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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Most pitiable is the condition of one who is suffering under
remorse; he is as one stunned, staggering, sinking into the dust. And
many who suppose themselves to be righteous, become exasperating
comforters; they deal harshly with these souls. In manifesting this
hardness of heart in offending and oppressing, they are doing the
very same work which Satan delights in doing. The tried, tempted
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soul cannot see anything clearly. The mind is confused; he knows
not just what steps to take. Oh, then, let no word be spoken to cause
deeper pain!
How to Deal with the Erring
Our Saviour said: “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones
which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were
hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of
the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs
be that offenses come; but woe to
that man
by whom the offense
cometh! ... Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones;
for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold
the face of My Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is
come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an
hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave
the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that
which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto
you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine
which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which
is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”
“I came not,” said Christ, “to call the righteous [you who feel
no need of repentance], but sinners to repentance.” Those who are
laborers together with God will work in Christ’s lines. There is many
a poor soul who is misunderstood, unappreciated, full of distress
and agony—a lost, straying sheep. His mind is beclouded, he cannot
find God, and almost hopeless unbelief takes possession of him. Yet
he has an intense, longing desire for pardon and peace.
As this picture is opened before you, the inquiry may be made,
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Are there no Christians to whom such a one can go for relief? This
question God answers: “I have somewhat against thee, because thou
hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art