Faults

"Brethren , if any man be overtaken in a fault , ye who are spiritual , restore such a one in the spirit of meekness , considering thyself , lest thou also be tempted ."   Although the world at once rejoices when it sees one single stain upon a Christian , a single speck of rust upon the highly polished steel , - seek rather to be guided by a charitable spirit , which " rejoiceth not in iniquity , but rejoiceth in the truth ,which beareth all things , believeth all things , hopeth all things , endureth all things .". And even if your love be as imperfect as the faith and piety of Moses , still , my fellow Christians , raise your heads aloft and view the heavenly Canaan , whose gates will not be shut against you for your daily stumbling , but if you confess your falls each day , before the Lord , in all sincerity of heart . Within God's heavenly city , stumbling is a thing unknown ; and sin has been forever banished from the living waters that flow out from the throne of the Lamb . Blest is the man who is admitted to that holy place , and on whose priestly robe no stain thereafter falls ! " Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling , and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy ; to the only wise God our Saviour , be glory and majesty , dominion and power , both now and forever . "  J.J. van Oosterzee

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