Proselytism by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1866

Proselytism.

By R. F. Cottrell

It is a sectarian virtue not to try to proselyte from other sects. This virtue is founded upon the admitted fact that one denomination is as good as another, provided it has popularity, and that the differences in the creeds of orthodox denominations are non-essential; and consequently the errors which they severally hold, and the truths, are about of equal value, provided always the holders of error are sincere; and the popular sects must be admitted to be sincere—those that are unpopular need not expect the exercise of so much charity toward them.

Having no intention, then, of making proselytes, they must disclaim such base intention, and make all they can without intending it. Perhaps their repudiation of the intention to proselyte arises from the fact that their Jewish prototypes fell under the condemnation of our Saviour, because they compassed sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he was made, they made him two-fold more the child of hell than themselves. So proselytism has become a thing to be disowned.

But the labor of the Christian is to proselyte, if the conversion of men from error to truth is to proselyte. If to make true disciples to Christ is proselytism, then it is a part of the great commission given to the apostles. Go disciple all nations, said Christ.

The Christian church is a missionary society. It is their business to make disciples to Christ—to persuade all that are in sin and error to embrace the faith "once delivered to the saints."

Brethren, let us be faithful, and bring all to the faith we can, whether professors of religion or not. Let us be zealous missionaries, ever laboring to get the truth before men. He that converteth a sinner from the error of his ways will save a soul from death.

R. F. COTFRELL.