Miscellaneous by J. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Aug 25, 1863

Miscellaneous.

By J. Clarke

It is inconsistent for an heir of heaven, to be afraid of "outsiders," so as to be ashamed to speak in meeting of the goodness of God. It looks as if you were not an heir of God or as if you did not know much about him. For my part I am proud of my relation to him, if I am proud of any thing. What would you think of a kernel of wheat, shrinking abashed before a pile of chaff? Must it not be a very light shrivelled blasted kernel?

I do not say it is wrong for you to long to be a bright peculiar star, but if your desire to shine, is greater than your desire to glorify God, this is the very thing which dims your brightness.

Never encourage for an instant, a wrong in yourself or your friend. It may not be best always to blame; but by silence, or by a hint, or in some gentle way, show at least your fear, lest an error might poison some weak sinful mind. A drop of poison, may do immense injury.

None but an intelligent upright mind, can realize its responsibility. Selfishness and ignorance ignore moral responsibility. A conscientious sense of moral responsibility, lies at the foundation of all good moral action. Think of it in all its bearings.

He who thinks his friends do not love him as they ought, takes the sure way to make himself hateful and disgusting. Just accuse yourself (inwardly) of the inconstancy you ascribe to others, and mend your ways by loving and serving your friends, and you will soon find yourself beloved by them. Care for them more, and have less love for yourself, and if you should by mistake care too little for yourself, they will make it up, or, if they do not, the angels will.

Persons of little experience often are troubled about their betters; and many a wound is felt by those who have labored for us, which they will not disclose, lest the weak misunderstand.

"As an ear ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear." Prov. xxv, 12.

What is a wise reprover? says one. Study it out yourself then it will do you the more good.

I have noticed this peculiarity among Christians as well as worldlings: a silly man is generally conceited, and a wise man is humble. A fool lacks the balance wheel: and the machinery clatters with noisy speed, or getting out of gear, is laid aside.

The man who plays the epicure, is very apt to get the dislike of his cook: and a domestic tyrant dies unlamented.

The man who holds his inferiors in contempt; is very likely held in the same way by his peers.

J. CLARKE.