Spirit of the age. [volume], August 23, 1850, Image 1

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

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I I J 7 M 'TT ' J rv
: SPIRIT OF TUB AGE.
DY ALEXANDER M. GORMAN.
Tub Sfiiuror thk Age if published weekly
'(0.?k Dollar' and FirrY-CcwTs per annum,
paable in all casei, in advance. To Clubs of five
-and upwards, one dollar each. , v '.
No- subscriptions received for a less , period than
.six months.
... . '
' Advertuements inserted at the rates of One Dol-
Ur per square, for the first insertion, and Twenty
nv cents for each continuance.
POETEY.
TOR THE
To Mis a 13
SPIRIT OF THE AGE.
of Raleigh.
I'll think of thee when morning light,
In roseate beams bursts o'er the sea,
And when the stars make ev'ning bright,
Then, dearest one, I'll think of thee.
"When flowers hang down their heads in sleep,
And song is hushed in every tree,
The moon doth still her vigils keep,
So will I watch and think of thee.
And should a tear my eye-lids stain,
vVith thoughts hard fate hath dealt to me,
MemVy will breathe thy voice again,
And smiles will com with thoughts of thee.
Farewell ! when free from care thou art,
And i)aure' charms forgotten be,
Give one kind thought to him whose heart,
In weal or woe, still doats on theo.
KUeigh, Aug. 20, 1850.
F.
Selected for the Spirit of ihe At.
The Course of Love.
!IT CHARES C..JOKOOK.
When man has gainM some lofty point,
In his ambitious course,
And seeks ftill higher to ascend,
By aid of wealth or force :
Unconscious of all danger, he
Seeks nought but visions bright,
When lo! his schemes are all des
slroy'd,
And brightness turns to nijjht.
And when properity has pour'
r.l
un man, its gins so rare,
And countless friends do honor to
lo check his gay career,
And friends who long his bounty shar'd,
Shun him with seeming fear.
Thus, when I fancied mutual love,
My ardent hopes had crown'd,
And thy sweet smiles and merry laugh
Mad all look bright around ;
And when I saw thy sylph-like form,
In fairy lightness move,
I scare dare entertain the thought.
Thou wor't my own true love.
Bright scenes like these my seizes lull'd,
While Cupid's favors 6trtml,
'Till rous'd by the unwekome truth,
I found I had but d'tfam'd ;
Then came across iy wounded heart,
The biting ei despair,
labile all iy images of love
I y crush'd and buried there.
But still a straggling hope remains,
Of brighter days to come,
Of happy hours and sunny smiles,
To cheer and gladden home ;
Oh' yes, if thou wilt but relent,
And smile on mc once more,
In thy fond lovo will sure be found,
Pure happiness in store.
The pleasing thought still to nie clings,
From thee I ne'er shall part,
Pouring sweet balsam in the wounds
Thy frowns caus'd in my heart :
Aud dear to me this truth shall be,
And prove it false who can,
" The course of true love ne'er ran smooth,
Since this fair world began."
Philadelphia, Juno 2S, 1850.
Riciilamds, Onslow July 30, 1850t
Bro Gorman : Saturday, the 2Slh of Ju
ly, was a day that will long be remember
ea at liicuiands, and will tell greatly for
weal in this section for years to come.
It was the day for the public exhibition of
xne siuuents oi lucniana Academy, (pre
paratory school to Randolph Macon Col
lege.) And here permit me to say, that
the Students under the direction of their
beloved and accomplished teacher, Mr.
ji. u. "ooqwaiu, a. jm., acquitted them
selves admirably; surpassing the most san
guine hopes of the patrons and friends of
the Institution.
On the 11th of May last, the Rev. Sam
uel Pearce, Agent for the Order of the
Sons of Temperance, organized a Division
at this place. It was opened with 12 ap
plicants, and though accessions have not
been as numerous as in other sections, yet
our course has been steady and onward;
and actuated by that spirit, .which only a
Son of Temperance knows and feels, we de
termined not to let the 27th pass without
art effort to extend our glorious piinciples,
and rescue our fellows from under the gall-
nig ju ui uuuui 5cu nconoi. incrciorc
a pu&lic meeting was appointed to take
;niiitinmirntiiHiH.
. . mi.
place on that occasion ; and invitations
sent to the neighboring Divisions, which
Were numerously responded to. At 3 o'
clock P. M., (the appointed time,) the'
members of the Order, from the different
Divisions met in the Division room ;
where under the direction of the Maishal
Bro. L. W Humphrey, Toimed a nrocess-
lon, and after a short march, proceeded to
the church, where all necessary arrange
ments weremadc for their reception. The
services were commenced bv sin?inr an
jue, ana an eloquent 'and appropriate
prayer by the Chaplain, the Rev. J. H.
