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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
his confidence in himself to work successfully in the upbuilding of the
cause of God.
Frequently the truth and facts are to be plainly spoken to the erring,
to make them see and feel their error that they may reform. But this
should ever be done with pitying tenderness, not with harshness or
severity, but considering one’s own weakness, lest he also be tempted.
When the one at fault sees and acknowledges his error, then, instead
of grieving him, and seeking to make him feel more deeply, comfort
should be given. In the sermon of Christ upon the mount He said:
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye
shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to
you again.” Our Saviour reproved for rash judgment. “Why beholdest
thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye; ... and, behold, a beam is
in thine own eye?” It is frequently the case that while one is quick to
discern the errors of his brethren, he may be in greater faults himself,
but be blind to them.
All who are followers of Christ should deal with one another ex-
actly as we wish the Lord to deal with us in our errors and weaknesses,
for we are all erring and need His pity and forgiveness. Jesus con-
sented to take human nature, that He might know how to pity, and
how to plead with His Father in behalf of sinful, erring mortals. He
volunteered to become man’s Advocate, and He humiliated Himself
to become acquainted with the temptations wherewith man was beset,
that He might succor those who should be tempted, and be a tender
and faithful high priest.
Frequently there is necessity for plainly rebuking sin and reproving
wrong. But ministers who are working for the salvation of their fellow
men should not be pitiless toward the errors of one another, nor make
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prominent the defects in their organizations. They should not expose
or reprove their weaknesses. They should inquire if such a course,
pursued by another toward themselves, would bring about the desired
effect; would it increase their love for, and confidence in, the one who
thus made prominent their mistakes? Especially should the mistakes
of ministers who are engaged in the work of God be kept within as
small a circle as possible, for there are many weak ones who will
take advantage if they are aware that those who minister in word and
doctrine have weaknesses like other men. And it is a most cruel thing
for the faults of a minister to be exposed to unbelievers, if that minister