National Baptist world., 1894-09-21
UNHAPPY PEOPLE.
a Disseminated Lot Who Try To Impede
the Progress Made by Others.

a Discontinued Lot Who Try To Impede
the Progress Made by Others.
In the improved definitions Of our
times we speak of ''pessimists' rather
than grumblers. 1t is term that takes
better with ears polite and is much
more grateful to those who complain
of everything that is and prophesy
only evil of all that will be. A man
who would be indignant at being
called ''grumbler" will accept with
out disAavor the name of pessimist
Nevertheless, most pessimists, are,
after all, only chronic grumblers.
Pessi1nists, as they prefer to be called,
are grumblers, are very ancient
stock. They, probably, were evoluted
with the beginning Of the human race,
and they have never failed of success
sion through all its generations.
Pharoh had his plaques, dire and
dreadful; but if Moses escaped them in
Egypt, he found enough plaques after
he left to weary his spirit. The peo-
pie were perpetually ''murmuring."
In other words, they were always
grumbling and pessimistic in spirit.
Down through the ages the same dis
content, complaining, moaning spirit
has shown itself David had to COM
bat it and other ancient worthless suf-
fered frequent annoyance from 1t.
Discomfort and despair constantly
weakened the Lords hosts. Under the
New Testament dispensation there
have always been people with keen
&, i 4 nd
of ceaseless disposition to COM
plain. Our Lord had to rebuke
men for their little faith. Paul has
to write: ''Do all things with
out murmurings or questionings," and
James tells us of ''murmurers and COM
planners"
The bane of many households is
found in mblers-forever murmur-
ing over what they have and unhappy
for what they have not. But it
is the grumbers, murmurers, and pes
simists in the churches that especially
/ awaken our aversion and call for re-
Duke. There are people whose voca-
I ton seems to be to complain of their
/ fellOw-mem bers. They can always
find a lack of brotherly or sisterly
love. Everyone around is cold and
distant. The pride and self-impOrtance
of their fellOw-members is a perpetual
eyesore to them. There are Others
whose function of grumbling is be
moaning the inconsistencies of THEN
fellOW-members. In their keen per
ception of the defects of their breth
rem they find the best evidence O.
their own religion. Other grumblers
especially if a contribution is asked o.
them. expect a church to be carried OF
without expense, and any application
for money is a grievOus int1ictiOn. Some
find a constant annoyance in any for
ward movement by their brethren
They are forever crying out: "Gc
slow!' and would be better pleased i
they could put the brakes on all prog
reSS.
Now, it need hardly be said that th
grumbler and pessimist sees everything
with regard to the church as on th
down-grade, and rapidly tending to de
struction. The pastor is constant,
criticised and censured. His prayer
are stereotyped and cold. His sermon
never feed his hearers. He visits to-
little. He shows favoritism among hi
people, Just now, he is blamed fo
taking a vacation, and direfu
prophecies are uttered as to the con
sequences of his leaving his churcl
and home. Some people are naturall
splenetic. Their lives are one pre-
longed grumble. With them the dis
, position has been cherished when
might have been repressed. Yet,
such would carefully investigate them
selves, they would be convicted of thei
sin and folly. Such Christians onl
, need to see themselves as they trul
are to see things very differently.
we will only look for the best in a.
! with whom we meet, exercise charit
and arge-heartedness, we shall find ia
! less reason for grumbling and pc:
simistic railing Inquirer.
Many gifted preacher can find tim
to read a new book every week VIII
couldn't find the parable of the prod