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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 27, 1867

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 11

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GUARD WELL THY WORDS.

By V. O. Cross

How often in an unguarded moment are we led to say a word which often causes many a sorrowful hour, the memory of which may perhaps follow us with bitter regrets to our dying day. How many fond hearts are thus made to bleed by some hasty, thoughtless word we may utter; and thereby inflict a wound which perhaps we nor time can never heal.
Perhaps this may be the greatest failing some of us have to contend against; at least it has caused me rather, many a severe struggle, and, being often overcome, many a sorrowful hour.
How easy and natural, when things go a little crossing to us, to speak fretful and impatient words. And then again, when in society, how apt to let our conversation get down very low upon the earth, and indulge in vain, light, and trifling words, which are idle; and for which we must give an account in the day of Judgment.
If we hear or see a fault or failing in others, how natural to repeat it, perhaps much to the injury of the erring ones, which instead of winning may drive them farther from the right.
Had we the love of God in our hearts, and did we carry out the true principles of that law which is love to God and love to our neighbor, we should go to them in pity, love and kindness, and tell them their faults, which would be far better than retailing them to others.
While thinking of these things some time since I noted down some rules, which, when I have tried to live up to them, have been a great help to me. They are as follows:
When about to speak of others' faults or failings, let me stop and inquire, Would I be willing others should speak thus of me?
When in society let me ever reflect, What influence will my words have upon others? Will what I am about to say wound or grieve the hearts of any, and more particularly the tender Spirit of God?
When about to speak in a light and trifling manner, let me inquire, Will such conversation instruct and administer grace to the hearer? Will it exemplify the religion of Jesus, and show to those around that I believe what I profess?
“So let our lips and lives express, The holy gospel we profess; So let our works and virtues shine, To prove the doctrine all divine.”
V. O. Cross.
Vermont.