Dumb Folks by Sel.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 9, 1866

Dumb Folks.

By Sel.

THEY are dumb, when? Not when nonsense is introduced, something funny to laugh at—something of a worldly nature, about farms or merchandise, the latest novel—the religious festival, the pic nic, the donation party, or the New Year's calls, where feasting, wine-bibbing, joking and jesting are the order of the day. No tongues are tied now; no one is dumb here, nor where marrying and giving in marriage, the latest cut in things for the ward-robe, are subjects for discussion, mouths are open wider in this direction, tongues fly, move glibly, fluently. But introduce the subject of prayer, praise, the reading of God's word, visiting the sick, the oppressed—speak of Heaven and heavenly things, the glory of the upper world, the joys of salvation—the peace of God in the soul, flowing like a river, the happiness resulting from well-doing, from emulating Jesus—what now? any response? All is silent as the grave! lips are closed, tongues are tied. Quote a passage of scripture, repeat a verse or two from the pen of inspiration, more precious than gold—any one to reply? Not one; not a word, or look of smiling approbation is manifested, all is hushed as the tomb; every one is dumb! dumb! struck dumb.

This alluding to things spiritual and eternal, talking often one to another of the Lord's mercies and judgments, for him to hearken and hear, that a book of remembrance may be written before him of them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name—is not to be tolerated in this refined age, and in refined circles. This referring to the Bible for subjects of interest and conversation, or declaring, like David, what great things God hath done for our souls, is out of place, out of time, out of date. “Away with sombre looks, things grave, serious, eternal—away with the Bible, its doctrines and precepts, its holy inculcations; give us something mirthful, that will tickle the fancy, a spice of wit, that will provoke laughter.” “Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we die.” Is not this picture a true one of the present, every day piety? Friends, what are we coming to?—Sel.