Erroneous Ideas of Confession
581
of Christ. Grace and truth will reign in their hearts, inspiring and
purifying their motives, and controlling their outward actions.
I hope that none will obtain the idea that they are earning the favor
of God by confession of sins or that there is special virtue in confessing
to human beings. There must be in the experience that faith that works
by love and purifies the soul. The love of Christ will subdue the carnal
propensities. The truth not only bears within itself the evidence of
its heavenly origin, but proves that by the grace of God’s Spirit it is
effectual in the purification of the soul. The Lord would have us come
to Him daily with all our troubles and confessions of sin, and He can
give us rest in wearing His yoke and bearing His burden. His Holy
Spirit, with its gracious influences, will fill the soul, and every thought
will be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.
Now I am fearful that by some error on your part the blessing of
God which has come to you in-----will be turned into a curse; that
some false idea will obtain, so that you will be in a worse condition in
a few months that you were before this work of revival. If you do not
keep your souls guarded you will appear in the worst possible light to
unbelievers. God would not be glorified with this fitful kind of service.
Be careful not to carry matters to extremes and bring lasting reproach
upon the precious cause of God. The failure that many make is that
after they have been blessed of God they do not, in the humility of
Christ, seek to be a blessing to others. Now that words of eternal life
have been sown in your hearts, I entreat you to walk humbly with God,
do the works of Christ, and bring forth much fruit unto righteousness.
I do hope and pray that you will act like sons and daughters of the
Most High and not become extremists or do anything that shall grieve
the Spirit of God.
[649]
Do not look to men nor hang your hopes upon them, feeling that
they are infallible; but look to Jesus constantly. Say nothing that would
cast a reproach upon our faith. Confess your secret sins alone before
your God. Acknowledge your heart wanderings to Him who knows
perfectly how to treat your case. If you have wronged your neighbor,
acknowledge to him your sin and show fruit of the same by making
restitution. Then claim the blessing. Come to God just as you are, and
let Him heal all your infirmities. Press your case to the throne of grace;
let the work be thorough. Be sincere in dealing with God and your
own soul. If you come to Him with a heart truly contrite, He will give