Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-06-25

soil of earthly pleasures. How audibly
did it exhort nc to walk in the narrow path
that leads to joys unalloyed on high. And
when first the hope of pardoning graceshed
its benign beams in this disconsolate heart,
how forcibly did your example and precepts
teach me the obligations resting on the
humble followers of Christ, to accomplish
the great object of life And shall I ever
cease to cherish thy memory with rever-
ence? May | not encircle my name with
garlands Of love, with bright gems won by
philanthropic action? May | not aspire
Co Cn1 ccfcsVrof UiI ICsbrIofu tauu
wear, in the realms of endless day, a coro
net studded with the priceless pearls, the
immortal souls that have, by my instru-
mentality, been won from the error Of their
way
America can justly boast of vast ex-
tent of fertile country, rich in minerals,
adorned with beautiful scenery, illumina-
ted by the light of art, science and ltera-
ture and blest with exalted privileges. Her
navy, equipped with majestic ships and
protected by brave hearts, bids defiance to
every foe that dares attempt to furl the star
spanged banner which spreads its protec-
ting folds over the land, purchased by the
blood of our noble ancestors. Yet she is !
fostering in her midst the most despicable
tyrant that ever forged chain to enthrall
a human subject; tyrant that not only
destroys the physical man, butsinks the i'm
mortal soul to the lowest depths of pollu-
ton, tyrant sufficiently strong to capture
the strongest nation that yields to his Sc
ductive influence. See that proud city,
surrounded by massive walls and high bar
riers, remains firm against the assaults of
united nations. The treacherous fend, in
temperance, enters; throws open the gates,
unlocks the barriers and Babylon, the re-
nowned metropolis of the east, is taken by
ruthless army.
This same fend is enthroned in Norfolk
and Portsmouth, and wields in fearful tri-
umph his shafts thousand times more
dreadful than the plague to which so ma
ny fell victims. Will you, oh daughters
of America, who are reposing under the
widespread banner of liberty and peace !;
who are luxuriating in the salutary rays of
Y intelligence and refinement, who are rega-
e ling yourselves in the green oases of reli-
l gious light and Bible truths, live merely
9 to be admired, as is the lovely flower that
S raises its frail head most beautiful in the
morning dew, but drdops its delicate pc.
tails at the approach of the midday sun
6 or as the fitting bird, that pleases the eye
:. by its bright plumage, and charms the cal
by It's mellow notes during the summel
e breezes, but wings its flight far away at tn,
ID return of Autumn's chilling blasts? Will
n you not rather awake from your lethargy
W brace every nerve and use every means t.
y demolish the temple of Bacchus? Wha
d. if woman's physical strength is small, he
lg sphere OF action limited she can brandis
OF weapons which this dire monster dare nc
I'D approach, What but the mystic infuenc
lie of woman induced William Writ, the lat
is literary star of proud Virginia, to abar
ne don the intoxicating bowl and aspire to th
ce high station which he SO admirably filled
tie What if she can not raise her voice in til
ce legislative hall to barricade this monste
er from the land, she can rend asunder tt
he closely confning manacles with which b
Ia enslaves so many noble sons.
ul Some as truly noble men have fallen vi
let tins to intemperance as ever followed til
rs illustrious Washington to the battle fel,
re We see on yonder vessel, poor sailor
&C. completely enthraled by this dread vic
that he plunges hea5ong in the angr
10, ocean in order to obtain draught of I'll
ed pernicious poison which will be admin
by tered to him when he is rescued. We a
en- terwards see him the eloquent, godly job
Reynoldson, swaying the minds of mul
at tudes at his will, leadingthem heavenwar
5ht Then let none be content to fit away t
am golden moments (mere butterflies amor
'rk the votaries of fashion, while there a
'er- opportunities to engage in so noble wol
= Rather had | have my name written as
philanthropist on the hearts of tho
ou redeemed from the thraldom Of intemp
owe ancc, than to have my brow encircled vi
are a crown of gold studded with pearls a
nds diamonds. Rather had l enjoy the pie
this urc which results from the consciousn
The of having performed my duty, than to
OF mistress of a sceptre at which all the
ten tions of the earth would bow
ath ESTHER
tho