Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-04-27
roR TIE SPIRIT oF THE AGE.

When we look back at the past and COM
pare the "times of old" with the present
state of things" we arc compelled to ac-
knowledge, however reluctantly with shame
and q deep sense of modification and regret,
the zeal and energies of our brethren in
this portion of the State is waxing cold, as it
were, in advocating and doing homage to the
great cause which they have voluntarily es-
poused. Permit me-, Mr.. Editor, to PROFOUND
a few simple questions to our brethren Why
is it that you are growing lukewarm in such
a noble cause Are your works not good,
and such that will not only receive the appro-
baton of the poor widow andorphan of each,
but such an one that angels of heaven APP
prove and smile upon? Are you so grossly
blind to your respective duties that you see
nothing within your power to accomplish ?
Do you think that all the ~inebriates within
the circle of your acquaintance have aban-
doned the cup of intemperance and embraced
the principles which we profess? Or are
you exulting over the belief that you have
you have driven from among us those foul
monsters who deal in the low, degrading,
mean, loathsome, soul-destroying business Of
traficing in intoxicating liquors? IT'S a
pleasant reflection, and consoling to any low
er of humanity to indulge but, alas how
sadly disappointed. If your reflections are
ola nature pertaining to my last interrogato-
ry, let me ask you for Gods sake listen to
the %ruinous and awful rumors of this "tip-
pling" shop below us, and see if this will
not stir us up to more vigorous action.
Perhaps one may say that opposition does
not wage against US as in times Of old, and
that there is no use in preaching temperance
so strong as formerly; but my brother let me
admonish you take heed visit this howell of
damning influence, and are you not strongly
convinced that opposition still exists ? While
you are visiting this place of bitter corrup-
ton, please. say to the respectable proprietors
for me, that they must look sharp to escape
the damnation of hell. If theirs is not a
work in opposition to oar calling, then Ideem
it advisable fov us to hang up our Ban.
ners," and sound it throughout all creation
that our work is finished. But are we no
bound to admit that it is? Surely we are
Then brethren let me beseech you to organ
Use our little band more thoroughly, buckle
on the armor and shield more tightly, anC
do noble battle against our contending foes
who are now already in the battle field ant
crying for the blood of innocent humanity
Let us hoist our banner ~triumphantly abov,
the heads of these c~ontending foemen, ant
point them to the inscription, on one side, o
l.. p. & f. and on the other, the drawn swort
ready to sever the ties which binds them t
| their victims.
, Ours is a good cause, brethren, and on
= which should not be suffered to be abused
The ladies tell us it is a good cause, and VIII
are more capable of Judging good from evil
e than they ? Have they not felt the bite
sting of intemperanee in SOM of it's variou
forms. All must know that this portion {
our community has felt its bitterest pangs
Then it behooves us as philanthropists to al
them In driving tn: monster from us.
e Would you believe it, Mr.. Editor, when
h say that we have one of these " hell-gates"
our county, which from its direful infueI
e ences pom society causes three-fourths of til
9 crimes committed in our county, and is directl
:, or indirectly a heaviertaxthan all the poorwE
e are dependent upon the charities of our coul
e ty? Such a state of things does surely e.
S list, and the records of our courts viii bei
me out in the assertion. Then, think yol
l. that we can fold our arms, sit down upon Il
stool of do nothing and say the reason WI
y we use no greater efforts, or as great as
times past, is, that we have no opposition
he conted against that we have the whole bus
n ness in our hands, it is a one sided questio
to and the work is complete Not SO fast, n
brethren. lis true it is a one sided que
G, tion-we have all the reasons why ours is
ct good work, and can prove directly that Il
to rum seller is an abomination 10 the sight
ce some men, and of heaven. But l can not
ne gree with you that our work is completed.
ne Much yet needs to be done, and It's sincere
d hoped that more vigorous efforts will be a
q, piled to free ourselves from the contagi
that must naturally follow the traffic in
toxicating drinks. P
y, Roxabel, April, 1853.
re "