Short Paragraphs by J. C.

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jul 18, 1878

Short Paragraphs.

By J. C.

If we were as anxious to avoid sin, and to break off from it, as we are to have our transgressions forgiven, we would have many less sins to repent of. There is no condemnation to those that believe. Why? Because when accused of sin they repent of it, and to them it is reproof, not condemnation, but to the sinner it is condemnation because his proud heart does not bow to the charge; he stubbornly resists instruction. To him it is not reproof, but condemnation. If he would bow to the charge, and repent of his sins it would change the accusation into a reproof. What a power has humility. If you would harden the heart, you have only to neglect prayer and watchfulness, or allow it to degenerate into a mere form. A worldly spirit will come in, which will make your heart as hard as the enemy can make it. You can, at the same time, by a careful moral exterior, maintain a fair standing in many churches, and be much beloved by the world. It is very easy to harden the heart. To be patient, two things are requisite, especially. One is, to do right yourself at all events and under all disadvantages. The next is, to bear with others who do wrong; not to let it disturb your mind so as to be excited, or provoked. There are other things, but these are the main qualifications. All is to be done in the fear and love of God. If you would teach children the fear of the Lord you must love and fear him yourself. Children have an especial detestation of hypocrisy, pedantry, and difficult words.—J. C.