Deal Gently With the Erring
By George O. States
OVER twenty years ago while engaged in business in Michigan, I formed the acquaintance of many business men whom I highly respected. I was naturally much in their society, and learning that a number of them were members of a certain secret lodge, I finally decided to hand in my name for admission, and in due time I was initiated into the order. My associations with them were always very pleasant as far as the world goes, but I always had a feeling that my spirituality was not increased thereby. After I had been a member for some time, I attended a special meeting in Battle Creek conducted by our late Brother White. I shall always remember his earnest words of admonition and counsel. One night after his sermon he called for those on the background to come forward, and I with others did so. It was a custom with Brother White to call persons by name in prayer, and that night as I listened to his earnest pleading, and my name was called, I thought, “Surely God heard that.” I at once felt that if I wished to put my interest entirely with the remnant people, I must withdraw from the lodge. Then began the struggle, and no person who has never passed through a similar experience can know what it meant. As far as the world goes my associations in the lodge had always been the most pleasant. I felt that I wanted some one to talk with, that I needed human sympathy, and I went to one of our brethren whom I had known for years, and cautiously told where I stood. Instead of sympathizing with me in my time of need, he at once began to censure me for tying myself up with the devil, and to tell me how surprised he was that a man who had always been a Seventh-day Adventist should do such a thing. I walked off thinking that my friends in the lodge would not treat me in that cold manner, and I almost decided to take the train for home, but meeting our late Brother B. L. Whitney, I decided to make one more effort to get help. I very timidly opened up my troubles to him, and he at once put his arm around me, and cautiously drew out my state of mind. After a long talk he said to me, “Brother States, I have never had the experience you have, and I do not know the struggle it will cost you to withdraw, but I do believe, my brother, that the third angel’s message is worthy of your best energies.” Who could have given better counsel? Brother Whitney promised to help me with his prayers, and I fully decided the matter, and from that day to this I have never been inside of a lodge room as a member. When I united with the order, there were but a few lodges as far as I knew; but of late orders have been springing up all over the land. Soon after, I began preaching the message, and I frequently meet men whom I know to be members of secret orders, but I always try to refrain from scathing criticisms, believing that the better way to help them is to get near them in the spirit of Christ, and show them something better. I have never had any sympathy with the so-called exposures of secret societies, and would not be seen attending one. Just a few weeks ago a person told me that he had recently united with a certain lodge, and had paid out quite a sum of money, and asked me what I would advise him to do. I gave him the advice that I believed God wanted me to give. I tell you, dear brethren and sisters, these things are from the world, and do retard our spirituality in the message; and as we come down nearer the end, there will be more and more to draw off from the testing truths for this time. May we all be energized with the Spirit of him who said, “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.”