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Motto: ' 'Fishers of Men.

Lessons in Soul-Winning,

WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO

HOUSE TO HOUSE VISITATION.

ByE.H. kellar,

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Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance and Sunday-school Union of St. Louis.

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ST. LOUIS, mo.: J v ' / w > J CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANY.

1895.

The Library

Oft COW :W ESS

Copyrighted, 1893, by E. H. KELLAR.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Introductory.	_ _	6
		PART I.
	THE	WORK EXPLAINED.
Lesson 1	Outlined.	The Initiatory Step	13
" 2		Delicacy of the Work	18
" 3		The (House) Home	21
<< 4		How to Gain Access — House-to-
		House -	23
" 5		How to Use the Cards	26
" 6		How to Consider the Poor— the Rich 42
(i n		How to Approach the Unsaved -	45
8		Concerning the Parents	48
" 9		The Young People -	51
" 10		The Children -	53
" 11		The Foreigner -	56
" 12		The Negro -	59
" 13		The Roomer— Boarder	60
u 14		God's Plan - •	63
" 15		The Fraternity Settlement PART II.	66
THE WORKER QUALIFIED AND EQUIPPED.
		I. Qualified.
Lesson 1	Outlined.	Confidence -	73
11 2		Courtesy -	78
3		Consecration -	7S
4		Incentives -	80
" 5		Opportunity and Adaptability	84
" 6		Prayer -.-.--	86
" 7		Personal Cautions (3)	88

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

	II. Equipped.
Lesson 8 Outlined. " 9 cc 10 cc n " 12 " 13	Knowledge of the Scriptures Knowledge of Mankind What Sin Is - Know Doctrines Judgment - - - Principles of Imparting Faith	- 90 92 - 94 97 - 101 103

PART III.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Lesson 1 Outlined. The Kingdom as Described by

Jesus - - - 107

" 2 " How the Apostles Made Disciples 110

" 3 " Organization - - 113

" 1 " The Visible and Local Congrega-

tion - - - 118

' « 5 ' ' Things Done to Build Up the Con-

gregation - - 120

1 ( (6 " Relations of Congregations to Each

Other - 122

PART IV.

DISOBEDIENCE EXAMINED.

Introduction to Part IV. - - - - 127

Section A.— The Superficial.

1. Lack of Deep Conviction - - - - 128

2. •< Still a Little Skeptical" - - - 129

3. "Wait Until a More Convenient Time - - 130

4. Love of Ease 132

5. Not "Called" Yet 132

6. Cantroversial Spirit 134

7. "Won't Believe what I do not Understand" - 134

Section B.— The Apostate.

8. (1) "Cannot Hold Out" 137

9. (2) "Tried Without Success" - - - 138

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

10. (3) Inconsistencies of Christians - - 140

11. (4) " Too Great a Sinner" - - - - 140

Section C— The Bewildered.

12. (1) The Superstitious - 143

13. (2) Spiritual Blindness— Ignorance - - 14 4

14. (3) Too Great Regard for Human Traditions - 145

Section D.— Commending Themselves.

Love of Praise - - • - -148

Fear of Man L48

Not Willing to Leave Impenitent Associates - 149

"Don't Like the Messenger" - - 150

Insincerity - - - - - - 151

Section E.— Foes Within and Without.

Too Many Things to Give Up - 153

Pride of Birth - - - - - 154

"Too Smart" ----- 155

"Love of the World" - 155

Love of Money ----- 156

"Cares of the Wrorld" - - - - 157

"Don't Want Sins Exposed - 153

Murmuring Spirit - - - - - 153

Section F.— The Self-Righteous.

(1) "Don't Want to Confess Christ" - - 160

(2) "Don't Want to be Baptized" - - - 162

Section G.— Many Infallible Proofs for the Unbelievers.

(1) Theories of Infidelity - 165

(2) Internal Evidences • - 171

(3) External Evidences - 176

15.	(1)
16.	(2)
17.	(3)
18.	(4)
19.	(5)
20.	(1)
21.	(2)
22.	(3)
2:j.	(4)
21.	(5)
25.	(6)
26.	(7)
27.	(8)

28.

30. 31. 32.

INTRODUCTOKY.

After Many Years.— It is quite apparent that Christianity must be reduced, as far as possi- ble, to a science, and its truths be applied, in a catholic way, by trained soul -winners for the coming of the Kingdom in its fullness.

An Effort to Organize, Educate and Util- ize.— The Sunday (Bible) School movement is a successful effort to utilize the sentiment gener- ated in the Church by the Gospel to care for, es- pecially, the children of Church members. This movement is on an interdenominational and catholic basis .

The Young People's Society of Christian En- deavor fills a similar place in the utilization of sentiment to care for the young people of the Church, with an eye to a universal sweep, and without antagonizing denominationalism.

Now there is a vast sentiment — a dominant mis- sionary idea — that reaches out after the children , the young people, the parents, who are without the blessings of Faith .

Especially adapted for city conditions, yet knowing neither denominational nor territorial bounds — mark it! — these systematic lessons in soul- winning are a humble effort to organize, edu- cate and utilize this sentiment. 16)

INTRODUCTORY.

Think On This! — "And thus also the further- ance of God's Kingdom, both in general and in each individual community, the furtherance of the propagation of Christianity among the hea- then, and the improvement of each particular Church, was not to be the concern of a particu- lar chosen class of Christians, but the nearest duty of every individual Christian.

' ' Every one was to contribute to this object from the station assigned to him by the invisible Head of the Church, and by the gifts peculiar to him, which were given to him by God, and grounded in his nature — a nature which retained, indeed, its individual character, but was regen- erated and ennobled by the influence of the Holy Spirit.

"There was no division into spiritual and worldly, but all as Christians, in their inward life and dispositions, were to be men dead to the ungodliness of the world, and thus far departed out of the world ; men animated by the Spirit of God, and not by the spirit of the world. ' ' — Nean- der' s History.

Words of the Nazarene.— < 'The harvest truly is great and the laborers are few." "Go.'' "Pray.'' "Teach.'' "Observe.'' "I am with you. ' '

Soul- Winners' Training (Classes— College) In Contemplation. — All pastors and thoughtful Christians view, with deep gratitude, the ad- vances in the direction of training soul -winners

8 INTRODUCTORY.

made by the Young Men and Young Women's Christian Associations, Christian Endeavor and kindred societies, the Sunday (Bible) School and the Church, although, so far as we know, there is not, nor has there been, any general, wide- spread or systematic effort in this direction.

Development. — It is only a further develop- ment of this same dominant missionary idea that suggests a training -class in every Ghurch, that there may be those, who are not only willing, but competent to do personal work.

There is a demand for this work, not alone, during the season of special revival, or in the various regular services of the Church , where the Christian and non- Christian may be thrown to- gether, but for those trained fishermen, who will cheerfully subject themselves to the dis- comfiture and uncertainty of angling in unseen depths , who will go from one place of rendezvous to another, continually and persistently, braving sneer and insult, because on fire with the faith that such of mankind as are not brought into the Kingdom of the Living God are lost !

If one can be a storage -battery for God, out- side the ranks of the faithful and within the ene- mies' enclosure, what could he not be and do, when all around are friends, and the atmosphere and surroundings are surcharged with Christian power?

Therefore, as the greater comprehends the lesser, so it is recommended, that this training-

INTRODUCTORY. 9

class of soul -winners be organized and instructed with special reference to fitness for house-to- house visitation.

Organize by the pastor, or any one sufficiently interested, calling a meeting of those who will be party to some such agreement as this.

Covenant. — I, , believe

that " the kingdom of God and his righteous- ness/' constitute the supreme interest of man- kind in general, and myself in particular. Hence I do, hereby, enter into this solemn covenant to fit myself for personal work — soul -winning.

