Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-09-18
TEMPERANCE and the Times.

temperance anu the 1AInes.
We cannot refrain from saying a word or
two, every week, concerning the all-impor-
tant subject Of Temperance, notwithstan-
ding the engrossment of public attention by
the fierce and general warfare waged by the
South in defence Of our liberties, our homes,
and our lives. But paramount as is the in
terest we all feel in the contest now being
waged, are there not other matters worthy
of our consideration and earnest reflection
matters which effect our social, moral and
eternal being2 Is il not due to our own
safety, 70 the welfare Of our wives and chill
dren and to the good Of society generally,
that we press the claims Of Temperance up
on the consideration Of our f~ellow-ment No
interest or affection is safe, fit be dirSegar-
ded. The prospects Of life and the destl-
nies Of eternity depend upon its observance.
How unwise then to allow its importance to
be superseded by other considerations Is
Il not equally a matter Of as grave impor-
lance that we take steps to provide against
a predominance Of moral slavery in our pass
ions, appetites and habits, as in our political
rights and immunities Is it not as much
the part Of wisdom to have vigilance com
mittees and minute men" to protect our
interests in these respects, as in times OF Po-
litical 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 o. our streets, and at every crossroads
in the country. lie IS scattering his g incen-
diary missiles broad east throughout the
land. lie is inAaming the passions Of our
slaves exciting the spirit Of revolt and in
subordination imbruing his hands in the
blood OF innocence, robbing wives and chill
dren OF their needed bread, and spreading
evils innumerab'e among all classes. lie is
the John Brown" that attacks unguarded
Iamities-thc Abraham Lincoln" that, UNI
der cover Of law and =" the forms of the con-
stitution," denies us the right to protect our
selves from his montrosities-he is the dam.
nable " black republican" who, with the
fumes OF hell upon him, debases the intellect
degrades the affections, and then leads il
down To his own dark abode. This is his
characteristic character of Alcohol-tht
arch-enemy Of man.
A few patriotic sons Of the South arc wag
ing war against this fell-destroyer. The,
have organized themselves into Divisions
to beat back his deyilish advances. The
are minute men" ready at a moments warn
ing, to help rescue every captive he has i
his grasp. But our numbers are few. w
are called Sons Of Temperance" or othe
significant soubriquet. We are beating u
for recruits. We are red hot for 'seces
sion from this old "black republican,, " an
for a Union to the true and noble prime
Piles of Temperance, Liberty and Equality.
We want more to join us. We believe on
cause one that must commend itself to tn
heart and judgment Of every man who inve
people Of the South as much alive to Il
protection Of their moral and social rights,
they are to their political ones. And to the
we appeal.
Brothers Of our noble Order! Do not !
us suffer other excitements to overshadow 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 forsal
the assembling Of ourselves together in o
Division rooms but call the people togethe
or wherever We find them assembled, spe
ont boldly in behalf of the cause of God al
humanity. BE not discouraged by adver
circumstances but remember you have t
promise LIN due time you shall reap, il "
faint not" We conclude in the language
the great Pulaski at the head ofhis advonci1
column" Forward, brethren Forward y