Why I Wrote as I Did by Jos. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 17, 1863

Why I Wrote as I Did.

By Jos. Clarke

A BELOVED and much-esteemed brother writes to me and asks me three questions: 1. Whether I wrote an article for the Review, signed, An Elder. 2. Whether I designed it for him. 3. What my motive was in so doing, &c.

To the first interrogation I will say, I wrote that article. To the second question I will answer, that I wrote for the good of all to whom it might apply, myself coming in for a good share of it. To the third interrogatory I reply, that my motive was to glorify God, and be of some use to my fellow-men.

Now I must be permitted to speak a little on some few principles which nearly concern those writing for the Review, and those reading the same.

It is conceded by all that a writer, to be useful, must be practical; and to be practical, he must be observing, and he must of course be pointed. When you take your gun to shoot at a hawk, you intend to hit, else why shoot? So here, if a writer takes the time and expense of writing to do some good, and strike at the evils which afflict our race, he must take deliberate aim. No hunter will shoot at random, as he takes precious time, and as he wades the swamps in quest of game, and lays out his money for ammunition, he does not make a mockery of it.

Often I have had brethren in this vicinity accost me pleasantly about something I had written for the Review, which they could trace to some little affair, and they took so much pains to take it all in good part, that I loved them the more, and they have encouraged me to continue to point a moral the best I could, hit whom it would; and they knew that I as often reflected upon my own besetments as upon others'.

Now if I must cease to do this, I must (as far as I see) lay down my pen, for the whole plan and object of writing is with me frustrated.

When I have a hard struggle with the enemy, and gain the victory, I immediately feel like taking a sketch of it on paper; but I do hope brethren will consider that I do not write for my own, or their, amusement, but rather to discharge my duty.

Not a word of that article is intended for any one to whom it does not apply, but if any brother finds anything in this, or other articles, which applies to him, God grant to set it home.

We are all fallible, erring, weak; and he is our best friend who warns us most, if given in a right spirit, and with wisdom. O that we could feel that God alone is our Judge. What is it to us if our brethren should even misjudge us for a time? God has promised to bring our righteousness to light. O, to come to him with our troubles; he can comfort the wounded heart. He wounds to heal.

Trust in him; do not allow Satan to cause thee to fret and grieve over fancied wrongs! Thy brethren love thee! God and angels love thee; but they will love thee more when thy heart is become like the jasper of the walls of the beloved city, transparent, so that his bright rays may shine through thy soul, reflecting its bright hues all around. Of one thing be assured, God is just; rest in him, and wait patiently; but be just with thine own heart. Condemn not thy brother hastily.

Jos. CLARKE.