The Course of Study. — Besides common sense, a good English education, and a pure heart, it is expected that members of this class shall have been as well grounded in the knowl- edge and use of the Holy Word as the Church affords opportunity, in the present development of her activities. And beyond this,

The Bible is to be carefully and systematically studied, with special reference to soul -winning. (Normally, it can be studied in no other way, but we are so blinded by selfishness. ) And then,

This Little Book, it is hoped, will be taken as a kind of manual in the attempt to adapt the truths of the Scriptures to the exigencies of our day, especially in house-to-house work; and so, anything that can be used to advance this pur- pose should be added; not, however, so as to make the course too extended or complex.

The Leader. — To develop independence, rapid-

10 INTRODUCTORY.

ity, and conciseness, patience, tact, and delicacy of thought and expression, let the members of the class alternate in leading.

Manner of Conducting the Class -Meeting. — Let the leader conduct a review of the previous, lesson (with closed books and absence of notes), and the same leader, by lecture or conference, es- tablish well the salient points in the next lesson . Thus , after the manner of lectures at college .

Let the leader and lesson -subject be selected and announced one meeting in advance. The use of the blackboard is recommended

Order of Exercises (Suggested).

1. Scripture Reading — selected with reference to lesson to be reviewed.

2 . Hymn — selected with reference to lesson to be reviewed.

3. Review of the previous lesson.

4. Sentence -Prayer — by every member of the class.

5. Study of the next lesson.

6. Selection of leader and lesson. Miscella- neous.

7 . Hymn — Benediction .

Prayer. — O our Father, dependent on Thee are we — on Thee alone. Grant to us humility. May we be free from any feeling of self-suffi- ciency. What have we that we have not re- ceived from Thee? O Thou art the Giver of all good! Blessed be Thy Holy name! Grant to Thy children zeal, constancy and wisdom. May we be altogether dominated , as was Jesus , by the idea of service to Thee and humanity, that Thy will may be done on earth as in Heaven. For Christ ' s sake . Amen .

PART I. THE WORK EXPLAINED.

LESSONS IN SOUL-WINNING.

LESSON I. OUTLINED.

The Initiatory Step. DEVOTION.

O our Heavenly Father, help us to re- member our covenant with Thee and among ourselves. May we be mindful that we are parts of a tremendous whole — that Thou art no respecter of persons, loving all alike — that we are to work to- gether, so Thy great purpose in creating man may be fulfilled. We thank Thee for the measure of co-operation already attained; grant us grace to go on to greater things. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

ELABORATION.

Vast numbers in the great cities — prob- ably not less than three-fifths — are rent- ers; and this great number are, more or

less, continually shifting from this house (13)

14 SOUL-WINNING.

to that, from one part of the city to an- other. Moreover, many hundreds and thousands are annually added to the city's population — people moving in from else- where. Families are created every year by marriage, which go to housekeeping. All this makes it a matter of great ur- gency to get out a new directory annu- ally, Business men understand this. The churches need a new directory with even a greater need; the haphazard, overlap- ping, irresponsible, unreliable way of the past is entirely inadequate — a relic of an anti-missionary, anti-co-operative age. When the preacher says, occasionally, from the pulpit, "If any of you know of any family or person in the neighborhood whom I ought to visit, with the view of having them become identified with us in our church, please let me know;" and the superintendent says, "Now let every scholar bring a new scholar next Sun- day;" and, maybe, the enthusiastic pas- tor, when he enters upon his city charge, writes a fervent article for his denomina- tional paper, in which he says, "Breth-

SOUL- WINNING, 15

ren (to his fellow-pastors and elders), if any of your members move to our city, drop me a note with their addresses, so I can look them up ; oh ! so very, very many are lost every year to our churches in this way." And that is about all there is of it. Soon the preacherVhands are so full with other matters that he cannot even find time to look up the names that are handed or sent him. As a next step, a visiting committee is organized by the Presbyterian pastor, and ten city blocks are canvassed with reference, solely, to his own congregation. The M. E. Church, on the opposite corner, goes on a similar hunt over about the same ten blocks. The energetic superintendent of the Pres- byterian Sunday-school organizes a move- ment to secure the children in ten blocks for his Sunday-school; the superintend- ent of the M. E. school is impressed in about the same way; and thus and so it goes. Well, everybody is tired and dis- gusted— those visited and those who visit. Such house-to-house visiting is a conspic- uous failure; even worse, in many in-

16 SOUL- WINNING.

stances, working a positive injury, in that

(a) it causes certain of the visited to attach undue importance to themselves;

(b) it leaves an impression of unbecom- ing rivalry; (c) these flashes leave an im- pression of inconstancy and insincerity — great attention for a short time, and then absolute neglect; (d) some sections of the city worked to death, and others alto- gether ignored. Moreover, in the local congregation there is often no concerted action; the Church acts without reference to the Sunday-school, and vice versa; and the Young People's Society is liable to act independently. All this is to be deprecated. The system we advocate looks to thoroughness, co-operation and efficiency, in the initial visit of the year — concerted action, on the part of the local church, and sister churches of all denom- inations. The initial visit is to locate those unidentified with Christian work, and to ascertain what denomination could best enlist them. To divide the family up — the father to this church, the mother to that church, and the children to the

SOUL- WINNING. 17

other church — is not the ideal condition ; but such inharmony will, however, adjust itself, as denominations come to see eve to eye, which latter condition this move- ment will assist to effect.

The initial visit does not stand alone ; it is the first, and differs somewhat from the following; but by no means is it an end of the matter. The initial visit means every house, every family, every person. Very much depends on the be- ginning; other people are to enter into our labor, even as we enter into theirs.

APPLICATION.

Do not display any bigotry or sectarian- ism whatever. Do your work well. In a sense, more depends upon the initial visit than upon any other. It means a con- certed action on the part of Christian people, with absolutely no regard for denominational lines. You are to ascer- tain facts, interested only as a Christian.

In the "following up" visits, denomi- national channels may be used. Remem- ber you are to work with the dominant

18 SOUL-WINNING.

idea of the Church as a unit, not with un- seemly rivalry of parts, but as one solid and aggressive phalanx moving on to uni- versal conquest and universal peace.

LESSON II. OUTLINED.

Delicacy of the Work.

DEVOTION.

O Father of Wisdom, take now our heads and hearts, acquaint us with a sense of the fine, sensitive character of this work, and free us from rudeness and presumption. May we have the mind of Jesus in seeking out and caring for the stray. In His name. Amen.

ELABORATION.

That the work is too difficult and deli- cate is not a good excuse for declining to make the effort; but, on the contrary, should incite us. Whether we work or refuse, an influence is set in perpetual motion.

SOUL- WINNING. 19

It is largely a question of grace in ap- proach and in contact :

(a) Not on a parallel with an agent or canvasser, who has a more or less selfish motive in calling; but per contra.

(b) Not a quality to be attained with- out thought or exercise ; but per contra.

(c) The ambiguity of speech adds diffi- culties to the work. Many delicate in- quiries are necessary, sometimes, to estab- lish one point clearly. To be brusque would be to court defeat.

(d) Once let the visited repose confi- dence in the visitor, and the remaining part is easy.

Extreme sensitiveness may arise from, (1) great selfishness, (2) deep sense of ignorance, (3) secret sins and fear of ex- posure, (4) confidence misplaced, (5) shattered hopes — in a word, here is sin, a great sore, inflamed and sensitive! O, the shattered nerves, the guilty consciences! O, the reckless, despairing, desperate souls! Yes, it is a delicate task to snatch the brands from the burning. No outside glamour of respectability or composure

20 SOUL- WINNING.

should deceive. Let there be honest diagnosis!

