"Lay aside excuses...and all lesser business, and, 'exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day, lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.' (Hebrews 3:13) Let your exhortation be from compassion and love. To jeer and scoff, to rail and vilify, is not a likely way to reform men, or convert them to God. Go to poor sinners with tears in your eyes, that they may see you believe them to be [in a miserable state], and that you unfeignedly pity their case. Deal with them with earnest, humble entreaties. Let them perceive it is the desire of your heart to do them good; that you have no other end but their everlasting happiness; and that it is your sense of their danger, and your love for their souls, that forces you to speak; even because you, 'know the terrors of the Lord,' (2 Corinthians 5:11) and for the fear that you shall see them in eternal torments.
Say to them, 'Friend, you know I seek no advantage of my own; the method to please you and keep your friendship would be to [affirm] you in your [present circumstances] or to leave you alone; but love will not [allow] me to see you perish, and be silent. I seek nothing from [you] but that which is necessary to your own happiness. It is yourself that will have the gain and comfort if you come to Christ.'"
From The Saints' Everlasting Rest. Some words and phrases modernized. C.B.
3 comments:
Great post! Especially the first quote.
Do you think it should be re-posted at Atheist Central?
Sure. Go for it.
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