Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-11-20

ratAhimsslf Ia all thiass, woald ofor a fsv remarks
70 the readers Of the Age. Ga the present State of the ,,
times and condition of the country. To these remarks
we would invite the attention and serians coneidera-
tons OF ell Christians Of every denomination. "a well
a. the Sous Of the Order to which this paper Is so
truly devoted. We address the following consider
ations to the classes already designated. because 1t
has been said. and truly said, and we are sure 1t will
not be controverted by the politicians Of the day. that
these classes arc always mo2t important members OF
the community. In addition to this. We now boldly
assert, without the fear of successful contradiction by
any intelligent member OF any other class, that there
never was q period In the history Of our beloved
South, wherein. more justly than in the present. this
remark could be affirmed Of them whether the sitaa.
tion Of our own country. known to every reader of
this paper. be attentiyely considered. or the general
state of society in the world at large.
Let all true Christians and Sons of Temperance,
seriously weigh the important position which they
occupy, and the various duties 1t now. in the present
perilous condition OF our country, and when we say
our country, we mean the South. our own beloved
South, for which let every man determine to do or
die. peculiarly enforces on them. Have they done
this : In reply, we can only say that Ministers Of the
Gospel and Sons OF Ten perance are to-day found at
the head OF armies, regiments and companies. 1t
needs no great foresight or penetration to discover
that the standard of morals and sobriety are every
where declining abroad, particularly in the Northern
States, even more rapidly than in cur own country
Notwithstanding the north outstrips all creation in the
progress of ~irreligion, socialism, aggrarianism, free
soilism and every other ism disgraeeful to tho sons
and daughters of Adam still the decay of morals at
home, here in the Sunny South. il such as to alarm
every considerable mind, and to forebode the worst
consequences, unless some remedy be speedily ap-
piled to the growing evil. For this reformation we
| ,nnot lank to thu moral md asohar nlaccou an tho ~
munity, many of which are now engaged in this no.
Bile cause. -
Let them go on In the great and glorious work-may
God increase their zeal and double their exertions in
the progress OF their labors. We call upon you, then,
to whom these remarks are particularly addressed
with becoming earncstness, to strive in ali things to
recommend your profession, and to silence the vain
SCOTS Of the ignorant and the malicious. Assert from
the pulpit, at the head Of armies, in the highways and
by-ways, the necessity OF temperance and piety, at all
times, particularly the present perilous crisis of our
country. Bear in mind that it is devolyed on you the
important duty of aiding in preventing the fall OF
your country and restoring the influence of religion,
and of raising the standard of morality. We call upon
you, then, occupying the position we have assigned
you, to be active, useful, gener GUS towards your fel
low creatures, moderate and self denying to your
selves. Be ashamed of idleness when there is so much
work for you to do, as you would be of the most &C
knowledged sin. When Providence blesses you will
afiuence, bestow a large portion of it upon the pgAF
the destitute, especially upon the soldiers now fghtin,
the battles of your country, in defence of your lives
your affairs, wives, children and friends, all that yo
have or hold dear. Withdraw yourselves from the
vani,ies of the world; and without sordidness, sho,
by your modest demeanor, and by avoiding all displa,
that, without affecting singularity, you are not tn
slaves of fashion that you consider it your duty t
. -
serve for nobier and more disinterested purposes tia
money which Others ~selfshly. waste in parade an
dress, and ~equipage. Cultivate a catholic spirit
universal good will, and of amicable fellowship tt
wards all the world. Countenance men of re
!. piety wherever they are found, and encourage in othe
every attempt to repress the progress of vice, and
!, review and difuse the influence of religion, virtue al
. %sobriety. Let your earnest prayers be constantly
fered, that such efforts may be successful and that t
4 abused long suffering of God may still continue to O
i country and her armies the Invaluable privilege of vi
q purity, temperance and all the christian virtues.
Pray continually for our suffering, bleeding countl
a Who then can say but that the Governor of the U
!. verse, a God who hears the prayers of his servan
may not, in answer to your iRtercessions, forever av
; our subjugatisn and continue to US and our poster
y the fullness ofthose temporal blessings which in 81
abundant measure we have hitherto enjoyed.
q Men of the world, uniniuenced by religious cons
" ~erations, may nevertheless confess the effects of
= ligion and morality in promoting the well being
the community. and yet, according to their depra,
- notion, with q smile of complacent pity, or a snee
!, supercilous contempt, read of the services VIII
: christians may render to their country in times
!. these with which we are surrounded. To them.
!. prayers OF christians for the success of our ar
~ the blessing of our country and the utter discomft
of the enemy, may seam like the superstitious we
ness which prompts the terrified inhabitant of ST
To hrinn the innana Of his tntolnr o. IT. =; a-a-.4