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Reprove the Swearer

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 14, 1872

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 39, No. 22.

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Reprove the Swearer.

TRAVELING to Oshkosh on the Green Bay Railroad, this afternoon, in the vicinity of Fond du Lac, a young man was so profane that I said to him, “I am sorry to hear you swear so.”
He was silent, and I added, “It is for your own good to amend such a habit. It is hurting yourself.”
“I know how to take care of myself. When I want your help I will apply to you.”
“Very good. Come to me at any time, and I will do all I can for you.”
This was all our conversation, but we did not hear another profane word from his lips. Some who rudely receive a rebuke, are the very persons who think most of it afterwards.
Entering into conversation with another gentleman, he swore so unhesitatingly by the holy name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that I looked up to him and said: “Do not swear.”
“I beg your pardon, sir.”
“No, do not beg my pardon. It is not of so much consequence that I heard you, as that God was listening.”
“I know I ought not to swear.” “No, you ought not to do so. Will you try to amend?” “Yes, I will.” “And will you pray that God will help you?” “I do not know how to pray.” “You can ask him to forgive your sins.” “But I do not know how.” “Decide in your own soul that you will serve him, and repent of your past sins, and then ask God that he will have mercy on you.”
“Will you pray for me?”
“But you must pray for yourself. I was a child when I began to pray. I was a child when I first loved God, and I have always been glad that I commenced his service when I was young. If you will begin to pray from this time I will teach you an easy prayer.”
“But will you pray for me?”
“I will if you will pray for yourself.”
“Then I promise to do so.”
“This is the prayer, ‘Lord, have mercy on me.’ If you will use this prayer from your heart, God will have mercy. He will forgive your sins and make you his child.”
At this moment the train stopped. The gentleman earnestly shook my hand, and we parted, perhaps never to meet again until we meet at the judgment-seat of Christ. I have not forgotten my promise, and I wish others would join me in pleading with a prayer-answering God that he will so lead that swearing man that he may be numbered with his own children.