"V J 1 t . v -
Jefferson. After the breth
J'fumphreY introduced to the
Worthy Patriarchy Ladies and Gentlemen J
and Brethren of the Order of the Sons of
lemperance : we hail with cheering auspi
ces, this our first public meeting at Rich
lands. The present occasion, like the Or
der under which we are associated, pre
sents to many around us a scene entirely
novel, and naturally exciting in some a cu
riosity to see and learn how this society
transacts its affairs, having some concern
to know what may be the probable desti
ny of this great and mighty agent that thus
revolutionises society. But to all who are
not over superstitious and skeptical, we
are satisfied that the motto of our Order
will carry its own recommendations, and
its fruits will every where form its own
defence in the enlightened judgement of
the public. Its motto L. P. and F. are
harmoniously blended in the benign cause
of Temperance to carry out its happy con
sequences and to promote the peace and
moral harmony of the world. Intemper
ance that arch enemy of human good,
still prevails to some extent, though many
a well directed effort has been made to ex
terminate the evil. Yet this writhing
monster, Phoenix-like, seems to possess the I
power ot reproduction Irom his own ashes,
and like some loathsome plague continues
its work of destruction, by the contagion
that follows its first outbreak. Intemper
ance is a vice that has become as insidi
ous in its different forms and modes of al-
lurements to temptation, as
this vice, the Temperance cause has exer-
Differentorders of temperance societies and
different forms of a pledge have been adop-
ed, all of which have dispensed a redeem
ing efficacy in staying the ravages and des
olation of intemperance.
It has been said, that the Temperance
cause has done more for America than the
army of the Revolution. And though the
assertion may be viewed by some as a par
adox, yet when duly considered, it will be
found to be not at all bevond the truth.
For it is a fact too well known at the pre
sent day to admit of dispute by the enemies
of the Temperance refoim, that through
the instrumentality of this, cause, many
hundreds and thousands of the votaries ol
intemperance, who were bending body and
soul under a viler thraldom than that from
which their fathers rescued them, have
been emancipated from the degrading bon
dage of intemperance, and raised to the
high standing of moral, virtuous and re
spectable men. When the pledge of total
abstinence was first adopted, great and
mighty opposition was roused to life.
The charge of ultraism was loudly and
impiously made to stigmatize the cause
with all the extravagances of anti-repub
licanism. But the result has proved, that
then commenced a new and glorious era in
the history of society and of our own
country. The reformation has steadily
and successfully advanced until opposition
has become powerless before the triumphs
of this mighty engine of moral power.
Temperance has passed its stage of novel
ty but has lost none ot us interest, lhe
excitement caused by its startling innova
tions and by the overturning of ancient
customs has subsided. The discovery that
the drunkard can be saved is chronicled by
more recent truths.
The cheering and successful efforts that
are everywhere made among the masses,
not only to rescue the inebriate from the
degrading vices of Intemperance, but also
to elevate his condition, and character in
society ; a consequence which the pre
sent organization of the Temperance cause
is best calculated to effect.
These are omens that demonstrate clear
ly and beyond a rational doubt, that the
Temperance cause is destined ultimately,
and at no distant period, to complete the
full circle of its glorious triumphs. We
deem it unnecessary on the present occa
sion, to entertain you by descanting on the
well known and dreadful effects of intern-
perance. W e believe that in this enlight
ened age but few can be so skeptical, or
ignorant, in regard to the baneful conse
quences of the habits of Intemperance, as
to need any argument, or reiteration of it
here, to produce a conviction of the truth,
and to convince them of the direful effects
of intemperance, as well as the blessings
ana advantages oT the Temperiicje cause.
Ercry man who "is not a re 61 in, heart
against the genius' of our instititums, and
the true spirit of the present a;e. we are
assured does and will acknowledge the
beneficial ant happy results oHhe Tem
perance cause, and use his freest and
faithful endeavors to forward lis interest.
No subject of the present affords
so wide a scone for.the exerciseof philan
thropy in promoting the good oMankind.
Here every human feeling of OXheart is
called forth into . exercise to retiUve and
save the lnebriatf Anrf wo co k
labors of the nhilanthromstinf:;1
. -. - aniiit
cial cause for near
r i : jvIliast-
Wxm of sue-
cess.