APPLICATION.

Go, be not faint-hearted; be dependent on God's wisdom, not your own. Jesus to the sinners, not to the righteous — be a follower of Him in deed and in truth. Be patient and sympathetic — don't pose as some great one, you are not; take off your gloves, it is fine work; lay aside the con- ventional flatteries and deceits. We mean business and have no time for trifling; take insult at nothing. If sneer-" ed at and reviled, stand it patiently; Jesus did not revile again, be sure we do not. Be loving; if love does not win, be sure severity cannot. Be content with little or no apparent progress ; remember you are sowing the seed. We do not sow and reap the same day ; remember, how- ever, that with some souls the reaping time is at hand; seek then for definite committal. Do not lose your head; if you are getting disconcerted and out of sorts, withdraw a little while and pray;

SOUL -WINNING. 21

or, where you are, just think a prayer. Avoid disagreements, or discussions of differences; attempt rather to build up a higher understanding by considering things upon which you can agree; thus, sympathy is shown and confidence is be- gotten.

LESSON III. OUTLINED.

The (House) Home. DEVOTION.

O our Father in Heaven, we are grate- ful for the home on earth; help us to give to it purpose, and to grasp its asso- ciated ideas as it relates to others — obli- gations, responsibilities, hopes and fears — to the end that souls may be won. For Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

I. Consider its universality and evolu- tion; the first and last abode of living man — the corollary of the family idea; corollary, from "corolla," a crown, and

22 SOUL- WINNING.

crown means to "dignify," "adorn," "complete;" hence, ho?ne, crown of the family, dignifies, adorns and completes it. Note the teleology of advance: cave, teepe, mud, log, modern house. Effects of civilization and Christianity, aspects of exterior and interior.

II. The property idea often represents a certain self-denial, one's own brain and brawn, sweat and blood. Where the heart is, there is the treasure also; undue attachment.

III. Its title to respect, because place of seclusion and of rest: Isa. 48: 22; Psa. 118:165. O what words! And then its relation to religion, the family prayer altar — early prayers — the births, deaths, marriages.

IV. Its soul and life is in its influence on human life: joys, habits, sorrows, associations, etc.

APPLICATION.

We go into homes, not houses alone — go with the thought of wThat they may be (consider our ignorance), and what

SOUL- WINNING. 23

they should be (what Christ would have them). Not given to everybody to be " at home" with various classes. Can you? We have Divine Authority as well as human right to go, as gospel messen- gers, into every home (providing it is not resented). Don't doubt it.

LESSON IV. OUTLINED.

How to Gain Access — House to House.

DEVOTION.

O Thou, who providest abundantly every soul with every needed thing, grant us grace and knowledge to do Thy holy will. May we understand the manner of approach to each precious soul under domestic environment of all kinds. Grant to us the virtues of adaptability and taste and persistency, with the one object of soul-winning. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

ELABORATION.

Awkwardness, embarrassment, failure to adapt one's self to the occasion or sur-

24 SOUL-WINNING.

roundings, are always to be deprecated.

(a) Time. Select such times as will, most likely, be suitable to the class of people to be visited. As a rule, go be- tween 9 and 11 a. m., 2 and 5 and 7 and

8 P. M.

(b) Dress. Dress with such taste as will, most likely, be free of offense and criticism to all classes. Don't under- estimate this point.

(c) Manner. Be considerately cheer- ful and make it early apparent that you are not a canvasser or agent. If a ser- vant answer the door, explain to him or her that your mission is one of friendli- ness and good will, avoiding the mechan- ical as much as possible ; draw from her the information desired concerning her- self, giving with kind words the invitation to church services ; then ask her to carry a card to the householder (whose name you will have secured beforehand), with the request for a moment's conversation. Make it very dear that you are not out in the interest of any denomination, as such; that you are not to proselyte in that sense

SOUL- WINNING. 25

at all. Let it be understood, also, that you are not out soliciting alms for any- body or an}'thing. In most cases a child or a woman will come to the door, and our first duty will be to disarm them of any suspicion. Act as though it were a neighborly call, and that is exactly what it is. Show no indication of displeasure or surprise whatever, at any sight, sound or smell that may assail you — you have no business to be proud or " stuck up " at any time, but especially would it be out of place in this work; don't give it up if • you meet with silence and a cold stare — you are to expect just that sort of thing. A few more smiles and kind words will probably open the sealed lips ; if you meet with rebuff or ridicule, stand it good- naturedly; the chances are it will not be repeated after the first snarl. Most peo- ple will receive you good-naturedly and many will be disposed to smile the thing off in an easy manner; be on your guard against such.

26 SO UL- WINNING .

APPLICATION.

You are approaching your own brothers and sisters; be just as considerate and charitable and persistent as though, in- deed, they wore your own name and were your immediate kin. Bear in mind that you are building for Eternity ! be yourself a storage battery of Faith, Hope and Love.

LESSON V. OUTLINED.

How to Use the Cards.

DEVOTION.

O our Divine Father, grateful are we for all instrumentalities for the accom- plishment of Thy holy will on earth; help us in our understanding of the means of co-operation and the plan devised to give efficiency and permanency to this work. We ask it in the name of Him who organ- ized and sent forth the seventy and the twelve.

SOUL- WINNING. 27

ELABORATION.

The Introductory and Invitation card:

(Should be of good card-board, about 2 1-2x4 in.)

" Whosoever Will, Let Him Come."

You are cordially invited to attend the services at the church of your choice

NEXT SUNDAY.

AND REGULARLY THEREAFTER.

This invitation is a general one, and is made by the Christian people of the city.

YOUR WELCOME IS ASSURED.

REVERSE SIDE.

"The Spirit and the Bride say Come, and whoso- ever will, let him take of the water of life freely. "

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "

28 SOUL- WINNING.

Be well provided with these cards. In- sert your name before starting out. Use them freely, but not wastefully; they are all of some worth, and can be used at any time. It is intended to give every one, in this way, a personal printed invitation, and accompanied, if it be possible, with a spoken invitation. Be prepared to give location and other information of the principal churches in the city, and of all of every kind in the immediate neighbor- hood in which you visit. The following blank is suggested for the retention and exchange of information.

Each canvasser is provided with fifty of these slips fastened between card-board covers. On the front cover are blanks for the number of the district, name of canvasser, and a diagram on which the Chairman indicates the block to be can- vassed by writing the names of streets about the diagram. At headquarters these books of slips are taken all apart and the slips fastened in packages accord- ing to denominations.

SOUL- WINNING.

29

Name

Residence .

	< O	i sis B 5 « £ °	§>3i IS 3 5 ©OS Bb%	bo »S • 0) o o	T3 o 1—1	1 CO •-1 02 o
Adults, 21 and over
Youths, 4 to 20 Under 4 years..
TOTALS

Member of what church..

What denomination preferred..

Which branch of said denomination..

Visit advisable (Yes or no.)

Remarks

Each visitor is provided with a slip upon which are suggestions as follows:

30 SO UL - WINNING .

Suggestions for Visitors.

1. Understand as thoroughly as possi- ble the work expected of you, before you begin.

2. Let your dress and address recom- mend your religion.

3. Ascertain, if possible, the name of the family residing in the house before calling.

4. Use the utmost skill in your speech, remember that love alone wins.

5. As you enter, breathe a silent prayer for Christ's presence and help.

6. Write plainly. Miss no one. Get- accurate information. Leave one invi- tation for each person.

7. Include all hired help and boarders, but under their own respective names, and on a separate blank.

8. Under " Remarks " note reasons for non-attendance, etc., state in one word any incident, comment or experience that may be striking.

