Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-09-21
G. nj imitation II.
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.

Much has been said and written on the i'm
portant subject of temperance. The ground
has been occupied by those who nave done
ample justice to the subject, so that it no
longer has the charm of novelty to recon-
mend it to the consideration of the public
While it has lost this temporary auxiliary to
its success, it has gained an important posi-
tion in the public mind, and is now exerting
q happy and saving influence over the moral
habits Of thousands in these United States.
1t is the indispensable duty of every lover
of God and man, to set his face against the
growing and destructive evil of intemper-
ance, and help to ~reiterate the voice of warn
ing from one end Of this vast continent to the
other. This becomes the more necessary, as
the voice Of intemperance has assumed a bold
and daring stand, and unblushingly carries
on it's work of destruction In the face of the
MONDAY sun. Neither the thunders of the
Divine law, nor the disapprobation of public
sentiment, have yet been able either to drive
or starve this vice from the land. Time was,
when it was deemed so disgraceful for a man
to be guilty of intoxication, that those who
were drunken, were drunken in the nights"
but, at this age of improvement and refine
ment, this vice has received the sanction of
day light examples, and many of the rich are
otherwise influential parts of society, and
seen intoxicated in our streets. Public sem
timent is not yet sufficiently armed with the
terrors of disgrace and infamy, to drive this
vile practice into the darkness of midnight.
Should the efforts which are now making,
go on with a steady tide of successful oper-
alton, the time is not far distant when in
temperance shall again take it's proper place
and character among the u%nfruitful works
of darkness"
Intemperance in many places presents an
alarming aspect; misunderstanding, much
has been done to lessen the magnitude of this
national calamity. Many a female heart has
been disburdened of an almost ~insupporta-
BILE load Of grief by the reformation of an in
temperate husband. Many a parent whose
gray hairs o profigate son was bringing
down with sorrow to the grave, has been
' made to rejoice. Many a habitation as des.
r olate and dreary rs the very chambers Of
death, has been lighted up with the lamps o.
= prosperity and the smiles of friendship
Yea, through the instrumentallty of TIN
o friends of temperance, many a brand ha
been plucked from this all-devouring fire
4 and given back with great rejoicing to tn
hosoms of his friends and to the Church o
= God. And, to insure success, this wOrl
Y must still be pursued. There must be lin
upon line, and precept upon precept."
h If any thing exists in connection with GU
Zion, which is offensive to Him who bough
us with his blood, and which gives the inf
del and even the heather occasion to trump
d over US, it is the affecting evil of intempel
ance. Has not the moment arrived when o
the talent and influence of the church shout
be united to annihilate intemperance fror
; our land?
1t is considered n great honor to have bee
80 @A. -.
tional independence. Here is an opportun
e ty to display our patriotism-our chriStla
ID philanthropy and self-devotion in a gloriOr
SO cause-a cause that will reflect honor upo
~ any man. A cruel, oppressive tyrant hi
invaded our shores. He has brought wit
III him moral, national and eternal death ha
es ing no pity for old or young and will,
OF suffered to 90 on, make slaves of us ALL
u Shall we sit still and see his wide and ge
:, eral devastation without making an effort
d. Shall we securely fold our arms, when co
OF sequences so dreadful will be the result
rs our inactivity? Shall we be silent and stu
gish spectators of this dreadful havoc :!
Shall the voice of weeping and waillng pier
the heavens, and our hearts remain unmove'
Shall the loud lamentations and prayers
we distracted wives and starving children rea
en- the skies, and we remain insensible NJ
and brethren! Let US awake out OF o
sleep! 1t is no time for cold calculation.
mt The enemy is upon usl If he conquer,
ess have nothing to expect at his hands but
wv lures and death.
&c 1t is against this blood-thirsty tyrant
have waged war. Against this monster
have lifted up the banner. We have giro
ar on the sword in a holy cause, and wit
The solemn determination that we will ne
ia quit the field nor yield our position, III
~ this vile enenmy is driven from our good
" North State. Opposition we may expect,
'rk, let no opposition hinder us-let no Sian
Mr.. offend us-let no ridicule divert us-let
md resistance deter us-let no scorn move u
lot no threats daunts us-let no disgrace
ue courage US. Let ONWARD ONWARD!i
our march, and we shall succeed.
tless / am looking forward to the 18th of I
October, when some plan will be adopted
will be successful in carrying out the CO
: of Temperance in North Carolina. Lei
Ca go up to battle Let US equip ourselves
- the combat. The Lord of hosts shall lea
on to triumphant victory.
III. T. WEATuERL7