Scores and thousandsof the uifortunate
victims of Intemperance in our country
have been snatched as firebrindi from the
devouring element, and from th vortex of
destruction, who have been reclaimed to
virtue and respectability ; dignifrd in char
acter and elevated in morals. I The tem
peiance society which was calljd into ex
istence by the peculiarity of the age, and
the necessity of the times, uni moulded
by the then circumstances, has ?undergone
various modifications and changes, in the
features of its original social structure.-
The old total abstinence societVwhich af
terwards was identified with fthe Wash
ingtonian Society, has indeeil achieved
great and happy results. in recf&iming the
intemperate and reforming tl3 habits of
society. But notwithstanding jit the old
society has accomplished great and im
mense good, time has proved ft to be de
ficient in some particular items necessary
to constitute such a society as shIl stand
firm, and prove a permanent barrier a
gainst the insidious and deceitful allure
ments of intemperance.
From the want of systematic! arrange
ment in the old society toprodude regular
concerted action throughout all Ihe ranks
of the society and to throw a constant pro
tection around its members,;; many of
those who had been temporarily saved and
I reclaimed from a life of dissipation, in an
washed to her wallowing in 'iVUnire.''
Many, we say, through the want of effort
and of enterprise on the part ot the socie-.
ty have become lifeless and inactive mem
bers. And their influence on society so
far as intemperance is concerned, may be
represented by the proverb, in which they
are compared to the dead flies that caused
the ointment of the apothecary to send
forth a noxious odor. But in the Order of
the Sons of Temperance we havei a socie
ty in which these defects are remedied
a well organized institution in Ahich all
the parts and members of which i is com
posed are united by the strongest affinities.1
In this Order, which is formt j on the
basis of a benevolent and charivhile insti
tution reciprocity of duties, for the ce
ment and band of union. All arereceived
and acknowledged, by the same
rule of
fellowship, havinsr a common inte
est, and
equality of rank and condition, his
ciety is exclusively American ; fcivin
s so
ar its
origin in our own happy Columbia land,
and from its first institution to thepresent.
it has continued to flourish with tie great
est prosperity. But though it hasncreas-
ed with unexampled success, yet fits pros
perity is not clogged by its mult
udinous
assemblage of members ; for it mains its
vitality and its puiity, not as I
e staz-
nant lake.that becomes ietia tor
want
action, but like the crystal wave:
Jof Sylo-
am's brook that seems to have been endued
with a healing virtue by means of the in
ternal commindins: of its own elements
imnarted to it by the angel's visits. ?Or rab
er like the vast ocean, that contains in its
deep bosom the elements of purification
and by the constant action ot its fcwn wa
ters becomes purer, tempering wiui health
and buoyancy the vital air that wfts over
its broad surface. So can we cbmmend
the moral efficacy of this, our Orjjer. In
this Order every member, like the individ
ual drops that unite to form the majestic
ocean, by the virtue of activity, exerts a re
fining and purifying influence throughout
the whole mass ; though some po
tions of
the same may have found entran
e from
tagnant
some muddy rill, or sickly and
streamlet. So let the motto we bfar ever
; impel us to vigilance and to activity, which
as it is tne euective process oi punncaiion
in all the economjr of nature, so u it the
true " modus operandi" of regeneration in
the moral and spiritual world. Lit it be
our high aim and purpose to keep march
with the auspicious movements of tjhe tem
perance cause that are being mads by our
brethren in other sections ot the country.
Let us all be prompt to discharge Cur du
ties, which our society impresses upon us,1 "orlh the brethren were called up and sung an
sacrificing every motive and principle of ?'T1,er f6' . !!! ?T wfre f'-" S?.,ed.'
selfishness at the altar of devotidi, and
prosecuting the warfare until we have driv
en this enemy Irom every intrenehment,
and the ravages of intemperance shi!l cease
from our land. And if we aim at complete
victory, we must show no quarters to the
enemy in his lurking retieat,- nor give the
insidious foe time or space to rally his bro
ken vow. And the total abstinence princi
ple is ihe only sure platform on which we
can maintain and- propagate successfully
the virtues of temperance.
We need no new evidence to prove that
our moderate, dram drinking citizens are
the most formidable enemies that retain the
field against the progress of Temperance.
We know that thev are stroncr mnntr nf
i t. rri
irus.1' ' o suc we would -addrP 7;
trust.
peaL for we recni WM4 P
in thTfieU of corstT "nents
i ue unreiormea nieoriaie, tne rurrTseiT4"
and imposter. are mere sunernumerarie
s. i
' I -i
and superannuates in your camp. They
bear no arms, they are under your pro
tection ; they exist by your support and
are emboldened by your impious example;
you may meet with scores of poor inebri
ates who have tried lo become temperance
men, by following such a dangerous exam
ple, but it has plunged them deeper in the
mire. Thousands are trying to arise from
habitual intoxication to a moderate use of
the intoxicating cup.
