Serious Reflection Necessary.
THE recent severe earthquake shocks in the South produced at least a temporary religious impression on many minds, and persons previously addicted to profanity were observed to become reverent and serious in their language, and others unused to sacred things were found attentively perusing God's word. Many persons smile at what they consider the weakness of these persons, who permitted their fears to produce such a change in their behavior. There is no cause for any one to be amused at this. The apostle appeals to the instability of material things, which is very impressively illustrated in the quaking of the earth, as an incentive to holy living. "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" It is only fools that trifle with solemn things. When men are made to feel that the solid earth is insecure, it is natural and rational enough for them to think of the necessity of seeking "a kingdom that cannot be moved." God appeals to our fears—to our sense of danger—as a means of leading us to reflection and turning our feet into the paths of obedience. Hence the exhortation, "In the day of adversity, consider."—Methodist Recorder.