THE DIVINE ART OF SOUL-WINNING

J. O. Sanders

FOREWORD

It is with real delight and pleasure I write these few

words as a foreword to this book of Mr. Sanders, THE DIVINE

ART OF SOUL-WINNING. This book is written by one who not

only knows the THEORY of soul-winning, but who puts into

practice what he knows. He not only knows how to do it,

but is continually doing it and succeeding in it. There

are few today who have the knowledge of and passion for

soul-winning that Mr. Sanders has. Therefore, the contents

of this book have been hammered out on the anvil of

experience.

There never was a time when such a book was more

needed than today. There are so many believers everywhere

who have never won a soul for Christ, and are missing such

joy here, and will miss such reward at the judgment seat of

Christ, all because they do not know HOW to go about the

work, and there are so few who will take the trouble to

train them. I trust this book will have a very wide

circulation, and reach those believers who would like to

win souls, but do not know how. Their efficiency is

secured if they will but read and digest this book. May

God's blessing rest upon it and make it instrumental in

raising up a mighty army of soul-winners in these "last of

the last" days.

-Wm. P. Nicholson

(John 3:30)

PREFACE

Many books treating this subject are obtainable, but

we know of no similar book, procurable at a price within

the reach of the young people for whose use it is primarily

designed, which covers the ground so fully.

Originality is not claimed, the object of the writer

being to present in small compass the best instruction he

could give, whatever its source, on the subject under

review. The experiences of soul-winners the world over, as

well as personal experience, have been freely drawn on. A

list of the books to which we are indebted, or which are

recommended for further study, is appended.

May the Lord use this brochure to beget in some and

revive in others an irresistible urge to win souls for Him.

-J. O. Sanders

Auckland, N.Z.

THE VALUE OF ONE SOUL

I believe that in an angel were to wing his way from

earth up to Heaven, and were to say that there was one

poor, ragged boy, without father or mother, with no one to

care for him and teach him the way of life; and if God were

to ask who among them were willing to come down to this

earth and live here for fifty years and lead that one to

Jesus Christ, every angel in Heaven would volunteer to go.

Even Gabriel, who stands in the presence of the Almighty,

would say, "Let me leave my high and lofty position, and

let me have the luxury of leading one soul to Jesus

Christ." There is no greater honor than to be the

instrument in God's hands of leading one person out of the

kingdom of Satan into the glorious light of Heaven.

--D. L. Moody

CONTENTS

Chapter

1. A Concern for Souls

2. The Fitness of the Worker

3. The Place of Prayer in Soul-Winning

4. Do's and Don'ts for the Soul-Winner

5. An Old Testament Illustration and a New Testament

Example

6. Opportunity, Approach, and Diagnosis

7. How to Deal with Various Classes

8. How to Deal with Various Classes (continued)

9. Working Among False Cults

10. Miscellaneous Suggestions

Bibliography

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Oh, for a passionate passion for souls;

Oh, for a pity that yearns.

Oh, for a love that loves unto death,

Oh, for a fire that burns.

Oh, for a pure prayer-power that prevails,

That pours itself out for the lost--

Victorious prayer, in the Conqueror's Name,

Oh, for a Pentecost.

Chapter 1

A CONCERN FOR SOULS

"Even if I were utterly selfish, and had no care for

anything but my own happiness, I would choose, if I might,

under God, to be a soul-winner; for never did I know

perfect, overflowing, unutterable happiness of the purest

and most ennobling order till I first heard of one who had

sought and found the Saviour through my means. No young

mother ever so rejoiced over her first-born child, no

warrior was so exultant over a hard-won victory." So spoke

that matchless winner of souls, Charles H. Spurgeon. Only

those who have never given themselves to the exercise of

this divine art would be disposed to quarrel with him for

the seeming extravagance of his statement.

And yet, despite the fact that this "perfect,

overflowing, unutterable happiness" is within the reach of

the humblest and least capable believer, comparatively few

seem sufficiently in earnest to strive after its

attainment. A passion for souls is rare among church

members today. The great mass of Christian people feel not

the slightest responsibility for the souls of their fellow

men. It never so much as dawns on them that they are their

brother's keeper. If they can manage to save their own

souls, that is the end of their concern.

The reasons for this apathy are not far to seek.

I. ABSENCE OF CONVICTION THAT EVERY IMPENITENT SOUL IS

UTTERLY LOST

There may be a willingness to subscribe to the

orthodox creed concerning future punishment, but there is a

world of difference between a creedal belief and a working

faith.

Judge Mingins had been an infidel in his youth, and

had lived with his infidel companions in Philadelphia.

Some time after his conversion he was visiting one of them,

who said: "George, I hear you are a Christian now. Is that

so?"

"Yes," said Mr. Mingins.

"George, do you believe in God?"

"Yes."

"And do you believe in Hell, and that all who do not

believe in God and in Jesus Christ will ultimately go to

Hell?"

"I do, most certainly."

"Well, George," said he, "does Christianity dry up all

the milk of humanity in one's body as it has in yours?"

"Why," said Mr. Mingins, "what do you mean?"

"I mean this," he replied, "that here you have been

living under my roof for three days and three nights,

knowing and believing all this, and yet you never put your

hand on my shoulder, or said one word to save me." How

many of my readers are in the boat with Judge Mingins?

The case was put even more strongly by a gifted and

noted infidel, who said: "Were I a religionist, did I

truly, firmly, consistently believe, as millions SAY they

do, that the knowledge and the practice of religion in this

life influences destiny in another, religion should be to

me EVERYTHING. I would cast aside earthly enjoyments as

dross, earthly cares as follies, and earthly thoughts and

feelings as less than vanity. Religion would be my first

waking thought and my last image when sleep sank me in

unconsciousness. I would labor in her cause alone. I

would not labor for the meat that perisheth, nor for

treasures on earth, but only for a crown of glory in

heavenly regions where treasures and happiness are alike

beyond the reach of time and chance. I would take thought

for the morrow of eternity alone. I WOULD ESTEEM ONE SOUL

GAINED FOR HEAVEN WORTH A LIFE OF SUFFERING. There should

be neither worldly prudence nor calculating circumspection

in my engrossing zeal. Earthly consequences should never

stay my hand nor seal my lips. I would speak to the

imagination, awaken the feelings, stir up the passions,

arouse the fancy. Earth, its joys and its grief, should

occupy no moment of my thoughts; for these are but the

affairs of a portion of eternity--so small that no language

can express its comparatively infinite littleness.

"I would strive to look but on eternity and on the

immortal souls around me, soon to be everlastingly

miserable or everlastingly happy. I would deem all who

thought only of this world, merely seeking to increase

temporal happiness and laboring to obtain temporal goods--I

would deem all such pure madmen. I would go forth to the

world and preach to it, in season and out of season; and my

text should be: 'What shall it profit a man if he gain the

whole world and lose his own soul.'"

THE MASTER SOUL-WINNER

Why have I troubled to quote this in full? Because

all unwittingly, the infidel has here written the

philosophy of life of that Master Soul-winner, the Lord

Jesus. Now read it again and see how accurately it

presents His attitude to this world and to eternity. His

life was absolutely consistent with His belief in the

everlasting punishment of the lost. Have we the mind of

Christ in this? Is our attitude to this life and eternity

that described in the infidel's statement?

Many years ago, Charles Peace, one of the greatest of

criminals, was brought to justice. A burglar, forger, and

double murderer, he was condemned to death. As he was

being led to the scaffold, the chaplain walked by his side,

offering what we call "the consolations of religion." As

the chaplain spoke of Christ's power to save, the wretched

man turned to him and said: "Do you believe it? Do you

believe it? If I believed THAT, I would willingly crawl

across England on broken glass to tell men it was true."

Thank God it is true; but if the measure of our belief

in its truth were the efforts we are making for the

salvation of souls, I am afraid our belief could not be

described as vital. General Booth once said that he would

like to send all his candidates for officership to Hell for

twenty-four hours as the chief part of their training.

Why? Because it is not until we have a vital conviction of

the irrevocable doom of the impenitent, that our belief

will crystallize into action.

II. ABSENCE OF CONCERN FOR THE LOST

An old Puritan used to speak of having a "concern,"

and a meaningful expression it is. Christ had a concern

for the individuals and for the multitudes. His concern

was so real and so deep that at times the flood of manly

tears could no longer be restrained, and rolled down His

compassionate face. Jesus, the manliest of men, wept.

Paul, the brave, besought men, night and day with tears, to

be reconciled to God. When a young missionary, who had

been invalided home, was asked why he was so eager to get

back to his people, he said, "Because I cannot sleep for

thinking about them."

Oh, for tear-filled eyes! Oh, for sleepless eyes,

because of the imminent danger and doom of the unsaved! Do

the tears ever start unbidden from OUR eyes as we behold

our city filled with sin and suffering and shame? Does

sleep ever flee OUR eyes because of our concern for the

souls around? How cold, and callous and benumbed are our

souls!

Oh, for a passionate passion for souls,

Oh, for a pity that yearns!

When William C. Burns, so greatly used in revival work

in Murray McCheyne's parish, and later in China, was

commencing his ministry, his mother met him one day in a

Glasgow close. Seeing him weeping, she said: "Why those

tears?" He answered "I am weeping at the sight of the

multitudes in the streets, so many of whom are passing

through life unsaved."

General Booth received a message from one of his

captains that the work was so hard he could make no

progress. The General sent back a reply of two words: "Try

tears." Success visited that corps.

Never was a day like the present for fine scholarship

in the pulpit and high standard of intelligence in the pew.

But culture of the heart has lagged far behind the culture

of the mind. Pulpit power has decreased rather than

increased. And the reason? Dr. Goodell rightly diagnoses

the case when he says: "No man can be a herald of his

Lord's passion if he does not himself share it." Less

scholarship, if indeed one must be sacrificed on the altar

of the other, and more "concern" would soon see a turn of

the tide. Many an ignorant man or woman, because of an

evidently sincere concern for the souls of others, has been

wonderfully fruitful in soulwinning. Entirely innocent of

theology, they have manifested the love of the Master in so

convincing a way that their appeal has been irresistible.

Dr. Wilbur Chapman tells of such a case:

WHAT "CONCERN" ACHIEVED

"I went to hear D. L. Moody preach when I was a

country minister, and he so fired my heart, that I went

back to my country church and tried to preach as he

preached, and we had really a great work of grace. It did

not start immediately; and I was so discouraged, because

things did not go as I thought they ought, that I called my

church officers together and said: 'You will have to help

me.' They promised to do so, and finally an old farmer

rose and said: 'I have not done much work in the church,

but I will help you.' One of the officers said to me

afterwards: 'Do not ask him to pray, for he cannot pray in

public,' and another said: 'Do not ask him to speak, for he

cannot speak to the edification of the people.' Next

morning we had one of those sudden snowstorms for which

that part of the country is famous, and this old farmer

rose and put his horse to his sleigh and started across the

country four miles to a blacksmith's shop. He hitched his

horse on the outside, and went into the shop all covered

with snow, and found the blacksmith alone. The blacksmith

said: 'Mr. Cranmer, whatever brings you out today?' The old

farmer walked to the blacksmith's bench, and putting his

hand upon the man's shoulders, said: 'Tom!' and the tears

started to roll down his cheeks. Then with sobs choking

his utterance, he said: 'Tom, when your old father died, he

gave you and your brother into my guardianship, and I have

let you both grow into manhood and never asked you to

become a Christian.' That was all. He did not ask him

then; he could not. He got into his sleigh and drove back

home. And he did not go out again for months; he almost

died from pneumonia.

"But that night in the meeting, the blacksmith stood

up before my church officers and said: 'Friends, I have

never been moved by a sermon in my life, but when my old

friend stood before me this morning, with tears and sobs,

having come all through the storm, I thought it was time I

considered the matter.' We received him into the church,

and he is a respected church officer today. PREACHING

FAILS, SINGING FAILS, BUT INDIVIDUAL CONCERN DOES NOT

FAIL."

III. ABSENCE OF CONCEPTION OF THE VALUE OF A SOUL

Upon our conception of the value of the object to be

won will depend the strenuousness of our labors for their

salvation. "Is it really worth inconveniencing ourselves

and interfering with our own enjoyment to save souls?" we

ask. Let us endeavor to arrive at some true estimate of

the value of a soul. A man will work harder to recover

diamonds than gravel. Why? Because they are of so much

greater value. And so with the souls of men. Christ

conceived the human soul to be of such transcendent value

that He gladly exchanged the shining courts of glory for a

life of poverty, suffering, shame and death, rather than

that it should perish. He placed the world and all it

could offer in the one scale and a human soul in the other,

and declared that the scale went down on the side of the

soul.

THE VALUE OF A SOUL

But how can we compute the value of a soul?

1. BY ITS NATURE AND ORIGIN. Man was made in the

image of God, and into him was breathed the breath of God.

Man is an immortal being.

2. BY ITS POWERS AND CAPACITIES. The capacities of a

human being, even in this life, seem almost limitless--but,

alas, they have been prostituted to base uses in the

service of the usurper. But man is still capable of

fellowship with God--the highest privilege conceivable to

the mind of a human being.

3. BY THE DURATION OF ITS EXISTENCE. The human soul

exists eternally, and either in bliss or in woe. (See 2

Cor. 4:18; 1 Cor 15:53; Rom. 8:11; Jude 7; 2 Peter 3:6,7;

Matt. 25:46.)

4. BY THE COST OF ITS REDEMPTION. It required not

shining silver or yellow gold to pay the price of man's

redemption, but crimson drops of precious blood from the

broken body of the Son of God. This makes even the meanest

soul worth saving.

5. BY THE STRUGGLE REQUIRED FOR ITS POSSESSION. Why

is the unregenerate human soul the battleground of both God

and the Devil, the one actuated by love, the other by hate?

Because both know and rightly appraise the possibilities

for good and evil of only one human soul. No wonder souls

are not lightly won with such an adversary. If then, a

soul is of such surpassing value, to save it, no expense is

too large, no pain too agonizing, no trouble too great, no

labor too hard.

Impelled by a great passion for souls, Raymond Lull,

first missionary to the Moslems, cried, "To Thee, O Lord, I

offer myself, my wife, my children, and all that I

possess." After many years of suffering and service, he

became a martyr for his Lord. David Branierd, who died

when little more than thirty, said: "I wanted to wear

myself out in His service, for His glory. I cared not how

or where I lived, or what hardships I went through so that

I could but gain souls for Christ."

Such love has burned in the breasts of all great

soul-winners. Their love for souls has been reckless and

prodigal.

HOW MAY THIS "CONCERN" BE OBTAINED?

It is not a natural and inevitable product of the

heart. It is not produced by a fresh resolution to be

concerned about souls. It will be produced in the heart

only by using the means adapted to stir up our minds on the

subject. Paul's concern for souls, as one has said, sprang

from a threefold conviction. First, one great verity which

all must face, the Great White Throne; second, one

experience through which all men must pass, the

resurrection either to life or to condemnation. Third, one

destiny toward which all things are moving--the great

eternity.

We must cherish the slightest impression of the

Spirit; take the Bible and go over the passages that show

the condition of lost sinners. Dr. Wilbur Chapman

suggests: "Take your New Testament and go quietly alone and

read a sentence like this: 'He that believeth not is

condemned already.' Then sit and think about it for ten

minutes. Put your boy over against it--your girl, your

wife, your husband, yourself. Then take this: 'He that

hath not the Son of God, hath not life, but the wrath of

God abideth on him.' I know that a soul thus burdened

generally gains its desire."

Charles G. Finney urges the seeker after this

"concern" to "look as it were, through a telescope into

Hell, and hear their groans; then turn the glass upward and

look into Heaven and see the saints there in their white

robes, and hear them sing the song of redeeming love; and

ask yourself: 'Is it possible that I should prevail with

God to elevate the sinner there?' Do this, and if you are

not a wicked man, you will soon have as much of the spirit

of prayer as your body can sustain."

