p. 123 | The Swearers Rebuked by A. Smith

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 13, 1864

The Swearers Rebuked.

By A. Smith

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Matt v, 16.

Of late I have thought much of this text, and have sought opportunities to let my “light shine,” feeble as it is, for the glory of Christ. I find many opportunities to do good, in the fields, upon the highway, in the work shop, at social, political, or religious gatherings; for I there find fellow mortals, to whom a word in season may prove a “savor of life unto life.” But I can also count many instances of neglected duty, of lost opportunities. O Lord, give us wisdom that we may bear the cross aright!

A few days since as I was returning from the city of Grand Rapids, Mich., I was accosted by two gentlemen whom I overtook, with a request that they might ride. Although I had quite a load in my wagon, I cordially invited them in. They then resumed the conversation they had dropped, mingled profusely with profane language. I bore it patiently for some time, reflecting in my mind how I should reprove them and not give offense; for I trembled at the thought lest I should do more harm than good; but the words of the text overcame me, and I said at length, “Gentlemen, perhaps you do not think it wrong to swear, but I do, and would like to have gentlemen refrain from it in my presence, which they generally do if they know my principles,” to which one replied that he was glad I mentioned it, as he himself was ashamed of the practice in his sober moments. He then related a circumstance that came under his observation, exhibiting profanity in a more horrible light than ever came to my notice before. I will relate the story as nearly in his own words as possible.

He said: “I was at work in the pine woods at —, in the year —. The company with whom I worked were very profane. Card playing was their delight. Their practice was so bad, and their oaths were so terrible, that, though a profane man myself, I could never join with them. Even their most common, ordinary, and mild oaths,—if for instance in putting on or laying off a coat, anything should go amiss, were too horrible to repeat.

“One of the most profane of their number whom they called Joe, was chosen class-leader and exhorter, and they would hold mock meetings, and blaspheme most horribly. One Sunday evening in particular they were more jubilant than usual, and after card playing and dancing, they held a mock prayer-meeting. Joe led off in a blasphemous prayer in which with other things he said he dared God Almighty to touch him.” One of his companions remarked, “That’s rather hard Joe,” to which he replied, “God Almighty has no business with me, and I dare him to touch me.”

“The next morning we all went to work as usual. I was driving team, and was returning to the woods for my second load, when one came running to meet me, and in great excitement said, ‘Joe is dead.’ I said, ‘How did he die, what was the matter?’ ‘He was cutting logs, when he was struck by a limb of a falling tree and his brains dashed out.’ I hastened to the scene of the disaster, and soon all Joe’s companions were congregated about his lifeless body; and such sad, gloomy, woe-stricken faces, I never saw before. They understood it as a judgment from God, and put a stop at once to their wicked blasphemous practices.”

When my companions thanked me for their ride, and bade me good bye, the one who narrated the above said with some warmth, “I hope to meet you again; if not on earth may it be in Heaven; for such religion as you recommend is worth striving for.”

I feel repaid for bearing the cross. Christians take courage. Bear the cross and finally wear the crown.

A. SMITH.

Kent Co., Mich.