The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1852-11-20
For Tie Cecil Wing.

perance !!

We all know what the tongue is. We know
its use. We can conceive what good it may
substantiate; we know wha, evils it can crush.
We know its power in the pulpit; we experience
its power in conversation; we are aware OF It's
power in the legislative halls; we sadly realize
its power in the political world. 1t confcrs its
blessings but, alas. that il should nhict its un-
intended curse; unintended, because God, the
great Creator, never designed that it should be
instrumental in destroying the peace, the happi-
ness and even the lii" of man. Man is left to
act under his own will; and he abuses this pre-
rogaive by mlsnsing his tongue. Here the
question arises, in what manner is the tongue
misuseI.
In society differences of opinion naturally
arise. These afford theme for sossipins per-
sons; and although some such may not intend to
injurc the parties concerning whom they jest =,
yet, even in their hands, the subject seldom
loses. Did it stop here it would be well. But
individuals Of this class are so intimately con-
ncctcd and blended together that the one be-
comes subservient TO the other; SO that, whilst
one is speaking lightly and, as he may think,
innocen,ly Of some on. Of the community. an
other, who, perhaps, has greater object TO &C
complish, naiconsly aud wrongly construcs
what he hears, that he may with the greater pre-
clsion and eject hurl his poisoned arrows upon
his unsuspeclng victim. The latter is con-
dcmned for the act he performs; the former, for
giving him an opportunity Of performing, and
also for Strengthening the effects of the act.
Thus it is evident that he, who speaks lightly
is as much 10 blame as he whose object is to IN
jure; because he either suggests, or gives an
impulse to, the idea ofinjury.
But many individuals, who use their tongues
design so great an injury, that they waste no
time in frivolous cabling, but pounce upon
their prey With all the concentrated fierceness
Of their natures. Malice, that poison ofhuman
nature; envy, that fire that famed t.; its own ac-
ton; selfshness, that spirit that would sink ano,h
crthe lowest depths, if thereby its own tenement
could be ploiled hatred, revenge; such passions
combine and have existence in the slandcrer.
Him, whose feelings have expired, Ohough he
pretends TO be keenly sensible,) or are those of
demon rather than of a man. Him, who bru-
talzes himself and disgraces his race; who
brushes the heart and tears asunder the tender
est feelings of the human bosom. Him, whose
wicked desires are sutiated with nothing less
than the sappns o! the very soul of his victim.
Does he use his tongue rightly? Go ask society
Ask the individual who is writing under the
most acute feelings of his nature; TO whom each
word from the detractor's lips is but messen-
ger to awake sui'erings, the most severe. OH
if there be being worthy of pity, tits the lnno-
cent individual whose honor, character, all
that he holds most dear, are blasted by the
mean, ruthless sIanderer, whose tongue is
curse to himselt:-a plague to the community.
Where he is, peace and happiness are not; but
where he was, there he leaves an eternal mark.
Alas that his tongue does NO, .sbring forth good
things;' for his words are never forgotten.
They light upon the soul, there TO rest till death
and eternity shall have swept such earthly things
away. WIS.