Lord Crucified, give me a love like Thine,

Help me to win the dying souls of men.

Lord, keep my heart in closest touch with Thine

And give me love, pure Calvary love,

To bring the lost to Thee.

A STRIKING EXAMPLE

A most striking example of the urge to win souls

triumphing over even imminent death, is that of John

Harper, a Baptist minister of London, who was lost with the

TITANIC. At a conference held in the city of Hamilton,

Ontario, Canada, a man rose and gave the following

testimony: "Four years ago, when I left England on board

the TITANIC, I was a careless, godless sinner. I was in

this condition on the night when the terrible catastrophe

took place. Very soon, with hundreds more, I found myself

struggling in the cold, dark waters of the Atlantic. I

caught hold of something and clung to it for dear life.

The wail of awful distress from the perishing all around

was ringing in my ears, when there floated near by me a man

who, too, seemed to be clinging to something. He called to

me: 'Is your soul saved?' I replied: 'No, it is not.'

'Then,' said he, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and

thou shalt be saved.' We drifted apart for a few minutes,

then we seemed to be driven together once more. 'Is your

soul saved?' again he cried out. 'I fear it is not,' I

replied. 'Then if you will but believe on the Lord Jesus

Christ your soul shall be saved,' was his further message

of intense appeal to me. But again we were separated by

the rolling currents. I heard him call out this message to

others as they sank beneath the waters into eternity.

There and then, with two miles of water beneath me, in my

desperation I cried unto Christ to save me. I believed

upon Him and I was saved. In a few minutes I heard this

man of God say: 'I'm going down, I'm going down' then: 'No,

no, I'm going UP.' That man was John Harper."

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CHAPTER 2

THE FITNESS OF THE WORKER

"I have come to the conclusion that everyone is not called

to be a soul-winner," said a young man recently. That

would make a pleasant hearing, indeed, for those who desire

to shirk soul-winning work, but, unfortunately for them the

young man's conclusion was erroneous! He would find it

exceedingly difficult to substantiate his case from

Scripture. So long as the Great Commission is unrevoked,

so long as "Go YE into all the world and preach the gospel

to every creature" remains in the Sacred Volume, there

rests on each the personal responsibility of endeavoring to

win souls for Christ, and for this he requires a special

fitness.

I. AN UNWAVERING PURPOSE

Since this work is of such supreme importance, the

wise soul-winner will seek the very highest qualifications

for the work. All great soul-winners have been impelled by

such a purpose. The gifted American evangelist, Dr.

Nettleton, whose labors in America so often culminated in

revival, one time put the question to himself: "What will I

wish I had done with my life thousands of years hence?"

His answer to that question resulted in his devoting

himself throughout life to the work of seeking to win

souls.

Not many hours after his own conversion as a result of

receiving a letter of appeal from his intimate friend, that

keen soul-winner, Dr. Clay Trumbull, formed a great life

resolve. Let me give you his own words: "The purpose I

formed was, as an imperative duty, not to fail in my

Christian life in confessing Christ to others. I

determined that as I loved Christ, and as Christ loved

souls, I would press Christ on the individual soul, so that

none who were in the proper sphere of my individual

responsibility or influence should lack the opportunity of

meeting the question, whether or not they would

individually trust and follow Christ. The resolve I made

was that WHENEVER I WAS IN SUCH INTIMACY WITH A SOUL AS TO

BE JUSTIFIED IN CHOOSING MY THEME OF CONVERSATION, THE

THEME OF THEMES SHOULD HAVE PROMINENCE BETWEEN US, so that

I might learn his need, and if possible meet it." This

life-resolve was faithfully adhered to for more than fifty

years. Who can estimate its results? Have you made such a

resolve, my reader? If not, will you fall on your knees as

you read and make it now?

When Dr. Lyman Beecher lay dying, a ministerial friend

said to him: "Dr. Beecher, you know a great deal; tell us

what is the greatest of all things." The dying preacher

replied: "It is not theology; it is not controversy; IT IS

TO SAVE SOULS."

If such be true, shall we not place ourselves in the

hands of the Master Soul-winner, saying: "Master, make me,

with all my handicaps and disabilities, a fisher of men"?

He will surely respond, as He did to failing Peter: "Follow

me, and I WILL make YOU a fisher of men."

II. AN UNASSAILABLE ASSURANCE OF HIS OWN

SALVATION

This is another indispensable qualification of the

soul-winner. Suppose one on whom you were pressing the

claims of Christ turned to you with the question, "Are you

absolutely certain you yourself are saved?" what would you

answer? Could you ring out an unhesitating, "Yes, thank

God, I am"? Our Lord said: "We speak that we do KNOW"

(John 3:11). All around us are men and women, old and

young, who are longing to find someone who knows, who can

speak on this subject with conviction and authority. They

are tired of negations, doubts, and speculations. They

have enough of their own. If you do not possess this

unshakable assurance, search the Word of God until you

"KNOW that you HAVE eternal life" (1 John 5:13).

Many truly converted people know nothing of a settled

assurance of salvation because the life has never been

fully yielded to Christ. The writer, although born again,

was often tormented by doubts until the age of about twenty

he wholly surrendered to the Lordship of Christ. Since

that hour no doubt has found even temporary lodgment in his

heart.

III. A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES

The soul-winner must not only believe the Bible, but

know and study it. Other knowledge is doubtless valuable,

but a knowledge of the Bible is of paramount importance.

Nothing can take its place. Every soul-winner must acquire

as speedily as possible, first, a general knowledge of the

Bible, its main contents and teachings, and then how its

message can best be applied in this work, for the Bible is

the soul-winner's only kit of tools. Just as the physician

does not give the same prescription for each case, so the

same verse will not cause the light to break on every soul.

Hence the necessity of being familiar with all the

Scriptures which are relevant to soul-winning work. That

worker will be most successful whose mind is most liberally

stored with apt and suitable Scriptures.

Murray McCheyne used to say: "It is not our comment on

the Word that saves, but the Word itself." When argument

and persuasion fail to produce conviction or to bring the

soul to decision, the intelligent use of the "Sword of the

Spirit" often produces the desired result. How frequently

one has seen opposition silenced and interest awakened by

the sledge-hammer blows of the Word when wielded in the

power of the Spirit. It is the Word which the Spirit uses

to convict of sin (Acts 2:37), and to reveal the way of

salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). It is with the Bible that

objections and excuses can be met, or modern heresies

exposed; therefore the soul-winner MUST be a man of the

BOOK if he is to know success.

To summarize in the words of Dr. Torrey:

1. A soul-winner should know how to use his Bible so

as to show others their need of a Saviour.

2. To show them that Jesus Christ is just the Saviour

they need.

3. To show them how to make Him their own Saviour.

4. To deal with difficulties which hinder them from

doing this.

To these we would add:

5. The soul-winner should have a living and active

faith in the power of the Word of God to save the most

difficult case.

One of the first students of Spurgeon's College came

to him with the lament: "I have been preaching now for some

months and I do not think I have had a single conversion."

"And do you expect that the Lord is going to bless you and

save souls every time you open your mouth?" said Spurgeon.

"No, sir," he replied. "Well, then, that is why you do not

get souls saved," was the rejoinder. "If you had believed,

the Lord would have given you the blessing." Our faith in

the Word and power of God must be such that we will expect

God to save souls through our instrumentality.

IV. A HABITUALLY PRAYERFUL ATTITUDE

How many possibilities of error there are in such a

work as this! The worker must be led as to which direction

to take, and to whom to speak; to rightly diagnose the

case, and to prescribe the appropriate remedy. Well might

he cry with Paul: "Who is sufficient for these things?"

Only as the heart is constantly being lifted to God in

prayer for promised wisdom will he be preserved from

blundering. He must pray before, during, and after his

work.

It was because Philip was a man of prayer and in touch

with God that he was guided to that seeking soul in the

most unlikely spot, the desert.

An old friend of our family who lived in a Southern

city, blind physically but exceptionally keen-sighted

spiritually, had on many occasions unsuccessfully

endeavored to bring the light of salvation to an ignorant

old woman who lived nearby. At last he come to his wits'

end and left the room to pray. In his prayer he told the

Lord that he had done all he could. Was there no Scripture

applicable to this case? Then a verse came to his mind:

"Ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord

Almighty." "But, Lord," he protested, "that has nothing to

do with salvation." Try as he would, he could get no other

message, so he quoted this verse to his friend. "Does it

say that?" she eagerly asked; "I thought it was all for

men. 'If any MAN thirst,' but this verse says: 'Ye shall

be MY sons and DAUGHTERS.'" Merely human wisdom would

never have suggested this verse as the solution of the old

woman's difficulties, but through prayer he was given the

unerring counsel of the Spirit of God. He often used this

incident as an illustration of the absolute necessity of

depending on the Spirit of God for the "word in season."

It has been said that for the personal worker the rule

of the road is: "Go as you pray, and pray as you go."

V. A LOVINGLY TACTFUL APPROACH

Tact has been defined as the art of putting ourselves

in the place of others so that we may know their needs and

supply them, their prejudices, and conciliate them. It is

an intuitive perception of what is proper or fitting; the

mental ability of saying and doing the right thing at the

right time, so as not to unnecessarily offend or anger.

This qualification is sadly often conspicuous by its

absence, and the worker spoils the very work about which he

is so concerned.

On one occasion, D. L. Moody, without mentioning

religion, played tennis a whole afternoon with a young

fellow who was expecting to be button-holed at once, and

was ready to resent any personal dealing. It was after he

had won the young fellow to himself that he won him for

Christ. He exhibited true tact.

Tact is not always a natural gift, but may in measure

be acquired by observation, study, and prayer. We should

try to imagine how we would feel and react if we were in

the position of our "prospect," and act accordingly. Much

is gained if we can make people feel at ease with us.

The story is told of a gentleman crossing the ocean

who was distressed by the profanity of several men of the

party. Finally, he said to them: "Gentlemen, I believe all

of you are Englishmen, and if so, you believe in fair play,

do you not?"

"Certainly, that is characteristic of Britons

everywhere."

"Well, gentlemen, I notice that you have been

indulging in a good deal of profanity, and I think it is my

turn to swear next. Isn't that fair?"

"Of course it is," said the others.

"Very well, remember that you are not to swear again

till I have had my turn."

"But you will not take your turn."

"I certainly will just as soon as I see a real

occasion for it."

All this was done in a playful way, but the result of

his tactful approach was that they kept their profanity

bottled up for the rest of the voyage.

V. THE ENDUEMENT WITH POWER

Although we have placed this qualification last in

order, it is not because it is least in importance.

Without it, one may have formed an unwavering purpose,

enjoy an unassailable assurance, possess a working

knowledge of the Scriptures, be very prayerful, and

exercise much tact, and yet not be a successful

soul-winner. With it, the value of all this equipment is

immeasurably enhanced.

From the study of the biographies of all great

soul-winners will emerge the fact that in each life there

came a crisis, a new and fuller surrender to the Lord, and

an enduement with power from on high for the discharge of

the ministry entrusted to them. They learned to recognize

in the Holy Spirit Himself their power for service. If you

know little or nothing of His empowering in your

experience, do not rest until it becomes a vital reality in

your life. (Read Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8,10,38; 1 Cor. 2:4,

etc.)

Ponder the marvelous transformation in Peter after he

had been "endued with power from on high." He preached

with a passion, a fearlessness, a convicting power of which

he was previously incapable. His words from then on left

saving impressions on the minds of his hearers. Then, and

then only, did he become the great "fisher of men." Seek

and obtain this enduement, without which your most earnest

endeavors will prove abortive.

@03

I am trusting Thee for power,

Thine can never fail,

Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me

Must prevail.

CHAPTER 3

THE PLACE OF PRAYER IN SOUL-WINNING

HE IS COUNTING ON YOU

He is counting on you!

On a love that will share

In His burden of prayer,

For the souls He has bought

With His life-blood, and sought

Through His sorrow and pain

To win "home" yet again.

He is counting on you!

If you fail Him--

What then?

The worker whose supreme desire and passion is to be used

in co-operation with the Holy Spirit in the winning of men

to Christ, must master in some degree the holy art of

intercession. If the Master wept and prayed over lost

souls, then His servant must do the same. Prayer must ever

occupy a pre-eminent place in the soul-winner's program,

for the salvation of the soul is not a human, but a divine

work. Only through prayer can the power of God be

released.

If prayer, then, occupies so important a place, it

follows that whatever hinders us in its exercise must be

sacrificed. Any price is worth paying which will make us

more powerful in prayer. If God is to answer our prayers,

WE MUST BE SURE THAT WE ARE STANDING ON PRAYING GROUND.

The psalmist warns: "If I regard [cling to] iniquity in my

heart, the Lord WILL NOT HEAR ME" (Ps. 66:18), let alone

answer me. Before we are on true praying ground, we must

have renounced every sin about which the Holy Spirit has

convicted us. Have you done this, or is there a

controversy between your soul and God? You will know when

the last thing has been dealt with.

Then it is necessary that we have a HEART AT LEISURE

FROM ITSELF and its own concerns, a heart that is able to

bear the burden of souls and to travail for them in birth

until the new life is implanted. Listen to the apostle

Paul as he prays, and note how his prayers are all for

others. "I could wish that I myself were accursed from

Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh"

(Rom. 9:3). Mark Epaphras, "always laboring fervently...

in prayers" (Col.4:12). Hear Count Zinzendorf as he prays

for a few girls ranging in age from ten to thirteen whose

spiritual education has become his care. "He observed that

though their demeanor was blameless, and their intellectual

grasp of the truth was satisfactory, yet no evidence of a

heart knowledge of God appeared among them. This weighed

on his soul and led him to earnest intercession for them.

Cultured, wealthy young nobleman that he was, he was not

above taking thought for the spiritual welfare of a few

girls. More intense grew his concern, culminating at last

in a season of such truly energized prayer as produced a

most extraordinary effect." The blessing he desired for

his class came, and much more too, for this was the

beginning of the mighty work among the Moravians, which

bore fruit in their marvelous missionary enterprise.

The soul-winner's prayer will be first for himself,

and then for the soul to be won. For himself he will need

to pray a threefold prayer.

First: for MORAL COURAGE TO SPEAK FOR CHRIST when

opportunity offers. In the world which crucified Christ,

it will never be easy to speak for Him. To some, the fear

of man is an almost insuperable barrier. Is it boldness

you need? Then do as the disciples did--pray! "Grant unto

thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thy

word... And they spake the word with boldness" (Acts

4:29-31). "I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which

strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13). You will be able, after

prayer, to do what you never could have done without it.

Second, for GUIDANCE AS TO WHOM TO APPROACH. To speak

to men indiscriminately and without inspiration and

guidance is often hurtful both to the worker and to those

whom he addresses. It goes without saying that God does

not expect us to speak to everyone we meet, although He

does expect us to be willing so to do. Dr. F. B. Meyer

used to feel constantly burdened in regard to speaking to

everyone he met, until he made it a matter of prayer that

God would show him the ones to whom to speak. The case of

Philip the evangelist is an outstanding example of this.

(See Acts 8:26.) There are many souls with whom we can

come into contact, for whom God has no message at that

moment. If we cultivate the habit of constantly looking to

the Lord for instructions, He will guide us with His eye as

to when to speak and when to keep silent.

Dr. Torrey made a practice of sitting in a double

railway seat, and then prayed that God would bring to his

seat the person whom he could help.

Third, for GUIDANCE AS TO WHAT TO SAY. Let the reader

remember that every soul-winner was once as inexperienced

as he is. If God is calling you to speak to someone, then

surely you can trust Him for the message. He knows what

each case needs, and has given the Holy Spirit for the very

purpose of bringing the right Scriptures to your

remembrance. Trust Him to do it. "He shall bring all

things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto

you" (John 14:26).

The worker's prayer for the soul to be won will also

be threefold.

