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The Divine Sculptor

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 19, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 51.

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The Divine Sculptor

By Hannah J. Baker

HANNAH J. BAKER
As the sculptor, when fashioning a beautiful statue, softens a line here and strengthens one there until the statue is rounded into perfect symmetry, so Christ softens, refines, and strengthens our different traits of character until we reflect his image perfectly.
The divine Sculptor first removes the canker of evil words with the chisel of truth, strengthens the character with faith, builds it up with hope, and purifies it with love; rounds out the lips with the chisel of charity, and softens the profile with grace, that the countenance may reflect the quietness and assurance of a heart at peace with God.
The unsightly excrescence of self-exaltation is removed by the chisel of the Master Workman, and there is revealed the sinewy strength of self-knowledge, self-denial, and humility.
The fiery eczema of anger is tempered with grace until there is disclosed the strength of purpose that comes from a life that is hid with Christ in God. Col. 3: 3.
The superficial bump of sentimentalism is transformed by the Sculptor into the precious gold of pure affection.
The Sculptor must chisel deep to remove the roots of the cancer of selfishness, that the integrity of the part may be restored, and the glorious principle of unselfish service may be revealed in the life.
When the bump of self-esteem has been thoroughly removed, the precious jewel of humility will lend grace to the neck.
By careful work the carbuncle of jealousy is chipped off, leaving not even a scar to mar the perfect trust of a heart at peace with God.
The Sculptor carves away the scurvy of impatience, that he may reveal the perfect work of patience on the character.
With the chisel of affliction the bride's robe of character is tested and made white.
And now, with every blemish removed, and the beautiful star-filled crown upon her brow, the statue, Christ's bride, stands forth “fair as the moon, clear as the sun” (Cant. 6:10), clad in the fine linen of Christ's righteousness; “for the fine linen [margin, “clean and bright”] is the righteousness of saints.” Rev. 19:8.
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