Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-06-01
u ewS of the Dav.
The Power of the Press.

This is a trite subject, but there are aspects
in which it may be viewed, not so generally
by cursory readers. It is often affirm
ed that the press has a powerfo good or evil.
This is only true partially. 1t has a control
ing influence over the thoughts, opinions and
actions of men, for good, only when it is coR-
fined to its legitimate office, when it is gui-
ded by proper principles and directed by truth
and wisdom. But its power for evil is al
ways potential, because it is so easy to adapt
itto the bad principles and inclinations of hui
man nature, and because it can hardly go a.
miss, in searching for the channel into which
human passions and prejudices flow. Look
for instance at the wide influence of those
newspapers, that pander mostly to the baser
appetites of mankind, whose columns are
subsidized to the uses of ~feculent and corrupt
ting details, whose presses groan under the
weight of the worst exhibitions of human
nature. Rude or polished talent, if employ
ed in degrading and lowering the standard of
human virtue, are alike potential for evil,
though in a different way and in a different
direction. The same is true ola more stable
literature. A we'll told and exciting story,
however mixed up with impure sentiments
or opinions, whether it assume the shape of
our yellow-covered literature or of the pom
derous volume, is sought for and devoured
with eagerness. Its unblushing immodesty
or its ~corrupting moral lessons, are spoken
of without stint, and its rapid sale, is trum-
peted as a mighty achievement. But how
differently fares a purer literature, or period
icals devoted to the improvement of mans
moral nature?
Perhaps a brighter array of talent has
never been enlisted in any age or cline, II
any enterprise, or a larger amount of funds
appropriated with the best motives, than have
been e%mployedin this country within the las
twenty years, in the conduct of the religious
or moral press, and in the publication o
newspapers, tracts and books. Men from tn
highest walks of virtue and literature, hav
literally thrown themselves upon the altar q
sacrifice, and consecrated all their powers t
the noble work of r~escuing their fellows fror
intemperance, from crime of every grade an
from hell and yet what little has been don
comparatively, in the cause of humanity an
virtue? Half the amount of talent and mean
has been sufficient to keep up the ~iood-gate
of crime, nay to deepen and widen and blacl
en- the torrent of ~iniquity, in defiance of a
the barriers which nave been raised again.
it. We do not admit that the religious an
moral press have done nothing. They ha,
accomplished much, but not what ought
have been done. The cause for this is oby
Gus. 1t requires but small incentives or pc
~suasives to lead men into vice. They slide
that direction, smoothly and easily, and
swiftly as thought flies while it takes tt
arm of Omnipotence to place and hold the
upon the path of virtue.
Now, the lack is a purer press-a conce
tration of the entire press of the land, upt
the great moral enterprises of the day.:
Above all, for without it, all this would
unavailine. the arm of Omnipotenea must
relied upon more for the accomplishment
good. May it be invoked, by all, earnestly