Overcoming the Sin of Talkativeness
By Nellie Boynton
BRO. SMITH: I have just finished reading Testimony No. 16, and cannot forbear writing a few lines to those of like precious faith, hoping that, if there are others under the same condemnation as myself, they also may take courage to make new, and more determined efforts, and, above all, to pray more earnestly for grace to enable them to persevere in overcoming those besetting sins which God is so merciful and condescending as to point out to us in this manner. I am very sorry to say that I am one of the unhappy ones, that “talk too much,” and spend time unprofitably, in vain conversation. The struggle to overcome this is a severe one, and I have been tempted again and again to give up trying to overcome this fault. Satan tells me I never can succeed; that God will not accept “such a lame offering. But for Jesus’ sake, he has promised to forgive all our sins, and give us help in every time of need. He will be our guide, even unto the end. Blessed be his holy name! Oh! for a deeper work of grace in our hearts, that we may be more watchful of our words, that we sin not with our tongues. I cannot give up the battle yet, and I write this, hoping to have the prayers of those more worthy than I, that God will assist me in overcoming this, and every other, sin, that at his coming I may be one of those in whose mouth is found no guile. I beseech you who are not burdened with despairing thoughts, and are basking in the clear light of God’s love and forgiveness, to pray for the erring ones, that they be not “overcome of evil.” Your unworthy sister, NELLIE BOYNTON.
Saginaw Co., Mich.