EVIL SPEAKING by P. E. Ferrin

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 19, 1860

EVIL SPEAKING.

By P. E. Ferrin

BRO. SMITH: Although a great deal has been said on the subject of "evil speaking," it still seems to be a trap, so perfectly adapted to our nature, that we are apt to run into it before we are aware. This being the case, how earnestly ought we to heed the word of the Lord which says, "Speak evil of no man." Titus iii, 2. There are many other testimonies in the word of the Lord to which I might refer, but as I only wish to say a few words, I will pass them and call attention to one found in James iv, 11. "Speak not evil one of another, brethren." It seems to me that we are too apt to forget this testimony; and ere we are aware we have gone contrary to its teaching. We are exhorted in the word to confess our faults one to another. Let us suppose now that Bro. A. has committed some act that is wrong, repents of that act, and wishes to confess it before the church; but on thinking the matter over he says to himself, Now if I confess this fault, here is Bro. B. C. and D., ready to circulate it among the brethren far and near, and the farther it goes the larger it looks, and all my brethren and sisters will look upon me with jealousy and suspicion. I will keep it to myself.

Brethren, let us not indulge in this evil speaking, but live nearer to the Lord, have confidence in each other, confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another, keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, that we may be prepared to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord, and finally on mount Zion with the redeemed.

P. E. FERRIN. Crane's Grove, Ills.