p. 119 | WM. W. PUTNAM by Wm. W. Putnam

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 5, 1869

WM. W. PUTNAM

By Wm. W. Putnam

From Bro. Putnam.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: My mind is much impressed with the words of the apostle: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James v, 20. Why so many make a failure in this work is because they commence at the wrong end. Instead of commencing at the end where the individual is that they seek to benefit, they commence away out of his hearing, and magnify his sins, or supposed sins, instead of making it a rule to first visit and profit the erring one. Now here is one scripture that even the professed children of God, if they are not strictly on their watch, are very liable to violate. It is recorded in Matt. xviii, 15. A short time since we took a vote in the church at Norridgewock to see how many would pledge themselves to keep this commandment. Every member present raised the hand toward Heaven, and took this solemn vow upon himself, that he would no more violate this very important command. Is that vow recorded in Heaven? How often should we think of our vows, lest we break them. David said he would daily perform his vows. Ps. lxi, 8. Oh! may we remember that the commands of God are exceeding broad. Ps. cxix, 96.

Now, my dear friends, let us try to so advance in divine life, that ere long we may attain to that station that we shall not offend in one point; for while we are offending in one point we are guilty of all. Jas. i, 10. The time is near when there will be a special call for a certain class. In what condition will they then be found? “And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Rev. xiii, 5.

WM. W. PUTNAM

South Norridgewock, Me.