Items of Thought by Joseph Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 10, 1865

Items of Thought.

By Joseph Clarke

An unconverted man wonders why he should pray to God. "God knows my wants," says he, "and it is useless for me to trouble him about my little affairs, why should I praise or worship God. It would be superfluous and vain." Thus reasons the carnal heart. Jesus is to such a heart without form or comeliness.

The good man is often filled with surprise that all do not pray to God and worship him. "God is so good," says he, "so bountiful, so wise, so merciful, so high and holy. God the infinite! My creator! Creator of the vast boundless universe! Why do not all worship him?" Thus reasons the heart which is regenerated by the Spirit of God. "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord." In fact no two opposites, are more opposite, than the tendencies and tastes of carnality and holiness.

We often in fear of great misfortunes, hastily retreat and become entangled in snares still more dangerous.

He who yields to discouragement and gloom to-day, may murmur to-morrow. Cheerfulness sheds a luster over every virtue.

If another claims, or by unfair means obtains, the credit of what you have done, consider how much better this is, than if you had obtained the credit of another's work.

The sharpness of reproof, though salutary, is often painful; but how much better to endure these pangs, than to suffer the pangs of the second death.

It is a long and difficult task to get a thorough knowledge of mathematics; but a far more difficult task awaits him, who, without the help of God's Spirit, would convert a soul.

If you have long neglected a known duty, do not wait till you feel like performing it; for neglect prevents the return of such feelings; but go, discharge your duty, perform those neglected labors, and a blessing will certainly follow.

When you have a fair opportunity of doing any important work, be sure not to neglect it, for such an opportunity may never occur again.

Never complain of an editor, for not publishing all you write. Probably, could you hear his reasons, you would thank him for shielding you from disgrace.

Be not over-anxious for promotion; for if you succeed, you may regret the change. Our happiest office is the one God gives us, because he can measure our abilities.

Very poor people, and very old people, and invalids, and weak minded people, are often over-anxious to marry. So we find that incompetent persons often aspire to preach.

A violin in the hand of king David would tend to elevate your soul to heavenly things; but the same instrument in the hand of a fiddler at a dance, would tend to level the barrier thrown up by a wise Creator, in the youthful heart, between vice and virtue.

Language is used for different purposes, according to the character and design of the person using it. Music is just as various in its style and tendencies.

JOSEPH CLARKE.