Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-05-30
CurrrspauhiHg Ghitur's Department
R. c. STAPLES, PORTSMOUTH, VA.
FOR THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
An Appeal in behalf of the Cadets of
Temperance.
BY QORCASSINA.

Methiuks there is a sad neglect on the
part of some of the Parents of oar beloved
land and country. 1t is hardly necessary
for me to mention the fact that there is such
an institution in existence as the Cadets of
this association, youths from the aye of II to
81 years (inclusiUe) are admitted. They
must be of good moral character, and before
being proposed for membership, must have
the written consent of their parents OF guar
dams.
The end and aim of this society is to rear
up the rising generation in utter adherence
of all that intoxicates. Truth, Virtue and
Temperance are its guiding principles, and
bYotherly love is exercised one towards anoth-
ey. 1t is a noble Order-which has in view
the good of country, and of fellow-man-an
Order which | verify believe, will ultimately
result in the redemption of the world from
the ~hydra-monster, intempeFance. 1t is in
this sense that the order appeals to every
philanthropic mind. To you, Parents, it
more especially appeals-for, on you depends
the future prospects of your offspring. 1t is
for you to inculcate into their minds right
principles, and to decide the fate of that onlv
child, whether he shall prove an ornamen
to society-a bright and shining Lighter
whether at last he shall fall a victim to the
intoxicating draught, which smiles but to
deceive and thus fill the drunkard's awful
grave.
Oh what a horrid picture have we to
contemplate in the besotted drunkard. His
whole nature is changed. and nothing but
black despair his portion is. We behold his
neglected family and deserted home. The
dreary dwelling fails as a shelter from the
OnlI HAST IS ruInfar- md sod Aook -
within, weeping over the hopes once fondly
cherished, but which have faded beneath the
blighting, whitening influences of the Demon
Alcohol and, dread reality to think and
know that this appetite was formed, perhaps
in the days of early youth.
Oh, Parents, Guardians, let me earnestly
appeal to you in behalf ofthose tender charg-
es which al all-seeing God has given YOU
Consider upon the fall which probably awaits
them without your timely interference. That
child, the darling of your bosom, with whose
soft ourls dangling free,' you love to toy,
may become a prey to the fell DESTROYER
locked up, and compelled perhaps to live out
the best of his days, in the damps of a pris.
op's cell, and at last perish miserabIe-mis
cradle. In future years, when amid the
gayety of the world, we look for his face II
vain-a maniacal Shrek from her whom he
led a blooming bride to the altar, will cause
us to shudder, lost, lost, forever-and YOU
Parents, amidst the jests and ieers of a care
less world, will have to take up the sad la
mentation-' Oh, Absalom, my son, nv son
Absalom-would to God | had died for thee
oh, Absalom my son, my son.
Then, | would ask, will you suffer him tt
go, and gradually sink into the lowest depth
of degradation and sin, or will you throw
around him the net work Of the Cadets G
Temperance. Shall he have cause to ours
the day which gave him BIRTH or will yor
guide him in the ways of soberness and truth
that he may ultimately prove a comfort t
you, in your old, decrepid age? These ar
solemn questions. Reflect upon them, an