“Be Not Afraid, But Speak”
A YOUNG lad went to work in a foundry, where the men used often to swear in their conversation. For a few days the lad feared to remonstrate with them, but having heard a sermon on the text quoted above, he resolved to be brave, and speak out. On the Monday morning he quietly said, “Please excuse me, I am only a boy, but I should be so glad if you wouldn’t swear. I think you would soon find it easy to talk without doing so, and it would please God.” Instantly one of the men exclaimed, “Three cheers for Charlie. Then all will join me in doing as the plucky little chap wishes, say ‘Aye, aye.’” And every man in the room shouted, “Aye, aye.”—Selected.