Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-09-18
For the Yorkyille Enquirer.
WM. McGILL, s,.,.,

"Plsase 10 state icadt the wedpons are 'rhich I
must hiring arih me 10 engage efficiently in this 'rar-
mre?, What are most approvedby the Sons-on
achich they rely for snccess-by which 10 protect
themselves and TO assaH enemies ?"
INessrs. Editors This first question of ''Citi-
zen" is now to be answered. If in doing this we
advance ideas which some may regard trite and
commonplace, our apology is, the necessity is
laid upon us by the generality Of the question:
To estimate intelligibly our remarks, the main
objects of the Sons of Temperance should be kept
steadily in view. These, as given in the Address
of the former Committee, are "to encourage each
other in total abstinence from intoxicating drinks
to reclaim the drunkard-to suppress by coun-
sci and example oil drunkenness in the land, and,
to work for the eradication Of NIL those conduce-
ments, by which intemperance is sustained and
promoted" These objects we hold to be greatly
laudable, and we regard even the attempt at their
accomplishment glorious
Among the weapons with which temperance
soldier should first arm himself is, trmh-"the
sword of the spirit, which is the word Of God"
This word issues forth from several sources. 1t
is found in the Inspired Volume--it is spoken in
the works Of Creation-it is proclaimed - the
Providence of an eyer-during and almigh Grd-
and it is whispered from the inmost recesses Of
the soul of every reasonable creature, from that
inward MONITOR implanted in US by nature, and
"so deeply yradcnted, as says DR.. Alexander, that
t. -, Tn,, ,,ra1
Volume however where truth is pre-eminently dis
PLAYED. Let us attend for while to its teachings.
Swine is mocker, strong drink is raging: and
whosoeyer is deceived thereby is not wise.-Wo
unto them that rise up early in the morning, that
they may follow strong drink.-Wo unto them that
are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to
mingle strong drink. Nor drunkards shall inhcr
it the kingdom of God. Wo unto him that gveth
his neiglbor drink, that puttcst thy bottle to him.
It is COED neither to eat fesh nor to drink wine,
nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is
offended, or is made weak. Follow not that which
is evil, but that which is good" This truth, the
evil of intemperance, impressed on the head and
heart and influencing the will of the soldier of
Temperance the Sons expect each other to be
armed with. 1t may be drawn from the exhibi-
ton of Gods creation-for order is Heavens first
law, or from the moral nature of man-for "Con-
science" says Thompson Christian ThciSnl, "has
natural preference for virtue and beneyoence, and
gives US some acquaintance with our duty to each
other and to God," or "Citizen" may, as Son,
draw and receive it from the Bible, and not only
so, he and all others may bring their Bibles with
them to the Division Room, with its whole con-
tents written on their hearts. They shall find
there is no objection to that best Of books: for
it is found in our meetings at all times, and treat
ed with some respect
Love and bencrolence, feelings so intimately
blended that they may for all practical purposes
be regarded as identical, constitute an essential
weapon in the warfare of the Sons. This weapon
should be kept in lively exercise not only towards
every conventional brother, but also towards every
neighbor and our whole country. 1t should De
particularly employed towards the unfortunate
inebriates of his acquaintance. "a good man,
observes DR.. Beattle, "takes no ueneht III 'he "t'
ed: but he wishes them well, and endeaVors' II
he can, to- reform them" We hope that every
christian, who by necessity is ''a good man" tor
christianity includes goodness, will reflect on 'h's
declaration of the pious Scotch writer anu an
swer to himself the question: can the reliSion Oh
Christ make man christian before It makes
him sober: The Sons think, not. We however
in our social intercourse, have met with men very
drunk, who talked very devoutly.
Purity is another indispensable weapon "i'i
the Sons. We should be not only free from sen
sual INDULGENCE in the intoxicating cup, but we
should hate it with cordial hatred This ao-
horrence of alcoholic liquor, founded on the In
controyertible truth of the mighty evils OF intem-
pcrance, should fix the resolution of every son TO
watch and guard against every maneuTre Oh Inc
insidious destroyer.
"Nlans hope and joy in conscious virtue DWELL
Acting, and knowing lie has acted well
Not sure, to drink, to slumber, and to feed'
Wherein brutes equal him, and far exceed;
Dare to assert your rights, celestial race !
Honor awaits you, do not court disgrace:.
Resemble what will raise you, not deprave,
Your sovereign God, and not the beast your slave: