The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1872-03-22
Profanity Among the Youth.

Some Of the papers have been gym" their
readers lay sermons on swearing, and wrchlmc
IN with the rest. In Athens, the morals of
which in other respects are comparatively cX-
ccIcnt, we notice little boys-merc youngsters
swearing like troopers 1T every little annoy.
nncc with which they come IN contact. This is
positively shameful und dsgracrs those who
have the care Of the little ones IN hand, only
the least effort the slightest rrproot, before the
habit becomes fixed, is necessary to break them
from profanity, Now there is not parent IN
Athens who Is so much gwen to iniidcllty rs not
to regard swearing Il, dcgrndingy wrong. We
know this. And yet, almost if not quite within
ear-shot Of tlr parents, we hear boys using such
language a. would shake the strongest pillar in
the regions Of the lost lHnguagcthat does actu-
ally shock the most wicked in the community.
We 20 upon the streets and we hear the name
of the Great King yulgarly prolancd. Although
10 apostle Of Righteousness we turn from the
sound with shame. We 90 to our home, trust
ing that such word, may never reach our ears
ngun, and in the nighttime our dreams are of
brighter scenes than that We have just passed
and IN which the little ones figure prominently.
In the morning we 20 upon the streets, and
bark. repetition Of the vile language we heard
Yesterday grccts Us again, Wcwondrr that the
parents of these children have not corrected
them. DO they know of their profanity YOU
ask Yes they stood close by, and, unless
dcairncd by the preceding earthquake of wick
ness. must have heard their boys using the
unbtcoming words.
Parents, we tell you your children are grow
ing into wrong; they are .tdSt becoming men;
they know the thing, that Ito not belong 10
light a. well as older persons: and for "ways
that are dark" are peculiarly apt. You can aH-
S>tin correcting them. Wcdonot set our,rIf up
as perfect in che flesh. But are not our words
worth something: Does not the importance of
the matter demand your attention: Does not
duty to yourself, your family and society wake
You from your sumbcr? VIII you not make
I'M effort now now while your efforts may
avail success, while the evil i, in its incipirncy
will you not exert your influence and authority
to correct your children while yet they are I'M
der your control: You correct lesser evils in
your families, and turn Il ready hand to other
things that affect the morals of your offspring.
Why not break the boy, of swearing: Pro-
family i, indeed di>gracciul. How many poor
sous that. in other attributes were nearly per-
feet. have been stranded upon the breakers of
eternal destruction by the Use Of one prolane
word: Let Us not count them. The heart
would chill within us. our finer SENSE, would
turn with oathing and regret.
The heart has its bitter trials, and at times is
sorely oppressed and bowed down beneath the
heavy hand OF care. but it does not justify pro-
family. The soul may long for Il haven Of peace,
but it is not gained by swearing at Him who
inspired the hope that brought about thi, long
ing. our natural thoughts and desires are mo-
bic; our primcval love belongs 10 God. DO not
our actions eylncc wayWardness: Are om
prcccpts and examples uncNccptlonablc in the
sight of even the world! No. We speak fol
one alone we are Disguised utterly shocked
We shrink within oursclf; and trust that other,
may see the bightng evil Of profanity as VT
now see it.
Parents, you have II duty to perform. Thu,
Act promptly and decisiycly. Until they ar
rive at the age of maturity yOu are reSpOHSiJt
for the conduct of your children. VIII yot
teach them noblcr words--will you learn then
better language: We shall wait and See-anc
eve shall see what we shall sec.'' 4.