Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-05-19
G&n1g&rantt Mattat:.
For the Yorkvllle Enquirer.
TEMPERANCE ESSAY.

believe that it is universally admitted,
thatTemperanee is justly classed amongwhat
are denominated cardinal virtues. Hence, to
be temperate, is equally binding upon all
ranks and orders of human society. Norank,
however elevated or degraded no circum-
stances, however prosperous or unfortunate
no temptation however strong, can excuse
from this universal obligation. But unfortu-
nately, there are many who either do not
understand this obligation, or they are so
wanting in the qualities of moral honesty
that rules of'life enforced by the principles
of moral obligation have less influence upon. .
their minds, than the capriciods distates of
fashion, or the calls of depraved appetite.
Hence, it has been deemed necessary for
men of upright principles and habits, to COM
bine their influence to impress upon the
minds of the 'unthinking, those obligations
which would otherwise remain either un-,
known or unaprreciated. Hence temperance
societies have multiplied all over the coun-
try, and 'the>good together with many who
are evil have pressed into them. When the
cause of temperance seemed to be advancing
rapidly, and multitudes we're connecting
themselves with the different societies which
have for their object the establishment of
this virtue, and the banishment of the evils
incident to the evice- -intemperance-all true
philanthropists greatly rejoiced, and fondly
anticipated that the time was net far distant
when we should no longer have occasion to
weep over the wrongs committed by the
ruthless 'enemy of human, peace. 1t was
thought that the overwhelming Influence Of
these associations Would effect such a com.
plete revolution in the customs habits Of
society, and SO eulighten the minds of the
people, that intemperanoe, with all its at
tendant evils would soon be among the
things that are past. But, unfortunately,
this has not been the case. The use of the
Intoxicating cup has still continued notwith-
standing all the strenuous efforts which have
been made to Danish it from our midst. In
view of this fact, question of momentous
Importance presents itself for our considera-
ton. Were the original projectors of tenn
perance societies mistaken in reference to the
suitable means for the accomplishment of
their object?' We are satisfied that they
we're not mistaken. Associated wisdom and
combined influence are undoubtedly the
most effectual means which can be used for
the accomplishment ofany purpose-good or
evil. Indeed, 80 effectual is this weapon in
the hands of designing and crafty men, that
by this means they have often been known
to accomplish purposes, which have chilled
the heart of the virtuous with fear, and caus-
ed the cry of the oppressed in deep, anguish,
to ascerd to heaven for succor. Combina-
tions will often prevail, against even truth
and righteousness. We might illustrate this
by reference to the overwhelming influence
which christian churches exert upon the
opinions and feelings of the community
Often crafty men make use of this influence
for the purpose Of accomplishing their own
spiteful, or selfish purposes Thus it some.
times happens that the combined influence
of church will destroy the innocent and
screen the guilty. Thus We see that COM
bined influence is the most efficient means
which can be used for the accomplishment
of moral purpose. And we would be ex-
ceedingly glad, if this influence were never
used, exceptin the cause of virtue and truth.
If then the influence of q combination is so
efectual for the accomplishment of either
good or evil purposes, the establishment of
societies for the purpose of impressing upon
the minds of the masses of community tie
moral obligation of temperance is certainly
the best means that could be devised, be-
cause the most efficient. No legislative ac-
tion, no motives of public interest, and no
private effort will 80 surely and so effectually