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Editorial
February 26, 1810
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
The editorial, 'The Monitor No. XXI,' condemns levity and foolish jesting in conversation as contrary to Christian morality, citing scripture on judgment for idle words. It urges believers to separate from worldly conformity and pursue pure, virtuous discourse for spiritual improvement.
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Full Text
The Monitor.....No. XXI.
"Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord"
Such is the stupidity of men that the plainest declarations of scripture are unheeded, or, if ever remembered they are received merely as matters of speculation and not as rules of conduct. One of the most bare-faced departures from the morality of the Gospel is a levity of conduct which the Apostle calls "foolish talking and jesting." Although our Saviour was pleased to declare that for every idle word men should assuredly render an account in the day of judgement, yet this truth appears to pass our minds without any salutary effect.
Company and social conversation when rightly improved are productive of much good. "Speech ventilates the mental magazine," brightens the faculties, and usefulness. But when degraded to low buffoonry it weakens the mind, fills it with impure images, and serves to incapacitate for the right discharge of any duty. Could the conversation which is generally made in social circles be written down and read by those present in one after hour of cool reflection they would wish with confusion of face to write Tekel upon it, and blot it out forever.
And must the professed disciples of Christ follow the multitude in their idle conversation? Must they to avoid the charge of bigotry and superstition spend or rather mispend and trifle away much precious time in discourse which is neither profitable nor rationally pleasing? Must they be guilty of a conformity to the world which even a pagan philosopher would disdain? O "tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon!"—If such as feel the impropriety of a sinful or even useless conformity to the customs of the world would resolutely 'come out and be separate,' and for a while endure the scoffs of the unthinking and the ungodly, and order their conversation aright in all things, much very much might be effected.
While professors of religion allow themselves in light and vain conversation it cannot be expected that others should abound in that which is serious. Therefore, as with the Apostle, 'whatever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.'
"Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord"
Such is the stupidity of men that the plainest declarations of scripture are unheeded, or, if ever remembered they are received merely as matters of speculation and not as rules of conduct. One of the most bare-faced departures from the morality of the Gospel is a levity of conduct which the Apostle calls "foolish talking and jesting." Although our Saviour was pleased to declare that for every idle word men should assuredly render an account in the day of judgement, yet this truth appears to pass our minds without any salutary effect.
Company and social conversation when rightly improved are productive of much good. "Speech ventilates the mental magazine," brightens the faculties, and usefulness. But when degraded to low buffoonry it weakens the mind, fills it with impure images, and serves to incapacitate for the right discharge of any duty. Could the conversation which is generally made in social circles be written down and read by those present in one after hour of cool reflection they would wish with confusion of face to write Tekel upon it, and blot it out forever.
And must the professed disciples of Christ follow the multitude in their idle conversation? Must they to avoid the charge of bigotry and superstition spend or rather mispend and trifle away much precious time in discourse which is neither profitable nor rationally pleasing? Must they be guilty of a conformity to the world which even a pagan philosopher would disdain? O "tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon!"—If such as feel the impropriety of a sinful or even useless conformity to the customs of the world would resolutely 'come out and be separate,' and for a while endure the scoffs of the unthinking and the ungodly, and order their conversation aright in all things, much very much might be effected.
While professors of religion allow themselves in light and vain conversation it cannot be expected that others should abound in that which is serious. Therefore, as with the Apostle, 'whatever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.'
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Idle Conversation
Jesting
Christian Conduct
Gospel Morality
Virtuous Speech
Worldly Conformity
What entities or persons were involved?
Apostle
Saviour
Professors Of Religion
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Critique Of Idle And Jesting Conversation Among Christians
Stance / Tone
Moral Exhortation Against Worldly Conformity
Key Figures
Apostle
Saviour
Professors Of Religion
Key Arguments
Plainest Scripture Declarations On Idle Words Are Unheeded
Idle Talking And Jesting Depart From Gospel Morality
Social Conversation Should Produce Good, Not Buffoonry
Christians Must Avoid Conformity To The World's Idle Discourse
Come Out And Be Separate To Order Conversation Aright
Focus On Just, Pure, Lovely Things Of Good Report