Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-08-10
Taoifs' Department.
Mrs. M. 2. GoRMAK, Editress.
What q Mother can Do.

h.h;a of intemperance is a CHARACTERISTIC so
sxtremcly dangerous as to demand perpetual
vigilance. This is especially true in regard
10 all families and individuals not solemnly
pledced to total abstinence. Nothing steals
so insensibly upon its v~otaries, as excess in
this brufalizing indulgence. Little by little,
the poor victim is tempted to increase the
quantity OF poison that is secretly consuming
his ,isals, while he remains too often, wholly
unconscious Of 1.-THE dreadful chasm that yawns
beneath his feet.
"Henryi my dear Henry"-said a fond
mother to her son Of eighteen, whose pale
cheeks and baggard eyes, once blooming and
brilliant but now hollow and dim, gave but
too sad evidence Of the formation of habits
fatal to his future health and happiness
.swhat is the matter with your You are not
WE'LL know you are not. These late hours
arc destroying you. Tell me, my dear son,
are the friends with whom you spend SO
much Of your time, members Of the 6ons@
TsmpsrancsT
A flush Of shame spread over the cheeks of
shagkgenuous youth, who, conscious ofguilt,
answered timidly-sNo, mother, no-not that
/, I know Of But why do you ask meg'
because, my dear, the character Of our
companions but too often decides our W
fate in life. Hyour associates are not tenn
perpncs youths, they may indulge in drink
beyond the limits ofprudence, and may even
tempt you to follow their example,"
"Yes-mother but they never get intox-
icated None Of as drink to excess"
$50, you think, Henry, no doubt. But why
drink at all, except when thirsty and then,
why not quench your thirst with water? It
is not enough, that people who drink wine,
or brandy, do not get tipsy. 1 have some
times thought that it is easier to reform the
drunkard than the tiPpLr. Why? Because
those who are alUhys drinking, and yet, new
or get drunk, are more certain to undermine
their nervous system, and fall victims to dis
ease and death, than those who are positive
inebriates. II is because they think them
selves sober. when they are not, and appear
insensible of their excess for the reason that
they can say they neVer get drunk Depend
upon II, Henry, this sober habit of drinking
is the most dangerous Of all. If you have
fallen into IL, my dear son, you cannot toc
soon m a reform"
'Well, mother-I really believe there il
much truth in what You have said. We al
Of wa drink, and perhaps too often"
Now, my dear Henry, your candor has re
loved me Of a weight m my heart that car
not describe to you. I knew you would nc
deceive your mother. No one should eve
drink, but when he is thirsty; and then, !
should drink water, or some innocent beve
age that quenehes thirst, which wine al
brandy do not. You, Henry, have too ma
good sense to make it necessary that ] shor
explain on the folly, wickedness and degrac
ftion Of tipping. Reflection will enable y
to see your own danger and give you reso
ton to shun the prccipice that yawns at yo
very feet. sec there is a new Society for
cd In our neighborhood, and from what
have read Of it in the Spirit of the Age
livery much approve Of II, and think it W
do great good. mean the "Sons Of TIE
perance." Promise me, Henry, that you W
become a member, and l shall no longer ha
my sleep disturbed by the horrid dreams tn
often haunt me. You have not forgotten t
sad fate ofyour unhappy fatherS" Here t
eyes Of the anxious mother overflowed wi
tears, for her heart was now full, and S
could no longer restrain her feeligs.
II have not forgotten, dear mother-I hs
not forgotten it"-cricd Henry, as he atten
ted to keep the tears from filling bis eyes
'Noi | have not forgotten il, and ! will j
the Sons Of Temperance at their very M
meeting. / feel, that my honor once pied.
will be safe. No man win dare ask me
violate my honor! You have saved me,
dear mother-you have saved your only
Inow SEQ the dangers that beset me"
God bless you, my dear son you h
made me happy and God willbless and p
PEI you, depend on it." e,:r
''Dry your tears, mother l will drinl
more" -
The happiness Of that loving mother
too great TO endure in silence. She encii
her noble boy in the arms Of affection,
then, falling on her knees, poured for
prayer Of gratitude to Goa for his delivers