VOLUNTARY SERVICE by Methodist Recorder

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 14, 1889

VOLUNTARY SERVICE.

By Methodist Recorder

Christ does not force men into his service; he does not irresistibly draw them to himself. Force is applied to dead, inanimate matter, but rational motives only can influence and control rational minds. Christ, in endeavoring to save men, deals with them as intelligent, accountable beings, and presents motives to their minds to influence their decision. If these motives are disregarded, and the influences brought to bear upon them are resisted, and they are not made the subjects of divine grace, the fault will be their own. If men seek death in the error of their ways, they have no one to blame but themselves. If they suffer, it is not because God would have them suffer, but because they would not accept deliverance. If men are determined to sin, they must submit to the consequences of their own deliberate acts.—Methodist Recorder.