Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-08-27
Appeal to the Members.

The following extract is from IN appeal
made to the Subordinate Divisions of South
Carolina, and as it appeals with equal force
to members of the Order in this and every
other State, we hope all will give it a careful
perusal and resolve again to attend regular
ly all the meetings of their respective Divis-
ions:
Brothers.-At the late meeting of the Grand
Division, it was resolved, :" that a committee
of three be appointed to prepare an address
to the Divisions, urging the necessity of mem-
bers giving their personal attendance at their
regular weekly meetings, and that the res
pective w. Ps. be charged with the duty of
bringing this specially to the notice of the
members of the Divisions.
In obedience to this resolution, it becomes
our duty to address you on the important
subject to which it calls attention. We say,
important, in the full meaning of that word.
For, if the great object which our cherished
organization has in view, is one, worthy of
our united, jealous and untiring efforts, it is
equally true, that its ultimate accomplish
ment will essentially depend uponthe efficient
working of the Subordinate Divisions.
A regular attendance of the members of
Divisions, at their weekly meetings, is abso-
lutely indispensable a regular and unfailing
attendance on the part of all. 1t will in
volye the sacrifice of time, of ease, of pleasure,
and to some extent of other engagements
It will call, too, for devoted effort to impart
interest to the meetings, to encourage the
weak, to stir up the lukewarm to give
strength and support to all. But a cause,
not worthy of such sacrifices and OF such eft
forts, it is time to diSoUn! 1t rs worthy OF
all this, ard of more than this Let the cost
be counted and let it be met. We must be
, punctual and regular in our attendance, II
: we would keep alive the interest of our meet
ings-if we would lead on the young, encour-
age the weak, excite the careless, and impress
ali men with our W deep conviction of the
: importance of our object, and with the strong
, attractions which our meetings present. II
q members of the order are Indifferent and IT.
! regular, what must others conclude? lfthey
fold their arms, what shall excite these tC
q action? So far as the Divisions are concern
: cd, everything depends upon their immedi
ate and steadfast devotion herein. The
Grand Division, deeply impressed with the
vital importance of this matter, has though
g proper to make this earnest appeal. Mucl
will depend upon its effect. 1t will be bro
l. to the notice of every member of the order il
~ the State. And We entreat you to give it
thoughtful hearing, and most serious consld
ID GRAFTON. The truths it presents are undenia
h BILE. Past experience confirms them. Ever.
rs Division now in existence, and the sad mem
ory of those that are past away, alike testif
to the truth. And if it was important once
&c it is much more important at this crisis OF GU
history, to be remembered now. For agal
we repeat 1.-THE time IS at hand. The hou
- for decisive action has come. And unles
T" our Divisions, through the agency of tu
: weekly meetings, carry on the work. tn
y last great effort may fail ]
Shall this be said of US? Shall the SoL
Of South Carolina fall behind in this mob
- race Shall our mothers weep, comfortles
and our wives and sisters and daughter
IT. mourn without end? Shall the rising gene
alton reap the bitter heritage OF all the tie
rible evils which the traffic in intoxicatlr
drinks has never failed to infict Brethre
,;s of the Order-our task is done!
However feebly we have spoken, there
M a thought which consoles us-the cause +
ut which we plead will speak for itself! Go
he YOUR meetings and its plea shall be hearc
II Is the voice of our common humanlt
CRYING abound in accents of agony and WI
=" tears of blood.
d Go TO YOUR MEETINGs-eveF De found tnel
ed, fully equipped for the conflict, with our g
rious emblems in view