A few Likes and Dislikes.
By H. F. PHELPS.
I don’t like to see Christians so over-anxious about the things of this life as to forsake the assembling of themselves together; but I do like to see them seeking “first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,”—which is doing every duty,—and the promise for it, all necessary things shall be added unto them. I like to see them attending meetings when they can; but when there, I do not like to see them sitting like idle spectators, acting as though it was a secondary matter with them whether anything was said or not. If meetings were left altogether with such individuals, they would soon run out. But I like to see all, great and small, who have named the name of Christ, exhorting one another, and so much the more as they see the day approaching. Being “instant in season, out of season,” “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” I do not like to see them repining in adversities, murmuring because they are poor; for “God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith,” and they are to be heirs of that kingdom which he has promised to those that love him. But I like to see all bear up manfully under the ills of this life, knowing that all things work together for good to those that love God and keep his commandments. I do not like to see them careless in regard to the salvation of their children; letting them imbibe the spirit of the world, associating with vicious, wicked children. Parents, beware of such company for your children. I like to see them instructing their children in wisdom’s ways, teaching them to keep the commandments of God. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way; when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” I do not like to see them tearing down the family altar, or leaving it to fall of its own accord. It is a sad mark, indeed, in a Christian, to see them neglecting this sacred duty, in a measure becoming like the heathen who forget God. But I like to see them, morning and evening, assembling the members of the family, and together bowing around the mercy seat, where our kind Father in Heaven deigns to meet with his children. I do not like to see a tobacco Christian, in short, I sometimes think there never was one; at any rate, they are few and scattering in these days of light and knowledge. Can they be Christians and yield to a lust, an appetite, so contrary to all ideas of cleanliness and purity? Will there be any tobacco in the New Earth? Will there be any tobacco Christians there? Why then yield to a lust so contrary to the spirit of Christ? Why bow to idols? Why have other God’s? Why not, in other words, throw away every idol, and worship the Lord thy God, for “him only shalt thou serve?”. Cleanse yourselves, make clean work for the kingdom. There will be a company at the last day who will have no guile in their mouths. Reader, will you not strive to be there? What a sight, to see an individual reaching with one hand toward the kingdom, and with the other clasping the filthy quid! One or the other must be dropped. You cannot hold on to both. Which will you leave? There is danger that you may be obliged to give up the kingdom, if you, after seeing the light, still persist in yielding to your appetite, grieving the spirit of God by using that vilest of all weeds. “Break away from thy bondage,
O brother be free.” Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minn.