The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1903-10-07

The First Case of Lynchjng Mentioned in
the Bible.

Sah ASS@'A AZ thC DiDAe AUT tuc uu-
speakable crime was when Absalom
and his servants lynched his half
brother, Amnon, for outraging the
person Of his beautiful sister, lamar.
Simeon and Levi, sons of Jacob, lynch
ed Shechem, it is true, for his hor-
rible treatment of Dinah, Jaob's only
daughter, but that was rather case Of
seduction. Phinehas lynched The
lsraeiitish prince and Moabitish prin-
cess, caught Sin fagrante delictu"
in sight Of the congregation, but that
was case Of adultery. The first
named was case of iynching puro and
simple.
Absalom was the only son of David
by Maacha, the daughter Of Talmai,
king Of Geshur, distinguished for his
incompatible beauty. SIN all Israel
there was none to be 80 much praised
as Absalom for his beauty; from the
sole Of his foot, even to the crown Of
his head there was no biemish ON him.
Tamar, his only full sister, was just
as beautiful as girl as he was
youth, and her half brother, Amnon.
the son of David first wife, Ahinoam,
conceived such q passion for her that
he determined upon her ruin, which
he accomplished under the most fright
full circumstances. He allured her to
his home on the plea that he was siok
and needed her assistance in prepar-
ing him something to eat. She came,
and when they were alone he seized
her, violated her person, and then
drove her from his door with curses
and abuses. She came to Absalom,
who, under the Moasic law, was her
natural protector, physical wreck,
broken-hearted and weeping. Her
brother took her as a permanent resi-
dent in his home, but said nothing of
the full purpose that then entered
his heart to avenge the foul deed that
had been perpetrated upon her. While
the law enjoined The penalty Of
death for such an offense, nothing was
ever done with the culprit, for David
"vexed not the spirit of Amnon, his
son, because he loved him, because
he wac his first born So he went
free, while his poor victim pined in
wretchedness, hopefulness and despair
in the house of her brother. After
two years he could stand it no longer,
but resolved to wreak vengeance on
the man who had ruined his sister.
Appointing strengthening festi-
val at Bari Razor, where he owned an
estate, he invited his father and
brothers to ououpy seats at the table.
David did not 60, but the brothers
did; and while they were at dinner
and "flled with wine," by precon-
certed plan which had been ordered
by Absalom, his servants rushed in
and slew Amnon. The other broth
ers, alarmed for their own safety and
leaving the rapist weltering in his
blood, fed to Jerusalem and told
David Of the killing, awakening his
irrepressible grief; while Absalom
fastened to Geshur, and remained
three years with his grandfather, King
Talmai, and then returning no charge
i was preferred against him. Amnon
had sinned grieviously and grievously
had he answered it, and the aot by
which he was taken OFF is styled in
modern parlance lynching. Webster
defines lynch law s.the aot or practice
by private persons Of infioting pun
ishment for crimes or offenses with
out due process Of law" and it is ..a
term said to have been derived from
Virginian named sLynoh, who took
the law init, his own hands; but the
origin of the term is very doubtful"
Certain it is that the practice has ex-
listed from the. foundation of the
world and viii continue to exist, de-
4 spite the Law, and the olamor Of theor-
ists. 80 long as the horrible crime con-
& tinues to be committed I
White; ia no case approving OF vim
sdicating lthe practice let those whose
righteous souls are continually vexed
bytales Of these much TO be deplored
affairs put theihsel sas ID inc place
Of the husband 8, fathers or brothers.
of the innocent victims aud ihink
u what they would do under similar c,ir-s
,Scnmstancas?s
| Lot them calmly consider The case
of Abaalom, who. though her prote
tor had % see his sister the victim ofs
& @suffering and Disgrace worse than
Edeath while her brnta assailant roam. . !.
500 $50 q q free man over iths Land. aud sayif.
they donot synp thiss with HIM il !,
hissaot notWishsta aas ling the, 3 fiblsg