9. Complete your work as soon as pos- sible and report to your chairman.

SOUL- WINNING. 31

10. Remember, the object of this co- operative and thorough canvass is not so much to do the work, as to point out to churches and Sunday-schools the work to be done afterward.

Do not mark, as for special visit, those who are in good standing and full fellow- ship in some one of our city churches; no cognizance should be taken of such (save in exceptional cases, where there is palpable neglect on the part of the church, the member being destitute, or sick, in special and sudden distress), any more than to enumerate the visit and number visited, etc., for it is to be supposed that all full members are enlisted for work in the Lord's army. Note, however, that one should inquire narrowly, but discreetly and courteously, into this matter, because heretofore many have reported in a brief, laconic way: " Yes, I am a church mem- ber," a "Protestant," or maybe, "Meth- odist" or "Baptist," without qualification or limitation, when, in reality, they only lean that way, or have been so reared, or

32 SOUL- WINNING.

their parents were such, or they them- selves were such before coming into the city, or they think of becoming such some time, etc. Let us be on our guard in this matter.

A visit is advisable in every instance where the visited is not identified with any local congregation in the city, and who, needing, would not resent a visit from a friend. Be very accurate in writ- ing down the name, address, etc.; don't approach a person with pencil and card in hand and demand the name and ad- dress, but after you have established sym- pathy, and determined the items desired, ask if the person has any objection to permitting you to write down a few points. If, however, you fear giving offense, re- tain the points in mind and insert them later. We are not governmental employes propounding interrogations mechanically, Remember!

District Chairman's Report.

District Number

Number Canvassers

Number visits made

SOUL- WINNING.

33

Total number visited

Number adults— 21 and over

Number youths— 4 to 20

Number under four years

Number not attending church

Number in Sunday-school

Number youths not in Sunday-school

Number attend neither church norjSunday-school..

Number having no preference

Number visits advisable

goo

II

U

CD CD

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CD a

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Number Methodists

Number Lutheran

Number Christian

Number Baptist

Number Presbyterian

Number Unitarian

Number Jewish

Number Episcopalian

Number Congregational

Number Miscellaneous

Number total Non- Catholics.. Number Roman Catholics

Total..

34 SO UL- WINNING .

The suggested forms and blanks herein set forth are tentative. However, they have served for canvassers in St. Louis, Louisville, Kansas City and elsewhere. In St. Louis, where the author has been for some years Secretary of the House-to- House Board, new schools have been or- ganized, and in some instances local con- gregations sprang into existence almost as the immediate result of the canvasses.

I spread upon the pages of this book the Secretary's " Salient Points." report made after the Fall canvass of 1893; the previous annual canvasses had been made in the Spring.

House-to-House Visitation — Saliext Poixts.

1st. Activity in the interim. In many cases using the district boundaries as laid out by our interdenominational Board, but confined to local church channel, and practically ignoring other churches, near or far, thus sufficient in itself, and reluct- ant to go into the general movement.

SOUL- WINNING. 35

2d. Denominational activity (£. e., co- operation among churches of the same denomination), and so again averse to in- terdenominational co-operation.

3d. Disposition to give up the effort to secure sufficient and efficient volunteer help; but to pay for efficient service of one or two, and extend the time for sev- eral weeks.

4th. Pronounced indisposition to set- tle down to the good, hard work of the movement, both in the initiatory and the "following up" (not more noticeable this year than formerly, however, if the novelty of the movement be eliminated). This indisposition is shown by, (a) in- creased sensitiveness at rude treatment; (b) " don't like to interfere with the reg- ular work of the Church;" (c) "don't do any good anyhow, because people are set in their ways;" (d) "it breaks into our denominational arrangements in this di- rection;" (e) information is refused be- cause (it is said) the movement is in the interest of the "A. P. A."

Answer. — Doubtless we should con-

36 SO UL- WINNING .

sider such indisposition thus: (a) If rudely treated, let it not be the occasion of cessation of endeavor, but rather in- duce patience and skill and persistency — see life of Christ, (b) Regular routine of church services permits many to slumber. The orthodox Jewish services in the time of Christ served to lull to ease and repose great numbers of the Jews, who by an outward conformity concluded they had discharged the demands of the faith, (c) "Nothing is settled until it is settled right;" the cui bono is of the devil, and obsolete in this relation, or else why Christ at all? (d) Denominationalism thus becomes the bane of Christianity; it is anarchy, the haphazard, go-as-you- please bigotry that retards the coming Kingdom; for, "when one saith, I am of Paul ; and another, I am of Apollos ; are ye not carnal?" (e) The movement has absolutely no connection whatever with any secret society or political party. Over a year ago it was suggested to divide the city according to wards and precincts for the purpose of comparisons of relig-

SO UL - WINNING . 37

ions with political life. Leaving out of consideration any purpose of compari- sons, such division might have been ac- ceptable, and was followed in our neigh- boring city, Louisville, but Avas avoided here purposely to discountenance the charge of being used for political pur- poses. The matter was laid before the Board again this fall, and again defeated.

Failed to "Reckon. — The committee failed to take into account the Church as a religious club, the pastors as overtaxed, and the fact that the churches are so dead in selfishness, coming from the sum- mer's relaxation, as to need, aye, require, the enthusiasm usually engendered in the winter's work so as to set the people at work to " compel them to come in." Our vacation system in the city is at fault somewhere ; it takes nearly all winter to regain what we lose in the summer. The loitering school-boy takes three steps for- ward and two backward, and is tardy.

Satiated with Statistics. — The past canvasses have brought so much to light in this respect that many stand appalled

38 SOUL- WINNING.

and consider any reform movement a for- lorn hope — so many have lost their apti- tude (if, indeed, they ever possessed any) for soul-winning, and satisfy themselves (and not infrequently the preacher) by giving a genteel sort of service, a contri- bution in dollars, but not in personal duty performed in the presence and to the person of the worldly.

Many Have Grown Tired. — After the novelty, after the flush of one great step taken, after the half defeat, after work- ing up to the canvass again, and then again, after the churches were not filled and the Sunday-schools had not doubled their membership — then comes the a tired feeling." It is one thing to spy out the country, and quite another thing to take and hold it. One thing to co-operate for information, and quite another for in- gathering.

Suppose We Do Know that in a given district there are 4,000 souls, 1,800 adults, 1,800 youth, and 600 under four years old. Only 200, or one-twentieth, are church members; 150, or one-tenth, of the youth

SOUL -WINNING. 39

in the Sunday-school (not reckoning Catholics) ; and these members and pupils divided up among a score of denomina- tions? Rather serious condition, but what shall we do?

What More to Do. — Has not each home been visited and a printed card of invitation to attend divine services been given to all? Yes. But did they come? No — perhaps one or two. Were they then not assorted, and did not one specific congregation send out written or printed invitations to attend a specific service? Yes, in some few cases. And was there an encouraging response? No, they did not come in large numbers. Is it not true that there are churches and schools with conspicuously-hung signs, "All are welcome/' where services are conducted regularly, and whose doors are open? And how many attend? Perhaps out of 4,000, 300 combined attend Sunday-school and church regularly, and another 300 occasionally. Well, what more can be done? What more? Why, it all remains to be done!

40 SOUL- WINNING.

Not Enough.— Of course it is not enough to hand out a printed invitation ; one might as well expect to have the house full by inserting a deftly-worded invitation in the newspaper. It is not enough, having learned the destitution spiritual and the predilection religious, to send a special invitation. No, it is not enough to hold out inducements of reward cards and such for attendance at Sunday- school. Nor will it suffice to have con- veniently located churches, with attrac- tive and conspicuous signs, "All welcome; seats free." Well, what then?

