DEAL WISELY WITH THE ERRING.
It is bad enough to be found in the wrong to cause exquisite suffering to those who have any conscience. It is not our business to inflict the punishment that the error they have committed demands. This is something which belongs wholly to the Lord. Our business is to save the offenders from ruin, if possible. To do this, we must lead them to put away their sin by genuine repentance, i. e., by godly sorrow, by confession, by reparation of their wrong, when possible, and by entire change of conduct. If we can do this, we can save the erring, and take off from the cause of God the reproach they have brought upon it. Undoubtedly there must be severity, as well as tenderness. But if those err who use only tenderness, those also err who use only severity. Sin must be rebuked. Wicked conduct must be called by its right name. The law of God must utter its awful voice of condemnation. The wrong-doer must understand that sin is that abominable thing which God hates. But this is not everything that the case demands. This part is called for till we can see that the conscience is awakened and aroused. But this severity toward sin must be mingled with tenderness toward the transgressor. Not to excuse the transgressor, nor to justify the wrong. No, by no means. But we must show that we are deeply anxious to save the transgressor. We must remember Calvary. Sinai and Calvary are both found in the Bible. Each have their place in the experience of the repenting sinner. The lightning of Sinai strikes terror to the conscience. The infinite compassion and tender love of the dying Saviour shows how intense is his desire to save sinners. No one beholding the Son of God upon the shameful cross, can think it a light thing to sin against God, because pardon is so graciously offered to the repenting sinner. Be astonished, O my soul! The Son of God was made accursed by the law of God, that pardon might reach us. The Scriptures show plainly that God hates sin, and yet pities and earnestly desires to save the sinner. Cannot we exhibit both these things in our conduct toward the erring? Read the parable of the lost sheep; and read again the excellent sermon of Bro. White's on this parable. Do you desire to save the erring? Do not attempt it till you are sure you are converted yourself. Ascertain whether you have any of the spirit that brought Jesus from Heaven to earth to die for sinful men before you undertake this work. If you find yourself destitute of this you need a new conversion to God. When God sends men to deal with the erring, it is to save them, if possible. He who converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death. It is an easy thing to drive the erring to utter ruin. But to save them from destruction requires the wisdom of God.