Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-01-19

thSth coulu nave been anticipated from the |
state OF the weather for some time previous.
: On arriving at the ''consecrated spot"
was agreeably surprised to see an immense
gathering of the people, and to witness the
preparations that had been made for the
accommodation of all who might be pres
ent on the occasion. Everything around
| furnished ample testimony that these no
ble-hearted brethren were determined to
persevere in the good work they had com
menced some two years since.
And surely no individual who had even
a spark of philanthropy in his soul, but
) would rejoice to see some, who were for
f mcrly slaves to the 'bottle," and who glo
, ried in their shame, noW 'clothed, and
] in their right mind"-at least 50 far as good
/ moral habits are concerned About clever
o'clock procession was formed of Bic
t Spring and White Hall Divisions-and
Bro. VIM. ?. Brown, one of the Marshals
of the day, after directing the movements
ofthe procession, in marching and counter
marching, for while, conducted the pro-
cession back to the stand, (which had been
erected for the accommodation of the
t speakers,) where all were comlortabl5 seat
ed. All being in readiness for the main
exercises of the day, Bro. Alex. Gricr, be-
9 ing requested to act as Chaplain, opened
the exercises, by very solemn and appro-
S pirate prayer. Prayer being concluded,
, Big Spring Band "discourscd sweet music"
for while, when Bro. J. BerryhilI, one
! of the Marshals of the day, introduced to
the auditory Col. W. NJ. Grier, as enc of
D the speakers of the day, who rose, ard al
: though wholly unprepared, addressed the
! meeting for an hour or more in his usual
/ telcltous style. Bro. Grier, like wise man,
= tells things i'll his own way, and cndeay
/ ors to ape no man. His manner of speak
o ING, his humor, his fund of anecdotes, his
t Intimate and extensive acquaintance with
t human nature, fit him most admirably for
+ first securing and then retaining, the un-
divided attention of his auditory
n He understands the principles upon
v which the great Temperance reform is
Il based, and the means best adapted to pro-
: mote so glorious an enterprise. At the
l. conclusion of Bro. Grier's remarks, it was
l. pleasing to witness the smile of approval
t. resting on the countenances Of all present.
1t The Band now struck up again, in
k ''strains of music sweet and for Il time all
G, were spell-bound with "mclodv indeed"
c. The next speaker introduced to the all
10 dicnce was Rev. Mr.. Chalmers, who had
Y been invited to be present and address the
le meeting. Mr. Chalmers being a stranger
lc o large portion of the auditory, and be-
w ING a Minister Of the Gospel, doubtless a
ID expected something rich. Well, if my
< i - s4sineanent can kerelicd On, they wers not
W disappointed. It was soon apparent, pre-
Il. sumo, to all, that he was no ordinary man
III and being fluent and popular speaker,
and having prepared his address with somc
e care, he moved along not only very smooth
I'd Iy, but very gracefully, and whilst he stu
- dionsl Y avoided wounding the feelings o
IS, any, yet giving no quarter, either to tho
at moderate drinkcr or the drunkard ; anG
or those who pretend to argue that they hav,
to warrant from the Bible for using either
or wine, or intoxicating drinks as a beverage
ly were not onl y exposed, and proved TO be
,d ignorant of the teachings Of Sacred Writ
r. but he warned them against ;ucurrng tn,
- wrath and curse of Heaven, for being gull
IT. ty Of wilful and wicked pcryersion o
10 Scripture. But not taking any notes at
We the time, | will not attempt giving furth
nd er synopsis Of his address, as | am writin?
ITS entirely from memory.
,ic Suffice it to say, that all VINO heart
&C speak of it, regarded it as mastery effort
he At the close of Mr.. Chalmers speech, i
to was announced that the Ladies would sooI
h. te ready for the inner man to be rcgalc,
he also. In few minutes a table prcviousl
to prepared, fairly groancd under It's prcclou
no load, and as soon as Gods blessing wa
= asked to rest upon these bountics Of hi
IN Providence, an onset was made upon til
rich viands Of every description, togethc
with cakes and other nic-knacks too ted
ous to mention. After having discussc
these good things thoroughly for som
time, every body seemed to be in a goo
humor, and Judging from the good hume
'l- that prevailed, We were obliged to concIud
nd that no one regretted their attendance here
The day being far spent, and some VIII
were present were several miles from hom
1t was thought advisable to close the mcc
ing. Big Spring Division met after tn
mo crowd dispersed, and several were addc
na- to the Division, of such VIC hope as will |
e. tine Sons.
Of Thus the day passed off happily, and ha
,on moniously, and when we take rctro~pc,
,oh Of this community, what it formerly wa
n and what it now is, in a moral point
rci- view, we are constrained to say there is
rid remedy for intcmperance, and all that
the needed, is to apply it, This same comm
, to nifty, once noted for intcmperar &C, and ]
and consequent evils; is now noted for, not oI
- ly its morality and temperance, but also f
an its religion. May God speed the day wht
, Of intemperance with all its concomita
oh curses, may be driven away, like chat
and fore the storm, and Temperance, sobriet
nJs virtue, and true and undeflcd religiol
at prevail universally. r.
Wis
ate For the Spirit of the Age.