Alas, it is your example (Moderate
Drinker) that is holding out this deluding
phantom. Will you beguile them with the
fatal delusion that they may again be mod
erate drinkers. Would you torture a lin
gering Tantalus, with visions of the cool
ing waters of life, with which he shall nev
er be permitted - to quench his
thirst.
burning
Shall that intemperate Father, who has
acquired almost strength and resolution e
nough to resist the Tempter? Shall that
husband who has just commenced a life of
reformation ? Shall that dissipated son and
brother, who has just been rescued from
the sea shore of intemperance? shall
these be dashed and hurled back into their
original ruin, by following your reckless
example? When the shipwrecked ma
riner has clung to his frail plank through all
the inhospitable wilderness of the stormy
;amp1rerti!
him on to breakers, whence, with his frail
preserver he shall be dashed on the Cha-
rybdis of inevitable destruction! When
with a final and desperate effort he has
once laid hold of the life boat, and ark of
of safety, will you strike off his hands
and leave him to sink in the waves or to
be swallowed up by the whirlpool of des-
ruction that is eddying round his precari
ous bark and threatenins to engulf him ?
Who then, shall be accountable for the e-
vils of intemperance? Will it be only the
inebriate himself, or will it not be those who
have, the power, by their influence in the
circle in which Providence has placed you ?
maintain that every moral man can, by
his expmple, wield a mighty influence in
directing public opinion, and in reforming
Lhe evil habits of society. -
It it is by the influence of your example
that the habit of dissipation , is to be re
formed and corrected. It is by your per
sonal efforts, that the world is to be eman
cipated and saved from the degrading ef-
lects ol Alcohol.
Let the champions and friends of our
Order be encouraged and stimulated to this
work of benevolence by the recollection
that there is no point of degradation from
whence some have not been raised and sa
ved. The poor outcast was not always as
he now appears. He has perhaps, a fine
intellect beclouded a noble heart though
brutalized, and powers and redeeming
qualities, which may yet be called into ac
tion. None but the drunkard can know the heart
burnings, lhe jTearning3 after reformation and the
sense of degradation which he feels ; hut sees no
mode of regaining the position from which he has
thrown himself. His midnight purposes are
known to him alone. Remind him that there is
sympathy in his behalf and hope for his recovery,
and you will find that these appeals are not with
out efToct. As one traveling on the Andes finds
himself suddenly enveloped in the slimy folds of
the Boa Constrictor, and sees those huge ligaments
binding upon him and feels the vital principle fast
ebbing away, calls to .his fellows to save him
while they may ; so he who is enslaved by liis
cups, asks your aid to assist him in breaking
the spell which binds him down to so degrading
and ruinous a service. As one who has been te-
nighted in a wintry storm and feels the chilling
torpor benumbing his senses, desires to sleep, he
may curse you for your interference m his rescue
now ; but he 'vill surely bless you afterwards-.
How cheerinir will be the reflection if you have
made one home happy, if you have restored toso-j
ciety one prodigal son, it will more than recom
pense all your sacrifice; it will repay all emotion,
it will sweeten the cup of life, it will smooth the
pillow of the dying.
AfW Rm. Wmdivanl had concluded, and
- lloud applause subsided which his remarks called
-..w. - J '
Humphrey introduced J. A. Averitt, Jr., to the
audience, who made some brief, but very appro-
priate remarks, judging from the applause
elicited, from the crowded assembly: After
Averitt had concluded, the brethren were again
called up, snog another ods, and were dUaiied
with the benediction, pronounced bj the Chaplain.
The audience dispersed in the most perfect order,
and seemed to be highly delighted with the ex
ercises, particularly the Ladies, (may the Lord
bless them, and hereafter give theo s.)ber hus
bands.) I ihink they are fully on our side ; and
you know when that is the cass we have nothing
to fear, but can conquer all things, overcome every
opposition, and plant our triumphant" banner firm
upan ihe loftiest tower of Total Abstinence. (I
go for the Ladies.)
The brethren of the 15 Order tf returned torth
Division room, where they spent a short ti mo be
fore separating. And, sir.it was truly cri"tfing
tbfn ? us 10 lhe ca,Is thal ere lYiad. tell how
A I
, -.. gieai gojd lt la dinner. T lnnr. m
- '" xeaaers ci vonr most excellent m.
