DWELL ON SPIRITUAL THINGS.
By John Matteson
Whatever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue and praise, think on these things. Phil. iv, 8. There is a strong tendency with us to dwell altogether too much on earthly, perishing things, on the outward appearance and forms. There are many earthly things which it is our duty to think on; and it is even a virtue to study how to best perform such duties. For instance, to plan and arrange our earthly business in the way most pleasing to God, caring for our family, and those around us, living blameless, as good stewards before the Lord; or, to study the health reform, and dress reform, so that we can obey the laws of our being, and appear in plain apparel, yet clean and neat. But with229all this, there is a strong tendency to let these things take up our minds too much, leaving too little room for the heavenly. Thus we can easily lose sight of the most important object of the health reform, viz., to make us more spiritual and heavenly minded. If we live for the kingdom of Heaven, let not the things of earth take up our attention too much. But whatever is lovely, pure, and heavenly, let us dwell much on such things. The lovely Jesus, his pure and holy life, his divine attributes, his humility and self-denial, his past, present, and future work, these should have room in our hearts. And the more we dwell upon things that are lovely and pure, the more lovely and pure will we become ourselves. Then the glorious kingdom, the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, unfading—should not this occupy a goodly share of our thoughts, and enter into our conversation? The destined haven; the land ahead; the abiding city; the blessed and eternal home with Jesus in our Father's house;—for this we long, and pray, and weep. On this will we dwell. O earth, how dark art thou. Thy treasures charm me not. But Heaven, glorious Heaven! Let thy light shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.