Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-08-13
Remedy for Intemperance.

HOW can Jne evils connected WlLn Tue
use of Alcohol be arrested
In reply to this question, I would say,
there are two modes of action. To rescue
men, we must act on them inwardly and
outwardly. We must either give them
strength within to withstand the tempta-
these temptations from without. We
must increase the power Of resistance,
or diminish the pressure which is to be
resisted. The first of these modes is the
most effectual for individual security
No man is secure from the blighting infu-
ence of this scourge, unless he has moral
force, pure and strong prime iple within,
which will resist every solicita tion to i'm
proper indulgence.
Religious principle in the soul, is the
surest safeguard against the baleful infu-
ence of intemperance.
Christianity is mighty power, before
which this destroyer is to fall 1t brings
to bear the most powerful motives that can
act on the human mind it speaks to the
conscience in the name of the Almighty
Judge it speaks to the heart in the most
moving accents Of love; it proffers strength
to the weak, and pardon to the guilty it
reveals to men an immortal nature within,
and an eternal state before them it ava
kens generous affections, and binds man
by new ties to God and his race We
must secure to virtue and temperance, the
power of conviction. Nothing is sure but
truth. No other foundation can sustain a
y of4
Gospel on mans moral and intellectual ma
ture-securing reform from conviction, and
true repentance-is an influence that will
be permanent and enduring. 1t is the
true power to subdue sin everywhere and
in every form. In distant, heather India,
it can break down the power of caste. In
Africa, it will annihilate the traffic in hu-
man beings. In the aisles of the sea, it
changes fierce cannibals into mild and gen
tie beings, who are ready to sit at the feet
of Christ to receive instruction. 1t will
transfoTm the savage warrior of the wilder
ness into peaceful husbandman, ready
to render tribute of praise to the great
Spirit. In civilized, enlightened lands, it
has power to humble the blasphemer, re-
form the drunkard-prostrate the infdel-
melt the heart of the oppressor-br the
chain of the slave-open the purse of the
S miser-make man ashamed of war and car
J. mage, and fill all hearts with gratitude and
b love.
l. What cares the reformed inebriate, wher
G his tyrant appetite comes upon him, anG
d he is urged to partake of the poisonous
# beverage; what regard has he then foI
e his respectable standing in society, pecu
) mary advantage, or family claims-or life
It or death, or heaven, or hell These thing
y influence him but little. If he has no
d the fear of God, and true principle within
= his soul; if he has no hold by faith on tn
d Redeemer there is great reason to fea
y thct he will return again to his cups
y i" like the dog to his vomit, and like tn
k sow that was washed to her wallowing i
r the mire,"
< Another means of arresting the progreE
it of intemperance, is to difuse intelligence
and give moral power and general improve
t, ment, to those portions of the communit
e, in which intemperance finds its chief VII
~ tins.
is In proportion as we awaken and inyig
SIS rate mems faculties, we help them to ri'
is above brutal life; we take them ava
n from the power of sensual ipdulgences, Ell
i'd large their foresight, give them the meal
We of success in life, open to them sources
1g innocent pleasure, and prepare them to a
er well their part on the stage of life.
ot- Again, there must be an effort Oh