Chapter 40—Redeeming the Time
Dear Brother J,
I have arisen at twelve o’clock to write to you because my mind
is burdened. I am troubled on your account; for I know that we are
near the close of earth’s history, and your life record is not such a one
as you will be pleased to meet in the great day when every man will
receive as his works have been.
You may feel that others have done wrong, and I know as well as
you do that a Christlike spirit has not been manifested in the church.
But will this avail you in the judgment? Will two wrongs make one
right? Though one, two, or three in the church have done wrong, this
will not blot out or excuse your sin. Whatever course others may take,
your work is to set your own heart in order. God has claims upon you
which no circumstances should lead you to forget or neglect, for every
soul is precious in His sight.
My heart is drawn out after those who have stumbled on the dark
mountains of unbelief, and I want to help them. There is good material
in the church in-----; but the members have not been transformed
by the Spirit of God, and brought into a position where they can let
their light shine to the world. Some, with the best of motives, and
possessing capabilities for great usefulness, utterly fail in times of
trial in the church, for want of the love and mercy that dwelt so richly
in the heart of Christ. They see one in error; and instead of helping
him they hold themselves aloof. They are inclined to make unpleasant
allusions, and to touch sensitive spots when they might avoid them.
Self comes up and bears sway, and they give pain and stir up wrong
feelings. However pure their intentions, their efforts to do good nearly
always result in failure, if not in actual harm, because the tenderness
and compassion of Christ are wanting. They would make very good
surgeons, but they are poor nurses. They have not the tact that is born
of love. If they had this they would know how to speak the right word
and do the right thing at the right time and in the right place. Others
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may have no more sincere desires to do right, no deeper interest in the
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