A Trustworthy Guide by E. Hilliard

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 17, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 36.

A Trustworthy Guide.

By E. Hilliard

LET any one compare the state of his mind at the present, with some condition in the past, and he will readily discover that his mind has undergone a radical change—gradual, perhaps, in its progress, but great in its consummation. The mention of that which once thrilled him with joy has no attraction, no charm. That which to us in childhood and youth was the height of our ambition and hope, in maturer years becomes of very little notice. We look back and cannot refrain from wondering that, on circumstances of so trifling a nature, our hearts should have wasted such excess of passion. As a plain mansion meets our mature eye, in the building which to our childish gaze wore the appearance of a stately palace, so we discern nothing but insignificance in those pursuits which once filled and inflamed our imagination with their importance. Perhaps a better description, or one which more fully illustrates such a change of feeling cannot be found than that which Lord Chesterfield has left us, in a letter written a short time before his death.

“I have run,” said he, “the silly round of business and pleasure, and have done with them all. I have enjoyed all pleasures of the world, and consequently know their futility, and do not regret their loss. I appraise them at their real value, which is, in truth, very low; whereas those, who have not experienced, always overrate them. They only see the gay outside, and are dazzled with their glare; but I have seen behind the scenes; I have seen all the coarse pulleys and dirty ropes, which exhibit and move the gaudy machine; I have seen and smelled the tallow candles, which illuminated the whole decoration, to the astonishment and admiration of an ignorant audience. When I reflect upon what I have seen, what I have heard, and what I have done, I can hardly persuade myself that all the frivolous hurry, and bustle, and pleasure of this world had any reality; but I look upon all that has passed as one of the romantic dreams, which opium commonly occasions, and I do by no means desire to repeat the nauseous dose, for the sake of the fugitive dream.

The things around us have their immediate influence upon our character. It therefore becomes necessary that we use a due degree of caution, in whatever circumstances we are placed, lest we be controlled by our surroundings. The first thing every individual should do, who has arrived at mature age, is to adopt a code of principles by which to be governed. No young lady or gentleman can reach that noble, elevated sphere of mental and moral attainment that gives such a power for good, without selecting the best rules by which to discipline themselves. When once such rules have been adopted, we must make up our minds that, regardless of our disposition to deviate therefrom, we must cling tenaciously to our standard, if we expect to reach the desired end. Our feelings will change somewhat as our physical organism undergoes a change. This we should not heed, no matter how great or varied the change, or how monotonous the pathway we tread. By patient continuance in well doing we will eventually reach a point where feeling will be brought in harmony with principle, and then we can complacently look back on the field of contest, knowing that principle and reason have won the laurels of victory.

We inquire, from what source shall we adopt our rules of self-government? Good and great men have transcribed excellent rules for perfecting character; but those rules are not adapted to the needs of others than themselves. Then there must be found some source from which all mankind can draw that instruction which will meet the demands of all. Where can such instruction be found? We answer, the Bible is the only book in the wide world that touches completely all the different phases of our many-sided human nature. Take it and mould your life by it.

It may be against your inclinations, but sacrifice your carnal desires at its sacred shrine; and with every act of self-denial you will find heavenly peace filling your soul. It will take time, courage, and perseverance to approximate that standard of manly excellence, and Christian character, that will not only fit you for the association with the good and pure-minded here, but will prepare you to become the associate of the inhabitants of Heaven. May God bless you, dear reader, in your efforts to bring your life into harmony with the principles of his sacred word.

E. HILLIARD. Medford, Minn.