Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-03-16

tHHi-" 'i ltLIltl AutNs W. Nblllu We Eldu W
have IN attendance, as several able and ap-
propriafc addresses may be expected on that
occasion. by order Of The Division,
RECORDING SCRIBE.
Temperance Hall, 7th March, 1859.
$780,
For the Spirit of the Age.
Reasons why Hen Refuse to Join the
Sons of Temperance.
Bro. GoumAv TT js natural, and reason
ollc 90 presume, that a'l men have reasons
for acting as they do. Whether their reasons
bc good or bad, is another matter altogether.
have concluded 20 notice, or Cuumerate, a
few Of them. and make such comments on
them as may suggest themselves to my mind
whilst p|onuiug them. Men are often actua-
ted from motives, orr influenced by reasons,
which when wc come 90 aualySe them, APP
pear very ridiculous and absurd, and could
those persons who arc influenced by them,
'Sec them ms others see them they would
be astonished 70 see how futile, absurd and
frivolous they are. | will notice these yea
sons I'm what may he termed alphabetical or
der
-o}iee.a Go j~,,tiaE>he Sons, because Of
the secrecy connected with the Order. Well,
ava willing to admit that men may honestly
act from q motive Of this kind. myself Oh
iected To l1iuiug the Order for this very rea-
son. and even when I concluded to Join, it
was with the distinct understanding that
should discover any thing immoral, | would
not only refuse to be initiated, but would
certainly expose the Order. But | saw moth
inc wrong then, nor have | seen any thing
since. that even q conscientious christian may
not approve Of have now been a member
nearly three years, and it may be supposed
that have seen the worst. am now nearly
three score years old, and in feeble health,
and | cannot be supposed to have any mo-
lives Co deceive others.
Il objects to joining the Order, because
there arc men in the Division whom he could
not fellowship. or call brother. If b admits
the cause tp be n good one, he might for as
good a reason object to joining the Church, as
it is seldom, | presume, he could connect
himself with a church in which he would like
every member.
G objects, on the ground, or for the reason,
that ne believes there is no harm in
drinking tcmperately, and that he is not re-
sponsiblc for his example before others. He
is like one of old, ready to ask, Am / my
brothers keeper Let this ohiector read the
COX Sermon If he is an intelligent, honest
man, this OK Sermon will set him right on
that point.
D objects, on the ground that the Order is
interfering with that which may properly and
appropriately be considered the prerogative
ofthe church / would simplyask this objec.
tor why he is in favor Of Sabbath Schools,
Tract societies, Bible societies, &c.
T. objects 10 the money paid to sustain the
Orde-. and the time consumed in attending
the meetings. Well, it takes a little Of both
But admitting the Sons are doing good, and
that IL is every mans duty to promote Gin
some c~lsctuol way the cause Of Temperance,
can you nupceutly refuse your aid, because
it requires both time and money. The cause
m~.al LLIsL requires both time aud money. |
- luog a. all, won't his liquor bill
~,,ot 10 Wore than one dollar . year? AuC
10 time, would not the same objection Ii,
rrainst attending church, IL all our preaching
vaa ON week days.
Y objects, on the ground that he is to
fond 81 wAiskcy 10 Surrender the privilege
drinking jus. when he chooses. Now F d
serves credit for his honesty, but unfort
matalg his honesty ayails him but little,
the murderer might for the same reason CO.
tinue to take the lives oChis follow men /
honestly believes that he has a right to do
bc p~lcases. although human life, and hum;
hspuiuass. must bs sacrificed, to enable hi
to accomplish bis purposes. The Grunka
il often a mug3eTer-gud Why, / would ass
because he places a higher estimate upon t
qualification Of his appetite, than he does u
on tho life and happiness Of his neighb'
whom he murders.
G's reason for refusing 20 join the Order
because he was either not invited and ms
ted to Join when the Division in his neig
borhood was organized, and he believes tn,
was some design in the thing, or that
talents and influence as a member OF soclS
were moderated, and although he IS satlsf
It is q good cause, yet he is too proud SIP
tel 10 Join nor. G's course reminds me
what the immortal poet Milton says 81 cert
persons. who would rather reign IA he'll, IN
ssrgs ia Hearsa.' Is not that ran far ir
the kingdom Of Heaven" who from pride
heart refuses TO do his du:y Hot0, simply
cause lac refused 10 do hs duty at an ear
period Of life?
II objects, or rather stands alooi from
Sons, simply because he, ia his ignoranc.
the Order, gnade many hard and foolish
pressious about tie Order, and has come
the confusion that he would not be receiv
OF If he was, would not be received cordia