Arizona republican., 1918-11-10
PROFANE SWEARING

One of the ten commandments is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain; for the Lord Will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain" This forbids all profanity and thoughtless use of Gods name. Not only does the Old Testa- ment prohibit profane swearing, but it is also forbidden in the New Testa- ment. The words of Jesus are, But say unto you, swear not at all; but let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" In the last chapter of the epistle of James there is the same teaching in almost the same language. I am not speaking of judicial oaths which most persons think are justifiable according to the words of Holy Scripture.
 Nothing seems more useless and foolish than profanity. It has no place in refined speech. Many persons think that swearing and cursing add strength to their statements; but the opposite is true. I would rather be- lieve a man who answered simply by 'yes," or mo-" than if he added oaths or swear words. Profanity becomes a habit with many people, so that they seem to swear without thinking; and yet they can regfrain from it at cer- tain times and places. A man of or dinary decency will not use profane language in a church or store, or any other place in the presence of ladies. 1 mean true ladies; for, sad to say, there are women that now -a-days be- foul their speech with profanity.
 Swearing has for some time been on the increase, and now more espec- tally during this present world war. There is profanity and near swear ing" in number of magazines. in public addresses, in popular novels, and much of it among soldiers in some of our camps. I have two letters from soldiers, one written in the south and the other in the middle west, telling of the prevalence of this sin. To take the name of God in vain is sin, of which the Lord will not hold any per son guiltless who commits it. Some men have an idea that these war times will excuse them if they do trainple under foot the laws of God and offend christian faith. But there can be no apology for profane swearing.
 No person has the right to curse another to call down the wrath of the Almighty upon his fellowmen. In the Word of God it is written: "Avenge not yourselves. but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Ven gence is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.'
 A few days ago I saw a notice in certain business place, in the south side of the city, which reads: Do not swear" Twice before I have seen sim liar notices, in Illinois, one in village store and another in a barber shop. There should, be more such signs to warn men against the sin and folly of swearing. In Webster's New Interna- tional dictionary there are more than 100000 words; surely enough to choose from without using vulger and pro- fane speech.
 A person who has no regard for di- vine law will have little respect fos human laws. So man who uses pro- fane language, is not fit to hold an inn portant public office. Such a man is obedient only when under the eyes of his fellow men. Let us be careful of our speech; For by thy words thou shalt be justimied, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned"
 JOHN K. REED.