EVENNESS by J. Clarke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 17, 1859

EVENNESS.

By J. Clarke

Some people possess an evenness of temperament, and a patient endurance of good or evil fortune, which is truly admirable. Whether storms rage or clear skies prevail, whether in sickness or health, these maintain a constant equilibrium of mind. With some this is a constitutional tendency to quiet; with others, education has done much to modify the stormy passions. Others are calm from mere dullness and apathy of mind, and the North American Indians of early times were taught to suppress all visible signs of emotion.

But these are not the characters we most admire. No: it is the individual who, sustained by a higher power, and confident in the justice of the principles he advocates, stands boldly forth, prepared to bear the consequences, while he contends manfully for the cause of truth.

Jesus is the most eminent instance of fortitude and loving patience under the greatest trials. He was never moved by passion, never swayed by prejudice. Always composed, collected and tranquil in all emergencies, he was ever prepared to encounter difficulties. Ever watchful, he could not be surprised. Jesus Christ was a sublime example of all the graces of the Spirit; always appropriate to time and circumstances; equally distant from fanaticism on the one hand, and from conservatism on the other.

Since his advent, millions of faithful disciples have tried to imitate his example, and have followed in his steps. Some of these have arrived at great proficiency in so doing, and have made good progress in these holy pursuits and attainments.

Paul, the other apostles, and the first Christians, were eminent in their day for their Christian moderation, and patience, and evenness; and since their day, in every age, God has had a people who have shone as a light in these sublime virtues.

But now as the key-stone is being fitted to the arch, God is preparing a people who will manifest to the wicked world, to angels and men, the same evenness and patience, combined with enlightened zeal, which Christ, and the apostles, and prophets, and martyrs, have shown before. Oh, may we be a pure, a holy people.

J. CLARKE.