Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-07-28
The Old Subject.

or talk, or think OF any tnlng else now, 'hA
the terrible war which has been forced upon
by a people seeking our destruction. but
even in the midst of this tremendous Reyo-
luton, it is important for US as a people TO
recur to safe principles, to the true landmarks
Of happiness and prosperity. This bloody
strife must come to a close-whether soon or
late, the Southern Confederacy is decreed OF
God to come forth a free and independent
Nation. 1t may be that seas OF blood and
tempests of fire. such as we have not yet en-. |
countered, are in reserve for us. God only
knows-and He will order what is best
But we will emerge from the conflict freed,
regenerated and disenthralled from all IN
cumbrancc of our northern enemies. God
speed the happy day.
The old Ship of State must then settle into
her wonted and peaceful moorings, If the
blood bought Liberty God shall give US be
enduring and perpetual. 1t is all important,
then, that the requisites for this stability
and prosperity should be understood and &C
ted upon~-by the people as individuals, and
by the Government as the representative OF
the people. Next to, and as a part OF that
Righteousness" which exalteth a Nation
stands "Temperan e"-abstinence from all
intoxicating beverages-that prolific source
of evils terrible and incalculable, and to which
we are in no small degree indebted for our
present troubles and calamities.
Are we, as a people and as a government,
prepared to adhere to, maintain, practice and
inculcate the principles of so6riety? Are
We now impressing the lesson of total absti-
hence upon the minds of our children, our
neighbors and those. with whom we associ-
ate2 If this be the feeling and purpose Of
the better portion OF the people of the South,
then may we hope for a glorious era in our
~newly-born Nations history. But if, alas
our freedom from northern oppression anc
tyranny be but an exchange for that of the
chains of intemperance, most pitiable ant
despicable will be our condition. Who car
contemplate the picture without horror !
We are brave and strong enough to conque
a mortal enemy-shall it be said we are to-
pusilanimous and base to conquer the grea
enemy to the welfare of the immortal soul a
we'll as the body!
The total abstinence idea is not a moderl
one. It is as ancient as the laws of Moses
Nor is it of human device it come from Goo
, 1t has sanctions which are historic and di
VIVA Gool VnAn houo oAnforood III DIV live
!, to it and God has approved and blessed. ]
! best characters, with the hottest Offices
; religion, with the ADMINISTRATIONS and the har
Z piest fortunes. 1t is an idea on which Il
: temperance reformation of our own time h:
> proceeded. By this we have conquered,
: far we have achieved victories-and tn.
Z have been many. Let us hold fast the prt
= fesslon of our faith in it. Let us teach it
? our children. Let US proclaim it to the worl
> 1t is an old and well-tried principle. 1t h
: nobly stood the test Of experiment. 1t
scriptural, Christian, safe, successful. E
this principle, to which benevolence Civ
), beauty, and experience strength which
= rooted in charity, and most live while the
is love on earth promotes every sour
habit, and favors all the virtues which lea
to all thrift, to harmony, happiness, salv;
ton = by this let US stand.
e The Wilmington Journal learns from mo
-, than one highly intelligent officer who parti,
= pated in the battles at Richmond. that