Love, for the Brethren by W. H. SAXBY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 19, 1915

Love, for the Brethren

By W. H. SAXBY

W. H. SAXBY

A LEADING brother in one of our city churches was just leaving the quarterly service as we were separating for the ordinance of humility. As I met him at the door and placed my hand on his shoulder, I said, “We cannot let you go.” He replied, and repeated it with growing emphasis, “It is all right between me and the Lord, but I have no use for two of the brethren present.”

These scriptures came with telling force to my mind: “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness.” 1 John 2:9. “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar [and, still stronger, “is a murderer.” 1 John 3:15]: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” 1 John 4:20.

Just as we stand related to one another, we stand related to the Saviour. One is a true index to the other; “for the spirit we manifest toward our brethren, declares what is our spirit toward God.” See “The Desire of Ages,” page 505. The Master says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

“It is all right between me and the Lord.” Yes, how true, “if we love one another, God dwelleth in us.” 1 John 4:12. Again it is written, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14. Blessed assurance!

Sanitarium, Cal.