The Christ Heart. — How true is it that religious clubs are exclusive, that the churches frequently do not care for increased usefulness! That genuine faith and repentance and obedience are rare and exceptionally fine conditions, and not acceptable to the mass of the people. The grace that comes from God, and not from man, to secure and to hold those outside. Alas! alas! the aptitude and love for soul-winning dwell in very few hearts.

SOUL- WINNING.

41

Here is the Suggestion for You. — Pastoral Co-operation. Cottage Prayer- Meetings. Neighborhood Sunday-schools. On this mundane sphere that army of the Lord, with no councils of war and.no communications between divisions and companies, is insane and foolish (if ulti- mate victory be honestly desired and ex- pected.) This is our present condition. Who will deny it? Organize the St. Louis pastoral co-operation with auxil- iaries in each of our eighty-one districts.

Auxiliary Co-operation. — (1) Organ- ize with corps of officers that will include pastors and superintendents of all church- es and Sunday-schools in the district. (2) Hold monthly meetings in rotation from one church to another. (3) Two elections annually. (4) Objects: (a) Keep religious directory of the district continually cor- rected; (b) Interchange of information and suggestions and studies in soul-win- ning—cottage prayer-meetings, neighbor- hood Sunday-schools; (c) Eeports from pastors and superintendents as to in- crease in church and Sunday-school ; (d)

42 SOUL- WINNING.

Afford relief to the destitute; (e) Report twice a year to the Central Co-operation. Central Pastoral Co-operation. — A joint organization of the Sunday-school Union and Alliance, something after the order of our present House-to-House Board, to secure desired uniformity, have general supervision of the move- ment, and keep the auxiliaries working, etc., "till all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God."

LESSON VI. OUTLINED.

How to Consider the Poor — The Rich.

devotion.

O our Divine Father, help us to hold in mind the teaching of Thy Word concern- ing these two great classes, that we may act rightly in any and all cases. Give us an eye to distinguish between the real and the apparent. We are deeply thank- ful for Thy providence of material things — wre are unspeakably grateful for Thy

SOUL- WINNING. 43

providence that freely gives unsearchable spiritual riches to the humblest, the most ignoble and ignorant, through Jesus, who became poor that we might be rich. Amen.

ELABORATION.

In Material Things. — Causes of pov- erty: Good — self-sacrifice, missionary zeal. Indifferent— accident, sickness. Bad — sloth, dissipation, evil associations, gambling. Causes of riches: Good — thrift, invention, economy. Indifferent — inheritance, accident. Bad — gambling, fraud, treachery, stinginess. The Script- ures further say: Riches are corrupting, perishable, deceitful, unsatisfying, source of envy and strife, lead to pride and hard-heartedness and oppression and sensuality, and the forgetting and forsak- ing of God. Moreover, those who possess riches should not set their hearts on them, or trust in them, or boast of them, or glory in them, or hoard them up, but rather ascribe them to God, devote them to God's service, and make the poor par- takers of them.

44 SOUL- WINNING.

The vast majority are neither poor nor rich; these terms are relative, flexible and elastic. No moral quality necessarily involved; consider the temptations and sins that are liable to accompany ex- tremes. Riches never an unavoidable con- dition; poverty maybe: a rich man can always give away his riches, but a poor man cannot always dispose of his pov- erty. Envy, avarice and gross selfishness not uncommon in the poor. The Chris- tian desires immaterial riches, i. e., treas- ures above — this is real wealth; all men should sacrifice riches for such. God is no respecter of rich or poor. God owns it all.

APPLICATION.

We must be affected by neither the one nor the other condition; ignorance, vice, infidelity and crime exist in both classes. Appearances are not an indication. Do not be guilty of one of the great sins of our day, namely, toadyism. Salvation from sin is found in Jesus Christ alone. Riches save no one, and poverty damns

SOUL- WINNING. 45

none. Strive to be rich in good works. "There is a burden of care in getting riches, fear in keeping them, temptation in using them, guilt in abusing them, sor- row in losing them, and a burden of ac- count to be given up at last concerning them." — Mattheiv Henry.

LESSON VII. OUTLINED.

How to Approach the Unsaved.

DEVOTION.

O our Father, may we realize the won- derful truth — "By unbelief they entered not in;" "He that believes not shall be condemned." That we may be stirred up to our full duty, may we keep in mind the words, "If you love them that love you, what reward have you?" "If you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others?" We have been selfish and unchristlike ; O forgive us ! May we be like Jesus. We ask in His name. Amen.

46 SOUL- WINNING .

ELABORATION.

Four kinds or attitudes of the mind and heart towards Christ :

(1) Convicted — those who want to be saved.

(2) Awakened — those who are inter- ested.

(3) Careless — those who are indiffer- ent.

(4) Eebellious — those who refuse to listen.

"Zeal without knowledge," "apathy," "inconstancy," might be written of a vast amount of the efforts to win souls in the past. The efforts, in the direction of personal work, put forth during seasons of revival, the zeal young Christians man- ifest, are not to be spoken of slightingly. Although the one is sometimes spasmodic, and the other sometimes without knowl- edge, it is far better than the lifeless "O won't you join our church, our minister is so nice?" of the apathetic. Special at- tention is required to efface these faults: (1) Diagnosis — analysis and synthesis, taking apart and putting together of ele-

SOUL- WINNING. 47

ments in character, as heredity and envi- ronment and manifestation, the enfolding and unfolding of each life. (2) Indi- vidual— We have to do with an individ- ual— a unit — not a class. One, however, who has lived in more or less touch with Christianity all his life; note, therefore, the Geist Zeit. We are not the first cen- tury disciples, with a gospel that is a nov- elty, to encounter the prejudices and su- perstitions of the polytheistic myths, the esoteric philosophy of Rome and Greece and Egypt. * But we are dealing with an old, old story, after nineteen centuries of misapprehensions, encountering the per- plexing vices of an heathenized Christian- ity— the same old gospel, overloaded with the rubbish of human traditions and mis- understandings. Shall we not be stout- hearted and sink the trtfe old gospel-blade down into the root of misrepresentation and the nineteenth century enormities? Let the burden of your counsel be, to the

Convicted: Trust and obey.

Awakened: Jesus is trustworthy.

Careless: Immortal soul accountable.

48

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Rebellious: Reductio ad absurdum — few words — a good example.

APPLICATION.

AVOID

Ostentation.

Flattery.

Insinuations.

Flippancy.

Censoriousness.

CULTIVATE

Observation without Impudence. Sympathy without Softness. Humility without Hypocrisy. Seriousness without Gloom. Fact without Intrigue.

LESSON VIII. OUTLINED.

Concerning the Parents.

DEVOTION.

Our Heavenly Father, Thou hast sanc- tified the marriage relations ; in Thy sight and economy the Family is at once school and sanctuary — we learn, we worship. O grant that all influences of parental life may be holy — that children may be reared in the nurture and admonition of our Lord. For Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

After entrance, do not stop to talk with the children, but speak to the point, with

SOUL- WINNING. 49

the parent; the parents control the chil- dren, and if you win the co-operation of the parents, you reach the children. Kindly assume the aggressive; judiciously defend the church. You can not waste time in listening to long tales of woe, or insidious attacks on the faith — look right into the eye with fullest candor. Press the following points home : You need the church, its music, its cheer, its society, its peace. Don't try to get "fit," go as you are. Keep continually sweet and cheer- ful, then — your children are growing a character. What are you willing to do about it? Are you fearful of bad influ- ences? Consider the good influences of Sunday-school — may I enroll them right now? (Only a little plain, pleasant, pointed talk to the parent.) No expense attached (comparatively) to religion — think! Sunday-school literature, Sunday- school teachers' work gratis — funerals, visits free, good cheer — preacher's good advice cheap? Yes, cheap, like sun and air — but O how valuable ! See ! Prevents blues, dissipation, crime! Ah, it is the

50 SO UL - WINNING .

Salt, the Light! And then pray, right on your feet— short — to the point — no cant or whine.

