Little Things in Religious Life.
LITTLE words, not eloquent speeches nor sermons; little deeds, not miracles nor battles, nor one great act or mighty martyrdom, make up the true Christian life. The little, constant sunbeam, not the lightning; the waters of Siloam, “that go softly” on their meek mission of refreshment, not “the waters of the river great and mighty,” rushing down in torrent, noise, and force, are the true symbols of a holy life. The avoidance of little evils, little sins, little inconsistencies, little weaknesses, little follies, little indiscretions and imprudences, little foibles, little indulgences of self and the flesh, little acts of indolence or indecision, of slovenliness or indecision, little equivocations or aberrations from high integrity, little bits of worldliness and gayety, little indifferences to the feelings or wishes of others, little outbreaks of temper and crossness, or selfishness, or vanity; the avoidance of such little things go far to make up at least the negative beauty of a holy life. And then attention to the little duties of the day and hour, in public transactions, or private dealings, or family arrangements; to the little words and tones; little benevolences, or forbearances, or tendernesses; little self-denials, self-restraints, and self-thoughtfulness, little plans of quiet kindness and thoughtful consideration for others; punctuality and method, and true aim, in the ordering of each day—these are the active developments of holy life, the rich and divine mosaics of which it is composed. What makes yon green hill so beautiful? Not the outstanding peak or stately elm, but the bright sward which clothes its slopes, composed of innumerable blades of grass. It is of small things that a great life is made up; and he who will acknowledge no life as great, save that which is built up of great things, will find little in Bible characters to admire or copy.