Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-08-29
Response of H. Sterling Averitt.

RESPECTED LADIES 1t has been made
my duty, by the members of Harrison's
Creek Division, to perform the delightful
task of receiving at your hands this most in
estimable gift. feel assured that each and
every one of our members receive it as
treasure indeed. As has been Justly remark
ed, it is the foundation of temperance the
foundation of every virtue. Upon this vol
ume rest the hope and joys of the intelligent
universe. 1t teaches US to shun the unholy
cup, and points out the WAYS of Eternal life,
and declares in thunder tones, no drunkard
shall enter the kingdom of Heaven
For this esteemed gift, allow US to return
our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude; and
not only for this, but also for all your kind
acts on this and other occasions, which have
left impressions indellible as the pencil of
the sculptor upon the rock.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is not for this
alone we afe assembled here to-day; we
have other things Of importance to present
to your minds. We have powerful enemy
in our midst. He is going forth through
the length and breadth Of our land, scatter
ing poverty, disease aud death-laying.wast
the beautiful fields Of Intellect and destroy
ing men, both mentally an,l physically
| There arc few, perhaps, in all this assembly,
who are not daily witnessing his work of
destruction. A father,a a BROTHER, dear
relative or friend NAV have needed the voice
Of the monster, and is now making gigantic
strides down to a drunkard's 5 grave-:he
grave to which he. who goes. goes unwept,
unhonored and unsung. This Is the work
of King Alcohol. that mighty foe we are
united to Danish from our land. And can
we do it? Let the cry 90 forth through all
;, the laEd-=l0s loiH try. Our organization has
aIready done u1och. But a few yezis-:sg5
) the first Division Was established and stood
, forth as lone star above the horizon; and
I now the number has increased and spread
from Maine TO California. Thousands have
been raised from shame and degradation by
our helping hands, and now the beautiful
sentiments of Love, Purity and Fidelity
are stamped upon their hearts. Many noble
; minds, whose light the dark waves of tenn
perance had almost obliterated, have been
restored to brilliancy and usefulness.
But though much has been achieved, vel
: much remains to be done. We have oppo
: siiion on every side, and occasionally W.
we must not, qgak not surrender. but ratbe,
! engage more earnestly in the work, proving
Y that our cause is just, and that the battle i
= not to the strong but TO the yigilant, IN,
active and the brave. Besides, we are no
!, weak; for we have noble army, armed
! ! not with the sword, but with the beautiful
4 weapons of love, truth and moral suasior
Then brethren, despond no more but or
is aloud from the mountains TO sea board tha
/ another powerful ally has come to our assis
le tance. This, as You have both seen an
D. heard to-day, is lovely WoMAN. With he
II Il approving smile and powerful influence, "
shall ere long proclaim the battles Tough
ve the victorys won' There may be som
of who doubt that you are able to aid in tn
great reformation but to such allow me
d. say, you know not and appreciate not III
lg influence Of lovely Woman. Yes, Lsdie
3 you have the power, if you will exert it,
81 - Danish the use of intoxicating drinks fro
Is. our land. Remember then, oh, remembt
II, the teachings of This inspired Book you ha,
nd this day presented US: OF him to who
NJ much Is given, much will be required ;
m, Though YOU be sufficient to the task, we
Gu not desire this. All we ask is yoar assi
be lance and will you not grant it We a
ev happy to see that some of you at least ha
no. shown a determination to lend US helpir
I'D, hand. =
ne And now, brethren, with the Ladies' f
cd, assistants, and the word of God for our cou
OF selor, we will boldly attack this mighty de
ave pot who has so long bound the world in {
are ranieal chains-who has filed our prison
with criminals and our alms-houses WI
we paupers-who has reduced man from
the high state of moral beauty and excellenc
use to a state infinitely beneath that of the brui
to Brethren, pursue him, even to the ends
was the earth, until the places that once kne
!. him shall know him no more forever. Tn
will the wife no longer dread the return Of
drunken husband-a sister no more lame
ms and pray for a fallen brother but beho
55, the husband, with buOYant heart and ste
Nm return to his home and meet the happy W
ma come of his delighted family. Behold
profigate brother return to the embrace
r. loving sisters. Behold all nature reioic
: ~ for man is redeemed
I'o And now, fair lady, permit me to return you
oe kindest thanks for the noble part you have tai
sent in the exercises to day. Think not that V
kindness will be received with indifference ,
- soon be forgotten no; never can it be era
anu from our memory. Time viii roll on in continu
ed revolutions, and return us all to mother earth,
that your noble example will stand forth as a Gv
NC monument of the interest you cherished in
f'O rescue of erring man. We will henceforth end
hner vor to follow your preeepts, in warning fel
pre- to shun the unholy cup, and kindly in
nor him to come and take refuge with US where e
is shield to the other and all to the world an
81 I'D ample"