The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1895-12-03
CONSIDERATION.
,.consider Your Ways" Haggai TT.

| Co-rasnondence of the Progressive Farmer.
The words above must be regarded
as a command. God is the Com
mander, and the people living under
the rule of Shealtiel, who was the
Governor, or Captain, of Judah, were
| the subjects commanded.
We can see no evidence whatever to
prove that they wera guilty of what is
termed outbreaking sins. At least. no
such charge is brought against them.
But they were guilty of the sin of
omission-viz: They we're deeply en-
gagged in building for themselves
sealed houses" to the neglect of re-
building Gods Temple, which had been
destroyed. And it was for this sin
that God reproves them by the mouth
of the Prophet and calls aloud on them
to consider their ways"
ALI good educators acknowledge the
great Importance of starting pupils at
the right place and in the right way
and they act accordingly. In this they
resemble God, the great teacher of all
teachers. G)d is infinitely wise and
good; therefore, He cannot do other
wise than point out directly the most
important step to be taken in order to
get and keep right. Hence the com
mand. Consider your ways" With
out consideration, individuals and
nations are as apt to go wrong as they
are to go right. In fact, we are more
apt to go wrong than to go right, owing
to our fallen and depraved nature.
Hence we are told, tine heart of man
is deceitful ABOVE all things and des
perately wicked; who can know it,
Again: the whole head is sick and
the whole heart is faint, and there is
no soundness from the sole Of the foot
even unto the crown, but is full Of
wounds, bruises and purifying sores,
that have never been bound up, neither
notified" This, I regard, as sufficient
proof of showing the great Importance
of consideration"
But Notwithstanding the ~depravity
of man, in the most comprehensive
sense, l am forced 70 the conclusion
that the most of crimas from tho least
to those as black as the midnight hour
are committed for want of ''considera
ton"
1 think I am safe in saying that
every great reformation IN nations, or
with individuals has been preceded by
serious Consideration" We are
warned in Gods Word against under
taking to build, without first sitting
down and counting up the cost. To
count the cost requires ''considera,
ton"
It was consideration" that caused
the Prodigal Son to make the great and
noble resolve: II will arise and go to
my father"
And, as in this case, so it has been
with all who have forsaken their sins
and turned unto God.
1t was consideration that led Moses
to make the wise choice to suffer
affection with the people of God rather
than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a
season, for he had respecs unto the
recompense of reward
There was the gold OF Egypt, and it's
honors, all before him; but he weighed
the matter; he considered, " contrast.
ing perishable things with eternal;
hence his wise choice.
On, how the people of these United
i States need a Moses now!
Consideration, is not only necessary
to induce us to get right, but is all i'm
portant to keep us right, If right, it
is much easier to stay right than it is to
get right after we have gone wrong.
Hence the Importance of ''considera-
ton" by both saint and sinner.
Every rational man and woman, too,
is either right Or wrong On every ques-
ton that they know anything about,
religiously or politically.
1t is true there are some know-noth-
Jugs, but I am not speaking of that
class.
/ mean to say that every rational
person, of ordinary intelligence, is
either on the right side of every ques-
ton, religious or political, or they are
on the wrong side. There is no half
way or middle ground. Hence, Christ
said, He that is for me, is not against
me. And he that is not for me>is
against me-"
That is as true to day as it was the
moment these words fell from the
S4viour'slips. Every rational man or
woman is either on the side of God or
they are on the side of the Devil. There