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Sketch of Experience
21
the erring, much that I had seen relative to the cause in that place,
opened before me, and I wrote out pointed testimonies not only for
those who had erred greatly and were out of the church, but for those
[20]
members in the church who had erred greatly in not going in search
of the lost sheep. And I was never more disappointed in the manner
in which these testimonies were received. When those who had been
greatly in fault were reproved by most pointed testimonies, read to
them publicly, they received them, and confessed with tears. But
some of those in the church, who claimed to be the fast friends of
the cause and the
Testimonies
, could hardly think it possible that
they had been as wrong as the testimonies declared them to be.
When told that they were self-caring, shut up to themselves and
families; that they had failed to care for others, had been exclusive,
and had left precious souls to perish; that they were in danger of
being overbearing and self-righteous, they were brought into a state
of great agitation and trial.
But this experience was just what they needed to teach them for-
bearance toward others in a similar state of trial. There are many who
feel sure that they will have no trial respecting the
Testimonies
, and
continue to feel so till they are tested. They think it strange that any
can doubt. They are severe with those who manifest doubts, and cut
and slash, to show their zeal for the
Testimonies
, manifesting more
self-righteousness than humility. But when the Lord reproves them
for their wrongs, they find themselves as weak as water. Then they
can hardly endure the trial. These things should teach them humility,
self-abasement, tenderness, and undying love for the erring.
It seems to me that the Lord is giving the erring, the weak and
trembling, and even those who have apostatized from the truth, a
special call to come fully into the fold. But there are but few in our
churches who feel that this is the case. And there are still fewer who
stand where they can help such. There are more who stand directly
in the way of these poor souls. Very many have an exacting spirit.
They require them to come to just such and such terms before they
[21]
will reach to them the helping hand. Thus they hold them off at
arms’ length. They have not learned that they have a special duty
to go and search for these lost sheep. They must not wait till these
come to them. Read the touching parable of the lost sheep.
Luke
15:1-7
: “Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners