Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-09-06

but / deeply wonder wien ] glance over the ruin IN
temperance has wroUght, the hearthsiones 1t has
desolated, the lives it has blighted, and the hearts
it has broken, how III that she can be as calm and
Indifferent as she really is. How hedares to smile
when the wine cup flashes and spazkles around her;
how she can clasp witfbut a shuader the hand that
deals it out to d strickeI world how she can tamely
bear to have questionskh her right to interfere.
Nor has she been By any means unaceountable
for the desolation which has marked its progress.
She has presided at the board when it dubbed
and glewed on the crystal goblet's briTE. She has
sanctioned its use ri the birth, the bridal, and
even in the dark funeral hour. She has allowed
its Identification with all her brightest and hottest
social enjoyments. The hour OF mlrth has been
rendered boisterous by its unhealthy inhaenee-and
that Of sorrow, whichshould work Quits own great
lessons of faith and SUBMISSION and love, IS oftimes
drowned in its supplying effects. In view Of this
thoughtless course, noH that the world is awaken
ing from its long lethargy, let her, too, rstraceher
steps and expend her enthusiasm uponNthe sup
preston of every variation in that custom which
she knows to be wrong God has endowed woman
with influences of a sV6til yet potent character
lie has laid her handsnpon the helm of the infant
mind. He links the Idestinies of lifetime with
the lessons taught byla mothers gentle lip. He
has rendered the stert heart of manhood lmpressl-
BILE by her reproachful gIance-the pleadings of
her voice-and the utUtterable beauty of her con-
fding trust. Hehasappointed her His minister to
the feeble infant'sfrs sad waiting cry-He endows
her with strength to Eipe the death damp from the
lofty row-and to ald the spotless drapery which
is never more to be stirred over the face that she
loved.
Man has indeed q glorious mission TO perform,
ENHan6swe gkze d sost q "a agAzS5on film iE&his
strength g battle with LIES sternest care, as he
carves his way to fame, to glory orHto wealth but
let the hours of WEAKNESS and pain which come
alike to all, press upon him sore--letd deception anC
falseho0d for a time crush back all his native ener
gy, until collapsedand nerveless he feels there is
naught left him but despair-and where do we fin
him then? Not In senate chamber or court-nO
amid the jostling crowd or on the crashing battl
held-No, an! no but in the seelusion Of home, wit
womans gentle fingers lingering about his feyere
temples--her eye looking truth and pity into hi
soul, and her voice discpursing encouragement IN
til hope and health como back again. And in thos
hours, oh how much shecan pour into his car, ofth
better feelings which her absence from temptatio
has engendered and the continued seclusion Of be
life so highly favours. She can teach him thu
worldly distinction, and %grandeET, and fIme'are II
sufficient to fill that one great aching void, sacre
to his immortal responsibilities alone. She ca
impress upon his mind that truth and kindness an
are not not fond dreatnings, meet only for her oW
simple duties, but to lam unrunbeTed opportunitit
arc offered for improvement in virtue and hollne
and of leading others into safe spaths by the lam
which guides his feet Alright.
I have given you nc logical answer to the cue
ton "what have you to do with the tenIperan
cause?" / know full well. But what to won;
: are all the cool deliberate calculations of scient
the abstract arguments against its effects up
the physical or meAtal SYSTEM, the long arr
r of murders and outrages and prisons and gibbt
/, which are intimately associated with intemperanc
D Unrloved she may lislto it all, for herhearts id'
remain untouched hut bend down to her ear a
Q whisper the %talismanid words-ad drunken husbaI
an inehriate son or Incorporate brother, and /
y blood runs chill and horror and sickening Dire
. thrills along all the electric wires of her soul. Lo
4 We well to it then, since We have so much at sta
8 that We have also much to Go with the advancem'
of the temperance cause.