A certain woman once called upon her clergyman to tell him how distressed her mind was

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("Pleasant Readings for the Home" Author unknown)
A certain woman once called upon her clergyman to tell him how distressed her mind was. He received her with all tenderness, and inquired into the cause of her distress. She went on to say that her mind was very much troubled indeed, but she did know how to tell him. The clergyman judging that it must be something serious, urged her to be explicit upon the subject of her trouble.

At last she said, "It is the length of your neckties, sir--when in the pulpit."

"Oh," he said, "the length of my neckties is what distresses you? I will take care that this shall be a source of distress to you no more."

So fetching his neckties, he said, "Here is a pair of scissors, cut them to your wish."

After she had done this--she thanked him, and professed to feel her mind relieved.

"Well, my friend," said he, "I may tell you that my mind has also been much troubled, perhaps even more than yours."

"Oh, sir, I am sorry for that. What, sir, has distressed your mind so?"

He replied, "It is the length of your tongue! And now, as one good turn deserves another, you will allow as much to be cut off as will reduce it to its proper length!"

She was speechless and learned an important lesson.

"Do not grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged!" James 5:9

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