IT LOOKS STRANGE by M. J. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 27, 1868

IT LOOKS STRANGE.

By M. J. Cottrell

Yes, it looks strange; but shall we condemn because we cannot understand? Because things look strange to us shall we censure and pass harsh judgment?

If we knew all, how different things might appear. If we had stood at the side of that erring one, and seen all the influences which bore upon the untrained mind, and pushed the trembling judgment into shrinking compliance, we might, perhaps, sympathize with instead of coldly condemning. Yes, if we knew all, instead of turning away with a chilling bow, we might feel to pity, and speak kind, encouraging words. Perhaps we think we have had the same trials, and passed it unstained; but we do not know. It may not have been the same, and even if it were, there may have been opposing influences which although unseen by us, were, nevertheless, great helps in the struggle.

Perhaps we do not condemn; but, It looks strange! Ah! yes; it looks strange! Well, is there not somewhere in our lives, things that look strange to others? Then let us be very careful how we speak such words. They may do an incalculable amount of injury. “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. M. J. COTTRELL.