p. 107 | The Concealed Spark by Sel.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 19, 1872

The Concealed Spark.

By Sel.

“FIRE! fire!” was recently the startling cry around a human dwelling. But soon the noble firemen extinguished the flames of the burning roof, and all was quiet and seemed to be safe again.

The next day the same alarm of fire was heard, and again the conflagration was subdued.

Then came the question, How happened it that the fire broke out the second time? Oh! a little spark was hidden away in the garret where the first was kindled, and suddenly fired the roof once more.

Sometimes we wonder why a young man or woman respected and loved is detected in crime, or disgraceful, ruinous vice. The fact is, good instruction and influences had apparently subdued the heart and formed a pure character, but the soul was unrenewed, after all: the precious blood of atonement had not cleansed it from secret sin. Impure habit, untruthfulness, or some other evil tendency, was hidden away from human view. God saw it; and soon the fire burst forth, laying the soul and body in ruins.

Look out for the spark of sin. Your only safety is in the sincere prayer David offered: “Create in me a clean heart, O God! and renew a right spirit within me.” —Sel.