Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-04-25
be 0rOer,
Has Any Brother Violated His Pledges

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A Correspondent Of the Virginia Conduc-
tor says-when | hear this question answered
by a brother reading in open Division-'I
charge-with violating Article II, by using
alcohol as a beverage" | begin to trace out
the cause, and, without an exception, l find,
FIRST, that the person against whom the charge
is made, has been guilty of another violation
Of duty-that of not regularly attending his
Division meetings, and secondly, that he is
in the habit Of framing all manner Of excuses
for his delinquency, and in the end that he
has lost all interest in and love for the glori-
Gus principles which he voluntarily espoused.
Ninety-ninc out Of every hundred who vio-
late the pledge, are wcaned from their allegi-
ance by neglect ofduty, and without intend
10 desert, become careless and Indifferent,
and finally cold and lukewarm, when they
ought to Ike active and vigilant, and from this
neglect, conclude that they have been ex-
PEELED from the Order.
Let us examine into our duty and weigh
our responsibility with the trivial excuses
we are 50 much in the habit Of framing, and
sec if We are justified in the course we are
pursuing. We must or should remember our
obligation not only to ourselves, but to pre-
serve unsullied the reputation Of the Order.
De we do 50 by visiting grog shops every
Saturday instead Of the Division room? Let
conscience, truth and justice answer. Re-
member that by such a course we are bring
ing a rcproach upon an institution which has
the appreciation Of Ileaven-that Providence
LIS designed it as a shield from all the evils
that intempcrance has sown broadcast In
the world not only so, but by such neglect
of our duty we cast a reflection upon our
brethren. our families and ourselves, and &C
knowledge that we have no influence or are
unwilling to exert that influence in favor OF
n good cause. Not only this, but the improp-
or conduct Of a member gives to our enc
mics an opportunity for casting destinations
apainst us for want of consistency in retain
inc those amongst us who are unworthy and
unreliable men.
Remember, brothers, that the world has
claims upon us our relatives, our friends,
and above all, our God, has claims upon us
which we can not, as intelligent beings, deny
or shun. If we neglect our duties, we not
only retard the progress of the Order, bu'
we are hazarding our own regulations ano
our own happiness in this life, and the liz
TO come. In view of this responsibility
Of all that is good and great, let us renew oul
pledge, by a faithful discharge of our duties
be Jealous in doing good in every way tina
is possible, and there is nothing that vii
so much aid us in doing and getting good a
the prompt attention to every duty required
by our obligation.
BY a prompt attention to our stated meet
incs our influence will increase-our love 10
the brethren will grow stronger-our talt
become hrmer, and our zeal become untlrlnG
Brethren, with all the bright prospects betol
us. in view Of the deep responsibilities res
ing upon us, let us be up and doing, faitl
fully and cheerfully whatever our hands Tin
to do for the good of our fellow man, and tt
day is not far distant, if we discharge OF
duty, when scores will flock to our standal
for refuge. Let us act our part well, al
leave the result in the hands of the G1e
Patriarch above.
Come then, brethren, to your Divisi'
room-come in a spirit of brotherly love
com with a determination to aid by prece
and example in strengthening the weak, c
couraging the faithful, and doing all in 20
power to free your %neighbors and trlen
from the giant curse of the rum-hend, al
temporal and eternal blessings will GROW
your efforts. Remember, brethren, to ate
faithfully your Division meetings.