Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-12-12
Tenperance and Che Times.


tits said TO bcagoodrule, tojudgc other places
and circumstances by those which surround
yourself, if you wish t%oarrive at a proper CON
ception upon any point If this be true, we
fear there arc few persons now in the country
who arc giving much attention to the great
subject Of Tcmperance--for here, we are very
confident, il scarcely receives a moments con-
sideration. And why's Because every
body's thoughts and feelings are engrossed
with the political affairs of the nation. But,
much as these latter are worthy Of our con-
sideration and earliest reflection, do not other
matters which affect our social and moral
being, claim a just share at our hands? In
deed, in these times of high political excite
ment, do VIC not rs a people need the sgtety
cafre q temperance toprevent that explosion
which we all so much drcad9 Suppose every
man in the natioR-cvery voter, every legis-
lator whether State or national-every cabi-
net officer, every governor-were cool,
deliberate, Temperance men; would not much
OF the trouble now upon us have been avoid
ed-and much that is now threatened, be
turned aSideS We sincerely believe so.
Let as not then, discard this important
subject because other matters of interest
claim Our attention. II is due to our own
safety, to the welfare of our wives and chill
dren, and to the good Of society generally,
that we press the claims Of Temperance upon
the consideration Of our fellow-men. No in
te est or affection is safe, if it be disregardcd.
The prospects Of life and the destinies of
eternity depend upon its observance. How
unwise then to allow its Importance to be
supcrscdcdby other considerations? Is it not
equally a matter Of as grave importance that
We take steps TO provide against a pre-
dominance Of moral slavery in our passions,
appgtitcs and habits, as in our political rights
and immunities? Is it not as much the part
OF wisdom to have "vigilance committees ="
and minute men" to protect our interests
In theser respects, as in times ofpolitical danger?
Surely surely!
We would, then, appeal to every patriotic
son Of the South to come out on the side OF
Temperance. The enemy is abroad in the
land His recruiting officers are at every
corner Of our streets, and at every cross
roads in the country. lie is scattering his
"inccndiary " missiles broadcast throughout
the land. lie is infaming the passions of our
slaves; exciting the spirit of revolt and in
su~bordination imbruing his hands in the
blood Of innocence, robbing wives and chill.
dren Of their needed bread, and spreading
evils innumerable among all classes. lie is
the John Brown" that attacks unguarded
familics-the "Abram Lincoln" that, under
cover Of law and "the forms Of the ~constitu.
ton" denies us the right to protect ourselves
from his monstrosities-he is the damnable
"black republican" who, with the fumes o.
hell upon him, debases the intellect, dcgrades
the affections, and c~nslayes the soul, and ther
leads it Town to his own dark abode. Thi,
is his charactcr.-the character of Alcohol
the arch-enemy Of man.
\ few patriotic sons Of the South are wagin;
war against this fell-destroycr. They hav,
organized themselves into Divisions" t
beat back his deyilish advances. They ar
minute men, ready at u moments warning
to help rescue every captive he has in hi
grasp. But our numbers are few. We az
called " Sons of Temperance or other sign
iieant soubriquet. We are beating up fc
recruits. We are red hot for secession
from this old "black republican," and &c
u Union to the true and noble principle
of Temperance, Liberty and Equality" W
want more to join us. We believe our eau
one that must commend itself to the hca,
and judgment of every man who investigate
our principles. We want to see the people
the South as much alive to the protection
their moral and social rights, as they are
their political ones. And to them we apes
Brothers of our noble Order! Do not |
us suffer other eXcitements to oyershadow OF
devotion to the Temperance cause. Othe
may be important-so is it. Others may
worthy our most serious attention-so
this. Let us not cease TO agitate-not fC
sake the assembling of ourselves together
our Division rooms-but call the people
gether; or wherever we find them assemble
speak out boldly in behalf of the eau
of God and humanity. BE not discouras
by adverse circumstances but remember y
have the promisc-"In due time you sh'
reap, if you faint not" We conclude in
language of the great Pulaski at the head
his advancing eolumn-"Forward, brethre
Forward
Tooa1 Ttamu