Estimate of Character by J. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 14, 1863

Estimate of Character.

By J. Clarke

Bro. Points has been a man of the world, and having many estimable qualities, has always been much respected and esteemed. His friends complimented him for his virtues, never daring to speak to him about his faults, lest his feelings might be hurt, or he might be offended; so they on the whole concluded it safest and pleasantest to discuss his less amiable qualities in select circles, or in confidential conversation, with intimate friends.

Bro. Points had but few enemies, but those few did a thriving business in retailing what they could of the failings of Bro. Points (at that time Mr. Points), painted, as enemies always take care to do in such cases.

Self-love blinded Bro. Points to his weaknesses, but magnified his estimable qualities. Pride suggested to him that the whisperings of his enemies had their basis in malice, while the pursuits of business and pleasure left him little time for reflection, excepting a little time spent daily with Self-complacency, who had a magic looking-glass, which so reflected Bro. Points' features, that he almost fell in love with himself.

Thus, unfortunately, you must discover that Bro. Points' estimate of his own character was quite too high, both as to excellence and importance; not that he was entirely mistaken, but here was the difficulty; this false estimate of his character re-acted, and hindered improvement, stimulated pride, arrogance, and self-conceit; in fact, it came near being his ruin.

Happily for Bro. Points, present truth charmed his ear, and his heart too (for in truth he has both head and heart left), and as Bro. Points identified himself with the Seventh-day Adventists, he imagined that so amiable a person as himself would be a great ornament to the church.

Presently a brother kindly mentioned to Bro. Points wherein he might avoid some things which were objectionable. Bro. Points was in a huff in a moment. How could any one think so of him?

But we pass over this melancholy experience. Time has convinced Bro. Points that instead of being in himself a pink of perfection, within is a great work of purification to be accomplished. He is also convinced that the friendship of God's people is different from that of the world.

Thus God's people reprove, rebuke, and warn, while the world fawn and flatter in one's presence, but reserve another mode of procedure in other company.

The world have a selfish motive at heart; they care little for any but themselves; while the people of God seek the future and everlasting well-being of all their brethren.

The true estimate of character is what Bro. Points now appreciates; and as he looks out upon the world he has left behind, he exclaims, Oh, the deception men practice upon themselves and each other! Verily I stood upon slippery places, unconscious of danger, until thy word came, oh my God, and unmasked to me the hatefulness of pride, and all the hidden iniquity of my heart. Deliver me, oh my God, from a false estimate of my own character.

J. CLARKE.