Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-11-10
of the Day.
Temperance and the Clergy.

We have for some time intended prepar-
ing an Editorial, calling upon the Clergy, OF
all denominations, to give us a more active
and continued support, in our efforts to ar
rest the great evil of intemperance, that is
felt to be so great a barrier to the progress
of that Gospel which declares "no drunk
ard can inherit eternal life" The following
forcible article, however, from a Clergyman,
relieves US from the task, as what he says is
not only better said than we could express it,
but comes with better grace from one of the
number addressed. We may express the
hope, however, that the wholesome sugges-
tons it contains, will be carried out by the
Clergy all over the State.
"There is lamentable disregard Of the sub
lject of Temperance, on the part of the Min
istry. They have measurably withdrawn their
support from the cause, and fail to hurl those
inyectives against drunkenness which they
used with such effect a few years since
Now, | am satisfied that there are few if any
violent sins that need to be so assiduously
combatted by the soldiers of the Cross and
there is a power in the pulpit which belongs
to no other engine of reform. If you write
eloquent appeals in your columns, they are
not apt to be read by many who are slaves
to the cursed cup-they viii not read that
which condemns them. They turn away
from your good paper as the culprit spurn'
the face of the good man. But if truths art
plainly and powerfully presented from tn
Pulpit, they hear them of necessity, AM
feel them with all that additional submit,
of force which the authority of christianit
imparts. When the appeal comes recon
mended by the direct command Of God, an
!. is mingled with the soft and winning tons
of salvation, it is vastly more efficient. No
t I propose to give a few of the many reasoI
why ministers should, above all others, co
tend against intemperance:
# /. It is an insidious pleasure, for viii
o thousands are deferring their return to G
and bartering the glories Of Heaven.
> 2. When once fully contracted as a hab
;. it places a soul almost hopelessly beyond t
l. influences of the Gospel.
3. 1t leads to the commission of every Of
~ er known crime.
= 4. 1t engenders a spirit of recklessn,
which makes people perfectly disregard
is ligion.
~ 5. It often causes the downfall of veter;
=: in the church.
u 6. It is one of the most dangerous and
)" tai temptations of young converts.
7. 1t enables those who are under con-
ton of sin to drown their seriousness
ef- efectually drive away the influences of
Spirit.
s.. 1t causes disturbance, trouble, viole
Ter and disgrace at Presbyteries, Associate
Conferences, Camp-mectings, and Reviy
ne and the various public services Of the dt
ent denominations
no 8. It brings sorrow and misery into
hearts of those who are members of all
u notwithstanding the innocent and piou
= weep and mourn in bitterness and woe.
far 10. 1t oftentimes so distresses and mi
homes and families, as to greatly para
their influence and ability for good.
q IL. 1t is opposed in its nature and eff
ON to everything that christianity is or docs
ure u. 1t is a tremendous accomplice of
,ea. devil, and with a direful and versatile S
proves itself a h~ero-demon in every figh
ieS hell.
enc AS the Prince of fends dared to as
will the bosom Of the Redeemer, so ~intemper
has invaded the sanctity of the holy CHI
won its victims from the best ranks Of
!, children of Heavens love, and even sed
the Herald Of mercy from the sacred &c
converted him into a vagabond-wrappe
'F honor in shame, his hopes in despair
~, cast him down forever to the prison o
lost. Surely, then, the ministry shoul
pose it vehemently, and every church 81
u0 be a banded power to strike together
continually for its utter downfall. 1t 81
not simply be decried incidentally il
mons-but shouldbe the subject of mos
1SeS' nest discourses."
has