Matthew 5:21-22 You have heard that it was said of them of old time, You shall not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:… La Fontaine, chaplain of the Prussian army, once preached an earnest sermon on the sin and folly of yielding to a hasty temper. The next day a Major of the regiment accosted him in no very good humour, saying: "Well, sir! I think you made use of the prerogative of your office to annoy me with some very sharp hits yesterday." "I certainly thought of you while I was preparing the sermon," the chaplain answered, "but I had no intention of being personal or sharp." "Well, it is of no use," said the Major, "I have a hasty temper, and I cannot help it. I cannot control it; the thing is impossible." The following Sunday La Fontaine preached on self-deception, and the vain excuses which men are accustomed to make. "Why." said he, "a man will declare it is impossible to control his temper, when he very well knows that were the same provocation to happen in the presence of his sovereign, he not only could, but would control himself entirely. And yet he dares to say that the continual presence of the King of kings imposes upon him neither restraint nor fear." The next day the preacher met the officer again, who said, humbly, "You were right yesterday, chaplain. Hereafter, whenever you see me in the danger of falling, remind me of the King." Parallel Verses KJV: Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: |
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