REPROOF by H. F. PHELPS

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 10, 1868

REPROOF.

By H. F. PHELPS

I HAD been off my guard. That unruly member, the tongue, had uttered a few words unbecoming a follower of Christ. A good brother standing by heard it. My own conscience condemned me for it; but this did not atone for the fault. But nothing was said about it at the time. Faithful angels had recorded an idle word spoken in an unbecoming manner, before unbelievers. I must meet it in the day of Judgment, unless repented of. But should I go on in doing wrong, blood might be found on my brother’s garments in that day. Ah! then, my brother, do thy duty; fear not to displease; but be faithful; for thou art thy brother’s keeper. Reprove them. It may be you may save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.

He did reprove me, not rashly, but something like the following: “We ought to be very careful how we speak, a few words may do much harm.” Oh! yes, said I, that’s so, but—

“I hope,” continued he, “you will not be offended, but, yesterday, you said thus and so.” Indeed I did wrong. I knew it. I was not offended. I was pleased at the simplicity of the reproof; but it cut; yes, far more than if uttered in a censorious, self-conceited manner.

“Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, that shall not break my head.”

H. F. PHELPS.