p. 770 | Little Things by Methodist Recorder

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 23, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 49.

Little Things.

By Methodist Recorder

THE round of life's duties is made up of little things. But few persons have either the ability or the opportunity to do any great act, by which their country and their race are especially benefited, and their own names rendered illustrious. Such acts are reserved for the few, and the occasion for them but seldom occurs. They are exceptional in their character, and are not connected with the every-day duties of life. The things which constitute the sum of duty and enjoyment are little things, connected with our ordinary pursuits and daily and hourly intercourse with each other. Considered separately they may appear to be insignificant, but regarded in the aggregate, they exert the most powerful influence upon our own character and happiness, and also upon the character and happiness of others. . . .

In our daily intercourse with each other, in the family and in general society, we cannot estimate the effects produced by little acts of kindness, by words of sympathy and encouragement, by looks of interest and approval, and by a thousand little attentions expressive of the kindly feelings of the heart. It is these little things that imperceptibly draw us to each other and make sunshine on our pathway. . . .

So also in the church. It is not the performance of some great and difficult duty that contributes most to our usefulness. Such duties may seldom be required of us. But it is the cheerful performance of little acts, prompted by love to the Master, in our daily and hourly intercourse with each other. . . . Here every Christian, however humble his talents may be, has presented before him a wide field for usefulness. Opportunities for doing good, in a quiet and unobtrusive way, are constantly occurring, and these should not be neglected in hope of being able at some future time to perform some important work of far-reaching influence. He that is faithful in that which is least, will receive the divine approval equally with him who is faithful in much. Do not, then, neglect the little duties of every-day life. Their influence will be felt, if not like the dashing showers of rain, like the noiseless, gentle dew, which nightly descends to refresh and cheer the earth.—Methodist Recorder.