Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-02-27
For the Grand River Times.
SL4WDER

l
Among the many evils incident to human
nature we have often felt that slander has, in
deed, the superiority. When we consider for
single moment its treacherous nature, we
can not but regard it as the most degrading
of all evils. ..,.
We are aware that slavery is an enormous
evil-an evil, indeed, to bring humanity on a
level with the brute creation-to traffic with
human species, and barbarously tyranize over
the beings God has created, and deprive them
of the qualifications they might otherwise en-
JOY, because the external covering is of sa-
bic hue, and not Of quite as fine texture as
their own. But with all its horrors, to be
taken captive by slander, to be fettered in its
satanic chains and bound in its fendish grasp,
to be victim of its baneful treachery, is of
darker dye; yes, as dark, when compared
with slavery, as the African is darker than
the American. r.,
The oppressors scourge may lacerate the
body until pain becomes excruciating and it
would seem almost insupportable, but the
wound inflicted from the poisonous arrow hurl-
ed from the quiver of SANDER, no balm, be it
ever SO soothing, or efflcacious, has healing
qualities sufficient to cure the dreadful sting.
True, it may be partially eradicated, but the
indellible stain remains unmoved. "a wound
ed spirit who can bear?"
Intemperance is truly lamentable evil.
When we see person SO enslaved to the in
toxicating cup as to appear very far beneath
the dignity of his nature, degraded to an equal
with the thoughtless swine that infest our
streets, distracted and enraged to perfect
maniac, we can but exclaim, how distressing
the sight drunken father! an Incorporate
brother despised, rejected member of soci-
ETY.! But, in its worst FORMS the misery re-
sulting from the bitter, poisonous draught, adj
ministered by that insidious foe to peace,
slanderers tongue is more appalling, base and
infamous. The Incorporate man is, indeed,
an injury to himself and family, but his inhu
ence abroad and in society is of small amount
when compared with the injurious effects that
follow in the train of SANDER. E7
The assassin's dagger may pierce the heart
of the innocent; the murderer's ruthless hand
may cause the purple current to emerge from
the bosom of the blameless victim; still the
fatal weapon of SANDER strikes deadlier
blow. 1t aims at the entire destruction of
many an unblemished reputation, like thief
in the night, it turks in secret places, and at
every convenient opportunity it ventures forth
to execute its horrid designs; or like the ven-
emous serpent it cunnlngly secretes itself in
an obscure corner, and there, in ambush, awaits
the appearance of its unconscious prey
Wherever its cloven foot has marked the soil,
there arises sickening vapor that spreads
contagion direful in the extreme; wherever
its votaries are, found, the dove of peace has
deserted that unhallowed cline; wherever
its emissaries reign the frowns of an avenging
OOu ONeTsuduOWS IIldI dOOQo OI WlcKeQneSS.
If we would benefit ourselves and save others
from drinking to its dregs, the most bitter cup,
this rule should be our guide, "Do unto 9th
ers as we would they should do unto u.s.
But we are certain the scandalous tongue of
the slanderer has never been employed in
communicating this golden principle to his
fellow-being, neither has he benefited his own
character when traducing that of neighbor
or friend.
/ would say, let the cruel slanderer beware,
lest righteous God be angry with him for
SO basely misimproving the talents committed
to his trust; let him retrospect the past and
endeavor with tears of penitence to wash
away the stigma he has cast upon his own
reputation by practicing bis wicked arts; let
him strive to assuage, and, if possible, heal
the painful wounds he has inflicted upon the
numerous victims Of his treachery; let him
reflect upon the doom that awaits him, and
ere his tongue is palsied in death and he is
summoned to appear before his God in judg-
ment to answer for his guilt; let him realize
the Importance of forsaking his former course
which, if persisted in, will finally prove his