Spirit of the age., 1853-05-25
Response of Mr.. William J. Waite.

Fair LadieS:-It becomes my pleasing duty
to receive from you, in hehalfof the Sons of
Temperance of Chrystal Wave Division, this
precious volume-the Book of Books-whose
Author is the Author of Authors. And not
only does it become my duty to receive from
you this Holy Book, but to return you our
heartfelt thanks for the same, as a token of
the appreciation you have this day manifes-
ted for our prosperity, in this great temper
ance reformation. The highly priced heaven
" guide which you haveiust honored us with,
together with the chaste and we'll timed re-
marks by which it has been presented, indeed
deserve n response, far above my humble pre-
tentons-even from one who could touch the
golden harp Of el0quence, and with its en-
chanting melodies, return such acknowledge
ments as your laudable efforts so justly merit.
Intemperance, against which weare array
ed, is the worst enemy that ever invaded our
fair land. The Order of the Sons of Temper
ance has been formed for the suppress sion Of
tho evil. Our ancestors in the time of the
great Revolution armed themselves with Nus
kets, Soords and Cannon hut we do not :
we arm ourselves with Truth, Reason and
Moral Suasi0n. These are our weapons and
If we use them Us we ought to do (God being
our helper wo shall free our country from
the atrocious enemy. And as we are surroun-
ded by so much that tends to lead us from
our duty ws can 0ut feel thankful to those
who assist us in our heavenly undertaking.
Man, aided by woman, is able to accomplish
any task. We are, then, ladies, by the man
Hesitation of your interest for our Order, douh-
ly assured that we shall free our fair land
from tho evils of intemperancc, and restore
its degraded subjects to a moral and respec-
table position into society.
Intemperance encircles its devotees with
moral diseases. 1t creates hatred, malice and
revenge. Wherever it has insinuated itself
into society, there has been found evidences
its blasting influence. But, thank God,
the evil is dying away and hope it may
continue to do so, until the advocates of its
suppression shall occupy the loftiest position
among the sons of men.
Brother Sons We were not made for our
selves alone, hut also for our fellow-man.-
Let us, therefore, stretch out our arms in
every direction, to aid comfort, cherish and
relieve from oppression, all those who arc
comfortless and sorely oppressed by the evi
monster. And let us act virtuously too in al
Of our pursuits for man of virtue is ar
honour to his country, glory to humanity
satisfaction to himself, and henefact1- t.
the whole world. lie is rich without dishon
Gus without Deceit and brave without vice
Let us not be discouraged, hut go forth int
the world trustful and fearless. Look on la
Dor as honorable, and dignity the task whicl
you have imposed upon yourselves. Remem
Der that the rewards Of heaven is only prom
iscd unto those who have done their duty
As one generation sets the examples by whicl
tho next is to he governed, it is for us to sa,
whether or not the liquid fame shall he per
petuated, to consume our children. The la
dies have manifested % willingness on thei
part. by presenting unto MS this Heaven
ly Guide, to save their children from tn
blasting curse. Shall we remain negligent
idle and inactive? ? | trust not. / am fun,
persuaded that every man who sincerely wish
es the prosperity of the m'ng generation
will coincide with the Ladies in putting dow
this mighty man-consumer. Yes, brothe
Sons, by the aid of the Ladies we win bold
ly approach King Alcohol, and exelaim-
Thou who hastdegraaed and dnmoralized tin
human fam ly vino hast filled our iails an
peopled our Alms-houses; who hastcreate