There was once an army officer who, for all his many good qualities, suffered from the very bad habit of using foul language. It was a habit that needed curing; but bad habits, when given much time to grow, are very difficult to uproot and do away with.

At last the solution came. It happened once that the officer was seriously ill, and confined to bed. He had for his nurse a Sister of Charity, who couldn't help but notice his vulgar language. She was horrified to hear how constantly he made use of oaths, and begged him to stop this awful practice. The patient, in his defense, told her that it was such a habit with him that he could not break it if he wished. The sister answered that if he wished he could quickly do so. She knew an excellent means, she said. The officer asked her what it was, but she said she would not tell him unless he first gave her his word as an officer and a gentleman that he would act upon her suggestion

After a few minutes reflection he gave her his hand, saying: "Upon my word of honor, then."

"The means I want you to make use of," the sister replied, "is this: that you should give a florin (about 40 cents) to the sick poor in the hospital every time you utter an oath."

The officer made a wry face, and told her that by that system she would reduce him to beggary.

"No such thing," she answered. "Refrain from swearing, and you will have nothing to pay."

The first time her patient let slip an oath, she held out her hand, and reminded him of his agreement. He was obliged to give her a florin, and on that same day he had to pay five more. The next day he was only fined three times; on the third day only once. From that time forth an oath was never heard to escape his lips. How effective severe penances are, above all those that involve the loss of money! If sinners were punished by fines, a great many would change their lives and stop sinning.