A LITTLE HINDRANCE by A. Weeks

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, April 21, 1885

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 16

A LITTLE HINDRANCE.

By A. Weeks

BY ELD. A. WEEKS.

Years ago, while passing along a certain road, I saw in the beaten track a few rods ahead a little bird that would rise a few inches as I approached, its efforts were more frequent. I saw nothing that prevented its flying. Close observation, however, revealed a tiny horse-hair, one end of which was firmly imbedded in the dried mud of the road, and in the other end the bird had become entangled. A little thing, surely, but it prevented the flight of the prisoner. I severed the hair and set the captive free. This illustrates our condition somewhat. A little thing may impede our progress in the life. What may seem to be a small thing may be a sin that grieves the Spirit of God and effectually hinders our spiritual advancement. One duty, little though it may seem to be, that we refuse or neglect to perform, may be the one that cripples us, the cord that holds us down. An imperfection of character that still adheres to us, some vice of habit, impedes our course heavenward.

Our dear Saviour stands ready to sever the chain that binds us, when we fully submit to him, and learn of him, taking his yoke upon us, and his burden. We must fall upon the Rock and be broken. Then can this wicked heart that has been bound so long by sin be free. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23, 24.