First, that any INDIFFERENCE OR HOSTILITY MAY BE

BROKEN DOWN and an opening made for delivering the message

of salvation. Unless the Spirit of God precede the worker,

he will try in vain to storm the citadel of the soul.

Persistent, believing prayer has often broken down the most

determined opposition.

Second, that THE SOIL OF THE HEART MAY BE PREPARED FOR

THE SOWING OF THE SEED. This again is the work of the

Spirit of God. "When he, the Spirit of truth is come, he

shall convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of

judgment" (John 16:8). He does His work of conviction in

answer to prayer.

Third, that THE SOUL MAY BE LIBERATED FROM THE POWER

OF SATAN. It is just here that the real battle is fought.

Prayer of this kind is a spiritual warfare. Satan, the

strong man armed of Matthew 12:29, has bound every son of

Adam, and contests their deliverance every inch of the way.

It is by believing prayer alone that the strong man can be

bound and souls delivered. "They overcame him by the blood

of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Rev.

12:11). The prayer warrior must learn how to plead the

victory of Calvary, for the blood of the Lamb has forever

broken the power of the Devil, and robbed him of his prey.

"Real prayer," says Gordon Watt, "is opposing a great

spiritual force to the onslaught of evil, and asking God to

put into operation the work done by His Son on the cross,

which was not only the redemption of man, but the defeat of

the prince of this world." Plead the blood of the Lamb for

the liberation of the soul for whom you pray.

Our praying is likely to be futile unless it is

DEFINITE IN ITS AIM. The marksman is aiming at one spot in

all the wide world. After he has shot, he knows whether or

not he has hit it. Our prayers should be of a similar

order. They should be so definite that we shall know

whether or not they have been answered. We must pray for

definite souls. But for which souls? Here again the Holy

Spirit comes to our aid. OUR PETITIONS SHOULD BE

SPIRIT-TAUGHT. As we wait before God, He will burden our

hearts for certain souls who are within the sphere of our

influence. In Dr. Torrey's first pastorate, God laid on

his heart in this way two persons. He prayed for them

throughout his pastorate, but neither was converted. For

some years he kept on praying for them daily, and when

later conducting a mission in that city both accepted

Christ the same night. His was a Spirit-taught petition.

How appropriate are the words of Scripture: "We know not

what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit helpeth

our infirmities" (Rom. 8:26).

Then too our praying should be SYSTEMATIC. Too often

we pray haphazardly for whatever comes into the mind. "The

Lord is a God of system" (Isa. 30: 18, marg.). His

children should be like Him. System in praying will help

to beget that PERSEVERANCE which is so often conspicuous by

its absence from our prayers. We pray and run away.

"Foolish boys that knock at a door in wantonness," said the

old Puritan, "will not stay till someone cometh to open to

them, but a man that hath business will knock and knock

again until his call is answered." "Knock, and it shall be

opened unto you, for... to him that knocketh [knocks, and

keeps on knocking] IT SHALL BE OPENED" (Luke 11:9,10). Let

us not hang up the receiver before the answer comes over

the heavenly wires. "Men ought always to pray AND NOT TO

FAINT" (Luke 18:1).

But apart from a BELIEVING HEART all the foregoing

conditions may be complied with, and yet no answer be

received. "He that cometh to God MUST BELIEVE" (Heb.

11:6). "But let him ask in faith, NOTHING WAVERING, for he

that wavereth... let not that man think that he shall

receive ANYTHING of the Lord" (James 1:6,7). Count on

God's good faith. Do not grieve and dishonor Him through

disbelieving Him. "He is faithful that promised." Expect

Him to do the unexpected.

The writer knows of no method which is of greater help

in securing definiteness of aim, system, and perseverance

in prayer than the use of the "Throne of Grace Book," of

the One by One Band. It consists almost entirely of blank

pages on which are entered the names of people for whom the

Spirit has impressed the worker to pray, space being left

for the insertion of the date of answer. Anyone can make

his own book of remembrance, and keep these souls

constantly before the Lord in prayer. Begin at once. You

will find that very soon your praying will prepare the way

for witnessing, and you will have the surpassing joy of

entering the date of answer opposite some of the names.

Prayer is God's mightiest instrument in the salvation

of souls, and it is to be doubted if any soul is saved

apart from the believing prayer of some saint. Writing of

his own conversion, Dr. J. Hudson Taylor said: "Little did

I know at that time what was going on in the heart of my

dear mother, 70 or 80 miles away. She rose from the

dinnertable that afternoon with an intense yearning for her

boy's conversion, and feeling that a special opportunity

was afforded her of pleading with God on my behalf, she

went to her room and turned the key in the door, resolved

not to leave that spot until her prayers were answered.

Hour after hour that dear mother pleaded for me, until at

length she could pray no longer, but was constrained to

praise God for that which His Spirit had taught her was

already accomplished--the conversion of her only son.

"When our dear mother came home a fortnight later, I

was the first to meet her at the door, and to tell her I

had such glad news to give. I can almost feel that dear

mother's arms around my neck as she pressed me to her bosom

and said: 'I know, my boy; I have been rejoicing for a

fortnight in the glad tidings you have to tell me.'

"'Why,' I asked in surprise, 'has Amelia broken her

promise? She said she would tell no one.'

"My dear mother assured me that it was not from any

human source that she had learned the tidings, and went on

to tell the little incident above. You will agree with me

that it would be strange indeed if I were not a believer in

the power of prayer."

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

@04

CHAPTER 4

DO'S AND DON'TS FOR THE SOUL-WINNER

The aim of these studies is eminently practical. They

shall have failed of their purpose if many readers are not

stirred to engage in this most fascinating and fruitful

form of Christian service. The need of a genuine concern

for souls and the necessary qualifications of a

soul-winner, have been passed under review. The next step

is to be found in 2 Samuel 3:18: "Now then, do it." The

art can be learned in no other way.

"Soul-saving is a divine art," says Dr. T. C. Horton.

"Men are not born soul-savers, but are made. There is a

widespread misapprehension in the minds of most Christians

concerning responsibility for this work. Christians seem

to think that SOME people are called to this work, but that

the obligation is not universal; that it is work which one

MAY DO or not do, as they choose. This is false,

unscriptural, and illogical. Soul-saving is the greatest

work in the world, and is committed to every believer. All

may have the joy of doing it who GIVE THEMSELVES to it, and

all who fail to do it are recreant to a holy trust, and

will be the poorer throughout eternity." If this be true,

now then, do it.

1. DO BELIEVE GOD'S PROMISE OF WISDOM (James 1:5).

Many hold back from this work because they feel so

ill-equipped to engage in it, and are sure that they will

never succeed. But has the faithful God not said: "If any

of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all

men liberally... and it shall be given him"? Can you not

trust Him to keep His word? Often stammering words,

prompted by a genuine concern, achieve more than an

eloquent discourse. Even if we seem to fail, God can bless

our blunders as the following story shows.

Dr. L. G. Broughton once said to an ignorant member of

his congregation: "Why don't you speak to someone about

Jesus Christ?"

"I will," he said. He walked down the aisle and sat

beside a brilliant young lawyer. "Do you want to go to

Heaven when you die?" he commenced.

"I don't know whether I do or not," answered the man.

"All right, then, go to Hell." He rose and left him.

Needless to say, the lawyer was piqued, but the shaft

went home. When visiting Dr. Broughton a few days later he

confessed: "I hate to acknowledge it, but that remark of

that blundering fool of yours kept ringing in my ears, and

I could not get rid of it. At last I got down on my knees,

and said: 'Lord, give me the faith of that blundering fool

who made me so mad,' and JESUS SAVED ME."

They went together to the home of the "blundering

fool," and, with tears streaming down his face, the lawyer

wrung his hand, saying: "You are the man who led me to

Christ."

I am not COMMENDING his method of approach, but I do

contend that the result certainly atoned for his faulty

method. Are you willing to be a blundering fool for

Christ?

2. DO CLAIM DELIVERANCE FROM THE FEAR OF MAN. It is

essential that the soul-winner should lose the fear of man.

A former employer of the writer, a Christian lawyer, was a

fearless personal worker. One day, feeling my bondage to

the fear of man, I ventured to ask him if he had always

been bold in this work. He replied that he had been as

timid as anyone, until one day he could stand it no longer.

He fell on his knees with his Bible open at Psalm 34:4: "I

sought the Lord, and he heard me and DELIVERED ME FROM ALL

MY FEARS." "Lord, you did this for David," he prayed; "do

it for me now." From that moment his timidity was replaced

by a holy boldness. So long as we are in bondage to the

opinions of the world, our work will be circumscribed and

hampered. There are many who fail to engage in aggressive

soul-winning through fear of being thought peculiar. Do

claim deliverance from this satanic fear. God will give a

full deliverance to the most timid and fearful soul who

dares to claim it.

3. DO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR OPPORTUNITIES. I have

found myself surrounded with opportunities WHEN WILLING TO

SEIZE THEM, but when I was unwilling, no opportunities

seemed to present themselves. Doubtless, there were just

as many opportunities, but I was blind to them. We can be

so occupied with what we consider "bigger things" that we

neglect to speak to our milkman, baker, butcher, or maid.

The following confession by a missionary secretary

appeared some years ago in THE MISSIONARY REVIEW OF THE

WORLD: "I was helping to get up a big Convention, and was

full of enthusiasm over making the session a success. On

the opening day, my aged father, who came as a delegate to

the Convention, sat with me at luncheon at the hotel. He

listened sympathetically to my glowing accounts of the

great features that were to be. When I paused for breath,

he leaned toward me and said, while his eye followed the

stately movements of the head waiter: 'Daughter, I think

that big head waiter over there is going to accept Jesus

Christ. I've been talking to him about his soul' I almost

gasped. I had been too busy planning for a great

missionary convention. I had no time to think of the soul

of the head waiter.

When we went out to my apartment, a Negro man was

washing the apartment windows. Jim was honest and

trustworthy, and had been a most satisfactory helper in my

home. Only a few moments passed before I heard my father

talking earnestly with Jim about his personal salvation,

and a swift accusation went to my heart as I realized that

I had known Jim for years, and had never said a word to him

of salvation.

"A carpenter came in to repair a door. I awaited his

going with impatience to sign his work ticket, for my

ardent soul longed to be back at my missionary task. Even

as I waited I heard my father talking with the man about

the door he had just fixed, and then simply and naturally

leading the conversation to the only door into the Kingdom

of God.

"A Jew lives across the street. I had thought that

possibly I would call on the folks who lived in the

neighborhood--some time--but I had my hands so full of

missionary work the calls had never been made; but, as they

met on the street, my father talked with my neighbor of the

only Savior of the world.

"A friend took us out to ride. I waited for my father

to get into the car, but in a moment he was up beside the

chauffeur, and in a few minutes I heard him talking

earnestly with the man about the way of salvation. When we

reached home he said: 'You know, I was afraid I might never

have another chance to speak to that man.'

"The wife of a prominent railway man took him out to

ride in her elegant limousine. 'I am glad she asked me to

go,' for it gave me an opportunity of talking with her

about her salvation. I think no one had ever talked with

her before.'

"Yet these opportunities had come to me also, and had

passed by as ships in the night, while I strained my eyes

to catch sight of a larger sail on a more distant horizon.

I could but question my own heart whether my passion was

for souls, or for success in getting up conventions."

Comment is needless. We are surrounded by

opportunities--in our homes, in the church, in the Sunday

school, among our friends, relatives, neighbors, employees,

fellow workmen, on trains or cars, in parks or on the

streets, if only we are willing to avail ourselves of them.

DO improve your opportunities.

4. DO PURPOSE TO WIN ONE SOUL. You might well shrink

from the task if you were asked to win twenty souls; but

could you not win one? Have you ever honestly tried this?

Don't say, "I can't!" for God never requires us to do

something we can't do. Ask the Lord to lay one soul upon

your heart, and then lay yourself out to win that one.

Incalculable possibilities lie in this purpose.

Dwight L. Moody, who later became the great

evangelist, was reared in a Unitarian environment, went to

Boston at an early age, was induced to join a Sunday school

class, and was led to a definite acceptance of Christ

through the faithful personal persuasion of the teacher of

that class. When Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, he brought

through Peter 3,000 souls on the day of Pentecost; and when

Edward Kimball brought Moody to Jesus, he brought, through

Moody, a million souls to Christ, and by that much moved

the whole world Godward. One soul is worth it all, but

infinite possibilities are wrapped up in EVERY soul.

But consider the negative side. Joseph Smith, who

later became the leader of the Mormon Church, lived in a

neglected home in a certain country community. A farmer on

his way to church passed that home every Sunday, but he

never asked the poor lad to accompany him, or even to

attend Sunday school. The sad consequences of that failure

will never be blotted out. Unnumbered lives have been

blighted and homes ruined. Oh, the tragedy of failure!

In EVERY community there are potential Moodys,

potential Spurgeons, and also, alas, POTENTIAL JOSEPH

SMITHS! There may be one or the other IN YOUR OWN HOME, or

in your neighbor's home. Do seek to win at least one soul

for your Lord.

In order to crystallize this purpose for you, will

you, or will you not, here and now append your name to the

following suggested pledge?

WIN ONE SOUL

I will seek, with God's help, to win one

soul each year, and endeavor to get them

to do the same.

Name........................

SOME DON'TS

1. DON'T LET IT BE APPARENT THAT YOU ARE A PERSONAL

WORKER. Conceal your hook. If you are using tracts, hide

them.

2. DON'T ATTEMPT TO DEAL WITH MORE THAN ONE SOUL AT A

TIME. Get your "prospect" alone, or he will never open his

heart to you and disclose his real difficulty.

3. DON'T BE DRAWN INTO AN ARGUMENT. you will most

likely be side-tracked from your main objective if you do.

Few have been argued into salvation. Duncan Mathieson

tells how, in his unregenerate days, an earnest Christian

used to speak to him about his soul. This friend was very

staunch concerning his denominational tenets, and, in order

to avoid a pointed talk about salvation, Mathieson used to

attack his views on these matters, and the old man at once

brought forth arguments to prove his views were right, and

doubtless succeeded in defeating his opponent's arguments;

but this was much to Mathieson's liking. He had escaped

the personal talk about the condition of his soul. Keep

your man pinned to his personal responsibility to Christ.

4. DON'T ATTRACT ATTENTION TO YOURSELF or your

experience. Seek to attract souls to your Lord.

5. DON'T MONOPOLIZE THE CONVERSATION. If your man has

a lot to say, give him a patient hearing. You will be

better able to deal with him if you know his viewpoint. He

will come to an end of his talking sooner or later, and

then your chance will come.

6. DON'T AS A RULE DEAL WITH PERSONS OF THE OPPOSITE

SEX. If possible pass them over to some worker of the same

sex. It is not becoming for a young man or a young woman

to be always looking for a person of the opposite sex to

deal with.

7. DON'T AS A RULE CHOOSE A PERSON MUCH YOUR SENIOR TO

DEAL WITH. Of course, there are exceptions to both this

and the previous "don't".

8. DON'T RELY ON YOUR OWN ABILITY, powers of

persuasion, or knowledge of the Scriptures. Maintain an

attitude of constant dependence on the Holy Spirit to wield

His sword.

9. DON'T MULTIPLY TEXTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. Have THREE

or FOUR texts which reveal the need and the remedy, with

one or two pertinent illustrations. Answer difficulties

from the Word rather than from your own experience.

10. DON'T BE UNDULY FAMILIAR with your inquirer.

Avoid putting hand on shoulder or arm around him, as it

sometimes arouses resentment.

11. DON'T BECOME IMPATIENT, even if cause has been

given. Return good for evil.

12. DON'T BREAK IN WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS DEALING WITH A

SOUL. Never interrupt at such a moment of crisis. You may

feel you could do far better, and perhaps that is so, but

this is not the time for you to do it. Do not even stand

by. Similarly, do not allow others to interrupt you.

13. DON'T HURRY OR DO SHODDY WORK. "He that believeth

shall not make haste." (Isa. 28:16).

14. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED by apparent failure. Pray

and think over every case in which you fail, asking the

Lord to show you how to deal with a similar case next time.

Thus your failures may become stepping-stones. In any

case, the Word of God never fails.

15. DON'T FORGET that your only weapons are "the Sword

of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17); and the weapon of "all prayer"

(Eph. 6:18). Make full use of both.

@05

The value of one soul, O Lord,

Teach me to see; and as Thy Word

Assures me of the awful fate

Which doth the Christless soul await,

Oh, may I wrestle and prevail

With God and men, like Israel.

Give me Thy tenderness and tact,

Guide every thought and word and act,

And cause me so to do my part

To reach the hard or longing heart,

That men to Thee, O Christ, may turn,

More of Thy tenderness to learn.

--Estelle Edmeades

CHAPTER 5

AN OLD TESTAMENT ILLUSTRATION AND A NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLE

My brother, I do not know how any Christian Service

is to be fruitful if the servant is not primarily baptized

in the spirit of a suffering compassion. We can never heal

the wounds we do not feel. Tearless hearts can never be

heralds of the passion. We must bleed if we would be

ministers of the saving blood. "Put on, therefore, as God's

elect, a heart of compassion."

--J. H. Jowett,D.D.

THE OLD TESTAMENT ILLUSTRATION

The word WIN used so frequently in connection with the theme

of these studies, may legitimately be applied to the

captivating of human affections. The figure of the

bridegroom wooing and winning his bride is elevated to the

spiritual realm by the apostle Paul, who speaks of the

believer as one who is married to another," even to Christ

(Rom. 7:4). No more beautiful illustration of the work of

the soul-winner can be found in Holy Writ than the winning

of Rebekah for Isaac by Eliezer, Abraham's servant. The

delicate task entrusted to ELIEZER--THAT OF WINNING A BRIDE

FOR ISAAC--has a present-day parallel in the task of the

Christian worker who seeks to win for Christ a bride. Let

us study this servant and his methods as recounted in

Genesis 24, first reading the chapter through.

I. HIS QUALIFICATIONS

1. He was born in Abraham's house (Gen 15:3), and

thus had AN INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS MASTER, AND OF HIS

PLANS for Isaac, his only son. The soul-winner too must,

through close and intimate fellowship with God, enter into

His purposes for His only Son.

2. His whole life was unreservedly YIELDED TO THE

SERVICE OF THE ONE WHO SUPPLANTED HIM, for Eliezer would

have been heir to all Abraham's wealth had Isaac not been

born (cf. Gen 15:2-4; 24:36, with John 3:30).

II. HIS MISSION

1. ABRAHAM REVEALED TO HIM HIS SECRET PURPOSE to

obtain a wife for his son, and God has similarly given us to

know His secret purpose for His only begotten (Acts 15:14).

2. ELIEZER RECEIVED DEFINITE INSTRUCTIONS where to

go, and where not to go. It was useless to go where the

chosen bride was not. He was not bound to approach EVERY

young woman he met. So the soul-winner is not called upon

to speak to EVERY person who crosses his path, but only to

those to whom he is directed by the Holy Spirit.

Willingness to press the claims of Christ on anyone,

anywhere, together with an attentive ear to the guidance of

the Spirit, will bring the worker into a glorious liberty in

this work.

3. HE WAS ROBBED OF ALL HONOR, BUT FREED OF ALL

RESPONSIBILITY. An angel was to precede him (v.7), who

would prepare the heart of the chosen bride for the

favorable reception of the message--a gracious ministry

fulfilled for the soul-winner by the Holy Spirit. In the

event of the woman being unwilling to accompany him after he

had given the invitation, he was freed from all

responsibility (v.8). Our responsibility extends only to

the faithful delivery of God's message.

III. HIS ATTITUDE

1. HE DID NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE DIFFICULTY of

persuading a woman to go with him, a stranger, to be the

bride of one whom she had never seen. He knew the gain and

glory of being a bride of Isaac, but she had no such

knowledge. So the Christian worker knows the unsearchable

riches of Christ; but as he has nothing to appeal to the

senses of his "prospect," he sometimes fears that his Master

will meet with rejection. It is just here that he must rely

on the ministry of the angel.

2. HE PROPOSED A CARNAL EXPEDIENT--to take Isaac

with him. Abraham indignantly rejected the proposal (v.6).

Isaac had to be offered to the woman in a verbal message by

the chosen messenger. Sometimes the Word of God seems

painfully inadequate to lure a soul away from the world to

Christ. Yet, when this sword is wielded in the power of the

Spirit, it is "quick and powerful." It is still true that

"faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

3. HIS DEPENDENCE ON THE ANGEL DID NOT CUT THE

NERVE OF HIS OWN ENDEAVORS. He prayed and acted as though

all depended on him. He knew that God had chosen Isaac's

bride, but he still prayed that he might be led to the one

of God's choice, and put himself in the way of God's

leading. He ventured forth in faith. "I, being in the way,

the Lord led me." The pilot cannot guide the ship while it

is moored to the wharf.

4. HE SUBORDINATED HIS OWN COMFORT AND INTERESTS to

those of his master. He never obtruded himself. He speaks

of "my master" (vv. 12,27,34). He would not so much as

satisfy his hunger till he had unburdened his heart (v.33).

The lesson is obvious.

IV. HIS METHOD

1. HE PRAYED before he made the proposal (v.12),

and during the negotiations (v.26), nor did he forget to

praise God as he saw his prayers being answered (v.15).

2. HE DELIVERED HIS MESSAGE CLEARLY AND SIMPLY.

Abraham had one wonderful son, on whom he had bestowed all

his wealth. He desired a bride for his son, and Rebekah was

the bride of divine choice. Would she consent? "The Father

loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand."

The worker's task is to present clearly and winsomely the

facts of the Gospel, in order to induce souls to accept the

Son.

3. HE USED NO UNDUE PRESSURE, although he was most

anxious for the answer to be "Yes." He left that to the

angel. There is always a thrilling pause when a soul is

brought to the point of decision for Christ, but it is the

work of the Spirit to draw that soul to say "Yes" to Christ.

The wise worker will not force a decision. Eliezer even

tarried a whole night to give her time to reflect on the

offer. (Doubtless he spent most of it in prayer.) He was

well rewarded for an anxious night when she responded: "I

will go."

4. HE EXPECTED SUDDEN SUCCESS. Less than a day had

elapsed before the bride was on her way to meet Isaac! But

she had opposition. Her mother and brother wanted her to

stay at least ten months. Eliezer would not hear of it.

"Hinder me not!" Satan is the prince of delays, but a soul

is too precious to win and nearly lose again. Expect sudden

conversions.

Our last glimpse of Eliezer is in communion with

his Isaac (v.56). He has fulfilled his mission. He has

brought the bride to the bridegroom. He gives an account of

the way he had been prospered, and then fades out of the

picture, leaving Isaac alone with Rebekah. When we are

granted success in our mission, let us emulate his

self-effacement.

THE NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLE

Has it ever occurred to you that the greater part

of the harvest of our Lord's earthly ministry was

hand-gathered fruit? Seven out of the eleven apostles, and

probably the other four as well, were won by individual

appeal. In both Matthew and John, at least SIXTEEN PRIVATE

INTERVIEWS are recorded for our instruction. Surely this is

sufficient evidence that the Master considered personal

soul-winning as of primary importance. In this, as in

everything else, He is our Exemplar.

Christ was THE MASTER SOUL-WINNER. Knowing, as He

did, what was in man (John 2:25), and the workings of the

human mind which He had fashioned, His methods in dealing

with various classes will be of the greatest interest and

importance to His followers. Let us learn some lessons from

Him.

1. HE WAS NOT CLASS-CONSCIOUS. He had

conversations with the ruling class, e.g., Nicodemus and the

young ruler. He conversed with businessmen, men of the

middle class, e.g., Zaccheus. But He did not neglect to

deal with the outcasts, e.g., the woman of Samaria. He gave

of His very best to each class.

2. HE MADE A TACTFUL APPROACH. It was His frequent

habit to commence with some point of common interest, from

which He could lead the conversation on to spiritual

realities. His question to the leper was: "Wilt thou be

made whole?"--a matter of burning interest. He met

Nicodemus on the ground of his interest in the Kingdom of

God. He led the conversation with the woman of Samaria from

well water to living water. He told fisherman Peter that He

would make him a fisher of men.

3. HE COMMENDED RATHER THAN CONDEMNED. Honest

commendation is one of the quickest avenues of approach into

the human heart. Our Lord doubtless perceived many defects

in the character of Nathanael, but He opened the

conversation by commending him on his freedom from guile.

Probably nothing will more quickly dissipate prejudice than

this approach. Condemnation always alienates and closes the

heart against further advances.

4. HE CONSTANTLY ILLUSTRATED His talks with simple

parables which were within the range of knowledge of His

auditors. One of the evangelists said that "without a

parable spake he not unto them."

5. HE REFUSED TO BE DRAWN INTO PROFITLESS ARGUMENT.

When faced with an argumentative lawyer who demanded an

answer to his quibbling question: "Who is my neighbor?" the

Lord so completely disarmed him with the parable of the Good

Samaritan, that he had no further argument to present. He

refused to be side-tracked from the main issue.

6. HE WEPT AND PRAYED over the souls of men,

believing that unless He sowed in tears He would not reap in

joy. He gladly inconvenienced Himself if He could only be a

blessing to someone.

7. HE NEVER FAILED TO MAKE A PERSONAL APPLICATION

OF HIS TEACHINGS. In inducing her friends to come to see

Christ, the woman of Samaria said: "Come, see a man who

told me all things that ever I did." To Nicodemus He said:

"Ye must be born again."

8. HIS BLAMELESS LIFE constituted the power of His

spoken testimony.

AN EXAMPLE

In concluding this study, a representative

illustration of our Lord's method is given in the words of

Robert Lee, of the OUTLINED BIBLE.

THE CASE--The Woman of Samaria (John 4)

(a) Adulteress.

(b) Sensitive, not shameless. This is seen

in her going at noon, when no one in the East thinks of

going for water.

(c) Religious formalist.

(d) Proud of her descent (v.12)

(e) Frivolous (v.15). She had a tongue

quick to turn grave things into jests.

THE METHOD

(a) He went out of His way.

(b) He was not bound by conventionality.

"Let no one talk with a woman in the street; no, not with

his own wife" (Rabbis).

(c) Acted circumspectly. Did not arrange

to meet her at dusk, but at noon.

(d) Put Himself to inconvenience to meet

her.

(e) He was tactful.

Did not interview her in the presence of

others.

Did not reproach or scold her.

He asked a favor.

Sought to teach spiritual truth through

homely metaphor.

After a while ceased to beat about the bush

(v.16), getting into close quarters.

He refused to be diverted (vv.19,20).

Yet He did not ignore the point she had

raised (v.21).

It is interesting to notice further the barriers

which the woman raised in self-defense. The sex barrier

(v.9). The racial barrier (v.9). The religious barrier

(vv.19,20). But the Lord ruthlessly demolished them all,

and exposed her heart to her own gaze. She tried in every

way possible to avoid the issue, but Christ kept her to it.

She appealed to her ancestry (v.12), told a half-truth in an

endeavor to conceal her guilt (v.17), concurred in what He

said and endeavored to flatter Him (v.17); but in each case

He brought her back to her guilt and need.

The culmination of the interview is seen in verses

25, 26--the revelation of Himself as the Messiah--the sole

objective of all personal work.

@06

When I am dying how glad I shall be

That the lamp of my life has been blazed out for

Thee.

I shall be glad in whatever I gave,

Labor, or money, one sinner to save;

I shall not mind that the path has been rough,

That Thy dear feet led the way is enough.

When I am dying how glad I shall be,

That the lamp of my life has been blazed out for

Thee.

CHAPTER 6

OPPORTUNITY, APPROACH, AND DIAGNOSIS

I. OPPORTUNITY

All our natural endowments, all our

personal histories, all our contrasted

circumstances, are so many opportunities

for peculiar work.

--Bishop Wescott

Although this theme has already been briefly

mentioned in a previous study, it is deserving of more

particular treatment.

In the studio of an ancient Greek sculptor stood a

rather peculiar piece of work. It was a statue, the hair of

whose head was thrown around to cover the face; on each foot

there was a wing, and the statue was standing on its toes.

The visitor asked for its name, and the sculptor said it was

"Opportunity."

"Why is its face veiled?" he asked.

"Because men seldom know her when she comes to

them," was the reply.

"And why does she stand upon her toes, and why the

wings?"

"Because," said the sculptor, "when once she is

gone, she can never be overtaken."

A great Christian worker entered a store and

'something' said: "Speak to the clerk; speak to the clerk!"

Instead of doing it he went out. But the voice kept

speaking for an hour, and at last he went back and asked for

the clerk. The proprietor said: "We had an awful tragedy

here a few minutes ago. Immediately after you went out the

clerk that waited on you went into the back room and shot a

bullet through his brain. He is back there now if you wish

to see him."

Thus was opportunity irretrievably lost--and with

what eternal consequences. Our path is bestrewn with

opportunities, most of which are unseen or unembraced.

"While thy servant was busy here and there, the man was

gone."

1. IN THE HOME. A friend, anxious to serve her

Lord, saw in the man who came to blow out her gas meter a

candidate for eternity, pressed on him the claims of Christ,

and had the joy of leading him to her Lord. Another friend

saw and seized a similar opportunity with the milkman who

came weekly to collect her account, with a similar blessed

result. Have you no such opportunities? And what about

your own children? Have you improved the numberless

opportunities you have had of definitely leading them to the

feet of the Savior? In 2 Kings 5:1-5 we are told how a

housemaid brought salvation to the home of the Syrian

General. Lord Shaftsbury was led to Christ through one of

his housemaids. Andrew brought his own brother Peter to

Christ. The home circle has a prior claim on our witness.

2. IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL OR BIBLE CLASS. It is not

sufficient to put the way of salvation before the class in

general. It is the teacher's privilege and duty to lovingly

press the claims of Christ on the individual scholar, not in

the presence of others, but perhaps at the teacher's home.

What a joy it would be to win your whole class for Christ.

One leader known to the writer recently began a Bible class

for his schoolboys. Today thirty of them have been won for

Christ.

3. AT AFTERNOON TEA-PARTIES. "I am not satisfied

with our At Homes," said one lady to another. "We talk of

our neighbors, the latest picture or book, but surely it is

a great waste of time. Why should we not pray over our

callers and then set to work to bring some better influence

to bear on them." Next day, amid the rustle of silks and

mingled odors of flowers, there somehow came to be felt a

consciousness of God which made talking about Him perfectly

natural. Nor was it surprising that one should have said:

"We have stayed an unconscionable time today, but one seldom

gets a talk like this, and one hungers for it without

knowing it." Few see such openings on social occasions.

4. IN THE CHURCH. An invitation from the preacher

for any who desire conversation on spiritual matters to meet

him in the vestry, has been a fruitful method of

soul-winning. A wise and winsome inquiry as to how they

enjoyed the service, by a member of the congregation, may

reveal the fact that the stranger is anxious to converse on

spiritual topics.

5. IN TRAVEL. Buses, trains, and boats, will each

provide the zealous soul-winner with opportunities of making

his Master known. Sir George Williams, founder of the YMCA,

when crossing the Atlantic, made a point of speaking to

every soul on board from captain to stoker, from card-player

in the smoking room to emigrant in the steerage, and the

remarkable thing is that he could never recollect a single

instance when he received a rude or mocking retort. The

writer has had many remarkable experiences and evidence of

God's leading in conversation with fellow travelers, or with

others when waiting for trains.

