+I. The follies and misconduct of others are the choice subjects of
conversation in every stage of society; and if we take slander out of
these conversations, we rob them of their keenest fascination.+ I
have felt it, that fearful joy which the discovery of others' faults
produces; and then I found nothing at all extravagant in the
strongest expressions by which the Scriptures depict the depth of our
fall and the depravity of our heart.
+II. One of your brethren has lapsed: but you who condemn him, have
you never erred?+ Do you know his history? Did he know what you know
yourself? The fall of a brother should call forth a painful
self-examination and a sincere humiliation before God.
+III. Real and profound compassion should be felt for the brother
whom sin has overtaken.+ But sympathy alone will not suffice. There
is a sympathy which is mere weakness. Our mission lays upon us the
duty of restoration. This is a delicate and sublime work, for it is
the work of God, but the work of God destined to be accomplished by
man. Do the work of Jesus Christ in the spirit of Jesus Christ. You
must have for your fallen brethren a love without weakness and a
holiness without pride. We cannot raise them _en masse,_ and by I
know not what a collective action which would exempt us from
individual love and sacrifice. All will be of no avail unless each of
us, in the post where God has placed him, acts upon those around him,
and brings them all individually under that influence of love which
nothing can either equal or replace. Have you never asked yourself
with terror if you have not lost some soul? Do you know if, among all
those unfortunate beings whom God will cast from His presence at the
last day, more than one will not sorrowfully turn towards you and
say, "It is thou, it is thou that has lost me"?--_Eugene Bersier._