p. 30 | BREVITIES by J. C.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1861

BREVITIES.

By J. C.

A GIFT recalled never was a gift. Such sacrifices were not freely bestowed; and he who mentions a gift in such a light as implying it might be rescinded, only shows his misgivings. Give what you give, and do not think for a moment of ever claiming it again. What would society become if all free gifts in the past

were posted up as if for collection. Let a man be clear as to his ability, and measure his gift by his ability, and then resist the suggestions of the adversary; but if one has already sacrificed his earthly treasures, let him beware of thinking of it for a moment grudgingly; it is on record in heaven, and Satan knows that your unhappy regrets will blot that record and hence his efforts to distress your mind.

The coming of the Lord draweth nigh, but the best way to show that we believe it, is to get ready for it. We should publish it in every place and at all times, when we can glorify God by so doing; but these sentiments and teachings must be backed up by a holy life, else they become insipid.

We honor the still, virtuous housewife, who is engaged in preparing her house for her husband's return, far more than we do the noisy woman, who, while she extols her husband's virtues, neglects to do the things that please him. So here we see some talking much of the coming of Christ whose works deny him; while others show by their works that they are every moment as in expectation of that event. Their words, too, declare the advent near. Yet some, who think that religion consists in professions, neglecting the keeping of the heart, and letting down the standard of holiness, think to recommend themselves to God, by shouting about the advent, which, if they do not take care, will be a very sad time for them. O let our lives as well as words proclaim this event; and until this alliance is found, our teachings are insipid and null. J. C.