Have clearly in mind, believe what you want to say, say it; when you are through, go; don't dillydally about it — just go. " God bless you !" open the door, and go on about the Master's business. "The King's business requires haste."

APPLICATION.

Secure the attention, win the co-opera- tion. Don't underestimate the parent's power and influence — exalt your work — don't waste your time; yours is an inval- uable opportunity. It took grace to get into their house, let nothing of cowardice or timidity or thoughtlessness defeat you in accomplishing your purpose. Mid- summer is a little late to sow the seed, you might get in an after-crop, however. In the main, cultivate the grace that may be dormant within them — utilize it — get all out of it you can, especially as it relates to the children.

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LESSON IX. OUTLINED.

The Young People.

DEVOTION.

O our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the buoyancy of youth. Help us to understand its moods and whims, the melancholy of young manhood and wom- anhood, the chum-life, the loosenings of home ties, increasing responsibilities, and all the within and without that are so strange. Keep us ever in sympathy and touch with the young people, and may we win souls for Thee, our country and pos- terity. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

ELABORATION.

Now begin to show the individuality — every day brings some surprise. Under responsibility the dormant emotion, sen- sibility and will, seem to awake. Hold the reins gently but firmly — go the well- lighted road; in the dark paths disaster may occur before one is aware.

Study conditions of those from ten to twenty-five years, alone and in company,

52 SOUL -WINNING.

especially delicate matter to establish sympathy, as young people run to almost unaccountable chumships, and are sealed books to others. Study the magnificent proportions of responsibility, as the de- veloper of character. Put the wavering, possibly selfish, physically strong, as guar- dian for a more delicately built and weak younger one (a la Tom Brown). Let all business for life be selected with a view to its possible effects on morals of the one so selecting. If this selection be permitted to go haphazard and slipshod, beware !

Recreations, entertainments and amuse- ments. Fill the hours for such very full of the unquestionably right and proper, those that Jesus would allow, but withal, remember that life is a work-life, earnest, profitable, unselfish — be thrifty and shifty for the right always.

APPLICATION.

I may need my own advice. Have I not become blase, selfish, without conscious, independent strength? Is not this the

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secret — in strengthening others I strength- en self, in losing I find? O my soul, long for earnest friendships, for a constant, perpetual youth, with its hopes and vig- ors and unimpaired enthusiasm. Live and teach.

1. Keep good company or none.

2. Never be idle.

3. Live up to your engagements.

4. Keep your own secrets, if you have any.

5. Never play at any game of chance.

6. Do not run in debt.

7. Be temperate in all things.

LESSON X. OUTLINED.

The Children.

DEVOTION.

O our Father, we invoke Thy blessing upon us as we enter on this great theme — the children, whose angels are with Thee, the children of whom Jesus spoke so fre- quently. May human depravity be met and vanquished by the knowledge and

54 SOUL- WINNING.

power of Godliness, in the earliest days of infancy. O the little ones ! how Thou lovest them! how we love them! May we be sensible and show our regard in a practical way. To this end bless, we pray Thee, the Sunday-schools and Young People's Societies and the parents. For Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

"Suffer little children "—all the child needs is permission. The major part of our most fruitful work lies in this direc- tion. Paul to Timothy: "From a babe (from infancy up) thou hast known the sacred writings." So most frequently of the faithful. The child born under the most untoward circumstances, but reared in God's grace, becomes a power for right and conquest. Sow the seed in the spring — train the tree in the green. O the danger period — from ten to twenty! Animalism, sensuality, overpowered with tinsel and glare of this wicked world! Actions that may set (become fixed) into habits, and habits that may lead into hell !

SOUL- WINNING.

The years from three to eight will likely tell life's tale, and fortify or weaken. God pity the youth, without compass or pilot, on life's ocean, on either hand the rocks — the whirlpool ! There is no glory and little profit in saving a wreck. "Some men imagine they are forsaking the devil, when, in truth, the devil has only forsaken their worn-out bodies." Oh, the youth, the youth! our little loved ones, our hope, our promise and our power!

APPLICATION.

Drifting or guided? What am I doing about it? No notion of "original sin," or "infant baptism," should deter, swerve or mystify us as to our obligations to the children. Our Sunday-school could be increased a hundred-fold in attend- ance (and remain so)> yes, and in effi- ciency and power, in one year. How? By the sensible, persistent efforts of us soul- winners from house to house. We de- ceive ourselves if we expect God to do what he has enjoined upon us. "God is

56 SO UL- WINNING .

not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." God is helping, and will help. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." And when, in the life of our youth, the time comes when they must do for them- selves wThat no one can do for them, O may they have been so developed under the influences of Godly environment that all their actions may accord with the Holy Will of God!

LESSON XI. OUTLINED.

The Foreigner.

DEVOTION.

May we, O Father of all tongues and every race, appreciate the opportunities of our country, the health asylum of the world, the world's hospital, that places the stranger and foreigner in our midst, and may all be assimilated into our heaven-earthly government, a democracy under Christ. O guide and preserve our citizenship and studies in political eco-

SOUL- WINNING. 57

nornics to this great end. We ask for Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

What are we? God is no respecter of persons. What, love the yellow, almond- eyed, suspicious, treacherous Chinaman? At a distance ; we will send them mission- aries. Love a "Dago," a dirty, dried-up banana-peddler? Associate with him, be Si missionary to him? "It is impractica- ble; I haven't time; yes, it ought to be done ; their ignorance and anarchy might wreck us; I will contribute a few dollars for some one else to be the home mission- ary." Look out for this; it takes grace, but Grod will give it; ask Him. The En- glish tongue, not because it is English, but as it is now the most universal speech and the language of Christendom, carries with it innumerable blessings. If you can speak the foreign tongue, well and good; if not, you can smile, act a real fraternity, point to heaven. Remember the for- eigner has left much behind him, and he may leave his speech, also, if he be taken

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with your kindness; convenience and love will quickly help him to master our com- mon tongue. It is but just, because the discoveries and inventions and graces that annihilate time and space, and make all people one, demand one language — the English. Let all come to it speedily. Of course we may learn much from the Ger- man, French, Russian, etc. Let us not be conceited; our glorious composite under Christ is not completed; but notice, like Paul, we are debtors to all. Let us dis- charge our obligations and Christianize all.

APPLICATION.

The missionary districts in our large cities should be shirked no longer. The genius of our government demands that we be one— acquainted and united; the genius of our salvation requires the same thing. To the work, then! Down with the liquor business and gambling and kin- dred evils!

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LESSON XII. OUTLINED.

The Negro.

DEVOTION.

O our Heavenly Father, unspeakably grateful are we that world-wide emanci- pation moves on and on and on. In Thy grace no country like our own great de- mocracy, with its millions of colored citi- zens, seems so advantageously situated to solve this race problem. Grant to us Christ-like grace and wisdom for this un- dertaking. Amen.

ELABORATION.

Harbor a sentiment, but not sentiment- alism for the negro. The emancipation might come in a day, but the effects of slavery, with its commercial, social and religious complications, could not be eradicated in a day. It seems vain and foolish to make odious comparisons about cerebral superiority. The fifteenth amendment is doubtless just, and will meet with constantly increased favor. As far as opportunities and responsibili-

60 SOUL WINNING.

ties go, let there be civil, commercial and religious equality before the law. Negro soul-winners may, from the nature of the case, work to most advantage among their own race. Expediency suggests a certain separation, while the common good re- quires a no inconsiderable amount of co- operation.

APPLICATION.

