Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-11-17
From the S. c. Son of Temperance.
''THE sons

".
had always entertained very great OBJ
lection to what are called sSecret Societies"
so that, though a thorough tetotaller, and
member Of tho Temperance Society, since
first there existed one, and, also, the wife
OF as Jealous Washingtonian as the cause
ever numbered among its advocates and
members, yet did feel quite repugnance
to the Sons of Temperance, simply on ac-
count of a certain shibboleth or watchword,
their passport of admission to their order;
49," said /, husband, think you have
done, AID are, every day, doing quite
enough to show your zAal for Temperance,
without joining these Sons"
"Well, but" replied he, "they certainly
are the most efficient organisation Of tenn
perance that now exists, and always want
my place to be where can do for tbs
cause the greatest amount Of good"
But, my objections still continuing, he
continued to work in his old way, as
Washingtonisn, giving, however, his "God
speed to the Sons, and 'every other COM
bination of faithful men, for the eradication
of evil and encouragement Of good in the
land" But on our removal to new
home, be, at once wishing to identity him
self with the cause of temperance, found, in
the place, no \Vashingtonian organization,
nothing but the Sons.
Said he to me, II can no longer refuse
to join the Sons, it will never do for so old
a atetotaler as am to be disconnected, by
name, from this good cause of temperance,
in the place where live, and where what
ever influence possess, will be most felt
think the time is come, despite the 'rega-
lia,' which don't fancy much, and the
word which you don't, for me to be a
Son."
"Well, these are, to be sure, minor OBJ
Jections, which can be gotten over," said /,
sand the story to which | listened this NOR
ming, from my next door neighbor, l must
confess, has Influenced my mind to an en-
tire acquiescence in the propriety and wis
dom and humanity of your being Son, or
one in the ranks of humanity, that does
battle most efficiently against the common
enemy, alcohol but you shall, previously
to your initiation, hear the story also"
81 was very glad" las nearly as can
recollect,) said my neighber 10 me, ito
hear you were going to live so near us, es-
pecially when understood your husband
had been so long leader in the temper
ance cause, for this cause lies, as it well
L~>-k--- - A-..sS-a.l-
mired our pretty cottage, and all its COM
forts, and our domestic happiness, as real
as it is apparent. Well, all this is but of
four years growth. -Four years ago, and
we were homeless, penniless, and day after
day, and night after night, had to obtain
assistance to draw nay poor husband oil
the street, or pull him out of the ditch
Everybody told me he was desperate case,
gone case, and there was no use in even
hoping for him-that the best plan for me
and mine, was to give him up; but, some
how, could not bring my mind to do that
He was the husband of my youth, and the
father of my children, and if did not hope
for him, who would ? But o, | had
dreadful time indeed, of it. was an or
phan and poor. had no help from him,
and [ was, perhaps, of too proud spirit.
l could not beg Night watchings and
spare diet brought me very low, even near
the gates Of death but even then, would
try to nerve myself to work, to support my
family, and keep life in my husband. Of
ten, when over piece Of work, my tears
would run down and soil it, or blind my
eyes, so that could not see to go on with
!. it, and then | would make poor headway,
and we would all come nigh to starvation
!, but at last, in answer to my poor prayers,
, CLEAN of hope burst through the gloom,
! Those blessed Sons-yes, may God ever
, bless them-took my poor off-cast husband
| by the hand, whispered hope, encourage
ment in his ear, poured the oil of sympathy
; to his heart-for he had one still, and no
altogether encrusted over either, as every
e body seemed to think, but one that yiel
: ded to the benign influences of brotherly
y kindness-and my poor husband rose ~
i from his degradation, and was again man
i and saw him-O, what sight of Joy fo
r my poor tear-dimmed eyes-'clothed anC
y in his right mind" and very soon now,
:. think, he will be found 'sitting at the fee
u of Jesus" Ever since his reformation, pros
j pcrity has seemed to smile upon us. Fou
II years Of industry and temperance have Civ
: en- the homeless that nice home there--yes
r our own and paid for-have given us FOOD
clothing and happiness. Ny husbands bu
G siness increases daily. We have not only
= enough LOT OURSELVES Out SOueLlLneS u
b spare for others, and o, may we alway
V try to do whatever we can, for the blessed
y cause of temperance, and may our prayer
) go up daily for the prosperity of the noble
Sons"
Y "WeIl, wife," said my husband, "yor
/ won't take umbrage, win you, either at th
J. ribbon round my neck, or 'the word" S
r. that may be one Of those who, with th
al help of God, can bring such peace upon tn
/ earth as that which now exists at our neigh
dl boris"
D. "Never, never" said /, 90 and be Sol
wi Yes, become all things to all men, so tha
e. you may win some. Unimportant trife
N must not be in our way, when great wor
~ is to be done; and, o, what work is thi
81 great temperance reform, to which the en
n, ergy Of the Sons has given fresh impetu
f. and renewed success"
le
n r t .I~n1 L.