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COMPARATIVE VALUES

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Jan 20, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 3.

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COMPARATIVE VALUES.

By Lilian McPherron

BY LILIAN MCPHERRON.
WHO can estimate the value of what are called "little" things, in the encouragement and salvation of souls. When we study the often momentous results from these things, can we call any of them "little"?
How often is a weary heart cheered and uplifted by a bright smile and sympathetic handclasp from a dear friend or acquaintance; or it may be, by a smile on the face of only a passer-by, who sheds sunshine by his very presence. Could the cold and unsympathetic one only realize the chill he brings to hearts, surely he would seek the Sunshine of Righteousness for warmth.
Not only do the smile and handclasp cheer and inspire, but think of the heart-warmth that always comes when some dear and thoughtful friend remembers one in any of the many ways the thoughtful find to express remembrance. Think of the precious book some valued friend has kindly sent, the little poem, full of beauty and inspiration, the kind note expressive of good-will, the fragrant flower, breathing forth God's love—can we call these "little," when many times they come at times of discouragement or illness, or come to increase and overflow one's cup of joy?
Now think again of what great results have often come from only a tract or paper, or even a torn piece of one, in the salvation of a soul.
I would tell you of what only a little pebble did in helping a rebellious and distressed soul toward peace and safety in Christ:—
Once there lived a poor girl who was afflicted with a very unfortunate disposition, subject to many outbursts of bad temper. She had a friend who longed to show her the beauty of the Saviour's character, that by beholding Him she might be changed into one who should be meek and lowly in heart.
One day this friend asked the girl to go with her and her family to the beach; but because temper held her fast, she would not go. The friend was sad, and all day at the beach kept praying for something to take to the girl, that she might be helped. As she walked along the beach her eye suddenly fell on a round white pebble. Instantly, Rev. 2:17 came to her mind: "To him that overcometh will I give . . . a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." She picked it up, saying, "I will take her that." She gave the little stone to the girl, only repeating the Scripture. The poor girl took it, but still was angry, and threw it down in the room. But on going out in the yard, she suddenly saw another white stone almost like the other, and by the power of that Scripture was compelled to pick it up. Immediately the Spirit of God softened her hard heart, and she wept her anger all away.
About two years after this, while again overcome by the tempter's power, on going to a box for an article she needed, she saw the white stone her friend had given her. Again the verse came to her remembrance, and the softening influence of the tender Spirit of God melted her heart, and she sought and found forgiveness of sins.
To-day, through the power of that white stone, and influences connected with it, she is a new creature in Christ Jesus, going forward conquering and to conquer. Was that stone a "little thing," used as an object-lesson of God's power to save and reward him who overcometh? Praise God for the little things of life, which we all have opportunity to use in pointing lessons of Father's love and care.
That we may so know His Word, that the inspiration of His Spirit may show us objects to use to bring that Word home to the hearts of those about us, is the prayer of the writer.
Hollywood, Cal.