p. 164 | OCCASIONAL ERRORS by A. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 14, 1882

OCCASIONAL ERRORS.

By A. Smith

BY A. SMITH.

It is far too common to hear in the social meeting a sort of stereotyped confession of sinfulness, unworthiness, and lack of consecration in a general sense, when, if the testimony were assented to and commented upon by those who are compelled to listen to it, it would give great offense, and provoke violent assault. Such confession is too often an indirect trumpeting of self-conceit, designed to convey an impression of the speaker's humility.

It is the imperative duty of the Christian to “grow in grace” (2 Pet. 3:18), to “go on unto perfection.” Heb. 6:1. Why, then, should he not speak of advancement in the divine life,—of victories won, of sins subdued? Too often in social or business circles we hear complaints of hardships borne, of losses endured, and of the inconveniences attending a life of self-denial; whereas the Christian is commanded to “rejoice evermore” and “in everything give thanks.” (1 Thess. 5:16, 18. See, also, 1 Pet. 4:13.

In walking through a country rich in mineral wealth, why burden one's self with sand and stones, though they are useful in their proper places, and spurn the silver nuggets with the feet, or refuse to gather up the precious particles of gold? This world is full of shadows, but it is also flooded with golden sunlight. Why not bask in the genial warmth? Sickness and sorrow bow the heads and crush the hopes of some; but why should there not be healthful and hopeful ones to lift the shadows from the broken heart? But, alas! the lives of many who might be a blessing to the world, are full of fretfulness, and rebellion against the providence of God.

From the desk we sometimes hear very solemn discourses. The speaker's voice will become tremulous with emotion, and tears will course down his cheeks; many in the congregation will respond in pathetic amens, and handkerchiefs will be displayed, expressive of the depth of solemn emotion that prevails. Should a social meeting follow, not a few will, in broken, sobbing accents, rendering their testimony almost unintelligible, express their sense of the solemnity of the hour. But by and by the last testimony is borne, the doxology is sung, and the benediction is pronounced, when, presto, many are heard chatting and laughing in the house; common and trivial matters being discussed as if it were only a step from the sublime to the ridiculous.

It is a rare gift to lead a congregation to the heights of Nebo, and, with them, view the goodly promised land, or to the precincts of Sinai to hear the thunders of the law. But it is well to remember that the descent from the mount is dangerous, abounding in precipices over which the unwary may fall to rise no more. Who knows but there may be souls present who are deeply moved by the solemn, searching truth they hear, who are, in turn, disgusted with the

trifling that ensues, and are thereby led to deny any intrinsic value in a profession of religion? Why should not the conversation rather be sober and subdued? Let it be “yea and nay.” Carry the influence of that holy hour of worship to the closet and the fireside, and there continue to dwell upon the theme until the soul can radiate the beneficence upon those around.