Would not the world be benefited by the surgery suggested in the
following anecdote:
An old lady of his flock once called upon Dr. John Gill, a
London preacher, with a grievance. The doctor’s neckbands were
too long for her ideas of ministerial humility, and after a
long harangue on the sin of pride, she intimated that she had
brought a pair of scissors with her, and would be pleased if her
dear pastor would permit her to cut them down to her notions of
propriety.
The doctor not only listened patiently, but handed over the
offending white bands to be operated upon. When she had cut them
to her satisfaction and returned the bits, it was the doctor’s
turn. “Now,” said he, “you must do me a good turn also.” “Yes,
that I will, doctor. What can it be?” “Well, you have something
about you which is a deal too long and which causes me no end
of trouble, and I should like to see it shorter.” “Indeed, dear
sir, I will not hesitate. What is it? Here are the scissors; use
them as you please.” “Come then,” said the sturdy divine; “good
sister, put out your tongue.” (Text.)--_Tit-Bits._
(3255)
* * * * *
Sarcasm, ridicule, and all forms of bitter speech may be compared to
the weapon described below:
The falarica, an ancient weapon, was a sort of javelin,
consisting of a shaft of wood, with a long point of iron. This
point was three feet long. Near the end were wound round the
wooden shaft long bands of tow saturated with pitch and other
combustibles, and this inflammable band was set on fire just
before the javelin was thrown. As the missile flew the wind
fanned the flames, and striking the shield of the soldier
opposing it, it could not be pulled out and the shield was
destroyed. (Text.)
(3256)
* * * * *
The words of James (3:8) about the “deadly poison” of the tongue when
“set on fire of hell” are called to mind by the following caution:
You may keep your feet from slipping,
And your hands from evil deeds,
But to guard your tongue from tripping,
What unceasing care it needs!
Be you old or be you young,
Oh, beware,
Take good care,
Of the tittle-tattle, tell-tale tongue!
(3257)