Case of Hannah More
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disciples instruct us to be very cautious and not entertain strangers,
lest we should possibly make some mistake and get bitten by having
the trouble of caring for an unworthy person?
Paul exhorts the Hebrews: “Let brotherly love continue.” Do not
flatter yourselves that there is a time when this exhortation will not
be needed; when brotherly love may cease. He continues: “Be not
forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.” Please read
Matthew 25:31
and onward. Read it,
brethren, the next time you take the Bible at your morning or evening
family devotions. The good works performed by those who are to be
welcomed to the kingdom were done to Christ in the person of His
suffering people. Those who had done these good works did not see
that they had done anything for Christ. They had done no more than
their duty to suffering humanity. Those on the left hand could not see
that they had abused Christ in neglecting the wants of His people. But
they had neglected to do for Jesus in the person of His saints, and for
this neglect they were to go away into everlasting punishment. And
one definite point of their neglect is thus stated: “I was a stranger, and
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ye took Me not in.”
These things do not belong alone to Battle Creek. I am grieved at
the selfishness among professed Sabbathkeepers everywhere. Christ
has gone to prepare eternal mansions for us, and shall we refuse Him
a home for only a few days, in the person of His saints who are cast
out? He left His home in glory, His majesty and high command, to
save lost man. He became poor that we through His poverty might
become rich. He submitted to insult, that man might be exalted, and
provided a home that would be matchless for loveliness, and enduring
as the throne of God. Those who finally overcome and sit down with
Christ upon His throne will follow the example of Jesus, and from a
willing, happy choice will sacrifice for Him in the person of His saints.
Those who cannot do this from choice will go away into everlasting
punishment.
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