D. L. Moody made it the practice of his life to

speak to men on the streetcars. It is related of him that

in thus dealing with a man on a Detroit streetcar, he asked

him the question: "Are you a Christian?" The man answered:

"No, sir, but I wish I were." Mr. Moody there and then led

the man to Christ.

6. AMONG YOUR OWN CLASS. A soldier can most

effectively reach a soldier, or a society woman one of her

own class. An invalid would have a fine point of contact

with another shut-in, and a nurse with a nurse.

II. APPROACH

The soul-winner should covet and cultivate an easy

manner of approach to religious subjects, for it requires

tact and skill to turn the conversation from secular to

sacred subjects. He must be always ready to converse about

Christ, and a few suggestions as to how best to do this

follow.

Be natural in manner and in tone of voice. Let it

be seen that your religion forms a joyous part of your

everyday life. Some onlookers at an open-air service a few

days ago remarked: "They don't seem to get very much kick

out of it." Let us show by our manner that we enjoy Christ.

Study the art of diverting conversation to

spiritual topics as did Jesus with the woman of Samaria. A

few days ago a student was taking a photograph of the

"LURLINE" as she lay alongside the wharf. A youth standing

near volunteered the statement, "I suppose she's as safe as

Hell." The student immediately asked him if he considered

Hell safe, diverted the conversation into spiritual

channels, and led him to Christ.

A man was endeavoring to sell a stain-remover to a

Christian housewife. After buying it (an important element

in the approach), she said: "I know something which will

remove stains too." "What is that?" he inquired. The door

was now open and she replied, "The blood of Jesus Christ."

Have something to offer, whether it be a tract, an

invitation to a service, or a Gospel. Supposing the tract

were "God's Way of Salvation," the person could be

approached thus: "Would you mind accepting a little booklet

to read?" spoken with a cheery smile. "It tells God's way

of salvation. Do you know God's way of salvation?" "I'm

not sure if I do." "Would you mind if I told you?" If the

tract were "The Reason Why," the worker could say: "This

little booklet tells the reason why no one can afford to be

without Christ. I wonder if you know Christ as your

personal Savior. Do you?" In this way it is easy to enter

on a conversation which may lead to the salvation of a soul.

It is often helpful to put the person under some

obligation to you, such as by lending your newspaper on the

train, or doing some other little service which will create

a spirit of comradeship.

Sometimes the direct question, "Are you a

Christian?" leads to a successful conversation. This was

the usual method adopted by Uncle John Vassar, a wonderful

soul-winner who was a member of Dr. A. J. Gordon's church in

Boston. On one occasion he addressed this question to two

ladies. "Certainly," they replied.

"Have you been born again?" he asked.

"This is Boston," said the ladies, "and you know we

don't believe in that doctrine here."

He immediately produced his Bible and showed what

God has to say on the subject. In a short time they were on

their knees. That evening one of the ladies told her

husband of her encounter with Uncle John Vassar.

"I wish I had been there," said the man.

"What would you have done?" asked his wife.

"I would have told him to go about his business."

"But if you had been there, you would have said he

WAS about his business."

III. DIAGNOSIS

The first task of the physician is correctly to

diagnose the case, or his prescription will be at random.

So with the soul-physician. The doctor asks questions so

couched as to reveal the inward condition, and the doctor of

souls must do the same. The questions at first may be

general, but must proceed to the particular. Is he a

backslider, a non-witnessing Christian, ignorant of the

simple plan of salvation, ensnared by some cult, clinging to

some sin, skeptical, or hindered by some honest

difficulties? This can be found out only by careful

questioning. Commence by saying: "Have you ever made a

decision for Christ?" If the answer is in the affirmative,

next ascertain whether he was really born again. If the

answer is again in the affirmative, inquire what has led to

his present unsatisfactory condition. But if, on the other

hand, it has been merely a "decision," deal as though the

person was unconverted, and lead him to Christ. In

subsequent chapters, instruction will be given as to how to

deal with those who have been ensnared by cults, have honest

difficulties, or make dishonest excuses.

The following story related by Howard W. Pope shows

the importance of correct diagnosis. Let me give it in his

words. "I was asked to speak to a certain man in an inquiry

meeting in Northfield. Before I reached him, another worker

began to talk to him, and I turned to others. Later I saw

the other worker leaving him, and approaching him I said:

'Have you settled the great question?' 'No,' said the other

worker, 'he is going away unsaved because he will not give

his heart to God.' 'What is the trouble?' I inquired. I

soon surmised that it was not a case of stubborn

unwillingness to yield to Christ, but rather a lack of

confidence in his ability to make the surrender real. I

told him that if he would surrender, Christ would enable him

to make the surrender good. I then suggested that we kneel,

and that he follow me sentence by sentence while I led in

prayer. He said he did not know whether he could honestly

do it. 'Follow me as far as you can and then stop,' I

replied. He consented, and we knelt down together and I led

him in a committal to Christ as strong and complete as I

knew how to make it, going cautiously, of course, at first,

but making it stronger as I saw his willingness to follow.

When we arose, he told the first person he met that he had

accepted Christ as his Savior." The first worker failed

because he had made a false diagnosis, mistaking the man's

lack of confidence for stubborn willfulness.

The diagnosis, of course, must be followed by the

prescribing of the appropriate remedy, which subject will

engage us in the next chapter.

@07

CHAPTER 7

HOW TO DEAL WITH VARIOUS CLASSES

We now turn to the actual work of dealing with both the

professedly converted and the unconverted. Let us first

think of the former class.

I. CONVERTED PERSONS.

Those with whom you will come in contact who need

personal dealing, may be divided into two main classes:

those who are open backsliders, and those whose Christian

experience is unsatisfactory.

1. OPEN BACKSLIDERS. It is assumed that you have made

sure that the person with whom you are dealing was

genuinely converted, and are satisfied as to whether he is

a possessor or merely a professor.

If the person DOES NOT SEEM ANXIOUS TO RETURN to the

Lord, and shows no real sorrow, although at times he longs

for "the good old days," use Jeremiah 2:5,13,17,19, showing

the ingratitude, bitterness, and folly of his longer

pursuing his godless way. Bring him face to face with the

inevitable issues of his conduct in the life to come. Use

also 1 Kings 11:9; Amos 4:11; Luke 11:24; 2 Peter 2:20-22.

If, however, the person manifests a GENUINE SORROW FOR

SIN AND DESIRE TO RETURN to the Lord, it is a great joy to

bring the healing balm of the Scriptures to his sad heart.

Note how gently the Lord dealt with penitent Peter: "Go and

tell my disciples AND PETER." Let us, too, be gentle in

our dealing.

Our first task is to assure him of God's willingness

to receive all who return to Him. Use Hosea 14:1-4 with

its joyous promise of restoration. Luke 15:11-24 has been

wonderfully used in encouraging wanderers to return from

the far country.

NEXT get him down on his knees and compel a full and

unvarnished confession and forsaking of sin (Jer. 3:13;

1 John 1:9). This is absolutely essential to restoration.

Then show that if he has done his part--confessing,

acknowledging, and forsaking his sin--God has done His

part, forgiving, cleansing, and restoring. Get him to

thank God for having received him back into His fellowship.

In some cases it may induce brokenness to go through

Psalm 51 with the inquirer.

2. THOSE WHOSE CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN

UNSATISFACTORY. First ascertain the reason. The causes of

spiritual decline are much the same in most cases: neglect

of prayer, Bible reading, or witnessing, worldliness,

indulgence of sin or doubt, no assurance of salvation, no

victory over sin.

(a) NEGLECT OF PRAYER--a sadly common neglect among

Christians, and probably, along with neglect of the Bible,

the most fruitful cause of backsliding. Some time ago the

writer met a fine young man, truly converted and anxious to

go on for God, and yet who was making no progress. In

response to a question he admitted that he did not

regularly read and pray. On having the part which prayer

and Bible reading play in the Christian life explained to

him, he said: "I did not know, and no one ever told me that

this was necessary to growth in the Christian life." It

was touching to hear him pray as though God had given him a

great revelation. Never take it for granted that the young

convert will automatically read and pray. Instruct him on

this point. Endeavor to find the reason for the lack of

prayer and suggest possible causes (James 4:2). Show the

value of a quiet time (Matt. 6:6). Quote Christ's example

(Matt. 14:13,23; Mark 1:35), as well as that of other

saints (Ps. 55:17; Dan. 6:10; Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18).

(b) NEGLECT OF THE BIBLE. Show the place the Bible

must ever hold in the life of the happy Christian. Ask why

it is that it seems so difficult to find time for Bible

reading and prayer, and yet time is found for everything

else. Suggest that the reason is that the Devil knows if

he can prevent this he will paralyze the whole of the

believer's life of service. Use 1 Peter 2:2; James

1:21,22; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; a passage which shows the part

the Bible plays in saving from error and equipping for

service; Psalm 119:9,130, one of the secrets of victory;

Psalm 1:1,2; John 5:38,39; Acts 17:11; John 8:31.

(c) NEGLECT IN WITNESSING. In many cases the real joy

of salvation is never experienced until open confession has

been made. Ascertain if the inquirer has ever done this,

and if he is still witnessing. If not, show that this is

the cause of the unsatisfactory experience. One who is

ashamed of Jesus cannot be happy. Use Romans 10:9,10;

Matthew 10:32,33. Witnessing is part of the believer's

duty as well as his privilege. If the reason of nonwitness

is fear of ridicule or persecution, use John 12:42,43.

Encourage personal work with Daniel 12:3; Proverbs 11:30;

Philippians 4:13.

(d) COMPROMISE WITH THE WORLD. Since James 4:4 is

true and "friendship with the world is enmity with God," it

naturally follows that the Christian who is on good terms

with the world is not on good terms with God, and VICE

VERSA. God has commanded us to be separate from the world

and not to love it (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; Matt.

6:24; Luke 8:14). Bring the inquirer to the point where he

will make a definite and final break with the world (1 Cor.

6:19,20; 8:13; Col.3:17; 1Tim. 4:6; 1Cor.6:12).

(e) ENSLAVED BY SIN. A man in one of Moody's meetings

said he would like to come, but he was chained and couldn't

come. A Scotsman said to him: "Aye, man, why don't you

come, chain and all?" He said: "I never thought of that."

The One who saved from the guilt of sin is able to save

from its enslaving power (Rom.6:11; 1 Cor.15:57).

(f) NO ASSURANCE OF SALVATION. The cause of this may

ge ignorance. Many have no idea that a believer can,

before he dies, know with certainty that he is saved. With

this class of person, use 1 John 5:10-13, stressing the

last verse. Also John 1:12; 3:36; 5:24; and Acts 13:39.

Make clear what believing on Christ really means, and make

sure that this saving belief is present.

Sometimes, however, the lack of assurance is due to

tolerated sin. In such a case, find out what is hindering,

press for a confession, and assurance will generally

result. Use Isaiah 55:7; John 8:12; Psalm 32:1-5.

A very general cause of lack of assurance is a

dependence on feeling. Sometimes the inquirer feels saved,

but at other times he is sure he is not saved. The task of

the worker is to induce him to cease from looking at his

own inward feelings and to rest on the sure Word of God.

Tell him that God's unchanging Word is far more trustworthy

than his fickle feelings. Use such a verse as John 3:36,

calling attention to the fact that "believing" is assuredly

followed by "having" eternal life. Romans 8:1 and John

5:24 assure that for the believer judgment is past.

Eternal life is given, and cannot be taken away. John

10:28,29 and Exodus 12:1-13 have been much used in this

connection. The sprinkled blood ensured safety while the

Word of the Lord believed assured of safety. An old lady,

full of joyous confidence, was asked: "But suppose Christ

should let you slip through His fingers?" She replied at

once: "But I AM one of His fingers." There is no

possibility of the true believer being separated from the

love of Christ (Rom.8:38,39). Do not let the inquirer go

until he can say with absolute assurance: "I know that I

have eternal life."

II. UNCONVERTED PERSONS

These may be considered under five headings:

1. ANXIOUS OR INTERESTED. What a joy it is to the

zealous personal worker to come across someone anxious to

be saved. Some time ago a man came to the door of the

Bible Training Institute, weeping so much that a minute

elapsed before he could tell us his errand. "Have you a

Bible here?" he inquired. "Certainly. Come in. What is

troubling you? Do you know the joy of having your sins

forgiven?" "No, but that's what I've come about." What a

joy it was to lead this man to Christ, to see the cloud

lift from his face, and to see his handkerchief, already

saturated with tears of repentance, doing service again,

but this time for tears of joy. The man, who lived

hundreds of miles away, had been under conviction of sin

for six months as a result of reading literature sent out

from the Institute, and had made his way to the Institute

to find Christ. Unfortunately such cases are all too rare.

There seem to be very few who are really concerned and

anxious about their souls.

The first thing to do with one in this condition is to

assure him of God's willingness and ability to save (Luke

19:10). Next show that God requires repentance, or a

sorrow for sin real enough to make him willing to forsake

it (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3; Isa.55:7). Repentance involves

confession, for God cannot forgive sin until it is

confessed to Him (1 John 1:9). Then show what Christ had

to suffer before God's love could have full sway, and He

could righteously forgive men. It is often very effective

to have the seeker read Isaiah 53:3-6, using the first

person singular instead of plural, e.g., "Surely he hath

borne by griefs. ... He was wounded for my transgressions

and bruised for my iniquities," etc. This will accomplish

the dual purpose of convicting of sin and awakening faith

in Christ. Endeavor to make the picture as graphic as

possible. Having got the inquirer to repent and confess

his need, and explained the cost at which the gift of

eternal life was bought, the next step is to show that

before he can be saved he must not only repent but believe

the Gospel (Mark 1:15; Acts 16:31). But what is it to

believe?

WHAT IT IS TO BELIEVE

It is of the utmost importance that the personal

worker be able to show clearly the nature of saving faith,

or what is meant in Scripture by "believe on the Lord Jesus

Christ." The sin for which men are condemned is--"Because

they believe not on me" (John 16:9).

In a letter received recently, an inquirer said: "I

believe in Christ, but the devils also believe and tremble,

and they are not saved." Here is the worker's problem in a

nutshell. There are obviously two kinds of belief--one

purely mental, the other involving the whole of the moral

nature. The purely mental opinion that it is true that

Christ lived and died for men, works no saving change in

the heart or life. What, then, is it to believe to the

salvation of your soul? It is so to put your confidence in

Christ as being what He claimed to be--your Savior and

Sin-bearer--that you put yourself absolutely in His hands

for salvation. If I am suffering from a dread disease for

which a certain surgeon says he has an unfailing remedy, it

is not sufficient that I believe that he can cure me. That

is merely an opinion. I do not really believe until I put

my case in his hands. I do not believe in my banker until

I place my money in his keeping. Believing without

trusting is not faith. Perhaps no illustration is more

effective than that of Blondin, the tight-rope walker who,

having walked the tight-rope across Niagara Falls, first

alone, and then pushing a wheelbarrow, asked a little

fellow who had been watching him breathlessly, whether he

believed that he could wheel him across the rope in the

barrow. "Of course I do, sir," replied the lad, "I saw you

do it." "All right, jump in." "Oh, no, sir, you don't

catch me," was the honest reply. He believed (mentally),

but he did not trust.

Another way of presenting this truth is by showing

from John 1:12 that believing and receiving are synonymous.

"As many as received him"--as personal Savior and

Sin-bearer--thereby received "power to become the sons of

God."

The final step is to lead the inquirer definitely to

believe in Christ and receive Him as Savior. Use John

1:11,12 again, somewhat as follows: "You have now confessed

your sin and need. You believe that when Jesus died He

bore the punishment for your sins and that He longs to be

your Savior and Master. Will you now take Him to be such?"

"Yes, I will." "Well, what does this verse say you are

now?" "A child of God." "And you are really a child of

God already?" If the inquirer is not clear on this point,

go over the ground again. Do not leave him until the last

doubt has been removed.

