Deal Gently With the Erring by GEO. O. STATES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1912

Deal Gently With the Erring

By GEO. O. STATES

GEO. O. STATES

I was deeply interested in Elder Daniells’s article in the REVIEW of December 7 on the “Great Revival Movement,” and believe it is started as God would have it—“with our ministers seeking the Lord, and obtaining an individual experience with God.” When I think of some who have once been earnest, God-fearing members but who are now indifferent or opposing the truth, some who were once earnestly laboring to spread the message and are now without hope, or are working to tear down what they once labored so faithfully to build up, I wonder if something could be done to help these dear ones to see that the message is fast closing, and to induce them to take their stand once more to help swell the loud cry of the message.

Certainly there are some of this class who may be reached if the right course is taken. No doubt some in their solemn reflections are not satisfied, and are seriously thinking as they see the wonderful spread of the work. Surely this is God’s message to prepare a people for the Lord’s coming, and my salvation depends on taking my stand with the remnant, doing all I can to help carry forward the great work committed to that body.

At one of our early camp-meetings in Michigan there was present from the beginning much of God’s Spirit. The leading brethren thought of one of our ministers who had given up the truth. The thought was, “If he were only here, he would surely take his stand.” They had sent a telegram, and the next day as the train stopped at the ground a large company was there to welcome him. The following Sabbath, when the invitation was given for those to come forward who wished to seek the Lord, he was the first to respond. As he came to the front seat, Brother White met him, praising the Lord. That was a day long to be remembered, and the Spirit of God was poured out upon his people. This brother returned home, arranged his business, and once more began to preach the message. All he needed was a helping hand reached out in loving sympathy. He labored faithfully for years, and died in the blessed hope.

Over twenty years ago the writer was laboring in the Colorado Conference with one of our ministers. Together we planned the conference work, were together in tent work and in visiting churches. Finally he became discouraged and gave up the truth. My work called me to other fields, and I had not heard from him in fifteen years, when two years ago I was happily surprised to get a letter from him. He told me something of his past. He was living in an Eastern city and was receiving a large salary, but it required Sabbath work, and he was not satisfied. He was longing for the way to open so he could once more live the truth.

We had some further correspondence, and in a few months he resigned his position, went to the church the following Sabbath, took his stand, and was warmly welcomed by the church-members. That brother now sleeps, and I have no doubt will come forth in the first resurrection.

It is not censure but encouragement these dear ones need. The Saviour’s course with Peter contains an important lesson for us all. In the midst of Christ’s deepest trial Peter was overcome by the weakness of the flesh, and denied him with cursing, “and the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” Peter went out and wept bitterly. That tender look of love and sympathy broke Peter’s heart. There was no censure, but only loving sympathy, and that was too much for Peter. That Sabbath was indeed a sad day to the disciples, and especially so to him. The Lord knew Peter was in danger of giving way to discouragement; and so the angel, in sending the disciples word of the resurrection, said, “Tell his disciples and Peter.” O the wonderful love manifested in the Saviour’s solicitation for the one who had denied him! and what a lesson for us in dealing with the erring!

Cedaredge, Colo.