MORAL SIGHT | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 20, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 40.

MORAL SIGHT.

THAT a truly pious character is not always as attractive in the present as is a well-watered and fruitful tree, is due to the difference between the natural and moral eye. The natural eye in the perfection of its structure, and its adaptation to the seeing of natural objects, never fails to recognize and delight in the beauty and glory of a living tree; but the moral sight of man is not by nature so accurate. Disorganized by sin, its views of life and character are distorted. Hence, it does not appreciate a work of grace in the heart, does not see the beauty and blessedness of a pious life. The man trusting in the Lord and serving him is not always as attractive in the world as a fresh and living tree is to the physical eye. The prophets suffered hard things at the hands of the men of their day. Jesus Christ, the perfect One, embodying before men the divine and the holy, was hated, misrepresented, cast out as an abomination, and hung upon the cross as a malefactor. The apostles were treated as disturbers of the peace. Many of the purest and noblest in the church of God since their day have suffered grievously at the hands of their generations. Thousands more have endured contempt and neglect. A God-fearing soul, enlightened in conscience and refusing to go with the multitude to do evil, is often a most aggravating spectacle to society. The perverted moral sight of the natural man fails to see the glory of such a character and the usefulness of such a life.

But there will be true appreciation, nevertheless. Subsequent years or generations may bring it about. In the day of Christ the Jews were garnishing the sepulchers of the prophets whom the fathers slew. Dead heroes of righteousness and truth now shine as stars in the sky of many a past generation. The pure, godly, steadfast Christian believer finds his applause too often here below as he leaves his neighborhood or the world. But it will surely come. In the life to come, when the perversion of a corrupt moral sight shall have passed away, and in the clear atmosphere of God's presence, the righteous shall stand forth the wonder and admiration of all Heaven.—Interior.