for us
to help ourselves. Go forth into the world trustful
but fearless. Exalt your own adopted profession
nor vainly hope that its name viii exalt you. Look
on labor as honorable, and dignity the task which
you nave imposed upon yourselves. God promises
well to those who have done their duty. Nature, too,
speaks kindly to you from field and forest, from hill
and lakeside. Go into the glade and woodland, by
the waving harvest, and the bright sparkling river
look up at the stars in the still of night listen to
the gentle voice of the south wind as it whispers a.
mong the trees watch the pulsations of the ocean
as they regularly beat on the sand. Such teachings
will tell there is consolation in the struggles of this
life, and may foreshadow the repose of that which
is to come.
Yes, brother Sons work on, work ever, "hope on
hope ever" Let work and hope ever be your mot
to =
"Hope like the g~limmering taper's light,
Illumes and cheers our way,
And still as darker grows the night
Emits a brighter ray"
By industry and perseverance we know not What
we may be able to perform. Let US try
Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear:
Full many o flower is born to blush unseen.
And waste its sweetness on the desert air."
And now, fair lady, let me in conclusion. return Il
you our unfeigned thanks for the part which vo1
have taken in to-days exercises. We most sincere
ly thank you for the advice which you have river
us, and will endeavor to make our acts conform t,
the principles taught in the Bible. With our cause
Tor a leader, you tor a supporter and our Bible fol
a guide; we will rally around our Banner and plac,
it upon a citadel of success from whence it shall
never be torn down. Yes, lady, you by your nobl,
conduct have inspired us with new hope
"And say, without our hopes, without our fears.
Without the home that plighted love endears.
Without the smile from partial beauty won.
Oh! what were man? a world without a sun.
Till Hymen brought his love delighted hour.
There dwelt no joy in Eden's rosy bower!
In vain the ruthless seraph lingering there
At starry midnight charm'd the silent air:
In vain the wild bird carolFd on the steep.
To hail the sun, slow wheeling from the deep:
f II y9 9HinR6a6 hH fq %tha TIA that sg9ffi 5tcoY~ tfhhan sdP5angIed tree,
The whispering wave, the murmur of the bee;
Still slowly passed the melancholy day,
And still the stranger visit not when to stray.
The world was sad! the garden was a wild!
And man, the hermit, sigh'd-till woman smiled!