Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-03-25
Debtors to Society.

Every man, be his condition what it m ay
shining in the peerless magnIfcence of world
ly splendor, or dwelling in the huts and hov.
els of squallid poverty, is a debtor to the sor
cietey surrounding him by his fellow beings,
and for these he is a living debtor. He is
debtor for all the privileges and immunities
of citizenship; and this debt can only be
measurably cancelled by giving to society the
example and influence of an honest man and
of one who strives in all things to walk up
or gold, but it must be by good deeds and
correct department., whereby society May
be benefited and made better in the aggregate.
Ii the man attempts any other course, instead
of paying Il portion of his great debt, he
becomes a curse and a greater debtor to soci-
ETY.. Does he enjoy the great boon of being
an accepted citizen in refined society? Then
his constant aim and desire should. be to lead
such a life Of probity that others might be
constrained to emulate his worthy example.
Does lie boast of the high toned civilization
uAlt AtlIiHb4du ihCCS-tllC dl UlhU
surrounds him? Then, he should add his
mite to the propagation and extension Of
these desirable qualifications that they 'may
have free course" and be extended to those
who come after us pure and unimpaired.
How hopelessly indebted to society is the
wicked mantle gambler-the swearer-
the druRkard-the desperate character. Shall
these enjoy all the privileges ofa free citizen.
ship in a christian country, without making
any return to forward the general interests
Of the public? On the contrary, the tenden-
cy Of their evil precepts and practices is to
impair the moral health of the community,
and to fix desperate diseases on its most vital
organs. In this man, instead of bearing a
portion Of the moral character and dignity Of
society, they become nuisances whose remov
al would rebound to the benefit of the
public.
The privilege of being recognized as q cit
izen of a christian community and protected
by its laws, is such a mighty consideration
that it renders clergyman a debtor, no matter
how worthily he may demean himself-the
debt is of such magnitude that it can only
be cancelled by a lifelong servitude in the
cause Of truth, right and justice. 1t is moi
only the duty of the individual to com port
himself in all things properly, but it is equal
ly incumbent on him to use all honorable
means to influence and constrain his fellows
to walk in the straight and narrow way. HI
should give his countenance to every organ
~ization having for its object the improvement.
Of the human race. As regards many of tn,
more deadly sins, the individual may be en-
tirely free from their guilt and stain himsel
he may not practice any of them-but i
is his duty tie set his face as flint agains
them and endeavor to induce those sinking
under their might to come out from anon;
chem. In the matter of intemperance, he ma,
be secure from its ravages, he may have beef
a sober person all his life, but his duty doe
not end with the keeping of himself aoov
renroach-he should cast the whole weight @
his influence in behalf of the cause by al
!. taching himself to some organization for it