7, i . m-Jry.-JPJO! Prorressinr in th.i
nissey is nece3sary in - imihi.
health to the water ; and so may every oiher mot-"
to be, that is derogatory to temperance : and- may
the cause continue to prosper, until every inebri
ate shall be reclaimed, every grog shop annihila
ted, and every son and daughter of Adam enlisted
in the mighty army of Temperance, and oar glo
rious banner, with our still more glurious motto,
" Love, Purity and Fidelity " inscribed upon it
in colors that shall vie with the orb of day, bo
unfurled, and proudly wave over every nation,
kindred and tongue, and be formed by every
breeze that sweeps over this green earth.
Yours, in L. P. & F.
ONSLOW.
TEMPERANCIJ CELEBRATION AT
GOLD-HILL.
The spirited Sons of Temperance of Gold-Hill
Division had a celebration on Saturday the 20th
ult. which far exceeded onr expecutians as it re
gards the number which turned out, tho anima
tion of the occasion, and the general interest exci
ted in the surrounding country.
By-the-way this is one of the finest Divisions
in the State, and is in a most flourishing condition.
They can boast the accomplishment of much good,
and the influence which, they exercise over the
community, is most salutary. The forces of Bac
chus are fast yielding before them, so that we arc
cheered with the hope that the day is not distant
when Guld-Hill, through the efforts of the Sons
and the labors of the men of God, shall become as
distinguished for good a3 it was once noted fur it
disorder and immorality.
The ceremonies of jSaturday, commenced, by
th ti)rn5tlnn nf.lha rtrrw&aian in front Ol the Ut-
Haying arrived there, all the seals appropriated
to visitors were found completely jammed with
ladies and gentlemen. The audience was addressed
fir3t by J. H. Enniss, G. W. P., and then bv Rev.
T. P. llicaud. Both these addresses were excel
lent in character, and happily appropriate. The
best compliment we can pay to the authors of these
addresses, is to state the fact, that it is admitted
they were productive of good : and to feel that their
efforts were thus fruitful, should be, as it doubtless
is, more gratifying to them, than the empty prai
ses of their admiring friends.
The ceremonies of the morning passed off most
handsomely : and the larcre delegation from this
place, numbering some forty gentlemen, Sons of
Temperance, who were accompannied by some
mi J n
fifteen ladies, were highly pleased with their vis
it, and delighted with the part they were permit
ted to take in the celebration. Gold-Hul, and
the Gold-Hill people, are becoming more and more
endeared to us.
We have been favored by a correspondent with
the following account of the further exercises of
the occasion, after our departure from the Hill.
At half past 7 o'clock, P. M. the Sons met again
at their Division room, and having formed,
marched with the section of Cadets in front, to the
Methodist Church, where a very large audience
was in attendance. The exercises commenced by
singing one of our beautiful Temperance Odes;
after which an appropriate prayer was offered to
the throne of Grace by brother llicaud.
Rev. brother Hank then arose and delivered in
his peculiar and happy manner an address bearing
upon its every feature the impress of its sincerity.
The Rev. Brother illustrated in a forcible manner
the evils of intemperance, and closed his remarks
with a cogent appeal to the foes of the Order to
ground-the weapons of their opposition, to unite
with us and resolve under our banner, to live and
Jio. After ho took tiis seat, "tir esteem";! nruirt
er, Rov..John U.CotTman bing onHed on, arose,
and in a very impressive manner, delivered an ad.
dress abounding with passages of pure eloquence,
nnd remarkable fur its chasteness and sound reac
oning, which seemed to carry conviction homo to
every heart.
Luke Blackmer, Esq., being next culled on,
arose, and in his usual impressive manner, pro
ceeded to address the audience, and we assuje
you, Messrs Editors, that we are almost disposed
to shrink from the task of describing the eloquent
gentleman's effort on that occasion. We have
had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Blackmer on for
mer occasions, but this surpassed them all, al
though he spoke from the spur of the moment.
Imagine to yourself an athletic smith, with sledge
hammer ia hand, surrounded by countless numbers
of unfortunate inebriates, and he their avowed foe,
' authorized to drub them soundly into temperate
.. . - i
men, and now in the execution ot rus mission ne
commences and deals his blows around until not
one is left standing. So it was on this" occasion,
his arguments were really of an herculean charac
ter. If Hercules himself had been there with his
famous club of renowned potency, he could not
have done greater execution.
n - - ------ w- ' w
Such was the happy effect of his speech, .
the! that at its close, it called to his feet our es-
j teemed friend of Phila., John Jordan, Esq.,
who stated to the audience that such were
his present convictions, that he thought he
would have to ioin the Order when he
reached home ; and closed his remark by
thevir , . . . . . . v " --"J
Bro. 1 relating m his inimitable manner an anec
dote in which he was personally concern-