A WICKED WORD by H. F. PHELPS.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 14, 1868

A WICKED WORD.

By H. F. PHELPS.

Yes, I said a wicked word. I know now it was, though at the time I should only have been willing to have said that it might be an improper word. In fact I was too ill-tempered to think anything about it. I was drawing wood with a pair of cattle that were a little more careful to do as they pleased, than to obey orders. They were always sure to go a little, if not a good way, too far, before they could or would mind the word of the driver. Feeling not a little vexed, I uttered a word, a little word, and only a little one; and what hurt could there be in such a little word? It was just such a word as many a Christian is heard to speak every day; and if others say it, surely I may(?). But it is wrong for all, for you, and for me.

Upon this occasion my little boy stood near, and, in his innocence, gave me a reproof. Said he, “Pa, does it do you any good to say wicked words?” That word wicked did cut me to the quick. I bade him go into the house.

But I began to muse. I knew better. I knew it was an idle word, and we are to be called into account for every idle word; and truly God will not call us into account for what is not wrong. Therefore, an idle word must be a wicked word. Now with these reflections what could I do? My little boy had confidence in me, and what “pa” did was always just right. In one moment I had given way to my feelings, and my tongue had uttered a wicked word, and more than this, I had said it was not wicked. My conscience told me I had done wrong, and,—must I confess to him? By the grace of God I did say to him that I had done wrong. That I would try harder to do right. That we must both try to overcome all evil, which may God help me to do.

I do not write this to be heard or seen of men; but for others’ good. It did me good, and I hope it may do others good; and if, when the reckoning day shall have come, and I find it has done some dear child of God a little good, I shall feel to rejoice, and give God the glory.

H. F. PHELPS.