TONGUE, THE
Would not the world be benefited by the surgery suggested in the following anecdote:
An old lady of his flock once called upon Dr. John Gill, a London preacher, with a grievance. The doctor’s neckbands were too long for her ideas of ministerial humility, and after a long harangue on the sin of pride, she intimated that she had brought a pair of scissors with her, and would be pleased if her dear pastor would permit her to cut them down to her notions of propriety.
The doctor not only listened patiently, but handed over the offending white bands to be operated upon. When she had cut them to her satisfaction and returned the bits, it was the doctor’s turn. “Now,” said he, “you must do me a good turn also.” “Yes, that I will, doctor. What can it be?” “Well, you have something about you which is a deal too long and which causes me no end of trouble, and I should like to see it shorter.” “Indeed, dear sir, I will not hesitate. What is it? Here are the scissors; use them as you please.” “Come then,” said the sturdy divine; “good sister, put out your tongue.” (Text.)—Tit-Bits.
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Sarcasm, ridicule, and all forms of bitter speech may be compared to the weapon described below:
The falarica, an ancient weapon, was a sort of javelin, consisting of a shaft of wood, with a long point of iron. This point was three feet long. Near the end were wound round the wooden shaft long bands of tow saturated with pitch and other combustibles, and this inflammable band was set on fire just before the javelin was thrown. As the missile flew the wind fanned the flames, and striking the shield of the soldier opposing it, it could not be pulled out and the shield was destroyed. (Text.)
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