Moralities by Jos. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 20, 1865

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 26, No. 3.

Read the full edition

Moralities.

By Jos. Clarke

It is of little benefit to us, if men compliment us, while God frowns upon us.

Little harm can man do to us, if God befriend us.

The gift bestowed by a friend, as a reward of industry, should prompt the receiver to greater effort to diligence.

We may with propriety forget what we have bestowed, but what we have received, never.

An ungrateful heart must be sad and lonely; a grateful one is like a beautiful palace, full of life and splendor.

He who sings in a railroad car invites the criticism of all who happen to be present; and it might be open enemies, who would ridicule, or cultivated ears which would be offended.

A wise man is as clear of ostentation, as from timidity.

He who continues in a neglect of duty, is like a man who allows his debts to accumulate.

If we would avoid sin, we must not rush into temptation.

The experience of a Christian is better and better, that of the sinner, is worse and worse.

Adversity purifies the good, but hardens the bad heart.

Better that others should misjudge our acts, than that we should flatter ourselves.

The mood a man's mind may be in, should not be allowed to bias his judgment.

Good advice sinks deeply into the heart of the wise man and he becomes wiser, while the conceited man resists advice and becomes more self-conceited and foolish.

He who assumes responsibility, wanting the ability to perform, rushes into the fires of temptation.

He who through fear, timidity, or false modesty would shun the path of duty, is like an idle man in time of harvest.

Those who prefer other men's business to their own, are like children, who think the food they get while abroad, is nicer than the food provided by their parents.

To have the favor of our friends, neighbors, relatives and brethren, is indeed a blessing:

but it would be still better to deserve it.

As stars soften the darkness of night, so do kind words cheer the heart darkened by sorrow and gloom.

As it was formerly, so it is now: the words of wisdom are life and light to some, but darkness and death to others.

It is sometimes necessary for a good man to boast of his gifts, but it is the selfishness and blindness of others, which causes this necessity.

None are so unwilling to be called ungrateful, as those who are guilty of the sin of ingratitude.

A wise man listens to the speech of his neighbor, while the fool takes pride in his own.

Some continually apply to themselves those things which are not applicable to them, while others ward off the words of wisdom, which might help them, and apply them to others.

Jos. CLARKE.