Our long continued and superior ad- vantages should make us of especial great service to the negro, not in a patronizing way, but to assist them to lift the pall of superstition, immorality and ignorance that effects all races and peoples. Liq- uor, the intoxicating beverages, gambling and sensuality should be constantly dep- recated.

LESSON XIII. OUTLINED.

The Roomer — Boarder.

DEVOTION.

O our Heavenly Father, we come to Thee with our thanksgivings, our joys,

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our perplexities and our burdens. We need Thy wisdom and patience and grace in the matters before us. We so illy un- derstand the great cities, the diversity, complications and temptations, bustle, business and small talk of hotel and boarding-house life. Help us to meet the situation gravely and seriously, and win it all for Thee and Thy kingdom. For Je- sus' sake.

ELABORATION.

A fastly-increasing genus, with life and environment peculiar to itself — transient character— professional travelers, sales- men, actors, politicians, etc., etc. The regulars — clerks, railroad people, in busi- ness of all kinds, etc. — a life fraught with particularly dangerous environment, con- ducive to superficiality and selfishness.

The comforts of home are lacking. Comfort is sought in gambling, theater and bar-room and their adjuncts. Fami- lies boarding and children thus reared are subject to bad influences — neglected by churches. So many transients that come

62 SOUL WINNING.

to the city for a few days on business, or pleasure, think nothing of throwing off the restraining morals of their home, and "going in to see the sights," demoralize and debauch themselves, their city friends and the municipality generally.

Think of club life as related to our sub- ject— good, bad and indifferent, little and big clubs, particularly abounding in city life. The "Institutional" church is de- manded to control and give direction to such tendencies.

APPLICATION.

Why are theaters clustered "down town," and not in the residence districts, as are the churches? Among other rea- sons, a large number of their habitues come from hotels and boarding-houses. Does a large support of "turf ex- changes,' ' billiard-rooms, gambling-houses and famous bars come from this homeless genus? Are the homeless the godless? If they are not, there is a strong current setting that way. Are the godless the homeless? Godlessness tends to home-

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lessness. Has the church a work to do here? Aye, church homes for those whom business or misfortune render homeless. Soul -winners, bring them home.

God grant that the evening of sorrow may speedily close on all sin-soiled souls, and that the day-star of Christ's right- eousness may flood such lives with light and love, with redemption complete, and all at home.

LESSON XIV. OUTLINED.

God's Plan.

DEVOTION.

O our Father, we believe that Thou art. Thy supreme sovereignty is unim- peached. We thank Thee that Thou hast shown us Thy will, Thy way, Thy word. May we have a clear vision and clean hands to see and handle this mighty mat- ter. For Christ's sake.

64 SOUL- WINNING.

ELABORATION.

Believe, know, feel, manifest and strive to convince all Christians that beyond a shadow of a doubt this personal interest in the individual soul, without respect to person, is God's plan. Go out into the highways, go out into the hedges, go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, into the mansions of the rich, the humble homes of the masses, the hovels of the poor. Go everywhere ; continue to go, search diligently until every soul is found, and compel them, by love's gentle force, to come in. Said Jesus: "All authority is given me in Heaven and Earth. Therefore, go — go ye and make Christians of all, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have com- manded you. And, behold, I am with you alway, even unto the end."

' 'Her priests are all God's faithful sons, To serve the world raised up. O living Church, thine errand speed, Fulfill thy task sublime ;

SOUL- WINNING. 65

With Bread of Life earth ' s hunger feed ; Redeem the evil time. ' '

There are in existence an indefinite and large number of effective organizations for the purpose, in one way and another, of ameliorating the condition of humanity, of saving man. These are social, com- mercial, political and religious — local and general, denominational and undenomi- national and interdenominational. In a large and true sense the Church of God comprehends all.

Better Amalgamate. — This diversity is not to be especially deprecated; it is nat- ural and right. These one thousand phases of work present themselves, and somebody must attend to each, and some- body will. It is the working of the Christ-leaven in the heart of man. Note, however, that we are only groping toward — have not attained that divinely enjoined condition of unity " where the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, makes increase of the body in love."

66 SOUL -WINNING.

APPLICATION.

Am I an operative Christian? The Lord of the harvest calls for laborers. Go fearlessly; cry, " Peace." " Salute no one on the way." No time for conven- tionalities. "Not eating from house to house." If the pleasure and purpose of acquaintance are only in feasting and con- ventionalities— Stop !

Do not call down fire because some fail to give credit to Christ.

LESSON XV. OUTLINED.

The Fraternity Settlement.

DEVOTION.

Give, O Lord, grace to go and live among the lowly, that simple, honest life that proves by doing. Search us — are we self-righteous, sanctimonious, joined to an indulgence in enervating luxuries, or in the onward rush for dollars that shuts up our hearts of compassion? Have we a form, while we deny the power, of god-

SOUL- WINNING. 67

liness? O may we present our bodies holy — a reasonable service, transformed by a renewed mind, to prove Thy perfect will- For Christ's sake.

ELABORATION.

Our city Christianity — on the defensive retreat system — abandon certain parts be- cause given over to the poor renters — poor but respectable — yet churches move back. If the church were aggressive and influential, the well-to-do would form set- tlements among such, organize Institu- tional churches; it would (1) distribute "the salt; " (2) give moral and financial support to Christian work in such dis- trict; (3) act as a disinfectant for filth and dirt; result in better sanitary condi- tions; (4) secure proper municipal pro- tection and attention; (5) keep back slum degeneration and kill it out; (6) in- duce simplicity and economy in living. This is not slumming or rescue work. It is real fellowship; not the long-range dollar sort alone. Affinity/ how can we love? Determine, by God's help, to do

68 SOUL WINNING.

so, and then we can. What is influence but the exercise of love — "Andrew goeth and getteth Peter." Association good, saves, as association bad, damns. So many diffident and procrastinating — they will warn one against the loss of money, but not of soul.

Cannot be dogmatic in speaking of fra- ternity settlement. With rapid transit and cheap fares all can live away from crowd- ed tenement districts, and it is to be hoped that such districts will soon be a thing of the past.

APPLICATION.

Take greater interest in municipality — not giving over certain districts to the devil because the demon of poverty and shift- lessness is approaching. It appears that those well established in good character, without children, or whose children are grown, persons of influence and means, ought to stay with the lowly and not run away to city additions where there are building restrictions — a kind of hermit- like procedure. Stand for a full, round-

SOUL- WINNING.

ed active church, a so-called Institutional church. The city presents certain ideal conditions — if it be a settlement of broth- ers it is heaven.

PART II.

THE WORKER QUALIFIED AND EQUIPPED.

SECTION I. QUALIFIED.

LESSON I. OUTLINED.

Confidence. DEVOTION.

Our Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Thy thousandfold providences. With our weariness and woe there is rest no- where but with Thee. O Thou infinite, all-powerful and all-loving One. May we turn from our wavering to Thy stability, our failings to Thy fulfillments. Thou art the " Yea and Amen " to all the God ward yearnings of our souls. O may we trust wholly in Thee and give Thee a full faith, a faith like Jesus'. In His name. Amen.

ELABORATION.

God in Christ is absolutely trustworthy. All secrets, all burdens, all temptations, all joys committed to God, (a) from youth; (b) with the whole heart; (c) all

times; (d) under all circumstances.

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74 SOUL- WINNING.

Faith is ''the substance" and "evi- dence" (Heb. 11: 1), or the "assur- ance " and " proving " (revised version).

Necessary element of love — man's first duty. Win confidence — inspire to confi- dence by God's goodness. Gifts, power, sure promises, refuge, redeemer. If we trust we shall be kept " stable," " rejoic- ing," "inherit the earth," "fear not man," " enter into unsearchable riches." O consider God's faithfulness! Unbe- lievers " trust in man," " their own right- eousness," "in wealth," "in vanity" and "falsehood." Confidence in God is the indispensable?

