Corrupt Communication

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 5, 1860

Corrupt Communication.

'But let your communication be, Yea, Yea; Nay, Nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.' Mat. 5, 37.

Can it be possible that these gracious words are in the memory of persons, when making use of expressions like the following :

'I'll bet;' 'I'll bet a dollar;' 'I'll bet you what you dare;' 'By George;' 'By jingo;' 'I swan;' 'I swanny;' 'Gracious;' 'My soul;' 'By jolly;' 'Gosh;' and others in common use.

Some, no doubt, think expressions similar to the above add force or grace to the language. Others use by-words because it is a common custom, without thinking what they are doing; or that there is any harm in their use. Even some Christians have become addicted to this habit. I am sorry, for such expressions coming from the lips of a professor appear to me like a pious way of swearing, or proposing to gamble. My brother or sister, if you are one of this number, I invite you to be so no longer, but throw your influence against the unhallowed practice.—Sel.