Accomplishments by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 24, 1874

Accomplishments.

By R. M. Kilgore

None but the truly pious possess accomplishments that are acceptable in the sight of God; and the Bible furnishes us with a perfect rule by which these may be attained. In no sense can it be said that “ignorance is bliss” or “‘tis folly to be wise,” in those things which pertain to our eternal interests; then a knowledge of those principles which are so well adapted to the formation of a perfect character are indispensable.

The world has a standard of etiquette far below that which God has furnished. The mania with which the world is seeking an education in those things which will qualify its recipients to appear well in society, and enable them to make a grand display of their attainments in the presence of others to obtain their applause, is truly wonderful; while the character, so acceptable in the sight of God, has no charms for them, and therefore is entirely neglected. They are proficient in some of the arts and sciences. They take pride in music, can talk fluently, and their manners are unexceptionable. They love to behold the beauties of nature around them, and at great expense will traverse sea and land to acquire a knowledge of the world, its customs, habits, and manners. These are all well enough, and are indeed desirable and should not be undervalued; but the one thing needful being lost sight of, life, with all these, would finally prove to be a failure.

I became acquainted with two young men where they were spending vacation in the country, whom I esteem for their gentlemanly conduct, modest deportment, and upright walk and conversation. They loved to ascend to the highest points of land to view the beauties of nature, and the glories of the rising and setting sun. They could instruct me in the different species of beetles, butterflies, and families of the finny tribe; and could talk about the formations of the different rocks in a commendable manner.

But if I should speak of the power and wisdom of God as manifested in his creatures, the skill of the great artist in tinting the beautiful flowers and painting the sky with so great a variety of colors, they would become dumb. While they could adore the creature, they could not through these extol and worship the Creator.

If we should inquire in regard to their faith, their hope, and their knowledge of the word of God, they would be silent. They had none. They relied upon that of their fathers. They could tell what father thought, but they had no knowledge about such things for themselves; and seemed well satisfied to remain “willingly ignorant.”

It seemed to me that there had been a mistake made in their education; that the end for which they were created had been lost sight of, and unless a radical change should be wrought in their minds, all their attainments were valueless so far as eternal results are concerned.

We would not depreciate the value of an education in the arts and sciences, a knowledge of the customs of this world, or a proper understanding of those principles which make us agreeable to those around us; but by placing too high an estimate upon these things, and neglecting those which make for our peace, is sheer insanity; and in the end we sustain an irreparable and inexpressible loss, and have gained nothing but the praise of puny man—a reward too small for the care taken and the means expended—a reward which cannot be compared with that received by those who choose the better part, which shall not be taken away.

If, then, for pride and vain show, were substituted a love for the divine, and the approbation of God; if to the arts and sciences were added the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom; and if the same time were spent, and the same effort put forth in securing that inward adorning, which in the sight of God is of great price, that is squandered in the foolish fashions of this age, ignorance of the word of God, and the glories of the world to come would be the exception, and but few would lose eternal life. R. M. KILGORE.

Hancock, N. H.