A GENTLE HINT-GAPING by A. S. HUTCHINS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 31, 1869

A GENTLE HINT—GAPING.

By A. S. HUTCHINS

IN speaking of his enemies, Job says, “They have gaped upon me with their mouth.” In this way the wicked often open their mouths in envy and rage, against the righteous. But says Peter, “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye.”

And again, “For what glory is it, if, when ye are buffetted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” 1 Pet. ii, 20.

While laboring under the influence of sleepiness and stupidity, from overtaxed energies or surfeiting, a temporary relief may be gained by gaping. But when a sense of propriety, and respect for the house of worship, and divine service, is so far lost, as to allow ourselves frequently to indulge in yawning, in a manner so coarse and loud as greatly to annoy both the earnest speaker and anxious hearer, we say it is too bad. And we have wished it were otherwise.

Now, kind reader, this moderate intimation means you. And we confidently expect that when you read it you will be benefited by it, for you know “a word to the wise is sufficient.” A. S. HUTCHINS.