J. O. CORLISS by J. O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 18, 1875

J. O. CORLISS

By J. O. Corliss

Motives.

MOTIVES in life are various; yet every act that may be justified or condemned by moral rules is impelled by some motive, either good or bad. It would be very difficult for any one to determine that his own actions were prompted by wrong motives, especially in regard to a religious faith, whatever course may be pursued: neither is it for a moment to be supposed that this is the case, considering the protestations of fidelity made by the religious world, until something is developed to show unmistakably that it is so. Yet strange as it may seem, men have engaged in enterprises of this kind with apparent zeal and integrity, who, should their motives be questioned, would show evident signs of offended dignity, though results may show a want of probity. The cases which illustrate this are as varied as the motives which actuate them, although some are more reprehensible than others in their nature.

Two men attended in company a series of religious meetings held in their neighborhood, and both united their interests with the society under whose auspices the meetings were held; but shortly after the class was formed their zeal abated, and they finally withdrew. It was afterward ascertained that they had been disappointed, having heard that that particular fraternity assumed the debts of the poor members, and, in their view, the society had failed in its obligations. Each of these men had mortgages on his farm which he was anxious to have discharged! Here the motives were unmistakable, and there was the clearest evidence of double dealing; for nothing is more certain than that the loaves and fishes were regarded far more than the truth.

In many cases, however, this lack may not have existed from the first, but surrounding circumstances may have brought an influence to bear, to change the motives, and affect the course of the individual. A person may adopt a certain course with the best of motives in view, and which may appear to his mind the most judicious, while to others of judgment and forethought it may be seen to be inconsiderate; and after the results of following out such a course of conduct have been faithfully pointed out, tenacity of opinion may be an inducement to reject advice, and follow that to which he was predisposed. From this point his motives become corrupted, and in order to maintain his pertinacity, a course is pursued hostile to his profession, which impairs his confidence before God, and results in discouragement and disgrace.

There are others also, who hear the story of Jesus and his love told in a pathetic manner, which awakens all the sympathy of their being, causing the deepest feeling, and, on the spur of the moment, move out with others in the service of God. One difficulty, however, impedes advancement. The impelling power is not lasting, therefore it is not the best. These lose sight of the fact that the word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; Heb. 4:12; and hence is of necessity a rule of life, and the common error is readily received that it will make no difference what is believed; the principal thing is to be sincere. When this article is incorporated into the creed, one is prepared to believe anything that suits the inclination, to disbelieve everything that points to a course of self-denial, and yet be so well satisfied with such a condition that the most pointed truths and earnest appeals fail to arouse him from a state of self-complacency. It is to be much regretted that this is so; yet, however painful the fact, it is very apparent to those whose work it is to sow the seeds of truth.

Still another class who desire to follow a religious life are similar, in some respects, to those last mentioned, as they have the purest motives, and a firm determination to perfect Christian characters, and obtain a crown of life. The frivolities of the world are abandoned; the vanities of dress are laid aside; bad dietetic habits are discarded, and a general transformation takes place according to the standard laid before them, and which they have acknowledged—the word of God. Everything passes along smoothly for a time, and the work performed is characterized by that zeal and devotedness usually shown by a soul in its first love. Others, who perhaps cannot see clearly the benefits to be derived from such a course, consequently are slow to act upon it, are labored with to bring them up to the same high standard. At this point, Satan often takes advantage of the motives. The thought is forced upon the mind, If my brother or sister in the church can pursue this course, or dress in that manner without condemnation, I can do the same; and instead of maintaining integrity, and continuing examples to others, the acknowledged standard is lost sight of, and others are taken as a criterion. They thus take a position far below what they themselves even had regarded as right, and their testimonies in the social meeting become dull and uninteresting; others lose interest to attend, and the result is a general spiritual dearth. But what makes such cases more deplorable than others is, that the transition has been gradually and quite unconsciously made, and they still think the motives are pure, and desires as strong as ever to reach the coveted goal. So subtle are the influences brought to bear upon the human heart.

It is true that God does not look on the outward appearance, but looks on the heart, 1 Sam. 16:7, as has so many, many times been affirmed; still it is nevertheless true that out of the heart are the issues of life; and we are commanded to keep it with all diligence. Prov. 4:23. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, . . . . pride, foolishness; all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:21–23. As the finger on the dial points the hour of the day, so the outward acts of men's lives are a true index of the heart. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it!

J. O. CORLISS

Jeddo, St. Clair Co., Mich.