A Snare | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 4, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 42.

A Snare.

OLD companionships are a snare to many a soul. It is one of the hardest things for a young convert to break away from those companionships in which his sinful life had the most pleasure. Many a man and woman have been lured back onto the devil's ground by those of his old companions who have never ceased to be the servants of sin. We are aware that it is difficult sometimes to adjust our companionships; and it seems cruel and even wrong to make a clean break with all whom we love on natural lines because we have become Christians; and, indeed, in some cases it must not be done. A wife may not leave her husband, a brother may not forsake his sister, nor is it easy to abandon a friend of former days. But there is danger even in these close and naturally lawful relations. The danger must be met by a settled determination to win our companions over on the Lord's side. We may mingle ever so freely with all men, if we do as our Lord did, with the single purpose of gaining them back to God. The danger is in preserving our friendships at the expense of our Christian testimony. But, if we are purposed to be true to God and our own souls, God will show us how we may do this thing and walk with him and them, until they are either won, or else themselves break the fellowship.—Sel.