The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1896-05-21

OF CHRISTIAN dlsapproval. They are
drunkenness, lying and profane
swearing. The first and second
named vices may be treated at some
future time, but for the present the
readers attention is called to con-
slider the sin of swearing.
There is before the writer little
pamphlet bearing the caption given
to this article. 1t was the reading
of this essay together with little
reflection and the remembrance of
having heard upon our streets, more
than once, Language impollte, J"
that led to the publication of this
article. For the general division of
the subject the author claims no
credit, having followed one who is
an excellent authority, the Rev. II.
@. Fisk, d. D., of Newark, N. j.
DON'T SWEAR.
LIST. 1t is forbidden in Gods
word. The third commandment is
very explicit against swearing. and
our Savior enjoins us to let our
Communication be yea, yea; nay,
nay, for whatsoever is more than
these cometh Of evil" Howsoever
the non-christlau, but especially the
disbelieyer may say, we do not ac-
cept Gods word as tie rule Of our
conduct. It may be sufficient to
answer such by replying, that the
mental or spiritual attitude of any
or all impious persons does not in
the least effect the great truth, God
is, and his word is revelation of
his will to men. This word declares
it to be sin to take his name IN
vain. Therefore, regardless of I'M
Delivers whosoever presumes to take
Gods name IN vain does so despite
the warning of Gods word and
must be prepared to suffer the con-
sequences.
2nd. 1t is lmpious. 1t may be
admitted that not everyone who
uses profane language means to fly
into the face of Almighty God and
attempt to defame or defy him. Yet
moments reflection will show
this is just what the swearer does.
Why is it that oaths and profanity
come to the relief of the angry per-
son? 1t is because "out OF the
abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh," and when the angry evil
passions are stirred the bar of the
door of the lips is let down and a
torrent Of horrible profanity pours
forth to shock the ear. If, as some
falsely claim, "there is no harm in
swearing" why are profane words
rather than harmless or innocent
ones used by goddess and wicked
persons in expressing anger, malice
and evil passion? 1t argues nothing
but an awful state of deprayity, to
say some persons, even while they
laugh and joke, intersperse their
words with oaths. Instead of this
being an argument for the harm
lessness of this bad practice, it
should cause Us to shudder to know
anyone could become so thoroughly
enslaved to sin as to jest and make
sport with it.
3rd. 1t is profitless. Someone
has quantity said, Gle who swears
bites on the devils bare hook"
Very young persons may imagine
it adds weight to their words to
literally interlace them with oaths.
Older and wiser heads, however,
will regard any statement with sus-
picion which needs to be boIstered
up with swearing.
"What does satan pay you for
swearing?' said pious man to a
profane youth.
"He don't pay me anything" was
the reply.
"Well," added the good man,
"you work cheap. To lay aside
the character of a gentleman, to
infict so much pain on your friends
and civil people, to suffer so much
in your conscience and to risk losing
your soul, and all Tor nothing!
You certainly do work cheap-very
cheap indeed"
Nothing is to be gained; much is
to be lost by everyone who INDUCES
in the bad habit Of swearing.
4th. 1t is ungentlemanly. 1t
could also be added with fearful
emphasis that it is unladylike.
Once in great while 1t has been
the unfortunate experience of the
writer to hear a female swear; but
for the most part this sinful habit
of swearing belongs to that part Of
the genus homo designated by the
male gender.
Once,it was altogether too COM
mon to hear men high in the affairs
of state use profane language;
thanks to the educating and retin-
ing influences of christianity, it is
now considered low and vulgar for