Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-03-30

first heard this. | verify thenght that he,
who had laid aside the pleasures of the
world for those of Religion-who had ia
ken up his cross as Christian-who
thought it necessary to join the Church
would have added to his faith, Tempe
rance" would have abstained from the use
of ang beverage unnecessary TO comfort,
for the sake Of the propagation of the prin-
ciples of Temperance and Religion which
60 hand IN hand. / do not say that their
excuse arises from selfshness; but, ask,
does it arise from generosity and benevo-
lence? Some men think that the benev-
olent and charitable part of our nature is
not very largely developed, and conse-
quently recommend US to obey, in all ca
ses. the promptings of this spirit-when,
for example, we aoish a man favor, to do
him that favor. They tell US that such
course will tend L. nlshe rs more amiable
and more happy. have never heard the
opposite course recommended, and | do
not believe it would increase either the
peace or happiness of society.
But they wish US sucsess. 1t is an old
saying and true, that ACTIONS speak
palmer than words" and why should not
these persons give us the evidence OF their
ACTIONS that they wish US well! Why
do they content themselves with say
ing, 1--WE wish you well!' Will anybody
believe them when they say 1--WE wish you
success" and do nothing for us! They
cannot expect such thing.
Bat they will tell you that they can do
as much good out of the Order as in it.
"a house divided against itself cannot
stand" "He shat is not with me, is against
me-" Let US ilustrate-Suppose our land
ovcrrun by the ruffianly hordes of some
foreign Tyrant-its crops destroyed-its
inhabitants, old and young, of both sexes
alike, murdered before our eyes. What
would be thought of that man, who, CALL
ing himself patriot, would not join the
army of bis country, and with arms in hand
defend her to his utmost? Our land IS
ovcrrun by great moral evil-our friends,
ncighbors and relations, ARE slaughtered
"before our eyes"-aye, murdered in cold
blood, and the Christian and the Phian-
tropist are folding their arms and saying,
Il and mine are safe; we can protect our
, SeIUes we can do more service to the cause
we advocate, by keeping aloof from the
regular, organized army, and fighting oul
: own battles, on our own grouad-Vntram-
meled by the restrictions of anybody
, We do not cry for vengeance, but for pro
5 lection. We wish not to stay the murder
. ers-but to drive them from US, and tc
: warn our friends that they go not nigl
= them.
: Another part Of the excuse | wish tc
: notice briefly. They say they are an ~
t danger. Who does believe he is in dan
e ger until he is almost beyond recovery
I If one may lawfully excuse himself on thi
c ground, all 0W.
d There are great many other reason
why sober men, especially, should join tn
h Order, but cannot extend this any farther
d" But allow me to say, sir, that conside
P this a very important subject. | thin
h that some mans destinies, temporal an
o eternal, hangs upon the answer which tn
| sober-minded shall make to it. He ma
r pursue one of two courses, and ] would as
him, after reviewing both, which course
most consistent with with benevolent an
charitable spirit! | hope every one wi
answer the question and act promptly o
his decision. YOUR FRIEND.