The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-08-27
Published by REQUEST.
TO the Members of the Subordinate
Divisions of the Sons of Temperance in
South Carolina,

BRorHERs.-At the late meeting of tho
Grand Division, it was resolved. @that !,
committee of three be appointed to prepare
an address to the Divisions, urging the
pecessity OF members giving their person.
attendance at their regular weekly
meetings, and that the respective w. p,s
be charged with the duty of h,:nninr This
specially TO the notice Of the members Of
the Divisions"
In obedience to this resolution, it be-
comes our duty TO address you on the i'm
portant subject to which it calls attention.
We say, important, in the full meaning of
that word. For, ifthe great object which
our cherished organization has in view, is
one, e,worthy Of our united, Jealous and unti.
ring efforts, ii is equally true, that its ulti
mate accomplishment will essentially de-
pend upon the efficient working of the
Subordinate divisions.
To them, in their respective localities,
we must look to carry on the work Of re
form, and to prepare the public mind for
the great, and final end Ct our labors,-a
prohi6itorN Lar.
And wtatecer is to be done, must be
done nov. The time is at hand, for a
general and decisive struggle. The no.
ble and devoted Cary has triumphanlly
led the way. His unansw cradle argu.
ments have convinced and his resistcss el.
oqueuce has persuaded, wherever his voice
has been heard.
Even now, the mass Of our people are
almost ready, if 10, altogether prepared
or action. 1t is the momcnt to strike the
hst d(ow. And upon the subordinate Di-
visions in South Carolina, rests q great
and 2'er3ouS responsibility. And this
responsibility must be met by December
next. Upon their action, in the mean
time, the result will greatly depend. -
verify, the ends oi the Temperance Re
formation here, are upon them. 1t is too
late 10 draw back, and it is not n time to
stand still. They must move forward.
boldly, steGdiiy, zeGlou$ly forward-actu.
a,ed by one common Leroic impulse
But 10 all this, a regular attendance OF
the members of Divisions, at their weekly
meeting, is absolutely indispensable a
regular and untaiing attendance on the
part OF all. it will involve the sacrifice
OF tame, of ease, OF pleasure, and to some
extent, Of other engagements. 1t will call,
too, tor devoted effort TO impart inscrest
TO the meetings, TO encourage the weak,
to stir up the luliewarm--to give strength
aud support TO all. But cause, not wor.
thy of such sacrifices and Of such efforts. it
is time to disown Nis or,hv of all
This, anI of more than this Lc, the cos,
be counted and let it he met. We must
be punctudl and regular in our attendance
If we would keep alive the interest OF our
meetings-if we would lead on the Young.
encourage the weak, excite the careless,
and impress all men with our own deep
cCnvicuop OF the Importance Of our 0hject
ana with the strong attractions which our
meetings present. II members Of the or
der are indifferent and irregular, what
must others cuncludei II they fold their
arms, what shall excite these to action
SO far as the Divisions are concerned;
everything depends upon their immediate
and steadfast devotion herein. The Grand
Division, deeply impressed with the vital
Importance OF this matter; has thought
proper 10 make this. earnest appeal
Much will depend upon its effect. 1t will
be brought to the notice Of every member
of the order in the State. And we en-
treat YOU to give it n thoughtful hearing,
and most serioIs consideration. The truth
1t presents are undcniablc. Past uXucri.
ence confirms them. Every Division low
in existence, aud the sad memory of those
that are past away alike testify to the
truth. And if it WAS inapQrtd;lt 2nce it is
much more important at this crisis Of our
history, to be remembered now. For again
we repeat title time as at hdnd. The
hour for decisive action bas come. And
unless our divisions, through the agency of
full weekly meetings, carry on the work,
this last great effort may fail
Shall this be said of us Shall tie
Sons Of South Carolina fall behind IN this
noble race! Shall our mothers weep com
fortress, and our wives and sisters and
daughters mourn without end ! Shal! the
rising generation reap the bitter heritage
of all tile terrible evils which the traffic in
drinks has never failed 10 in.
tict? Brethren Of the ordcr- our task is
dopcl
However feeGly we have spoken, there
is thought which consoles us--the cause
for which we plead will speak for itself!
Go to your meetings! and its plea shall
be heard 1t is the voice Of our common
humanity, crying aloud in accents of ago
ny and with tears Of blood.
Go TO your meetings!-ever be found
there fully equipped for the conflict,
With cur groriops emblems in view
Go to your mesiingsh and tie ever
prospect shall animate you-
the lettering fabric Of licensed system Of
debauchery, piIage and blood, shall en-
courage-Me rising majesty-for it will
be seen in prospect; the rising majesty of
a purged and vindicated law viii inspire
fresh ardour-the blessings Of fathers and
mothers-thc gratitude of ransomed wo.
man, and the songs of delverance which
untimeIy orphans will sing, shall be your
reward
90 to your n,ectingsi Tie God Of