Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-05-25
9sbatss to Gsmgranee, gittra 9gf,fnltnfe


rad;snts ! narcotina; being NCfs, h24' !.
,,e Dr Greoory informs US that the ell :,
,ots Of nitrate Of codria upon himself anu =
emo of his pupils were similar to those re
T ,,it;na from intoxicating drinks acceiera-
ino the pulse, occasioning sense .. 4s .Sat ,
n the head and face, and giving rise ~ s;"n S
,rreeable excitement of the spirits, WIZ
Il 4 .u 90 fsn;l;ar with who have lnduiseu
=, - the nse Of alcoholic stimuiants j aau
:, a,h;ch after lasting for a few hours Is 'ol
~ussii --.,,iaasant depression, Win
cular strength, and brings on ianguot-S. -S..s..l,
drowsinessy which soon eventuates in deep
apolectic sleep. A stertorous respiration,
dark sufusion of the countenance, and
almost total insensibility to external i'm
pressions. When taken by healthy per-
son in moderate doses, it invigorates the
muscular system, quickens the senses, ami
mates the spirits, and gives new energy to
the intellectual faculties, its operation being
directed with peculiar force to the brain,
the functions of which it excites sometimes
even to intoxicatioR or delirium. In large
quantities alcohol produces this like true
apolectic state. The face becomes livid or
pale, the respiration stertoross, the mouth
frethy, and sense and feeling arc moro or
less completely lost. But of this curse, all
are too we'll acquainted. Its effects upon
the human system are too we'll known to
need any farther explanation from me.
But that one of the greatest blessings to
the afflicted to him who is suffering un-
der the agonies of the most excrueiating
pain, should come to be generally used as
a stimulant; used instead of ardent spirits,
be made direful curse OF, we have every
cause to fear. So secretly can it be, and
so numerous are the forms in which it is
used and already is it resorted to by many
who do not indulge in their daily potation,
that at no distant period | doubt not but
that the use of opium will become as gen
orally prevalent as that of alcohol. We
have it in many of the fine cigars which
are brought to- our markets. We find it
in much Of the chewing tobacco, it is also
found in greater Or less quantity in much
q Of the snuff, which, Ito the almost disgrace
Of the ladies of the good Old North State)
n is SO much used by them. In every paper
q of smoking tobacco that has a Chinese or
u Turkish figure upon it, there is more or
!. less opium, notwithstanding much of it has
I never been sonear China or Turkey as you
q are at this time. Deprive many Of your
smokers of this delicious Chinese smoking
y tobacco, and you will not fail to- discover
J that they are restless, unsatisfied, nervous,
o stupid, and dull. Do not be startled, Mr..
Editor, when | tell you, that opium is more
o generally used by literary characters, than
a by any other class. 1t is nevertheless true
l. and ministers of the gospel indulge more
e. extensively in the use of it than any other
, class Of these. have in my minds eye al
le this time, ministers, professors Of colleges
is and other distinguished characters who
n daily use it in some form. A. distinguish
ut ed divine of your own State, and, by the
- by, one of the most eloquent that it wa
ne ever my lot to listen to, cannot preach al
r. ordinary discourse, without this acquires
st stimulant Does he deny himself and tax
ne up his cross and follow Christ? Let hin
On answer. Few of as are accurately awar
es how insidious are the approaches Of evil
ne or with whatfearful rapidity the downwar,
le, road is travelled. This knowledge is bes
nng attained by the history Of those who hav
Its plunged deep in sin.. The map of thei
at wanderings darkly illustrate the danger {
en- the slightest, the briefest parley with th
tempter.
OF The chart of their voyage defines th
he force of that current which is able to swee
N; the boldest and proudest man into the vo
lily tex of destruction. The plain and quiz
or verdure has been converted into mora
M by careless stroke Of the laborer's spade
'rl- the iRundatiou which has destroyed lii
m and poured its foaming torrent over burit
vas cities, was at first scarcely visible breac
OF of the protecting barrier. Look arour
one you then, ye opium eaters, and see VIII
The ardent spirits has done and is still doil
one among your acquaintance and friends
aily Can you not recall single instance of Il
IN death of an acquaintance or friend from t
use of opium? If not, you are more fo
orts tunate than the humble writer of this
ED you can, follow him in his downward c
on, reer, and how insidiously this habit W
the acquired rapidly it caused him
ow- pass away. The depopulating pestilen
am- that walketh at MONDAY, the carnage
lch cruel and devastating war,it has been 81
!, IN by distinguished writer, can scarcely
hibit their victims in more terrible
red, ray, than exterminating drunkenness
OF What, ah what may we expect, should
rco- day arrive, when this poisonous drug 81
'ver- be generally used as stimulus! Bat t
was individual who has once formed the ha
'sive of resorting to nervous stimulants for
IN lace, or cheerfulness, or comfort, is no
e ef- ger safe. 1t may be to alleviate an oc
early sional, but sure temporary pain it n
use be to drown affiiction; it may be to 81
to the remorse of conscience; it may be
and vivify the intellect; it may be to arc
d to, some latent faculty; and while the VIC
see goes smoothly with himr he may not
ondl- intemperate-bu as has been said by
their other, the habit is built; the railroad
True, destruction is all ready laid for use,
J that bridges and station houses erected, and
would train is on the line waiting for the loco
same tive. The first great trouble or hope
never affiiction comes TO US as the locomotive
btless grapples rs and away we go in mon
-ming down the line We have been years const
al use ting like fash of lightning. General
opium may pass away before opium can nun
ose of as many victims as Alcohol. The hea
lstitu- may be as bright over our graves as
The are now around our path j; the world