Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-08-17

"For initiation into the Order of the
Sons, | have paid two dollars each for nv
three sons, my son in law and myself, and
have always, seen to it, that the weekly
dues have been kept paid in advance" SO
said grey haired patriarch, whose words
have shown that he had rather pay ten
fold that amount, than that one of those
lovely sons should ever starry at the wine"
Although living four or FIVE miles from the
place ofmeeting, almost entirely dependent
upon the labor of their own hands for sup
port, yet seldom does his double-seated
buggy fail to pay its weekly visits to the
Division, bearing its precious freight, the
father and the sons. Ever since his con-
sstfice sststficey, smid sunshine and clouds, has oft
rebuked the waning zeal of others better
able to spare the time and make sacrifices
than he. ..--.- /.
This, reader, is the proper spirit. And
what if the bosom of every father in the
land were animated by it? How long,
think you, before the monster vice would
be banished from our borders? We all
know the power of fathers influence
How perfectly natural for his boys to fol-
low his example, and how natural for them
to tread in his footspeps in the Division
room, the experience of all has seen. And
there are many fathers in every communi-
ty, who should enrol themselves among
the champions of Temperance, if for no
other reason, for the sake of their precious
sons.
The father may be secure from the
shafts of the destroyer. His convictions of
right and duty-his sense of responsibility
; to country and religion, and the sacred in
fuences of the domestic circle, may shield
him from temptation and chain him to So
briefly. But what security has he for his
sons! The father more than the son, find:
!. his little world under his own roof. There
: is something in the ardor and warmth oi
! youth, that makes it long for society, and
}, renders them peculiarly vulnerable to temp
tation. And it is lamentable that there il
principle of combustion in their geuia
! nature, easily ignited and infamed by tn
fires of alcohol. And no lawful reasol
should be left untried to guard them from
those fearful consequences. How much BET
Z ter can it be done, than for the father to lea
g the way into the sober world in miniature
Thus saying by this example, ''this is th
d way, walk ye in it"
9 Who can tell what world of untol
E miseries fathers influence may prevent
From how many heart-aches may he saw
le that lovely daughter. he has given to ar
: others How many days and ghts eDjo!
as ment Of her husbands society has he $
cured to her, by inducing him to spend
70 few moments weekly in the Division room
< Nor does he simply do good by drying I
the stream of sorrow which might othe
OF wise oyerwhelm the soul, but he has 8
as cured positive satisfaction to many-b
,sI sides himself and others.
IN We know that every father who b
e the heart of man, feels deeply solicito
Ie- for the children God has given him. Al
ne there is no greater joy, than tosee
ed @children walking in. the truth" Whe
ng bis sons are virtuous, sober, industrious a
1r- beloved, his heart leaps for joy, and he
ne repaid for all his sacrifices and toll. S
no. that bears the sacred name Mother-e
lad shrines such sons in her heart of hear
le; and sends it gratefully, and tearfully to ht
yes ven's throne, in their, behalf.
ing Proudly their sisters lift up tfeir ey
nat as they lean upon their arms, gratefu
DID for such as those. The country looks
such with confidence, assured, that th
may be relied upon in any emergency.
1iiy The Church behelds with holy hope, Il
eo. when.the toilsome soldier of the cross
been gathered to his reward, these 81
me fill their places, and carry forward the
ms viour's cause, And when the. heart s
Al renders itself to Christ
i'm.
!. ofE "The angels in their songs rejoice,
And cry behold he prays."
ling Who weuld not make the little sacrlf
one necessary to bea consistent Jealous "Sc