Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

Deal Differently With Offenders

We must bear with one another, remembering our failings. With some have compassion, making a difference; others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. All cannot bear the same rigid discipline. All cannot be brought up to just another's ideas of duty. Allowance must be made for different temperaments and different minds. God knows how to deal with us. But my heart has been sick as I have seen brother deal with brother and the disposition to catch another in his words, and to make a man an offender for a word.... 15MR 125.2

I saw that all who profess the truth should unite together to walk in church capacity, to be a mutual strength and help to each other. None should seek or dare to lord it over God's heritage or dare to hold off and reject any one of their brethren without sufficient cause, but should labor with them and bear with them as long as Jesus has borne with them.—Letter 12, 1863, pp. 2, 4. (Written February 18, 1863, from Battle Creek, Michigan, to Dear Friends at Hanover, N.H.) 15MR 125.3