xxviii. 10. _Here a little and there a little._
The application of this text is first of all to the impressions
produced by the Word of God and the efficacy of constant religious
instruction. But it is in this same way, by little and little, that
all great and lasting impressions are made and the mightiest results
accomplished.
+I. The processes of nature.+--Mighty and sudden changes are not the
rule, but gradual and prepared ones. The seasons, the months, day
into night, night into day--how gradual and imperceptible the
transitions. The germination of seed, &c. +II. The formation of
character.+--Little by little every man's character is _formed_
(H. E. I., 709-711, 1836-1851) or _spoiled_ (H. E. I., 4521-4523,
4720-4725). All the steps, successively, that lead either to heaven
or hell are small, one by one, except in great crimes, and even then
there has been a gradual preparation for them (H. E. I., 428, 429).
So conversion, that great change of the soul, is prepared for
imperceptibly (H. E. I., 1462). From minute and commonplace thoughts,
words, actions, results character for eternity! +III. Christian
service.+--Called not to acts of heroism, but to a faithful discharge
of commonplace duties (H. E. I., 4149). +IV. Christian work.+--It is
by little and little that, in such a world as this, we must do the
greater part of the good that we ever accomplish (H. E. I., 1725).
+V. The training of children.+--Heavenly habits are to be formed in
them by the influence upon them of daily, familiar, minute, but
ever-recurring examples set before them (H. E. I., 777-779, 790,
802). +VI. Preparation for heaven.+--Try to gain a little for God, a
little for heaven, a little more of grace _every_ day. Do this in
_little_ things and you will accomplish _great_ things. Here a little
and there a little will carry you on from step to step, from grace to
glory (H. E. I., 2512, 2537).--_G. B. Cheever, D.D.: American
National Preacher,_ xxvi. 145-152.