ON THE TRACK by Christian Standard

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 20, 1888

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 14, No. 16.

ON THE TRACK.

By Christian Standard

As we approach a corner of the street, if there is a wagon near by, we do not feel safe to take our eyes off of it, until we see whether it is going straight on, or whether it is likely to cut across our path. Not so, however, with the street-car. One glance is enough. We are sure it will keep the track unless something unusual throws it off.

Just so with members of the church. Some are on the track, and we hardly glance at them; we expect them to keep right on unless something very unusual happens; we would be greatly surprised if they collided with us or crossed our path. But others are rarely on the track. They are like the wagons, on and off, dodging up one street or down another, and nobody but the driver knows which way they are likely to go. We do not feel safe unless we keep a bright lookout on their movements, to see whether they are likely to run into us and damage us.

How much smoother, easier, safer, more rapid, and more satisfactory every way, is our traveling when we keep the track. We can draw much heavier loads. We don't subject everybody and everything on the team to such jolting and grumbling.

Whoever else gets off, shall you and I keep on? If we would do so we must watch the switches, and stones, and the obstructions of every kind. The opening at the switch may be almost imperceptible, but who can tell where it will send us if it is too far open, and what disastrous results may follow our switching off. Our carelessness may ruin someone physically, mentally, morally, and eternally.—Christian Standard.