Another verse which the writer frequently uses is John

5:24: "Have you heard God's Word about Christ tonight?"

"Yes." "Well, what does God say you have?" "Everlasting

life." "And have you everlasting life?" If hesitancy is

shown, take him back over the ground until he can give an

unequivocal "Yes." "And will you ever be brought into

judgment for your sins?" "No." "Why not?" "Because Jesus

bore the judgment for me." The worker may have to supply

this answer. "And what other change has taken place?" "I

have passed from death unto life." "Then let us get down

on our knees and thank Him for His gift."

It is well to emphasize the divine order--the fact,

faith, and then feeling.

Jesus did it--on the cross.

God says it--in His Word.

I believe it--in my heart.

Feeling that you are saved cannot come before you ARE

saved, any more than feeling you are well after an illness

can come before you are well. And as you cannot be saved

without believing, faith must precede feeling. As faith

must have a fact to rest on, the fact must precede faith.

Many inquirers want to feel saved before they believe in

Christ, and they make their feelings the test as to whether

or not they have believed, thus reversing the divine order.

I believe it, not because I feel it, but because God says

it and Jesus did it. Make sure that the anxious one is

resting not on his own feelings but on God's Word.

@08

Go and find them ere they perish,

Tell them of the Savior's love;

How He came to guide them safely

To the Father's home above.

Go and find them in their darkness,

Bound by chains of slavery;

Tell abroad the proclamation,

Jesus Christ can set them free.

Go and find them, hasten! hasten!

Time is fleeting fast away;

They are dying, lost and hopeless

While you linger day by day.

--Oswald J. Smith

CHAPTER 8

HOW TO DEAL WITH VARIOUS CLASSES (continued)

III. THE INDIFFERENT OR CARELESS

Many circumstances have combined to cause this class to

preponderate among the unsaved--wrong doctrine in the

pulpits, worldliness in the church, changing conditions in

the world, the decay of home life and family religion,

Sunday desecration, and the growing number of cults.

Accordingly, the worker must know how to arouse these

unconcerned ones from their indifference.

(a) PRODUCE CONVICTION OF SIN. This is done not by

argument or persuasion, but by presenting appropriate

Scriptures, relying on the Holy Spirit to apply them and

"convict of sin, righteousness and judgment." Dr. Torrey

shows how to use effectively Romans 14:12 in this

connection. "First get your prospect to read it and ask

him: 'Who has to give account?' 'Every one of us.' 'Who

does that take in?' 'Me.' 'Who, then, is to give

account?' 'I am.' 'To whom are you to give account?'

'To God.' 'Of what are you to give account?' 'Of myself.'

'Read it that way.' 'I shall give an account of myself

unto God.' 'Are you ready to do it?'" By this time

indifference will be turning into concern. Show that he

has only to continue as he is, neglecting God's salvation,

to be lost (Heb. 2:3).

Other Scriptures are 1 John 3:14; Revelation 21:8;

Romans 3:22,23; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 8:7; Galatians 3:10.

Matthew 22:36-38 and James 2:10 are effective in showing

the greatness of sin; Romans 6:23; John 3:36, and 8:34 in

showing the consequences of sin. John 3:17-19 reveal that

unbelief in Christ is an appalling and damning sin, while

Hebrews 10:28-29 warns of the awful punishment of those who

despise the blood of Christ.

(b) POINT TO CHRIST THE CRUCIFIED. Having been

satisfied that there has been real conviction of sin,

point out the way of salvation as suggested in the previous

study. Another method is to use the ABC of salvation.

"All have sinned" (Rom.3:23). "Behold the Lamb of God"

(John 1:29). "Come unto me" (Matt. 11:28). Press home the

love God has for sinners (Isa. 53:5,6; John 3:16; 1 Peter

2:24).

IV. THOSE WHO HAVE RAISED OBJECTIONS OR HAVE

DIFFICULTIES

These difficulties may be grouped under four headings:

Relating to the Bible or its doctrines.

Based on the inconsistencies of Christians.

Personal difficulties.

Arising from teaching of Cults.

(a) OBJECTIONS RELATING TO THE BIBLE OR ITS DOCTRINES.

"THE BIBLE IS FULL OF CONTRADICTIONS." Hand your

Bible over to the objector and ask him to show you one or

two. Do not accept a verbal statement; make him show them

to you from the Bible. This he will almost certainly be

unable to do. The bladder once pricked, the way will be

open for you to call attention to fulfilled prophecies, the

marvelous structural and organic unity of the Book, the

confirmations of archaeology, etc. Then, turning to 1

Corinthians 2:14, tell him that the reason he cannot

understand the Bible is that he is a faculty short and

needs to be born again as commanded in John 3:3,7, and

after which he would be able to understand the Scriptures.

"THE BIBLE IS IMPURE." This is indeed a strange

objection, seeing that the holiest and purest minds in all

ages have found their greatest joy in the Scriptures. Use

Titus 1:15 and 2 Peter 2:11,12. Contrast with the

psalmist, who said: "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy

servant loveth it" (Ps.119:140). The accounts in the Bible

of the wickedness of men and women are the faithful

charting of sunken rocks for the admonition of voyagers on

the ocean of life. The Bible depicts life as it is, and

shows the awful consequences of sin both in this life and

in that to come.

"NO SUCH BEING AS GOD EXISTS." The Bible nowhere

undertakes to prove the existence of God, but everywhere

takes it for granted. Genesis 1:1 asserts His eternity.

We are surrounded with evidence of His existence, which

must be indisputable to any but one blinded with prejudice.

The existence of a watch predicates the existence of a

watchmaker. The sound of harmonious music argues for the

existence of a musician. The existence of a harmoniously

running universe, vast in magnitude yet perfect in detail,

argues the existence of an infinitely wise and powerful God

(Rom.1:19-23; Ps.8:1,3; 33:6). This God is fully revealed

in Christ (2 Cor. 4:6).

"THERE IS NO SUCH PLACE AS HELL." True, the doctrine

of eternal punishment is growing more and more unpopular,

but it is nonetheless true. The denier of this doctrine

plays on the words DEATH, DESTRUCTION, EVERLASTING,

ETERNAL. He can give you, he says the meaning of the words

from the original, but his object is to prove his view, not

to expound God's view. Read such Scriptures as John 3:36;

Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:10,15; 21:8; Mark 9:43,44 to

anyone with an unprejudiced mind, and he will undoubtedly

say that, little as he likes the thought, these Scriptures

unite to teach a future Hell and everlasting punishment for

the finally impenitent. The same Hell as is to be occupied

by the Devil and his underlings is to be the final abode of

the wicked. In Luke 16:26, whatever else Christ meant to

teach, at least He taught that there was an eternally fixed

gulf between Lazarus and the rich man. The expressions

AGES OF AGES, or FOREVER AND EVER, in their only reasonable

interpretation mean "eternal." Nowhere does Christ suggest

any limitation of time for either reward or suffering, nor

does He suggest any termination of the doom of the lost.

This is an awful truth, and must be tenderly presented, but

it should prove a strong incentive to the soul-winner to

"go for souls."

"GOD IS TOO LOVING TO CONDEMN ANYONE." Ask him from

what source he derived his conception of the character of

God. Was it not from the Bible? Well, if he believed the

Bible in its assurance of God's love, he must be consistent

and accept also its warning of God's wrath, for it reveals

God as not only loving but just (2 Peter 3:9). Get the

objector to compare 1 John 4:8 with Hebrews 12:29.

Although God is loving and good, man must beware of abusing

God's goodness (Rom 2:4,5). The purpose of God's goodness

is to lead men to repentance. In 2 Peter 2:4-6 it is

clearly revealed that God's love did not prevent His

justice being exercised and His judgment falling on the

wicked antediluvians.

"THE BIBLE IS NOT INSPIRED." First ask the objector

what he means by "inspired." In nine cases out of ten the

argument ends when you press him to define his terms.

Strong defines inspiration thus: "The special divine

influence upon the minds of the Scripture writers in view

of which their productions, apart from errors of

transcription, and when rightly interpreted, constitute the

infallible rule of faith and practice." Then state that

his disbelief does not affect the fact at all (Rom.3:3,4).

The following Scriptures may be used in proving their

inspiration: 2 Timothy 3:15,16; 1 Thessalonians 2;13; 2

Peter 1:19-21; Hebrews 4:12. Usually one who quibbles on

this point has read more about the Scriptures than he has

of the Scriptures themselves, and a question as to whether

he has ever read the Bible through from Genesis to

Revelation would discomfit him. If he has never done that,

he is hardly in a position to judge.

(b) OBJECTIONS BASED ON THE INCONSISTENCIES OF

CHRISTIANS.

"THERE ARE TOO MANY HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH." The

worker will have to sadly admit that this is true in a

measure, but it must be borne in mind that this is always

an EXCUSE, not a REASON, for not accepting Christ, and

therefore the person who advances it is himself a

hypocrite, for he is not true to his convictions. Use

Romans 14:12 or Matthew 7:1-5. Again, show that if there

are sham Christians, there must be some who are real. I do

not throw out of my pocket all my coins because there

happens to be a counterfeit coin among them. Even if some

Christians are frauds and hypocrites, Christ is no fraud,

and it is to Him you are inviting sinners. The objector

does not have to answer for the hypocrite but for himself.

(Rom.14:12; see also John 21:21,22.) If he knows how

Christians ought to live, let him set the example, for

light brings corresponding responsibility (Luke 12:47).

If he does not like hypocrites on earth, tell him to

beware lest he spend all eternity with them, for all

hypocrites are outside the pearly gates.

"I HAVE BEEN TREATED WRONGLY BY CHRISTIANS." A man

once said to his pastor that the reason he would not accept

Christ was that he once had been wronged by his partner, a

professing Christian. "That is your real reason?" asked

the minister. "It is." "Suppose we put it down in

writing," said the minister, and drawing out his notebook,

wrote: "The reason why I am not a Christian is that my

partner, who claimed to be a Christian, robbed me in a

business deal." Tearing out the leaf, he handed it to the

man, saying: "When you come before the Great White Throne,

and God asks you why you have rejected His Son, just hand

him that paper," and turning away, he left him. Hardly had

he reached home before the doorbell rang, and there stood

the man with the paper in his hand. "I have brought this

paper back," he said. "I am afraid it would not answer as

an excuse to give to God." It was not long before that man

was rejoicing in Christ. Even if a man has been wronged,

that is no reason why he should do a still greater wrong to

himself (see John 3:36; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).

(c) PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES

"I AM NOT VERY BAD." That may be true according to

his own standard, but does he come up to God's standard?

(Rom 3:10,23). Press these Scriptures home, showing that

whatever he may be in his own eyes, he is a great sinner in

God's sight, and show what sin really is. In any case, he

admits that he is a sinner, and it is the fact of sin, not

the quantity of sin, which is in question. A chain holding

a ship does not need to be broken in every link to set the

ship adrift; one link is enough (James 2:10). And the

greatest sin of all is not believing on Christ (John 16:9).

"I AM DOING MY BEST." This is an old chestnut, but is

still constantly produced. But the best man's best is a

failure in God's sight (Isa 64:6). If our own works are

to form the ground of our acceptance with God, then we must

be flawless, perfect, whether in thought, word, or

deed--which is impossible. "By the works of the law"--or

by doing his best--"shall no flesh be justified"

(Gal.2:16).

"I GO TO CHURCH." OR "I HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED." Many

think that this constitutes the whole of man's duty to God,

and take it for granted that when the time comes, they will

be all right. Show that these things, though all right in

the right place, do NOT take the place of the new birth

(John 3:3,7). An alien who donned the British uniform

without enlisting in the army would be looked upon as a

spy, and shot. No one has a right to wear it unless he is

a loyal soldier. Every converted person, and only such,

should be connected in church fellowship with some body

sound in the faith, but the mere joining of a church works

no saving change.

"I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN CHRIST." A man will make

this statement, when what he really means is that he

believes some facts ABOUT Christ. Ask him: "Then are you

saved?" Usually the answer will be a direct negative, or

at least a hesitating consent, and the way will be open,

either to tell him how to be saved, or to explain what

believing in Christ means.

"I CANNOT BELIEVE." In most cases this is a question

of morals, not of faith. Ask what sin he has in his life

which is hindering belief, and the bow drawn at a venture

will frequently be effective in striking at the hindering

thing. Use Isaiah 55:7. God says he CAN believe (John

1:12), and MUST believe (Heb.11:6). God never commands man

to do what he is unable to do. Remove the hindrance and

belief will be easy. Not to believe means judgment (John

3:18). Another effective method is to ask: "Cannot believe

whom? Can you not believe God?" "Yes, but I cannot

believe myself." "You are not asked to. You must believe

in Christ" (Acts 16:31; John 3:16).

"I HAVE TRIED BEFORE AND FAILED." The objector has

evidently made the Christian life one of self-effort, and

this is at the root of his failure. Salvation does not

come as a result of "trying," but of "trusting." Endeavor

to find out the cause of failure by asking leading

questions. "Did you trust in the finished work of Christ

alone?" "Did you confess the Lord before men?"

(Rom.10:9,10). In the majority of cases the answer to this

question will be "No," and you have discovered the cause of

the failure. "Did you surrender absolutely to God?" (Acts

5:32). "Did you read the Bible and pray daily?" (1 Peter

2:2; 1 Thess.5:17). "Did you trust yourself or Christ to

keep you from falling?" (2 Cor.12:9). "Have you done any

work for Christ?" If your questioning satisfies you that

the person was never truly converted, tell him that you can

show him how not to fail. If he is converted, show him the

more excellent way. John 6:37 is applicable to both cases.

"I AM TOO WEAK." The remedy for such a person is to

direct his attention away from himself to the Lord Christ.

"It is not a question of your weakness, but of His

strength" (see Heb.7:25). Show God's willingness to help

the weakest (2 Cor.9:10; Isa.40:29-30). No one is too weak

to trust the strong Christ. The keeping is not ours, but

His (Jude 24; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Tim.1:12; John 10:28,29).

There will be temptations, but also a way of escape

(1 Cor.10:13). When God begins a work He finishes it

(Phil.1:6).

"I WILL WAIT TILL I AM BETTER." Many a man feels that

he cannot come to Christ as he is, so he tries to improve

himself by discontinuing some forms of sin and thus making

himself worthy of God's salvation. As though he could add

anything to the perfect and finished work of Christ! Show

that he is to come to Christ as he is, in all his sin and

he will be received (Isa.64:6; Luke 19:10; Matt.

9:12,13); the parable of the Prodigal Son may be used as

an illustration (Luke 15:18-24).

"I AM TOO BAD." Agree with the truth of this

statement, rather than try to minimize his sinfulness.

Tell him that if he could see as God sees, he would realize

that he was a great deal more sinful than he thought. But

Christ came to save bad sinners (Luke 19:10). In 1 Timothy

1:15, Paul claims that Christ saved the chief of sinners,

so there is hope for all others (see Isa.1:18; 1 John 1:7;

Heb.7:25).

"I'VE DONE NO ONE ANY HARM." This is a very poor

thing to boast about. It would reflect little credit on

him if he had done anyone any harm. Is that his main

object in life? God requires not merely negative

harmlessness, but positive holiness. Ask if he has come up

to God's standard of holiness (Rom 3:23). Use also Matthew

5:20.

"I SEE NO HARM IN INNOCENT PLEASURES OF THE WORLD."

If friendship with the world is enmity with God, and the

friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4), then

either God or the objector is wrong. The pleasures of the

world are NOT innocent, there is a concealed hook in them

all. Quote the example of Moses (Heb. 11:24,25), but make

abundantly clear the pleasure, pure and unalloyed, which

results from union with Christ. A word of testimony to

this effect might be helpful. Do not present this truth in

a merely cold and negative fashion.

"THERE IS TOO MUCH TO GIVE UP." Even if it were

necessary to give up everything, far better that than he

should lose his soul (Mark 8:36). But God requires him to

give up only that which is sinful and will therefore harm

him. Quote Psalm 84:11, and testify on this point. Use

also Romans 8:32.

