Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-11-28
RAJ EIGH, NORTH CAROLINA.

! No"iPciieu 10 curtalI, or be crushed. -
Banks have contracted and suspended; stocks
ana other property which only few months
since were eagerly sought after at high fig
nres, can scarcely be sold now at any price.
1 IN lact, general stagnation seems to have
come upon us. Amid these tumultuous scenes.
our noble order, with other institutions. has
sunered and to recover from which, months
Oh faithful, jealous labor on our part will
have to be performed The Great Ruler of
the Universe, who for three quarters of
century has guarded the interests of this great
Nation, is alone able to preserve our Union
and advance our cause Let us look to Him
Tor aid and counsel in these times of trouble.
Assembled as We are in this ancient vet
beautiful and hospitable town, here where,
victories were wonin other days by our no
Die ancestors, IN resisting oppression from
George the Third, let US devise some .s.s.--r,s.
to rid Our country from the. tyranny of King
Alcohol, by which we have been taxed to op-
preston, and thousands of our race cut down.
Let us remember that ours is an institution
of safety for the inebriate and if we would
accomplish our work as men, we must con-
tinue to gather in the outcast, as well as the
rising generation, until we shall have embra-
ced the whole world in common brother
hood
1t is remal kable fact, that while section
is being arrayed against section, and parties
which have been bound together for genera
tons have been severed associations dvi-
ded; churches torn asunder and our great
nation almost disruptured, amid all this wreck
of matter, the Order of the Sons of Temper
ance of North America still stands up, like a
great monument, erected aid preserved by
the strongest ties of Love- Purity and Fideli-
ty. What cause for congratulation and
gratitude Let us be thankful and ever
pray that the fraternal spirit now existing
betw cen the Sons of the States, British Prov.
inces anc the Old World, may not only con-
tlnue, but increase until the whole world
shall be made sober
During the past year have received very
many kind and traternal letters from G.. W.
Patriarchs OF other Jurisdictions in the States,
and one from New Brunswick, desiring an in.
terchange of visits. Some of-our brethren
promised to visit other Grand Divisions, and
II circumstances had permitted, / would have
been happy to- show my willingness to keep
up the trateTnal intercourse existing between
them and us. And in addition to the private
correspondence had with those noble spirits,
beg leave in this public manner to return
them the gratitude of this Grand Division
for the fraternal regard shown u.s. We are
a band of brothers, and heaven grant that we
may ever remain such. ..-...
The committee appointed at the semi-an-
ual session to get up a form to aid Deputies
in making their reports, have performed
their duty, ana think some good has been
accomplished but still there is room for i'm
provement in that direction.
If, when our affairs shall become Quiet
agaip, the right kind of public Lecturers can
Slate thoroughly canvassed 70 succeed, We
must keep up constant fire.
If all the Ministers of the Gospel in the
land would come out boldly against the use
of ardent spirits, we would put a stop to
drinking in less than five years But alas! alas!
How many who profess to be called of God
to warn sinners of the error of their way,
are in the habit of indulging themselves, or
giving countenance to the practice, by op-
posing our Order and refusing to warn men
of the danger in this direction. The int1u-
ence of such ministers have in many instan
ces caused whole congregations and commu-
mites to oppose US, though their neighbors
and friends were falling around them
almost daily, from the use of strong drink.
For such christians | have the most profound
feelings ofpity and commiseration; for surely
we are not in the way of the cause of Christ,
but help-meet to the church, a co-laborer-
n handmade to religion. The Division room
is often a preparatory school to the church
MANY Iyerily believe, are saved to the church
and to Christ, who would not be- but for the
Influences thrown around them in the Divis
ion room. If this be true, you will admit a
once the importance of establishing Divisions
in every community. To do this, gooC
Lecturer is required And in addition to pub
lie lectures we must work individually ant
distribute our temperance papers and tracts
Our Tract Committee are willing and read.
to furnish all who may apply fer our owl
tracts. gotten up for our own people, an
written bv North Carolinians. Then VIII
not make vigorous efforts to convince tn
naonle or the evils of the use of the article
The traffic IS disreputable and injurious t
anv country, and by all means should be to-
hidden or confined to the apothecary or druG
gist.
For more de allied account of the cond
ton of the Order in this State, refer you
the reports of our Grand Scribe and Grar
= Treasurer.
q In retiring from the position of honor ar
trust to which you were kind enough to el
r vate me, permit me to return you my 81
; cere acknowledgements for the favor al
i distinction shown me in placing me at u
I head of the Order in North Carolina.
Y trust this may be harmonious and pr
7. table session, and the approaching year
n of great peace and prosperity to our Peep
n and to our noble Order; and that my 81
: ccssor nav be able to do more for the cau
II Than have done. That such may
M the case, let me urge you, and those W
n may be appointed his deputies, to give b
i ali the aid possible, and let us not forget
4 osk the blessings of heaven upon our laho
~ for without them we will surely fail.
10 Submitted in Love, Purity and Fidelity
- JNO. +. FOARD, G. w. P
h5 The Report of the Grand Scribe was re
as follows
REPORT OF TIE GRAND SCRIBE
To the G. ". r., Officers
:" =" and Members Of the G.
lal
wopruy BRoTuERs: In obedience to
.o,,;rrments of the Constitution and OF
srand Division, | herewith submit the
Sa';, &c the Grand Scribe, Of the Staust
c.: and Financial condition and operations OF
et Order under this jurisdiction since last al
D. u nd GYst have still to complain OF g
,,;ssness on the part of many Subordln
~ n;n;s;ons in forwarding Returns ana L
- ,ha q ID | have so often called atten
&C 81. ~ ~ his delinquency, and so many efforts
S o' ~ 80. made 10 remedy it, without effect,
e .@e 7 an utterly st a loss to suggest any
rge am he effective. / therefore sin
iCh thas 80 collou,;no facts. hoping the WIS