The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-12-21
IN ADVANCE.
N UNI B ER 46

But his influence continued to spread, un-
III it awakened an interest which shed
Christianity into all the habitable world
Did Christ begin his mnistrations under
more favorable aupices than has this law9
Born in horse stable, of very poor par
sn,s, grew up in an unfavorable condition,
and surrounded by adverse circumstances,
his task WAS one which none but He could
accomplish. The result of his mission is
known we have it in the good Book
And #, under all the diversified elements
of opposition which lie had to oppose, he
could successfully accomplish that which
he come to perform, in less than three
years, surely our people can succeed in
establishing in ten, a measure which only
lacks shade Of divinity to make it equal
with the doctrines he inculcated. Tenn
perance is an important and an essential
constituent of religion-and is in truth
religion under different name. In adopt
ing Temperance law, then, our State
would only be acknowledging the right of
Christianity Is it not clear as day, that
a law prohibiting the sale of intoxicating
liquors, save for sacramental or medicinal
purposes, is re-affirming those divine prin-
clPles SO beautifully taught by old Jors.
dab and Rechab, as well as by Christ him
self; and do we not see that this affirna-
ton would strengthen,its claims and ere
ate FOR 1t power hitherto unknowna
Ii the State, after all due preparation
should pass this law, there can be nc
question that tho people generally would
pay it homage. Looking at it with AN
impartial eye, and divesting it OF every
suPertluous trapping, they would consd
er 1t rs much entitled to their commenda-
ton RS many other laws that stand upon
our Statute book. Yes, indeed. know
there are laws in force here less popular,
less just, less fair and less sensible than a
Prohibiting law would be if drawn Up by
Legislators having in view the good Of the
whole people.
Why not adopt it! Would it be pre-
ductlvc ofwar! Amen. l do not belsys
1t would burn an ounce Of powder-not q
cap would explode. Why not bring Il
before the people and have a test VOTE
II they do not approve it, let them vote it
down. Thus its requiem can be sung
say bring it before the masses; let the
ballot box speak. 1t cannot become a
law without the consent Of a majority.--
Are we afraid of one another. Do wo
! not mingle together in the transaction Of
business and in the pleasures of the social
circle, and no dstrust arises but vet when.
measure calculated to affect our pocket,
is discussed, there seems to arise a dan
gerous animosity, and every man becomes
sIarmed-war with its long and ugly train
OF concomitant evils will come upon US.
les, it appears as if the people, or por.
ton OF them, are afraid to meet the issue
in pubhe capacity-afraid to approve,
and afraid to condemn, and this at last Is
the grand and fundamental secret Of the
slow progress of the Temperance Reform,
1t cannot be brought to climax before
the voters.
In conclusion let me say to the friends
Of Reform, be OF good cheer and stout OF
heart. AS the star in the East led tho
wise men to the spot where the infant
Saviour lay, so will this beacon fire lead
us onward to the heaven of success. Bat
tie on against every obstacle; and al.
though clouds for time may obscure the
sun, yet it will again burst forth in richer
splendor, and in moro glorious effugenco
than ever. The day Of victory must como.
The armies Of Rum may wave their black
flag over US now; the legions opposed to
us may smile in triumph, nevertheless the
time will come, when the white banner Of
Reform shall wave from every house-top,
and the loud halelujahs Of rejoicing be
heard in all the land.
Yours truly,
JAS. NJ SMITH.