The Contrast by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1863

The Contrast.

By A. S. Hutchins

Just now we were thinking of the striking contrast between little commandment-keepers and commandment-breakers. The commandment-keeper is humble, modest, submissive, obedient, and respectful toward all.

The commandment-breaker is heady, high-minded, forward, disobedient, &c.

Children that love the commandments of God find a real satisfaction in rendering obedience to him and to their parents. They do not forget that the fifth commandment says, "Honor thy father and thy mother," and that the apostle has said, "Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right," Eph. vi, 1.

Children that do not love obedience seem to forget that there is a fifth commandment. Or if they remember that there is one, one would suppose at times, that they thought it was like a mysterious sign, which reads three ways; and that they could obey their parents when they chose, or disobey in part, or fully if it better suited their wishes. But this is not so, the commandment requires constant, prompt, and cheerful obedience, even though it requires self-denial and a sacrifice on your part.

We say cheerful obedience, because in reality there is no such thing as obedience unless it is rendered with delight. Now it often happens that the wishes of the child and the requirements of the parents do not agree. What then shall be done? Shall the child have his way at the expense of parental authority? "No" says the commandment-keeper, "I shall honor my parents for they are older, wiser, and know better what is for my good than I do." With sweet satisfaction the child yields his wishes, and hastens its little feet into the pathway of obedience. O how happy are such children! How angels love to watch over them and help them to overcome.

But not so with the commandment-breaker; he wants his own way and he must have it, or there is scowling and scolding, fretting and pouting, whining and crying.

O how extremely unhappy this little boy or girl! All through there is nothing but unhappiness! Who would be like this child? Who would like to see all the little boys and girls together that there are in the world of this kind? For one I should not.

We were forcibly struck a few days since at the table of a friend, with the submission of a lovely little child. She desired to be helped to something; her aunt says to her, will you have the large or the small peice? She modestly replied, "I will have what you give me." That is it. Children be content with what you have. Love the Lord, obey him in keeping all the commandments, and soon you will eat of the tree of life, and drink of the water of the river of life. The blessing of the Lord attend you.

A. S. HUTCHINS.