COMPLAINERS, READ THIS by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 19, 1879

COMPLAINERS, READ THIS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

“A CLAPPER in an old church tower professed to be greatly grieved because the bell it hung in was cracked. It was ever and anon telling of its grief in most dolorous tones, and excited the sympathy of many unsophisticated people. But the ghost of Diogenes coming along said, ‘Cease your whining, Master Clapper; remember in the first place that you cracked the bell, and in the second place nobody would know it was cracked if you didn’t tell them.’ When you meet a man that is always complaining of the coldness of the church and the want of harmony among its members, tell him this fable. Those who make the most complaint, are often those who are the most to blame. How is it with you, anyway. Is there a cracked bell in your church, and are you the clapper?”

This is too good to let sleep. An experience of fifteen years among the churches has taught me that this illustration is just to the point. Church grumblers, please read this and remember that this is what all Christians think of you.

D. M. CANRIGHT.