The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-08-20

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"why! that is nothingw
"But Christ said it was," returned the
other; "don't you remember the words
"For say unto you, Swear not at all; Meth.
or by heaven, for it is Gods throne 2"
"Oh dear never thought of it I'm sure
said the little woman; "why, it is real swear.
ing, isn't 2"
81 consider it So" replied Mrs. Jcrkin.
"Dear me, and Two got such n habit Of
it" said Mrs. Perrin again.
"Do you think it is wrong to say, "In the
name Of mercy" "In the name Of patience r.
asked Mrs. Perrin.
"Most decidedly" replied Mrs. Jerkin
Christ says. Let your communication be
yea, yea, and nay, nay and he adds, "For
whatsoever is more tban these, cometh of
evil"
"Dear me, but people don't know their
doing wrong" said Mrs. Perrin.
"Ihcy have the Bibie,"' replied the neigh
bor.
''To be sure" replied Mrs. Perrin, hastily
Il didn't think Of tlat-but you don't find
woman but uses soEe such words"
"Morc's the pity" said Mrs. Jerkin. 81
have heard real lady like women cxclaim,
MY gracious!" and, "Creation !" That
was swearing by the earth and all created
things, expressly forbidden, you know. All
Intempcrance Of speech prevails to an alarm
ing extent.
"Dear me" said little Mrs. Perrin.
"There' was that wrong9' she asked,
looking, up. "WelI, from this time hence
forth, I'm determined to have no slang
words or pet phrases" said tho little oman
resolutely. "The thought that was swear
ing-<it seems dreadfulw
81, Mo, am determined to have my com.
munication as near the Gospel command as
| can, replied Mrs. Jerkin, gathering up
her knitting work, and taking her depar-
ture."
Mr.. Perrin came home from the farm,
very tired. He was good Christian, was
farmer Perrin, but his communication was
not yea, and nay.
lie sat down to the supper table. Some
Of bis favorte cakes were set smoking be-
fore him. "Jerusalem y lie exclaimed,
with pleasant air, as he surveyed the smok-
ing pile.
20 Amos" said his wife; "don't swear
please"
The farmer dropped his knife, and stared
with ludicrous countenance.
"Don't swear!' he repeated.
"You said Jerusalem, husband"
"Well, and you call that swearing, do
you?"
"Christ says So"
"1'd like to have you tell me where !
Pretty conscientious your getting, to re-
prove man like me for swearing, who
never swore in bis lfe.''
"Why, husband, hear," said Mrs. Perrin
repeating from memory, that she had re.
freshed since Mrs. Jenkins visit "Ch rist
says, Swear not at all; neither by heaven,
for it is Gods throne; neither by the earth
for it is His footstool; neither by Jerusalem,
for it is the city of the Great King"
"WeIl, really, never thought Of that be-
fore, and the bibit has grown on me I be-
lieve."
"You see, Mrs. Jerkin was in here, and
took me to task for swearing.
p "Took you to task for swearing, we'll
that's pretty piece Of intelligence"
"But did, Amos; said "Good heaven"
and, "Good gracious" and ever SO many
other things, when felt excited and she
proved from the Bible that it was wrong
and so was you scc"
"Well, well-that's new light to me,
Live and learn my old grandmother used
to say, but never thought that I'd been
swearing all my days. Why, I've often
said that never used an oath in my life.
Je-therel you see just saved myself A
habit is SO hard to break, but shall try it,
Just rcprovc me where you her it will you
wife p
ayes, ifyou will reprove me-"
Il certainly WILL" returned the good farm.
er, "when hear the wrong word coming, I
will quote the Bible-'Swear not at ALL"
LITTLE GRAvEs.-Sacrcd places for pure
thoughts and holy meditations, are the lit
tie graves in the churcl-yard. They are
the repositories of tho mothers sweetest
joys-half nnfolded buds of innocence, Thu
manity npped by the first frost Of time, ere
yet canker worm Of population bad nest
led among its embryo petals. Callous, in
deed, must beahe heart Of him who can
standby little grave-side and not have
the holiest epotion of his soul awakened to
thoughts As Of that purity and joy which belong
alone to God and sbeayens for the mute
preacher; histeettells ofslife begun and
life ended GiffSnut a. OF 4