Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-07-11
Retrospective and Prospective.

When we take q view of the present posi-
ton of the Temperance cause in the world
the high and commanding attitude it has as
sumed, the potent influence it exerts for good
Upon communities, the marked advances it
has gained over error, ignorance, appetite
and crime, and then look back for the brief
space of a quarter Of a century, instead of
its friends seeing any thing to discourage
them from putting forth their energies for
still greater achievements, there is every
thing to stimulate them to renewed diligence
in this glorious enterprise. A few years ago,
the decanter and the bottle were deemed as
necessary in every household as the meal-tub
and the meat-barrel it was the constant
companion of the traveller the universal pa
nacea of the afflicted the sustainer of the
robust and athletic the solace of the poor
the comfort and luxury of the rich-the
one thing needfuP to every class and con-
dition of mankind.
Then, few had the beldness to declaim a
) gainst its moderate use. The pulpit was 81
e lent upon the subject, except now and then,
in general terms to denouncethe sin ofdrunk-
a enness nOv, alargo majority of the Church.
Y es regard its common use as an evil, and dep.
recate its indulgence as q fearful and grow
f ing habit leading almost inevitably to excess.
Then, it was the unvarying mark of hospi-
h tality and kindness and it's introduction the
IF universal salutation with which visitors were
welcomed no1o, very few sideboards contain
It it, and fewer still ~disgorge it on the appear
/. Of a friend. Then, it was deemed indispen-
n sable at all political, neighborhood or social
n, gatherings noU, while at the former it is
ut too commonly found, yet at the two latter,
" itissparingly INDUCED in or discountenaneed
altogether. Then, it would have been re-
tn garded as the rankesttyranny and oppression
r. to pass a law interdicting the sale of this
ks universal beverage no1c, this law prevails
ir in a number of States, and almost through
IN the entire world is recognized as the angel
,ot of mercy that is to reclaim mankind from
~ the thraldom Of intemperance, and the prin.
ciple will soon be universally acknowledged
ir- and acted on and the poisonous compound
Of be outlawed from civilized society. To sum
% up all in a few words, we may say that a
nd great, an astonishing change in public opin
ion upon the subject has taken place, ani
-, Alcohol at this day possesses not half thu
adj control over the affections and sympathies o
bv the people it did a few years ago.
The inquiry then arises. through whose
zen agency has this reformation been accomplish
ed ? No other answer can be truly given
HE than that it has been through the infuenc
lis Of Temperance organizations. The publ
rtb mind has been aroused from It's lethargi
md stupor by the light which has. been cast az
p on this subject through the medium of Ten
sed perance publications and associated actio
upon the hearts and judgments Of the peopl,
Public sentiment has been brought to sc
Tho and feel its enormities, and once arouset
the spirit Of opposition to it's having the ma
terry has continued to spread, and grow, ar
his increase, until in some portions it is in ii
ascendant. In view Of these gratifying r
nm suits, then, have the friends of Temperant
ond any real cause to be disheartened but {
,irs the contrary, is there not every thing to e.
courage them to persevere in their labor
was ~, ~ - iai S''h" oelore 'nei
bus : redeemed, ~regenerated and ~disenthralle
+h;s from the shackles Of Intemperance, viii,
has SO long enslaved and debased the natiol
Of the earth? Yea, verify Courage, the
brothers The work we have undertaken
ties, - horon1ono a-~l
louS day or year-but that it will eventually t
.e ! = umph, is as sure and certain as that Tru
ing is immutable and mighty, and must pI
piri- vail,
ions -4e.-
= no "a We would call attention to the A