Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-04-14
e. ss
The North Carolina Pulpit.


We are not censors of the pulpit. The
hopes of the Church and the world, rest
lpon the evangelic ministry. Preaching, is
The great lever to turn the world to Christ,
the promoter of sound morals as we'll as piety
the land, and to it we look with confidence
for the future veal of our race. But the age
demands a pure, jealous, godly ministry-a
style adapted to all classes-themes suited to
the great designs of the Gospel,-a manner
earnest, direct, yet persuasive.
In North Carolina we have such a ministry.
All the Churches are blessed with a pasto-
rate, able, eloquent and effective. We do
not say that all are of this class. We fear
there are those who have intruded themselves
into this holy vocation without being called
of God. That there are some who ale indo-
lent, impicus, worldly mirdod,-Who preach
themselves more than Christ, and Wlo care
more for the fleece than the flock. Few there
are, We tust, Of this Gider.
Now, TO this n,inisn! We have looked ID
, all the rast, as tie nest elective co-lal0srs
, in the temperance lofmm. They have stood
, up manfully with US against this tide OF I'M
LYdpy. many or Itvnr iIuve beensln mont OF
$ the battle and have met and defeated tie 'ne-
my at every POINT. A few stiIl continue lie
= fight, but we fear the majority have allowed
n of late, their hands TO hang doWn-their
ID knees are feeble and II n BILE, and their voices
ut are not heard as in former days, Iallying the
q temperance amy to the o%srfiict.
is There may be various causes fer this
Their Efforts have not been as successful as
!. in former years-the iniquity appears to have
mo- gathered strengtk-many who were reformed
all have hackslidden, and hence discouraeenent
has silenced them. But is il wise, is ii safe,
he TO give up the struggle? There are seasons
es. when iniquity abounds-when the love OF
nd many wax cold-wheu back-sliders increase
TO- in the Church, and the devil triumphs. Do
or they cease preaching then? Are they less
jealous and prayerful and importunate at
Ii such a time? If so, they are unworthy Of
,si their calling. But no, they SOW beside all
md waters. Early and late they toll to cultivate
; in Immanucrs lands. They cry aloud and spare
Use. not, and then succeeds the harvest.
,rs, Now we beg the ministers of all the Church
t of es in North Carolina to consider this. The
remarkable revival which is spreading through
the Northern States, has awakened general
interest in the South. The Southern Church
es are buekling on their armor and are com
ing up to the help of the Lord, to the help OF
'"e the Lord against the mighty. Now, what il
Id the greatest barrier to the success Of the Cos
inst n ~ f tho moe
formidable? Can men who continue besot
ted be aroused easily by the Gospel? Is /
S~ not reasonable to expect that a genera
rally against intemperance, would be one o
the chief instruments of promoting a revival
- Would not the success of the temperate
+ha cause, be the harbinger OF a general religion
=. IN reformation We think so.
- - Will yOu help us, We ministers of Jesus
Our banner is on the breeze, and our battI
o. cry is victory. Give us your assistance, me
Of God. Can you not preach a temperate
sermon or talk Temperance to the people ono
man. a month? Who can tell what may be e
3 out fected? And while we consider the organ
y re- cation of the Sons of Temnersnco tho nos
rs aS efficient association ever formed, yet if fror
ll"i" any cause you cannot operate directly wit
the Sons, you can at least, preach aud urg
- :" temperance upon the people. But in orde
that your efforts may be more influential an
permanent, you can induce the people
nn sign such q pledge as may suit you best
Lei every minister carry a pledge with hin
and let it be presented on every suitable o.
casion. If yo~ can't CO operate directly wit
'ope' the Sons, they will be found ready to coop
their ratio With . r
the cause