"I CAN'T GIVE UP MY SINS." Show him that he will be

lost unless he does (Rom.6:23; Gal.6:7,8; Rev.21:8). Do

not compromise with the inquirer as to the absolute

necessity of his forsaking his sin, but show that he can

forsake sin through the strength of Christ (Phil 4:13), who

when He receives him, will make him a new creature, no

longer loving sin (John 8:36; 1 John 3:6-9); further show

how to get victory over sin (Rom. 6:12-14).

"I AM NOT YET READY TO COME." Most people intend to

become Christians, but the Devil deludes them into

postponing their acceptance of Christ. The following

printed story impressed me: "A minister determined to

preach on 'Now is the accepted time, now is the day of

salvation.' While in his study thinking, he fell asleep

and dreamed that he was carried into Hell and set down in

the midst of a conclave of lost spirits. They were

assembled to devise means whereby they might damn the souls

of men. One rose and said: 'I will go to earth and tell

men the Bible is a fable.' No, that would not do. Another

said: 'Let me go. I will tell men that there is no God, no

Savior, no Heaven, no Hell.' 'No, that will not do, we

cannot make them believe THAT.' Suddenly one arose and

with a wise mien suggested: 'I will tell men there is a

God, a Savior, a Heaven, yes, and a Hell, too--but I will

tell them there is no hurry; tomorrow will do, it will be

even as today.' And they sent him." It would almost seem

as though this was the Devil's trump card. Show this

objector God's command (Acts 17:30); God's time (2 Cor

6:2). Urge the uncertainty of life (Prov. 27:1; James

4:13-17). An unusual method is to show that God's time is

now. Get the inquirer to tell you that God's time is now.

Then take out your watch and say: "It is three o'clock now.

Are you willing to accept Christ at three o'clock?" It is

well to point out that God will not always be at the

seeker's beck and call. Use Isaiah 55:6, emphasizing

"while." (Prov.29:1; Luke 12:19,20; Matt.24:44; John

7:33,34.)

"I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO

DO." It will be a joy to lead this inquirer to the Savior

along the well-known road. First step, Repent (Ps.

51:3,4). Second step, Believe (Acts 16:31; John 1:12).

Third step, Confess (Rom.10:9,10; Matt. 10:32,33).

"I HAVE SOUGHT CHRIST, BUT HAVE NOT FOUND HIM." That

certainly cannot be His fault, for He has said: "Ye shall

seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all

your heart" (Jer. 29:13). The trouble with this objector

is insincerity, and not seeking with his whole heart.

"I AM AFRAID OF PERSECUTION." Show that the list of

those cast into the lake of fire includes the fearful (Rev

21:8). The Lord answered this objection in Luke 12:4,5.

(See also Prov. 29:25; Isa. 51:7,8.) The early Christians

had such joy in Christ that they rejoiced in suffering

persecution for His sake (Acts 5:41). Think of the reward

at the end (2 Tim.2:12; Rom.8:18).

"I GUESS I'LL GET TO HEAVEN ALL RIGHT." He will if he

is washed from his sins, but not unless (1 Cor.6:9,10;

Rev.21:27). He cannot come except through Christ, the only

Way (John 14:6; 1 Tim 2:5; Acts 4:12).

"I WILL LOSE MY FRIENDS." It could be pointed out

that if they are not friends of whom God could approve, he

would be far better without them. (See Ps.1:1,2). God here

promises special blessing on one who renounces worldly

friendships for His sake. In place of these godless

friends, God will give first, His own friendship (1 John

1:3), and then that of fellow Christians whose friendship

is better than that of any godless man or woman (Mark

10:29,30).

"THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS TOO HARD." So the Devil would

have them believe. But the truth is that "the way of

transgressors is hard" (Prov.13:15, Isa.14:3), while

Christ's yoke is easy and His burden light (Matt. 11;30).

God's commands are NOT grevious (1 John 5:3). The

Christian life as depicted in 1 Peter 1:8 does not seem so

forbidding and exacting. It is true that the Christian

life is one of discipline and involves enduring hardness,

but there are such wonderful compensations that the true

Christian counts these all joy (James 1:2).

"I HAVE NO FEELING." Remind the inquirer that he is

saved, not by feeling, but by believing (John 3:16; 5:24;

Acts 16:31); it is taking, receiving rather than feeling

(John 1:12; Rom.6:23). Ask him if he can tell you of one

Scripture where it says he must feel that he is saved

before he can be saved. Let him believe first and he will

have feeling enough after.

"I HAVE COMMITTED THE UNPARDONABLE SIN." First be

sure yourself as to the nature of the unpardonable sin.

Read Matthew 12:31,32 in its context, where it is plain

that this sin consists in deliberately attributing to the

Devil the work which is known to have been wrought by the

Holy Spirit. Ask the inquirer if he has done this. It is

evident that one who is anxious about his soul cannot have

committed this sin, since that anxiety is the direct result

of the work of the Holy Spirit. Having shown what the sin

is, hold the inquirer to John 6:37, with its unconditional

promise that anyone, however good or bad, who comes to

Christ, will in no wise be cast out. Do not give up until

he "comes" to Christ.

@09

CHAPTER 9

WORKING AMONG FALSE CULTS

I. ROMAN CATHOLICISM

The wise worker will remember that Roman Catholics

have from childhood learned to revere their church, and

resent any criticism of it. Any controversial issue

should, therefore, be avoided as far as possible. There

are many things which are held in common by both Catholic

and Protestant, and these should be known by the worker,

e.g., the deity of Christ, the atoning blood, the

inspiration of the Scriptures.

The Catholic, however, does not believe in

justification by faith alone, nor that a person can be

saved apart from the instrumentality of the church. The

Virgin Mary is in reality given a larger place than Christ.

It is also a help no know something of those saints of the

Roman Catholic Church who are familiar to Protestants as

well: Augustine, Francis Xavier, Madame Guyon--and to

quote hymns by Father Faber, the author of "Souls of men,

why will ye scatter," and many other beautiful hymns. The

worker should buy and use, in dealing with a Catholic, the

Douay Version of the Scriptures, which varies very little

from the Authorized Version, except in the notes which are

regarded as equally inspired.

Some useful suggestions by Mrs. Turnbull are:

Try to center conversation on Christ as much as

possible.

Stress the possibility and joy of being assured of

salvation, and knowing the forgiveness of sins.

Never seek to defend Protestantism.

Do not dwell on the sins of the Roman clergy.

Do not argue on the priority of Protestant or Roman

Catholic church, or as to whether Peter was the first Pope

of Rome.

Avoid appealing to history, as Roman Catholics have

learned a totally different account of the Reformation

period.

A useful approach is to confess a high regard for the

Virgin Mary, and ask the inquirer if he believes he should

do as the Virgin commanded. The answer will, of course, be

in the affirmative. Then quote John 2:5: "Whatsoever He

saith unto you, do it", following this up by saying that

He said: "Ye must be born again" (John 3:3). The way is

then clear to urge the necessity of regeneration. Show

what regeneration is from 2 Corinthians 5:17. Distinguish

baptism from regeneration by reading 1 Corinthians 4:15

with 1 Corinthians 1:14. The baptism of Simon (Acts 8:13,

21-23) did not regenerate him.

Show further that salvation is not by works (Romans

4:5; 2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 2:8,9). Show him that those who

become sons of God by receiving Christ may enjoy assurance

of salvation (1 John 5:13; John 10:27-29; Acts 13:38,39).

Urge the necessity of confession, first of sins to God

(1 John 1:9); then of Christ to men (Rom. 10:9-10). Show

that there is ONLY ONE MEDIATOR between God and men--Christ

(1 Tim. 2:5).

Since the Bible is largely banned to the Roman

Catholic, encourage him to read his Bible, for "the

entrance of thy word giveth light."

II. UNITARIANISM

The denial of the deity of Christ--and consequently of

the Trinity. Jesus was merely a good man, the Holy Spirit,

an influence. The atonement is unnecessary, since sin is

merely a defect which education will remove. The Bible is

neither inspired nor infallible. The supernatural is

scorned. It is obvious that the task of the worker is to

deal with the inquirer concerning the Person and work of

Christ. Dr. Evans suggests the following method:

1. Show that he cannot have the Father without the Son

(1 John 2:22,23; John 14:6; Matthew 11:27). To disown the

Son is to shut the door of knowledge of the Father.

2. Show that salvation comes in no other way, save

through the person and work of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). If

Christ is rejected, what then? (John 8:21,24).

3. Show that it is God's will that men should believe

on His Son (John 5:22,23; Phil.2:9).

4. Show the awful guilt resting on one who rejects

Jesus Christ as his Savior (John 16:8-10; 1 John 5:10-12;

Heb. 10:28,29).

5. If necessary prove from Scripture the deity of

Christ. Divine names (Acts 3:14; John 20:28); divine

attributes (Mark 2:8; Matt. 18:20; John 1:1), divine works

(John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16); and divine worship (Matt. 14:33;

28:9), are ascribed to Him.

III. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

Let the worker have some idea of what Mrs. Eddy,

the high priestess of the cult, teaches. The following

statements are quoted from her book SCIENCE AND HEALTH,

1906 edition:

"GOD is 'divine principle...not personal [cf. Isa.

43:3]. CHRIST 'is incorporeal, spiritual, the offspring of

Mary's self-conscious communion with God" [cf. 1 Tim. 2:5].

The Holy Spirit is 'divine science' [cf. John 14:16]. It

was impossible for MAN 'never born and never dying to fall

from his high estate' [cf. 1 Tim. 2:14 A.S.V.]. 'Whatever

indicates the fall of man--is the Adam dream.' 'Man is

incapable of SIN' [cf. 1 John 1:9; Rom. 3:23]. As to

ATONEMENT, 'one sacrifice, however great, is insufficient

to pay the debt of sin' [of which she has told us man is

incapable] [cf. Heb. 9:26]. The DEVIL is 'a lie, belief

in sin, sickness and death' [cf. Matt. 4:3,4]. 'There is

no MATTER' [cf. Gen. 1:1] 'Man is never SICK' [cf. James

5:14]. 'Man is incapable of DEATH' [cf. Heb. 9:27].

PRAYER: 'The habit of pleading with the divine mind as one

pleads with a human being...is an error which impedes

spiritual growth' [cf. Matt. 6:9; John 15:7]."

To perceive the origin of Christian Science, read 1

John 4:1-3, for it denies that "Jesus Christ is come in the

flesh." The Christian Scientist accepts the Scriptures as

inspired (albeit claiming the same inspiration for SCIENCE

AND HEALTH), so the worker has something to go on.

Ask the seeker to whom he prays, if God is not a

person. Can he pray to a principle? Seeing he does not

believe in a personal devil, ask how evil originated. If

the Devil is only a lie, can a lie be punished? (Rev.

20:10). If man is incapable of death, ask if he would

stand up and allow someone to shoot him. Having shown the

untruth of Christian Science from the Scriptures given

above, and unveiled some of its fallacies by the

questioning method, lead him to Christ, the Sinless

Substitute (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24; Heb.

9:22). To prove that curing of sickness is no proof of

divine origin, use Matthew 7:22,23; 2 Thessalonians 2:8,9.

IV. UNIVERSALISTS

They are those who believe that all men will be saved

in the final restoration of all things. The arguments to

use with deniers of Hell have already been given. Their

main Scriptures are I Timothy 2:3,4, and I Corinthians

15:22. The former expresses the desire of God's heart,

but not His decree. Man's will is the determining factor.

The latter verse read in its context, deals not with the

reception of eternal life, but with physical resurrection.

The part played by man's will is seen in Luke 13:3;

John 5:40. Such Scriptures as II Thessalonians 1:7-9;

Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 20:15; 21:8 clearly show that

all men will not be finally saved.

V. JEWS

To deal effectively with Jews, the worker must have a

good working knowledge of the Old Testament, and of the

place of the Jews in God's plan.

1. Show how Christ fulfilled the Old Testament

prophecies concerning the Messiah. A Jew (Gen. 28:13,14).

Of tribe of Judah (Mic. 5:2). Of the family of David (Isa.

11:1-10; Jer. 23:5,6). Born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14). In

Bethlehem (Mic.5:2). Rejected and crucified (Ps.22). Before

the destruction of the Temple (Dan. 9:26). His coming to

be in humility (Isa. 53), and in glory (Zech. 2:5).

2. Show that the Old Testament sacrifices were done

away in Christ and that salvation is found only in His shed

blood (Heb. 8:10; cf. Lev. 17:11 with John 1:29). Show

also that Moses spoke of Christ (John 5:45-47).

3. Warn of the punishment meted out to those who

reject Christ (Heb. 10:26-29).

If a Jew objects that "God did not marry a woman to

give birth to Christ," answer that God is a miracle-working

God (cf. Gen. 18:14 with Luke 1:37. Also Luke 1:26-32;

Matt. 1:18-25). If he contends that the worship of Jesus

is worshiping a man, use Genesis 18:1,2 (where one of the

men was Jehovah), and Joshua 5:13-15. The objection that

the doctrine of the Trinity teaches three Gods instead of

one, may be answered by Genesis 1:1, where "God," Elohim,

is plural. See also Gen 1:26 ("us," "our,"). If he

objects that Isaiah 53 refers not to Christ but to

suffering Israel, show that this is impossible, since the

One who suffers is suffering, not for His own sins, but for

those of another (Isa. 53:4,5,8), and that other is

suffering Israel!

One who would work among Jews should be especially

familiar with the Epistle to the Hebrews.

VI. Russellism or Millenial Dawn, or JEHOVAH'S

WITNESSES

This chameleon-like cult is flourishing greatly today.

It was founded by Pastor C. T. Russell, and is perpetuated

today in word and writing by Judge Rutherford. In addition

to the three aliases given above, this cult masquerades as

"The International Bible Students' Association,"

"Metropolitan Pulpit," "Zion's Watch-tower," etc.

DOCTRINES. It denies the deity and humanity of

Christ, He being the highest order of created being.

Scriptures to answer this have already been given. Christ,

they say, at death became extinct, body and soul, and His

body was not raised (cf. Luke 24:39). He is now a

disembodied spirit, for His body passed off in gases in the

tomb. He returned to the world in 1874, and the Millenium

began in 1914 (cf. Acts 1:11; I Tim. 3:16). The Holy

Spirit is merely an influence (cf. John 16:13,14).

A second probation after death is promised, a promise which

is distinctly countermanded by Luke 16:19-31 (cf.

Rev.22:11; II Cor. 6:2; John 5:28,29). Those who die

become extinct, but are raised again (a difficult process

surely!) in the next age. (See Matt.10:28; Phil. 1:23;

II Cor. 5:8)

The Scriptures given under "Christian Science" will

answer several of the above errors.

VII. SPIRITISM

That disembodied spirits can communicate with the

living is clear from Scripture (I Sam. 28:11-20), but the

curse of God rests on the devotees of Spiritism. The

existence of Satan and angels is denied. The worker should

not commence by making the sweeping assertion that the

whole thing is of the Devil, true though that is, or he

will lose his point of contact with his "prospect."

The first thing to do is to show what the Bible

teaches concerning God's attitude to Spiritism (I Chron.

10:13,14; Isa.8:19,20; I John 4:1-3; II Thess 2:9-12).

Next show from Luke 16 that Spiritism is not the work

of spirits of the dead, for there it is made clear that the

spirits of departed ones have no communication with earth,

that being absolutely forbidden by the Scriptures (Deut.

18:9-12). Spiritism is a repudiation of God's revelation

in His Word (Isa.8:19,20). More credence is given to the

supposed words of departed spirits than to the Word of God

(Luke 16:31).

To test the origin of these spirit impersonations, use

I John 4:1-3. The Christian can expect these special

manifestations of evil spirits in these last days (I Tim

4:1,2,6).

