“DREDGE’S RELIGION.”
I was very much pleased with friend Dredge’s letter, and see him a very altered man from when I first knew him. I have seen him more softened and brought down, and less harsh in his speeches. Faithfulness is one thing; harshness is another. A man can’t be too faithful, but he must speak the truth in love if he speaks aright. Paul, even of the enemies of the cross, speaks with weeping. But it is, indeed, a most narrow line, and most of us err through softness and compliance rather than severity and harshness, and, I believe, severe faithfulness is far better than compliant softness. Our friend’s faithfulness makes him so hated, and sorry should I be to see him softended down to put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. But his enemies treasure up his hard speeches and turn them against him, and say, “Here is Dredge’s religion.”—J. C. Philpot.