HOW TO PROMOTE LOVE AND HARMONY AMONG BRETHREN.
[Bro. Smith: I send the following selected piece which you may publish in the Review if you think proper. L. D. Stillman.] To remember our own imperfections and unfaithfulness toward God and his cause with humble contrition, will help us very much in bearing the infirmities of others instead of magnifying their faults. To pray for one another fervently, daily, in secret and whenever we meet for social worship, not forgetting the assembling of ourselves together, would tend very much to unite our hearts in Christian love and unity. To avoid the habit of telling secrets, our own as well as others. Better by far say nothing than that which is worse than nothing. The Bible says, A talebearer revealeth secrets, but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. What a pity that so many in the world appear to have time to attend to anybody's business but their own; and among the number some that profess religion become busy bodies in other men's matters, and thus cause trouble for themselves and all others connected with them. How much bickering, strife and heart-burning would be prevented, and in their place would be peace, good will and contentment if this evil were unknown. When will the time come? Will it not be when perfect love fills the heart? If so, let us pray, O Lord hasten the happy time for thy name's sake. Again, if we would promote this blessed end, we should turn a deaf ear to evil or slanderous reports against our neighbor unless well substantiated. But how different the course often pursued! If a report is once started however ill-founded, there are too many who are willing, yea, eager to receive and circulate it without the least discount and thus make bad worse and often wound the heart of the innocent and cause them to stumble and fall; and it is to be feared that through this very means many will perish forever, for whom Christ died. Would that every one would remember this who deals in this forbidden commodity. A thorough understanding in all business transactions, and a promptness in discharging our engagements would often save much trouble, and in its place would promote peace and happiness. If a brother be in fault we should go to him, not to another; but it should be in a spirit of kindness. Ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, with a willingness on our part that others should mention anything they see in us contrary to the gospel, accompanied with a sincere desire to profit thereby. The Psalmist said, "Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil." If this blessed characteristic was possessed and exemplified generally by the people of God, would it not render them fair as the moon and terrible as an army with banners? If so, how much to be desired, and how worthy to be sought by selfdenial and effort by every lover of peace and unity; for behold, "how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."