The main errors involved in Spiritism are: Denial of

the personality of GOD, the deity of CHRIST, in making Him

only a medium; dishonoring the HOLY SPIRIT; denial of the

ATONEMENT, future JUDGMENT or punishment of sin; and the

SECOND ADVENT of Christ.

Dr. Riley tells of Charles Dickens attending a number

of seances and being almost convinced and ready to become a

Spiritist, when at a certain one he asked the medium to

speak with Lindley Murray. A spook appeared, and Dickens

said: "Are you Lindley Murray?" The spook replied: "I

are!" "Excuse me," said Dickens, "Lindley may have his

faults, but he is a good grammarian," and so he departed,

to have no more to do with Spiritism.

VII. THEOSOPHY

As in the case of other cults, there is much that is

false in this esoteric philosophy. The BIBLE is only one

of many other Bibles of equal authority. Their idea of God

is pantheistic. CHRIST is ONE of the manifestations of the

Logos. MAN has one spirit, three souls, a life principle,

and two bodies, and is subject to reincarnation. SALVATION

is by works, the Theosophist trying all the time to "make

good Karma" or to pile up merit.

The basic error is the place given to the Scriptures,

and the worker must first show the preeminence of God's

Word as previously shown. (Use II Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12;

Matt. 5:18.) As to the personality of God, see Genesis

17:1; Psalm 103:13. The deity and uniqueness of Christ may

be shown from John 1:1; Hebrews 1:3. Instead of being a

compound personality, as taught by Theosophists, man is a

being created in the image of God, fallen, but subject to

redemption and resurrection, not to reincarnation. Man

cannot obtain salvation on the ground of his own merit

(Rom.3:20; Titus 3:5; Eph.2:8,9). Instead of man's goal

and destiny being the nebulous nirvana, it is a prepared

place in the Father's house (John 14:2).

IX. SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISM

This is one of the most subtle of the cults, because

it has more semblance of a spiritual basis. As the name

suggests, its key teaching is the observance of the old

Jewish Sabbath, instead of the first day of the week--an

indispensable condition of salvation. The mark of the

Beast is the nonobservance of the Sabbath. Dr. Evans

suggests the following method of attack:

1. Know their favorite passages and show how they

wrongly interpret them, e.g., I John 2:4. Show from I John

3:23 that the commandment referred to is love and faith,

not Sabbath-keeping. "Commandments" in Revelation 22:14 is

made to refer to the Ten Commandments, but these words are

omitted entirely from the American Standard Version.

2. Show, then, that the law (including the Sabbath) is

done away (2 Cor. 3:7-11). These verses teach that one is

either under the old covenant with its curse or under the

new covenant with its blessing. If one keeps the Sabbath,

it is an acknowledgment of being under the former, and thus

excluded from the benefits of the latter.

3. Show that by the death of Christ Christians have

become dead to the law (Rom.7:1-4; cf. 10:3-9).

4. Stress the fact that every one of the Ten

Commandments, except the fourth, is reaffirmed in the New

Testament. Nowhere is the Church of Christ commanded to

keep the Sabbath.

5. Show that the Sabbath is a purely Jewish

institution, never meant to be binding on a Christian

(Deut. 5:12-15). It was a sign between Israel and God

(Exod. 31:13-17).

6. Show that there is no scriptural warrant for their

theory that the soul sleeps between death and the

resurrection. (See 2 Cor. 5:1-8; Phil 1:20-23.) Some of

the Scriptures they use in this connection are Acts 2:34.

But verses 29 and 31 have clear reference to the body, not

the soul of David (Eccles.9:5-10). "The dead know

nothing"--but the context limits this to "under the sun".

The same words are used in 1 Samuel 20:39; 1 Timothy 6:4,

but do not bear the meaning Adventists put on them. Daniel

12:2, with John 11:11,14,39. Note that of Lazarus it was

said, "He now stinketh." Did this refer to his soul or his

body? By taking their proof texts in their context and

with parallel passages, it will be easily proved that their

contentions are unscriptural.

7. Show that the Scriptures teach that the spirit or

soul does not die with the body (Eccles. 12:7; 3:21; 1 Cor.

5:5; Luke 23:43-46; Acts 7:59; Matt. 10:28).

It is well to know that the observance of the first

day is of neither Romish nor heathen origin, as they

contend. They lay this change of day at the door of the

pope of Rome. The early Church Fathers, writing in the

first and second centuries--Ignatius, Justin Martyr,

Clement, and many others--all testify to the fact that the

observance of the first day of the week was general.

Again, it is physically impossible for Adventists the

world over to observe the Jewish Sabbath from sunset to

sunset. In the far north the sun does not set for weeks.

In going round the world westward, a day is lost, and in

going the opposite way, a day is gained. It is perfectly

obvious that the commandment was a purely local one.

In dealing with Adventists, the worker will find that

they are very bigoted and will try to monopolize the

conversation. Stipulate that you will answer questions in

turn, or they will evade the issue when faced with

convincing and unanswerable Scriptures.

Oh, matchless honor, all unsought,

High privilege, surpassing thought,

That Thou shouldest call me, Lord to be

Linked in such work, O God, with Thee!

To carry out Thy wondrous plan,

To bear Thy message unto man;

In trust with Christ's own Word of grace

To each soul of the human race.

[end of chapter 9, end of 7th file]

[Transcriber's note: By 1990, the time this work is

entered into electronic media, the Jehovah's Witnesses and

Seventh Day Adventists have changed somewhat, though the

strictly theological points probably still apply.

I think it unfortunate that Judaism is lumped in with

"cults", since it is a world religion rather than a cult.

At the time of the writing of this work, Islam had not

made significant inroads into the life of Western culture.

For dealing with Muslims, I recommend Dr. Samuel Zwemer's

book, ISLAM, A CHALLENGE TO FAITH (c)1908, at this point

out of print, but "on the list" to be issued in electronic

media as soon as possible. Dr. Zwemer's work has never

been improved upon, but his frank statements of the

incompatibility of Islam and Christianity would be

offensive to some. I suspect that is why the work remains

out of print at this date. --CCP]

@10

CHAPTER 10

MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS

"Suffer the little children to come unto me." The

soul-winner must emulate his Exemplar in not ignoring

little children, "for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Such a subject is deserving of a volume to itself, but this

study must necessarily be confided to a few of the more

important issues. Dr. Torrey once said: "No other form of

Christian work brings such immediate, such large, and such

lasting results as work for the conversion of children."

It was Spurgeon's opinion that "capacity for believing lies

more in the child than in the man." (See Matt. 18:6.)

Parents are, of course, God's own appointed teachers

of the child, and the religious training cannot be done by

proxy. The parent who neglects this duty is unwittingly

robbing himself of the highest privilege this world

affords. Why should the winning of the child, whom the

parent has brought into the world, be left to a stranger?

The late Rev. Joseph W. Kemp made the seven following

suggestions for successful work among children:

1. THERE MUST BE A THOROUGH BELIEF in the child's

need. The child, no less than the man or woman, is "dead

in trespasses and sins," and unless there is a clear sense

of the utter ruin and spiritual death of children, there

will be no power to bring blessing to them. We believe, of

course, in the salvation of infants who have not reached

the years of moral accountability, but even these can

accept Christ as Savior.

2. THERE MUST BE A CONSCIOUSNESS OF ONE'S MISSION--not

to amuse or instruct only, but to secure the salvation of

the child.

3. THERE MUST BE RELIANCE ON THE SPIRIT'S POWER as

much with children as with adults.

4. THERE MUST BE ADAPTATION TO THE CHILD. We need our

best and most industrious studies and our ripest powers to

save the children.

5. WE MUST USE THE CHILD'S LANGUAGE--not baby talk,

but language the child can understand.

6. WE MUST NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH OF THE CHILD--an

ever-present danger with us grownups. Don't expect the

child to abandon its childish ways and become a mature old

man!

7. WE MUST EXERCISE PATIENCE. It will be easier to do

this if we remember our own stumbling progress.

The worker among children must exercise wisdom in

making an appeal, as it is a very simple thing to get the

whole class or audience to respond to the appeal. It is a

mistake never to make an appeal, but an equally great

mistake to make appeals continually, for the child-heart

easily becomes accustomed and hardened to them. One of

our evangelists invites children present at his meetings,

if they desire to accept Christ as Savior, to go home,

write their name in John 3:16 instead of THE WORLD and

"WHOSOEVER," and mail or hand it to him the next day. This

avoids the dangers of a mass movement.

Remember that Moody was converted at 14, Fanny Crosby

at 11, Jonathan Edwards at 7, Isaac Watts at 9, and that 90

per cent of Christians are saved before they reach eighteen

years of age.

II. TRACT DISTRIBUTION

The widespread use of tracts and literature by the

false cults should arouse the Christian worker to the great

possibilities for good of the distribution of suitable

tracts. Souls who would never darken a church door will

often read a tract. Here are some suggestions as to the

most effective methods of tract work.

1. Have well written and attractively printed tracts

which you have read yourself. Always carry some with you.

2. Know your tracts, and endeavor to suit the tract to

the recipient, e.g., do not give a sailor a tract dealing

with railways, or do not give a tract on holiness to a

sinner.

3. Be courteous, genial, and tactful in your approach.

If rebuffed, manifest the love of Christ. Even if those

you approach refuse to read your tract, they will certainly

read you.

4. Not every tract is suitable for indiscriminate

distribution.

5. Be prayerful and confident of God's blessing.

6. Follow up the opening which the giving of the tract

has made, with a word on the way of salvation.

7. Distribute tracts in public places, from house to

house, in hospitals, in letter boxes, on sports grounds, in

vacant automobiles, confident that some of the seed thus

sown will bring forth fruit.

AS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE TRACT DISTRIBUTER,

A story of remarkable blessing resulting from the

giving of a tract follows. A tract by Dr. Richard Gibbs

was handed by a peddler to Richard Baxter, whose CALL TO

THE UNCONVERTED fell into the hands of Philip Doddridge,

the great preacher and hynm-writer. He wrote THE RISE AND

PROGRESS OF RELIGION, by means of which William

Wilberforce, the emancipator of the slaves, was converted.

He in turn wrote PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY, which fired the

heart of Leigh Richmond, who wrote THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER,

of which, before 1848, 4,000,000 were circulated in fifty

languages. Wilberforce's book also fell into the hands of

Thomas Chalmers, and was the means of bringing him out into

the light of the Gospel, and all Scotland rang with his

mighty eloquence.

Do not despise the ministry of the GOOD tract.

III. A CONSECRATED PEN

Who can measure the blessing which has flowed from a

consecrated pen? Have you ever prayed: "Lord, sanctify my

pen to Thy use?" Pray it now.

Some timid Christian who is not courageous enough to

talk to someone face to face about Christ, could at least

use his pen. Dr. H. Clay Trumbull, the greatest

soul-winner of his day, was converted through a letter

written him by a college mate who had not the courage to

speak to him personally.

The same fruitful avenue of service is open to the

invalid or to the mother whose children are away from home.

The letter will probably be read and reread, whereas a

spoken word might be forgotten.

1. Pray before and after writing each letter.

2. Write lovingly, sympathetically and simply, adding

your testimony to the Scriptures you quote.

3. Having put the way of salvation clearly, urge the

recipient to definitely decide to accept Christ at once.

4. Enclose a suitable tract, or perhaps a decision

card.

5. Write to one who has recently decided, one who has

backslidden, one who is passing through trial and testing,

to a lonely boy or girl.

6. Do not wait for a reply, necessarily, before you

write again. All are not good correspondents.

Most workers, Sunday school teachers, Bible club

leaders, and Christian workers do not exploit the power of

the pen nearly as much as they should.

Only a note, yes, only a note,

To a friend in a distant land.

The Spirit said "Write!" but then you had planned

Some different work, and you thought

It mattered little, you did not know

'Twould have saved a soul from sin and woe,

You were out of touch with your Lord.

IV. INSTRUCTION OF CONVERTS

Many a promising convert has made no progress in the

new life, simply because he was not correctly instructed at

the time of his conversion. It is not wise to overload the

newly-born babe with sage advice, but several things should

be made crystal clear to him.

1. To be a happy Christian he must confess Christ to

men at the earliest possible moment, preferably to his own

people and then to his work-mates (Rom. 10:9-10). He must

be out and out for God to experience God's best. The

would-be secret disciple never knows the real joy of the

Lord. Explain that if he trusts his newly-found Savior, He

will give him the power to testify (Phil.4:13).

2. Show that Christ is not only his Savior but his

Lord (Rom. 10:9, ASV), and that therefore his will must be

surrendered to his Master.

3. Urge him to read the Bible every day, and if

possible first thing in the morning, asking the Holy Spirit

to make the Book live. Explain that the Bible is to the

spiritual life what bread is to the physical life, and that

he cannot grow without food.

4. Having heard God's voice in the Bible, instruct him

to let God hear his voice in prayer, to pour out his soul

and his desires before God (Matt. 6:6). Make clear his

privilege to talk with God and walk with God every hour of

the day, and to claim the fulfillment of His promises.

Encourage the habit of ejaculatory prayer throughout the

day as well as the time spent in the secret place.

5. Advise him to begin to work for Christ, and

endeavor to win others to Him.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

How to Bring Men to Christ, R. A. Torrey

Personal Soul-Winning, W. Evans

Method in Soul-Winning, H. C. Mabie

Studies in Soul-Winning, F. P. Wood

Taking Men Alive, C. G. Trumbull

God's Plan for Soul-Winning, T. Hogben

The Personal Touch, J. W. Chapman

Personal Work for Christ, G. Soltau

The Passion for Souls, J. H. Jowett

The Craft of Soul-Winning, C. M. Turnbull

The Soul-Winner, C. H. Spurgeon

[end of chapter 10, and end of the text of THE DIVINE ART

OF SOUL WINNING]

@99

ETEXT EDITOR'S NOTE:

This book was keyed into digital media by

Clyde C. Price, Jr., Bible teacher. Internet email:

76616.3452@compuserve.com

As long as this book is available in print-media, my opinion is

that the digital version is best left in ASCII form without being

printed out and is most useful as an easily searched reference and a

fast source of quotations and illustrations for writers and

speakers. It is also an easy-to-share resource for anybody who has a

computer, and certainly worthy of inclusion in Christian

"collections" of etexts.

I have written ARROWS FOR YOUR QUIVER, SHORT SHOTS, and SCRAPS,

[filenames: ARROWS.XXX, SHOTS.XXX AND SCRAPS.XXX], which are

collections of short evangelistic articles designed for

re-publication by evangelical local churches, along with suggestions

for outreach projects and other (I hope) interesting material. My

stuff, I issue on a "Shareware-text" basis, for free reading and

evaluation, with a request for an OPTIONAL honorarium only if

several are re-published. Please see the collections themselves for

further details, available in CompuServe's Religion Forum,

Evangelicals File Section, browse/scan keyword "CCP", also available

on Index BBS via telnet: "telnet index.com binary" A free one

month 30-minutes-per-day trial subscription is available, with no

limit on downloads..

I have gone to the effort of personally re-keying (on my Model

100 notebook computer) this excellent copyright- expired material by

J. Oswald Sanders

a) as a service to the Body of Christ, a worthwhile and

valuable ministry in itself, and

b) in the hopes of making contacts for preaching and teaching

ministry with people and groups I would not have otherwise met.

Also, c) it is my prayer that if this work ever does go out of

print, that this digital version will preserve and prolong the

ministry of a great servant of God.

NOTE: I collect old books, especially GOOD copyright-expired

CHRISTIAN MATERIAL such as the books mentioned in Mr. Sanders'

bibliography, good educational material, nearly anything that a

Christian educator/librarian would want to preserve in digital

media. I am working with other Christians, to preserve uncopyrighted

Christian books by retyping (or doing scan/OCR) into digital media.

May God make you a fruitful winner of soul-winners.