Christ came to bring salvation within the reach of all. Upon the cross of Calvary he paid the infinite redemption price for a world lost. His self-denial and self-sacrifice, his unselfish labor, his humiliation, and, above all, the offering up of his life, testify of the depth of his love for fallen man. It was to seek and to save that which was lost that he came to earth. His mission was to sinners—sinners of every grade, of every tongue and nation. He paid the ransom price for all. None were passed by, no matter how erring and sinful; his labors were especially for those who most needed the salvation he came to bring. His great heart of love was stirred to its depths for those who were the most hopeless, and who most needed his transforming grace.SW September 29, 1908, par. 1

In the parable of the lost sheep is represented the wonderful love of Christ for the erring and the wandering. The true shepherd leaves the flock that love him, and goes out into the wilderness, enduring hardship, and facing danger and death, to seek and save the sheep that has wandered from the fold, and that must perish if not brought back. When after diligent search the lost is found, the shepherd, though suffering from weariness, pain, and hunger, does not leave it in its weakness to follow him, nor does he drive it back; but he tenderly gathers it in his arms, and placing it upon his shoulders, bears it to the fold. Then he calls upon his neighbors to rejoice with him over the lost that is found. Thus is illustrated the wondrous love of Christ for the lost and perishing.SW September 29, 1908, par. 2

The parable of the prodigal son and that of the lost piece of silver teach the same lesson. Christ does not bestow all his blessings upon those who accept his salvation, content with their gratitude and love. Every soul that is especially imperiled by falling into temptation or sin pains his loving heart, and calls forth his tenderest sympathy and most earnest care. Over one sinner that repents he rejoices with exceeding joy.SW September 29, 1908, par. 3

These lessons are for our benefit. Christ has enjoined upon his disciples that they co-operate with him in his work; that they love one another as he has loved them. The agony he endured upon the cross testifies of the estimate he places upon the human soul. All who accept this great salvation pledge themselves to be co-workers with him. They are to work as he worked and love as he loved, even those who are in ignorance and sin.SW September 29, 1908, par. 4

But there is a great lack of deep, earnest, soul-touching sympathy for the tempted and the erring. Many pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from those who most need help. Sometimes the newly converted or weak soul yields to some form of temptation, and is overtaken in a fault. In such cases the instructions of God's Word apply: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” But how little of the pitying tenderness of Christ is manifested by his professed followers.SW September 29, 1908, par. 5

Let those who have been remiss in this work consider their duty in the light of the great commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This obligation is resting upon all. All are required to seek to diminish the ills and multiply the blessings of their fellow-creatures. If we are strong to resist temptation, we are under the greater obligation to help those who are weak and yielding. If we have knowledge, we should instruct the ignorant. If God has blessed us with this world's goods, it is our duty to succor the poor. We must work for the good of others, and let all within the sphere of our influence be partakers of whatever of excellence we may possess. None should be content to feed on the bread of life without sharing it with those about them.SW September 29, 1908, par. 6

God has ordained that in order to grow in grace and in a knowledge of Christ, men must follow his example, and work as he worked. It will often require a struggle to control our own feelings, and refrain from speaking in a manner to discourage those who are laboring under temptation. A life of daily communion with God, a life that will shed light upon the path of others, cannot be maintained without earnest, persistent effort. But such effort will yield precious fruit, blessing both the receiver and the giver. The spirit of unselfish love for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness of character, and brings peace and happiness into the heart.SW September 29, 1908, par. 7

There is no room for sloth or selfishness; but those who exercise the Christian graces will grow. They will have spiritual muscle, and will be strong to work for God. They will have clear spiritual perception, growing faith, and increased power in prayer. Those who are watching for souls, those who devote themselves most fully to labor for the salvation of the erring, are most surely working out their own salvation.SW September 29, 1908, par. 8

The erring can be restored in no other way than in the spirit of love and meekness. Then let us never become cold, unsympathetic, and censorious. And let us never lose an opportunity to say a word to encourage and inspire hope. We cannot tell how far-reaching may be our words of kindness, our efforts to lighten some burden.SW September 29, 1908, par. 9

September 22, 1908

October 13, 1908