Watchman And Observer

For the Watchman and Observer.

DESULTORY SKETCHES AND OBSERVATIONS—No. II.

BY ROBERT REMER.

"One of the chords is certainly out of tune," said a musical friend of mine, the other day, as he ran his fingers over the keys of a piano, of whose merits the owner had requested his opinion. "You must be mistaken," was the reply, "the instrument is as you see, one of —'s manufacture, is perfectly new, and was tuned only this morning; it is your ear that is in fault." But to this the other would by no means agree, and feeling very little interest in the matter, left us to settle it between themselves. I had not proceeded far before I was overtaken by neighbor Wilson, a most worthy and I truly believe a pious man. "What a beautiful day," he began, "if we had no other cause for gratitude, such weather as this at this season, should cause us to break forth in songs of thanksgiving; indeed I cannot understand how a Christian should ever be otherwise than joyful," and in this strain he went on until we arrived at the spot where we were to separate; here he paused unwilling to part, and I could not refrain from thanking him for the lesson upon contentment I had heard from his lips. "I may have spoken too freely," he said, in a half apologetic tone, "but you know, my dear sir, when the heart is overflowing with joy and love, the full stream gushes out spontaneously upon everything around." "I am glad to hear you say so," said a voice behind us, "I have been looking for you the whole morning. I wish you to lend your aid for the relief of certain poor members of our church, who are in great distress." "Indeed, brother Mills," said Wilson, somewhat confused, "I am very sorry." "That you cannot give me what I suppose, but never mind, do what you can, and we will be satisfied." But he soon gave evident signs of uneasiness, and that the amount of his donation would be very small. Excuse followed excuse, until finally, seeing that Mills was as resolute as himself, he abruptly turned away and walked off, without having given anything. "Ah!" thought I, "benevolence in your heart is out of order, or your purse strings would not be drawn so tightly."

"Well, I never had the good fortune to meet, Wilson is the most parsimonious man it has ever been my lot to encounter," exclaimed Mills, "of all the men it has ever been my lot to encounter, he has the least of the milk of human kindness in his heart." "Joy and love, and the spontaneous overflowing of a joyful and loving heart, are much easier called true religion, Mr. Remer. I have no patience with such people; the poor and needy, that cry unto us for bread, and we turn a deaf ear to their supplications!"

I could not help thinking it was time to regret that among the many generous motives with which such way
Forbearance and the charity that speaketh no evil,
tions, which I knew vibrated in his bosom, for-
should be found wanting. "Are you going to the
prayer-meeting this evening?" I asked of a mer-
chant who stood at his desk, ledger open before
him, and his pen in his hand. "No—shall be
busy," he uttered briefly, without raising his
eyes. "You rarely attend, I believe?" "Never."
"Do you remember that our Minister, last Sab-
bath, urged the performance of this duty so strong-
ly, as he very justly remarked, the number in
attendance upon these social prayer-meetings
may be regarded as an indication of the state of
vital piety in the church." "I cannot help it, I
hope all will go who can find time; for my part
I never have a moment to spare for such things
other and imperative duties demand my attention."
I said nothing more, fully convinced that too many
chords were out of tune for me to rectify, and
sadly fearing that he did not examine the tablet
of his heart as often and as closely as he did his
ledger. It may be that I have done wrong in
thus exposing the failings of my brethren, but
sincerely I hope not, and should you decide, dear
reader, that while looking at the hearts of others,
there has been a discordant note in my own, which
was perceptible to every one but myself, I will
readily submit to your judgment, provided that
you apply with me to the Great Source of order
and harmony to regulate our every thought and
emotion, so that all that we say or do may redound
to his honor and glory. How strange it is, that
the wonderful and delicate instrument which He
has placed within the breast of every human be.
ing, should be so wilfully abused and neglected.
A musician would be thought mad who should
attempt to perform a grand overture without first
tuning his instrument, yet this life was given to
us to attune these hearts of ours to sing forever
the sublime anthems that unceasingly resound
through the courts of the upper sanctuary, and
we suffer the dust and rubbish of this world's
vanities to accumulate upon, and injure the strings
so that when they are swept in devotion and praise
the sound is so "jarring and so low" that we have
neither the courage nor inclination to renew it.
Self-examination, the careful cultivation of Chris-
tian graces, and above all prayer are among the
most valuable aids for the improvement of the
melody of the heart. Every choir has its leader,
and we have one, without whose assistance our
best efforts will be made in vain.
Blest Saviour tune our songs anew,
"And they shall please the King.