The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1852-11-13
For Tie Cecil Wing.

peI'ance

We all know what the tongue is. We know
subsaniiate; we know what evils ii can crush :.
We know its power in the pulpit; we experience
its power in conversation; we are aware OF its
power in the legislative halls; we sadly rcallZ"
its power in the political world. 1t conicrs its
blessings; but, alas that it should innict lis 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-
rogative by mlsusing his tongue. Here the
nisusc1.
In society differences of opinion naturally
arise. These afford Il theme for sossipins per-
sons; and although some such may not intend to
IN urr the parties concerning whom they jest
YET, even in their hands, the subject seldom
loses. Did il stop here it would be well. But
individuals Of this class are so Intimately con-
nected and blended together that the one be-
comes subservient TO the other; 50 that, whilst
one is speaking lightly and as he may think,
innoccntly of some one of the community. an
other, who, perhaps, has greater object to ac-
complSh, malicionsly and wrongly constructs
what he hears, that he may with the greater pre-
cslon and effect hurl his poisoned arrows upon
his unsuspecling victim. The latter is con-
dcn'ned for the act he performs; the former, for
giving him an opportunity OF performing, and
also Tor Strengthening the effects OF the act.
Thus ii 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 orinjury.
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 ierceness
OF their natures. Malice, that poison ofhuman
nature; envy, that fire that famed by its own ac-
ton; sellshness, that spirit that would sink ano,h-
or the lowest depths, if thereby its own tenement
could be profited; 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 man. Him, who bru-
taizes 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 satiated with nothing less
than the sappins o! the very soul of his victim.
Does he use his tongue rightly? Go ask society
Ask the individual who is writhing under the
most acute feelings of his nature; TO whom each
word from the detractor's lips is but messen-
ger TO awake sulIerngs, the most severe. Oh!
if 5here 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 slanderer, whose tongue is
curse to hmseli:-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. VS..