Untitled article by Eld. J. O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 21, 1880

BY BEHOLDING WE BECOME CHANGED.

By Eld. J. O. Corliss

BY ELD. J. O. CORLISS.

The above sentiment expressed by the great apostle is not only true in the sense of beholding Christ, but we may also look upon other objects in a manner to effect a change of feeling, and turn our minds in a direction opposite from that in which they had formerly moved. We may thus form attachments for objects or desires, which, by cherishing, we may become abject slaves to, and finally end our lives in ignominy and shame.

The case of the noted pirate Kidd, though an extreme one, will serve as an illustration upon this point. His inordinate desire for gain, by being nurtured, created a burning thirst which could not be quenched with the ordinary modes of acquiring wealth. This induced him to take one step after another in the road to wickedness, until he imbrued his hands in the blood of his fellow-men. The thought of such a crime, at first, no doubt caused a shudder to pass over him, yet by harboring it in his heart he became emboldened to commit deeds which could only be stepping-stones to more atrocious crimes. The last of these acts he stated were perpetrated without the least compunctions of conscience, showing that he, by dwelling upon fiendish works, became changed into the same image.

When we once give ourselves up to be controlled by our thoughts, we cannot determine where we shall stop in our career. We might refer to the various directions in which the minds of men are led when not controlled, but will let the instances already cited suffice, as we think the rule will hold good in all cases. Therefore, if we would develop a healthful Christian experience, it seems requisite that we should keep our minds upon those very things which we would wish most to resemble.

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him." Isa. 55:7. Is it necessary for the wicked to forsake his former ways, which are contrary to God's ways, in order to have favor with him? So the carnal mind is enmity against God, and should be brought into subjection to him. That there is a battle to be fought upon this point is clearly taught by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Chap. 10:4, 5.

The company seen by John on Mount Zion had no guile and were without fault. The work with them had gone thorough enough to cleanse the heart from every evil thought, and make it a well-spring of noble and elevating impulses. If our minds dwell upon such themes they will lead us to imitate the life of Christ, to admire his unselfish life, to sympathize with him in his sufferings, and to lament his cruel death, until we are lost in wonder and amazement at the unspeakable love of God in permitting his Son to die for a rebel race. Thus, by beholding we become changed into his image.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." The work is aggressive, and it will require indomitable courage on our part to stand against the tide of opposing evil. But victory will ever perch on the banner of our Lord, and if we are found in his service, imitating his example, we shall at last share in the triumph, and have the victor's crown as an eternal trophy of our successful warfare.