Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1872-02-23
For the journal.

WeSSrS. Editors For four wears there
| has been an organized TEN mperance society
in this city. The members of this society
have worked sedulously for the promotion
| of the cause Of temperance but they have
received very little encouragement from the
! people of this community, for whose inter-
| ests they are labOring. Who's we contem-
plate this state of things we are not inordi-
| nately surprised that the secular portion of
| our people have not rendered the institu-
! ton that aid which might be expected
! from men and women protesting desire
| for the dcthrOnement OF vice, and the es-
tablishment Of morality. But, we are at
a loss to understand the actions of those
persons who are allied with the Church
Of God. Now, We do not wish to be
understood as arraying ourselves in op-
position to the Church. We claim for
our Order that it is one of the grand aux
iliaries OF the Church. The purpose of all
our rites and ceremonies IS to bene-
fit mankind morally and spiritually.-
But, while these things are true we depre-
cate the fact that the members of the
churches in this city, with the exception Of
few isolated cases, are not in open sym-
pathy with the attempts that are beipc,
made to reform inebriates and indoctrinate
the youth in the principles of temperance.
1t is said there are members in every
Church in our city who imbibe intoxicating
drink. Great God! is it true, that those
who wear the armor Of Christ are setting
examples before the young, which. if fol-
lowed, may result in the destruction Of
that physical temple, upon which the Di-
vine Maker imprinted the portraiture OF
his majesty, and the eternal ruin of the i'm
mortal soul. 1t Is said influential mem
bers of the churches in Wilmington pur-
chase from the liquor establishments alco-
hol by the gallon, and carry it to their
homes, where they can, at pleasure, engage
in the practice of drinking the damnable
potation. Is it possible, that men who
frOwn, with indignation at other vices, and
who pray to God for the coming of His
kingdom, are guilty of introducing into
their family circle the liquid of the pool
from whence springs half of the vices
which curse our country. If these reports
be true, how can such men censure the
drunkard! How can they condemn the
liquor vender, when they assist in support
ing his establishment?
Reformation is the watchword of the
day. In other parts Of North Carolina
christians, politicians, influential and
wealthy men are uniting with the reform
ers. The day of fogyism has passed. As
civilization marches forward it sheds ali
effulgence over the whole land, and reveals
those customs which were once highly es-
teemed, as among those things which are
deleteriouS to the best interests of nation.
The people in other portions Of the State
! arc beginning to realize these things, and
j are rising up, as good citizens should, and
/ condemniDg the once-cherished vice Of in
/ temperance. Although strong efforts are
being made to stay the progress Of this pOr-
I tentous monster, yet the seeds Of intemDer-
ance are now being tllickIy sown through
| out the length and breadth of the land
Yea, the evil is prevalent ! it steals insidi-
ously into the palatial mansion and the
rude home Of the poor.
Citizens, the evil is at your doors and
it behoOveS you to drive it away. How
long will you countenance intemperancc ,
In the name of the order of the Friends
Of Temperance, we appeal to the members
of the different religious denominations in
Wilmington to unite with us i'm our efforts
to break down the bulwarks of intemper-
ance, and establish the glorious reign OF
| temperance. Let us confederate. and,
in the name of God and country, 90
forth, teaching cur fellow Men to reject the
poisonous cup, and drink OF the pure
beverage which gIlshes in immaculate
beauty from the earth. We earnestly al
peal TO the men of influence to Join hands
with us. Think not that we are mere
puerile institution. Some of the most bril-
liant intellects in the State are engaged in
this work, and the cause is worthy of your
espousal. Lastly, we appeal to women,
into whose heart the Almighty has breathed
the sweet spirit Of heavenly influence. Let
her smiles he seen, and her cheering
words be he I'd in our Council Chamber
Whining. \: Co. Feb. II, 1872.