The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1904-05-11

;s thought to be growing more com
mon, and has become custom among
ladies as we'll as men in some sections
among certain class. There may be
some sicnifcancc in the fact that the
English language is fertile in forms
OF expression in which profanc ideas
are couchcd and conveyed. In view
of this facility for finding suitable
words to convey profanc ideas the
question might be very pertinent,
Are the English speaking people
peculiarly irrcverent people and prone
to take God name in vain?
There is q tendency to popularizc
this habit. Even from childhood we
hear such expressions as good gra-
cious," "my goodness and similar
expressions in Christian homes and
society. Whois gracious" or good
ness" but God? In these, doubtless,
arc couchcd the germs of profanity,
while seemingly such innocent express
sions. The vicious nature of profan-
ity is often hidden, and it is even
made to appear commcndable by those
who ought to condemn it. Did you
ever hear q good man repeat an inci-
dent and with degree of guseo in
corporate the oath as an important
part of the recital? Many writer's,
too, inject it into their newspaper
articles and elsewhere, either the
word in full, or as if ashamed Of it
give the first and last letters of the
word which can be yell understood.
Most Of the light, popular literature
Of the day is honeycombed with it
until the reader becomes unfortunate
ly familiar with che language. which
finds permanent place in the mem
ory, there to antagonize the keen re-
pugpance felt toward profanity.
These we'll known facts need only
be mentioned to show the tendencies
70 popularize the habit Of profane
swearing.
Why is it? There must be cause
for it. What is the underlying de-
sire or influence which leads 80 many
to resort to the profane oath, repeat it
or laugh at it in others2 There may
be several causes.
The idea that it is smart may lie in
some minds. May boys, perhaps,
begin from this feeling.
Emphasis often leads some to use
an. oath. A speaker or writer feels
the simple word is not emphatic
enough, and here ready to hand is the
old-time emphasizer, ON appeal to
Gods name. The oath is administer.
ed under certain forms Of law to bind
the witness to the truth. Under oath
his statements are considered more
credible and convincing. The idea
spreads to every day life with many.
Again the idea of cursing is promi-
nent. One is provoked at another
ans wants not only to condemn but to
call down curses on his head. And
often there is tendency to exhaust
the whole vocabulary, to infiiot the
most dire ansthemas on the victim Of
our hate.
Perhaps, however, the real, but
often unconscious oause in enmity
toward God. Satan, Gods great
enemy, hates and would disoredit His
sanotity. He easily psrsuades men,
women and children to profane that
holy name by using it lightly, aip-
PANTY! Many are ready to fall into
this trap. Some doubtless, have their
eyes holden to the designer Of this
suggestion. An evil heart, having
never learned to love God, is only too
ready to lend itself to che undermin'
ing and destroying that sanstity,
which is Gods peculiar glory, so dear
to Him, yet so annoying to the natural
heart.
Sober thought. After ell what is
the true status Of profane swearing?
Is it smart? Does it emphasize? Can
it really render our words more cred.
ible or convincing?
Can we curse any one or anything?
It would be sad thing if we could.
For the most part used by the thought.
less and debased it would require the
protecting hand Of Jehovah to protect
the lives and comforts Of men from
the withering influences of these
curses.
Does it destroy the sanctity Of God s
name.
NECESSARY CONCLUSIONS:
l. Prcfane swearing is uncalled for
and useless.
2. It is not sensible. DR.. Daniel