The Orangeburg democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1879-1881, 1880-10-08
Women Who Endorse Wickedness.

women Who Endorse WiCkedneSs.
1t is probable that women think as
litte as do men of the responsibilities
imposed upon them by mere exist
ence. This responsibility in the wo-
man is very much increased when she
happens to be particularly handsome
or otherwise attractive; and whereas
the man if bad can only extend his
evil influence through very limited
circle, Il woman can go through life
inflicting evil on nearly every man
she meets and, by an exquisite sar
cesm Of results, promote sin by obey
ing the pure impulse Of her tender,
womanly heart. From this very i'm
}pulsc comes partially the tolcra,ion
and the active sympathy for wicked
ness, which is tremendous power OF
its encouragement. We say 'par-
ITALY," for it is fact too patent for
dispute, that the piquant flavor Of sin
in men is exceedingly enjoyed by some
women. Whichever OF the two may
be the cause in individual cases, il
is certain that with the vast majority
of women, n man with the "spice Of
the Devil in him." is greatly prefera-
BILE TO him who diligently lives up TO
the ten commandments, and walks in
the narrow path prescribed in the
New Testament. This is practically
an encouragement TO tho acquiring OF
the "spice" referred to, and invites
the callow youth to seek the reputa-
tion for "willness" that will secure
him the favor, or pity that amounts to
the same of the other sex. The true
meaning Of these terms, "spicc of the
devil" and "wildness," it is not
difficult to define. But when the de
tinition is given it should remove the
romance and attraction most ctfectu-
ally. No man can possess eithe,
quality without doing things that are
rcpugnant TO morality, and abhorrcnt
TO respectable people. But this re-
pugnancc and adherence are not
shown 10 shame the evil doer. Many
young man is ut some pains to let
it: be sknown,-among his lady friends
that he is an adept in draw poker, a
wise discriminatory OF mixed drinks,
and even occasional antagonist Of
the delusive and destructive sttiger,"
because he knows by experience and
observation that the worst conse-
quences to ensuc will be contiden-
tial, imploring little falkland few
things are more pleasant and tickling
to mans vanity than q lengthy
moral lecture from q handsome wo-
man. This evil is practical, and its
consequences horribly. so. Many
man has songht "wildness" under
the brilliant light and amid the spark
ling decantcrs and roaring good fell
lowship Of the saloon, and the luxuri.
Gus surroundings Of the gambling
room, and only escaped from it in the
darkness and desolation Of a dishon-
ored grave. Seeking it to gain smiles
from fresh, sweet lips, and plying
tenderness from bright eyes, he finds
ruin, and horrors that no writing can
tel! Of. The remedy is less charity
for sin. With all His superhuman
tenderness and love, the Saviour of
men !ashed the open violators of de-
cency and morality from the temple.
The profane, the lewd, the gamulers
and the incipient or developed drunk
ards should be driven from parlors,
consecrated by the presence of daugh-
ters, wives and sisters. We advocate
the most unwearied effort TO reclaim
the erring and redeem the lost, but
young women are not the proper once
to do that work except by the dis
couragement Of evil. That is The
utmost limit to which they can 90
without accomplishing far moro harm
than good. When they let it be I'M
derStOOd that reputation for Hwild.