AN ITEM by JOS. CLARKE.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 27, 1869

AN ITEM.

By JOS. CLARKE.

If you are disposed to self-complacency, and wish to cure the malady, just call to mind the vilest sin of which you were ever guilty in your lifetime; keep this sin before your mind, in all its deformity, as you suppose it appears before God, for about one week. Think how it would appear to angels and good men. Toss the thought of this sin about in your mind. Imagine it were published everywhere. And you will find your pride give way to other thoughts. This will probably cure you of this disease for a month or two; at the end of which time, you may have to repeat the experiment. Do this conscientiously, and with the help of God, as often as self-complacency manifests itself in your mind, before it finds any vent in words, or acts; and be sure to ask pardon and favor of God. If the disease continues obstinate, call to mind two or three or more of the most hateful of your past sins. Continue this course, perseveringly, faithfully, and we assure you it will lower the crown of pride. At this time you can successfully seek the favor of God, and see to it, that your petitions ascend to him, that all these old sins may be pardoned, blotted out, forgiven, forgotten by him. At this particular time, seek for a new heart. Probably you may think your heart has been renewed; but perhaps it is not wholly so. Be sure you are converted to God. Keep at work; subdue pride, cultivate love, meekness, goodness; follow up the work daily, hourly, with determination and courage. You have not a moment to lose. JOS. CLARKE.