Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-07-09
For the Spirit of the Age.

DEAR SIR We regret the lukewarmness
of the friends of Temperance. 1t is but one
of the many evidences of our fallen nature,
that whatever good re attempt, however sus-
tanned and encouraged by the prospect of
success, we are too apt to grow slack in the
performance of our duty as individuals. It
is not so much Indifference as to the result
of our cause, as a reliance upon the sufRcien-
cy of our strength-the potency of our
champions-that causes US to relax our zeal
at first. Each feeling his inability to do
much in the cause, ''5uries his Lords money
in the earth"-waits for the champion to 30
out and conquer the giants and destroy the
Anakars, before he will $50 and possess the
land"
This withdrawal Of support from the more
prominent actors in our ranks, discourages
them and they soon relax their zeal. They
can no more battle against the. devastating
tide of the destroyer, uusustained by the
masses of their friends, than can a military
leader push his conquest without soldiers.
The man who feels an interest in-who sees
the necessity of the Temperance reformation,
is inexcusable if he withhold his influence
as an individual.
Though the Sons of Temperance are ex-
tinct as a body here, their influence for good
is still felt.
There are q few faithful members who
would fain DO something as an organized
body but as they have made several fail
(, ures, they are trying, some of them at least,
he pacIty b 3y Sphuence in On indiyiduaLca-
TO TO debauchery here, tB5inpsss5 ls very little
ted some years since. Win what exis-
IS, But | am sure that much
M for good may be referred to fne influence
to circulation Of the Esprit of tia a extensive
he people are pleased with yourAage. Our
must not, nay, shall not, 20 down T. ny y
duty Of every friend of Temperance = o Tue
" every friend of the South to come ~ r "nu
Id! assistance. 1t is very much to be resrSot rot
al that people will patronize Northern nanars
or while they are tie ming with abuse and falso
ign hoods against the South and Southern In
,ial situations. The Age is as cheap and as ZOO
- a family paper as can be had, and the sent
ments 1t breathes are congenial with souther
&c interests. | for one will do what I can I
md extend its circulation, both on account Of 4
lde merits as a family and literary paper, an
the its conservative influence upon the publ
, of morals.
Let every Post Master whoui@Sisndly
Il these issues, give himself
need require, to get subscrfSS
lhs' 1t is his duty as a patriot and gooUs8
Let all who regard the dangerous tendeusi
nd of anti-slavery papers, bestir themselves
eat, build up in the South papers "that WILLY
the us alone on this vexed question of slavel
evil Let US teach northern editors to mind thu
own business, and not attend to ours: Th
will the "%union," that is now so much thre
ai ened, take care of itself. Let US have
large circulation Of ''the Spirit of the AZ
tied and let its influence be felt throughout /
,Qld South. Give the Rum devil his quota
zen blows. and the negro worshiper an occasion
in slap in the mouth, when he grows impudeI
lon and ace ciU sag Lay on MacDuf."
Yours truly,