BREVITIES | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 23, 1860

BREVITIES.

THE power of habit is wonderful both in man and beast; this renders it difficult to reform one's manners, and often quite impossible. An unruly ox is cured of his annoying habit of passing through fences by the butcher, who alone can effect a radical cure, and frequently the horse will trespass when tied head and foot. So with mankind; old habits of thought engender the same desires and acts as formerly, and where there is not determined will to become subject to "law and gospel," and a firm trust in God, habits will finally prevail. It is an alarming consideration.

It is related of Alexander the great, that although educated by the most refined philosopher of Athens, yet in his manhood he relapsed into the rough, half savage manners of his boyhood. He was son of Philip of Macedon, one of the least enlightened states of Greece. So it is, men fall at once into those nets which are laid in accustomed paths, and those who would overcome should be awake to the fearful danger of relapsing into evil habits.

FEELINGS should never have any weight against evidence; nevertheless, in the absence of evidence we sometimes put some confidence in mere experiences; but when evidence and feelings agree, then is a sure witness, an inward light, a firm faith, a joyful assured hope; such is the Christian's experience, who takes God's law of ten commands as a rule and test of sin, and the gospel of Jesus Christ as a means of redemption from the curse of sin; who lives out this system of truth, and lets it take its course in his heart, and life, such an one has law and gospel, evidence and experience; all agree; he does not slide nor falter, but with firm steps takes his stand as a witness to the justice and truth of God.

A BROTHER from Michigan on a visit to his friends near Findley, stopped over night at Bowling Green, about two miles south of Lovett's Grove, and four and a half north of this place. Had he taken the Review and looked a little at the geography of our county, he might have saved his money (tavern bill) for the Lord's treasury, and had a good visit with some of us, and we been cheered by his society.

Brethren do you take the paper? How can you do without it?

Brethren are we awake to the interests of the young among us?

Do we properly warn, instruct, fortify, and watch over the youth among us?

Do we see the dangers which impend over the careless indifferent youth which God has committed to our keeping?

Are they brought with as much power and interest before the throne of grace as we present our own cases?

Do you notice the conduct of the child who, while you kneel at the family altar, lies almost sprawling, asleep or dozing, or perhaps is manufacturing sport for the younger portion of the family?

Do you call his attention to the morning chapter and get his attention? and in prayer do you see that he is interested?

Do you watch the development of his mind with as much interest as you do the growth of the fine Berkshire hog in your clover lot?

Are you as deeply interested to keep the mind of your child free from taint as to keep your raisor from rust?

Are you as attentive to his mental wants as you are to your own cash account, or to your family stores?

Do you let him associate in company of his own choosing?

Will you answer distinctly, by way of practice? J. C.