Presenting Truth in Love
By Geo. A. Barker
BRO. SMITH: I wish to say that I appreciate the kindness of some dear friend in sending me the Review. I love the spirit it carries with it. I often remark to my friends that I find a sweeter spirit with those who keep the seventh day, than with any other professing Christians where I labor. I must say that I love to labor among them, although I do not yet see all they do; still I mean by the favor of my blessed Master to never show fight to anything but sin. I have learned, first, to examine what is brought forth from the word of God as truth, and if I find a harmony with the great chain, I ask God to apply it to my heart. And while I do not see as many do I cannot condemn them, from the fact I do not wish to be condemned by them, while I am honestly seeking the light they profess to have. But I sometimes find a disposition to press truths, to condemn those who do not immediately receive that which we believe. By experience I have learned a more excellent way. While the terrors of the penalty of the law bring men to think of Judgment, the love of Christ constrains them to obey. So I find in presenting the word of God, I need the love of God in my heart; I need to feel toward them as God feels toward them; to bear long, and if they do not see the light at first, I will “preach the word with all long-suffering and doctrine,” trying to win them to Christ and truth. Oh! how natural for man to want to crowd God’s word, and it always has a tendency to scatter those who do not see the light. May the Lord help us to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” I wish to say that I have read Testimonies Nos. 12 and 13, and have been benefited in reading them. I do love to see a people (who profess what Adventists do), laboring for holiness of heart. I find this set forth in the Testimonies; and how any one can think that the writer, who seems to be devoted to the labor of saving men, (as the Testimonies plainly show the writer of them is), is under the influence of an evil spirit, is more than I can fathom, except it be through prejudice. My brethren, may the dear Lord bless and lead you into all truth, and grant that you may stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion, is the prayer of one seeking for truth. ELD. GEO. A. BARKER. Connecticut.