Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-08-03
ROBERT S. MACOMBER,
Rowan Co., July II, 1858.

The members of Mount Vernon Division
held a Temperance Celebration at South Riv-
or Church on the 4th of July. Rev. Messrs.
Hudson, Clegg, Reid. Van Eaton and Blbb,
all members Of the Order, addressed US on
that occasion. Having so many able speak
crs, of course the subject was well discussed
Alcohol, with all its direful consequences,
was held up to the public view, while the
distiller and vcnder were handled without
gloves.
Miss Elizabeth Fleming, assisted by the
Misses Nicely, in behalfoft the ladies, presen-
ted the Division with Il beautiful BIBLE, ac-
companied with an appropriate and touching
address. Brother James f. Smoot received
the Bible at the hands of the fair ones, and
delivered q wcll-suited response. After the
speaking was all over, Il pledge was present
ed to the ladies, and u large number signed
it. At the Same time the W.. ?. announced
to the gentlemen that the Division would
meet that evening to initiate all who wished
to join. Five were initiated that day, and
two Joined by Card.
We believe q great deal of good was done
that is not now perccptible. Like the seed
sown in good ground, after a while it will
spring forth and produce much fruit. Our
Division, though located in q ncighborhood
where opposition is abundant, and liquor no
scarce commodity, has gone up rapidly. We
opened on the LIST of April with eleven men,
bers we now number twenty four and we
hope by the industry of the Sons, the smiles
Of the Ladies, and the blessings of Heaven,
very soon to have q large Division and a tenn
perate community.
And while | am writing, let me say n few
words to the Temperance men of North Car
DINA, though your excellent paper. If we
desire the great work in which we are en-
gagged to 90 on to a speedy and triumphant
victory, let US open a Division in every
neighborhood throughout the State where
eight petitioners can be found. If there was
one in every religious congregation, and
christian people would join, and take an IN
terest in it, as they ought to do, IN two
years we would have q Prohibitory Law
For a long time it was thought that Divis-
ions would not work we'll in the country, but
from experience we find that to be a mistake
they work as well, if not better, than they
do in towns, for nearly every town in the
State has one or more grog shops In them
which tear down as fast as the Sons built
up. Ii we correct the public mind arount
the villages, the liquor seller will have t.
suspend operations, for two reasons LIST
Because y large number ofhis customers liv,
in the country, and if We convert them, hi
profits will be curtailed and when the profit
cease, tie high and noble calling aUiU ceds
also. Secondly, If the Magistrates were al
temperate men, there would be no license
; granted for | hold no man of good mora
character will apply for license to retail
whiskcy. Then tell the Sons Of the Oh,
North State to buckle on the Temperate
armor; 60 to work to open new Divisions
long we will have the qualification of know
ing that we were instrumental in removin
one of the greatest curses from our land tina
has ever afflicted a civilized people. l renal
your brother in the bonds of Temperance.
COLD WATER.