Guarding the Wrong Point.
By A. S. Hutchins
It is a fact, perhaps generally overlooked, that many men are inclined to guard themselves the strongest where it is least required. "Watch thou in all things," is the exhortation of the word of God. But here, as on other points, we are liable to fail, by bringing our strength to bear in the wrong direction. To illustrate: Bro. A. is a man of very generous habits. In every charitable enterprise he is ready to assist, and is constantly seeking opportunities to do good. He is ever afraid there will be found in him some little or covetous act. Some there are of this class, who hardly dare cherish the conviction that they do their duty to any around them. But Bro. B. is naturally of directly the opposite disposition; the wants of the cause, the cause of the poor and needy must often be carried to him. And without much of the grace of God to help him, long cherished fears immediately step forth to guard him, lest he should do too much. It would be well if a portion of A.'s force could be called over to help here. Bro. C., through great conscientiousness and caution, and much prayer, has learned to watch himself with the strictest jealousy. His wrongs seem like mountains, while those of others are almost unnoticed. He is ever ready to apply to himself reproofs which belong elsewhere. Another greatly fails in the opposite direction. The injunction, "Fret not thyself because of evil doers," is forgotten, and he may even fret himself because of those whom he fears may do evil. Herein is manifested a lack of that communion with God, and with his own heart, that the Christian should enjoy. But, thanks be to God, that the gifts in the church are tempering the body together. That the dilatory will be urged on and helped forward, and the impetuous checked and rendered more thoughtful; that there be no schism in the body. Oh, for wisdom to improve under the chastening rod, and learn to tread the humble, useful pathway that our dear Saviour trod. "He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction; but he that refuseth reproof erreth." Prov. x, 17. "He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding."