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Hold Your Breath and Your Tongue

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 29, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 9.

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“Hold Your Breath and Your Tongue”

By Mrs. C. O. Hickok

MRS. C. O. HICKOK
Very recently I came across this anecdote of President Lincoln, which impressed me so much that I pass it on as having an application to us as a people, in holding up the hands of our conference presidents, General Conference men, and all in authority. It is easy to criticize and complain; but the better way would be to “hold your tongue” and pray. The anecdote is found in a book called “The Civil War in Song and Story,” by Frank Moore, and is as follows:—
“The following occurred at the Executive Mansion in Washington. Its moral will be appreciated by all thoughtful men. Some gentlemen were present from the West, excited and troubled about the commissions or omissions of the administration. The President heard them patiently, and then replied: ‘Gentlemen, suppose all the property you were worth was in gold, and you had put it in the hands of Blondin to carry across the Niagara River on a rope; would you shake the cable, or keep shouting to him, Blondin, stand up a little straighter; Blondin, stoop a little more, go a little faster, lean a little more to the north, lean a little more to the south?—No, you would hold your breath as well as your tongue, and keep your hands off until he was safely over. The government is carrying an immense weight. Untold treasures are in its hands. It is doing the very best it can. Don’t badger it. Keep silence, and we’ll get you safely across.’ This simple illustration answered the complaints of half an hour, and not only silenced but charmed the audience.”
May God bless and greatly strengthen those in authority who are carrying heavy responsibilities, and are often perplexed to know what is best to do. May he give them courage, sanctified judgment, large-heartedness, keep them humble and true to the trust committed to them, and soon bring us all safely across to the evergreen shore.