APPLICATION.

What hath God said? "Go, work," " win souls," inspire confidence, establish faith — without which God cannot be pleased and the soul's first need be met. Labor to inspire it everywhere, as we are in God's stead reconciling men, we must inspire the confidence of men in ourselves to win them.

We rise upon the eagle wings of Faith

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to wind our way unto the happy heights, away, away, away above the woes and snows and throes of sin life; off, off, off unto the home of God, unto the very heights of everlasting Holiness.

THE RIFT OF THE ROCK.

' 'In the rift of the rock He has covered my head, When the tempest was wild in the desolate land, Through a pathway uncertain my steps He has led, And I felt in the darkness the touch of His hand Leading on , leading over the slippery steep ,

Where came but the echoing sound of the shock , And, clear through the sorrowful moan of the deep , The singing of birds in the rift of the rock.

In the rift of the rock He has sheltered my soul

When at noonday the toilers grew faint in the heat; Where the desert rolled far like a limitless scroll ,

Cool waters leaped up at the touch of His feet. And the flowers that lay with pale lips to the sod

Bloom softly and fair from a holier stock ; Winged home by the winds to the mountains of God,

They bloom evermore in the rift of the rock.

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In the rift of the rock Thou wilt cover me still, When the glow of the sunset is low in the sky , When the forms of the reapers are dim on the hill, And the song dies away, and the end draweth nigh. It will be but a dream of the ladder of light, And heaven dawning near without terror or shock, For the angels descending by day and by night, Will open a door through the rift of the rock. ' '

LESSON II. OUTLINED.

Courtesy.

DEVOTION.

Our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the manifestation of those graces that make Jesus so attractive and so win- ning— faith, virtue, knowledge, self-con- trol, patience, godliness and love, — O Thine own attributes. Grant that all may be blended into one and manifested in our courtesy, our civility, so we may be effective in soul- winning. We ask for Jesus' sake.

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ELABORATION.

Vaunteth not itself nor puffed up — not misbehaved; seeks not selfishly — not supersensitive.

" The more there is of a person the less likely is he to be fully known and under- stood by others." Then have considera- tion for all, for there is more of the most insignificant person than we are likely to fathom. It is easy to love those who love you, but there is no special grace nor sal- vation in that. We are after the lost, who do not love. Be courteous without ex- pecting it in return; have patience and 'your courtesy will engender courtesy ; let it be genuine, not conventional, nor forced.

APPLICATION.

Put yourself in the bewildered and lost soul's place; never be off your guard in any place at any time. Courtesy is the adaptability to circumstances — under- stand then this quality. Let it not lead you into compromise. Be firm but gen- tle, " For who among men knoweth the

78 SO UL- WINNING .

things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him."

Courtesy is the essence of gallantry, the badge of chivalry, the sine qua non of the gentleman and the gentle woman. Cour- tesy is not solely a deference, a negative qualification; it is a defense, a loyal al- legiance to the right.

"Some say that the age of chivalry is past. The age of chivalry is never past as long as there is a wrong left unre- dressed on earth, and a man or woman left to say, 'I will redress that wrong or spend my life in the attempt. ' The age of chivalry is never past as long as men. have faith enough in God to say, God will help me to redress that wrong; or if not me, surely he will help those that come after me. For His eternal will is to over- come evil with good." — Charles Kingsley.

LESSON III. OUTLINED.

Consecration. DEVOTION.

O Heavenly Father, we are Thine. Thy service is our supreme joy, Thy Kingdom

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is our delight, her walks our way, and her mansions our perpetual home! May we ever keep in the heavenly company of thy redeemed hosts, where we will praise Thee through Jesus Christ, world with- out end. Amen.

ELABORATION.

By consecration to God we more truly live than by our daily trades and voca- tions. We are redeemed, not by silver and gold. We are a peculiar people, not eccentric or erratic, but "dead unto sin," "alive unto righteousness," "a new crea- ture in Jesus Christ," "a royal priest- hood," "our brother's keeper."

What consecration is not: (a) Anxi- ety; (b) fault-finding; (c) censorious- ness; (d) devotion to party; (e) or methods; (f) or traditions.

What Consecration is: (a) Graces; (b) purity; (c) devotion to Christ only, i. e., not the only Christians, but Chris- tians only; (d) a call; (e) a setting about for duty.

Consecration implies entire willingness, assurance, diligence, hospitality, blame-

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lessness, endurance, ministration, bold- ness, faithfulness, joy, obedience, char- ity, prayer, liberality, meekness, readi- ness, knowledge and zeal.

APPLICATION.

Christ contemplates every disciple as a reformer. " The history of the reform- er, whether man or woman, on any line of action, is but this: When he sees it all alone he is a fanatic; when a good many see it, they are enthusiasts; when all see it, he is a hero." — Frances E. Willard.

Then what engagement has a Christian that is not comprehended and exercised in soul-winning. All the foregoing enumerated qualities and qualifications enter into this work. Soul-winning is fruit-bearing. " Whoni wilt thou live for?"

LESSON IV. OUTLINED.

Incentives.

DEVOTION.

O our Father, how glorious are Thy creations. How wondrously Thou dost

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sustain all with the stimulus of Thy in- comprehensible Spirit. Grant that all our motives may find their prime and ultimate source in the Divine nature. We ask for Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

So many go through a round of eating, drinking and sleeping without motive, spur, stimulus, incitement or encourage- ment, save such as belong to the animal, viz., desire for ease and present gratifica- tion.

Fear of punishment and hope of re- ward are the two great factors in all human activity, and so arises another motive, viz., the desire for future grati- fication.

Our incentives are tried and trimmed, or new ones are born by our conceptions of our responsibility. Here comes in the joy of service, which is the complement of self-interest, making the wings upon which we scale the skies to glory. Rom. 2:7, " To them that by patience in well- doing seek for glory and honour and in-

82 SO UL - WINNING .

corruption, eternal life." Here are held out three, aye, four things we all should seek, the motor power of the civilized world, "glory," "honor," "incorrup- tion," and God, the righteous Judge, rewards with "Eternal Life." Glory means high reputation; honor means office, position; incorruption means purity, soundness. These are attain- able conditions on earth. Mark it, the necessary complement is, " seek by a patient continuance in well doing," and thus seeking, whether you succeed or fail in securing reputation and office, you will certainly have secured incorruption, and God will crown you with everlasting suc- cess by giving you eternal life.

APPLICATION.

The possibilities of man under these incentives are absolutely incalculable. Let us go down into our bosoms — they are ours, our very own — and, however dis- agreeable, let us make a careful examin- ation, and cast far from us, by the grace of God, whatever is ignoble, vicious, or even

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questionable in our motives. Let this ruling ever ring in the heart and head, "By a patient continuance in well- doing."

WHAT DOES IT MATTER?

* 'It matters little where I was born,

Or if my parents were rich or poor, Whether they shrank from the cold world' s scorn ,

Or walked in the pride of wealth secure ; But whether I live an honest man ,

And hold my integrity firm in my clutch , I tell you my brother, as plain as I can,

It matters much !

It matters little how long I stay

In a world of sorrow, sin and care ; Whether in youth I am called away,

Or live till my bones of flesh are bare ; But whether I do the best I can

To soften the weight of adversity ' s touch On the faded cheek of my fellow man ,

It matters much !

It matters little where be my grave ,

If on the land, or in the sea ; By purling, brook, ' * 'neath stormy wave, ' '

It matters little or nought to me ; But whether the angel of death comes down

And marks my brow with a loving touch , As one that shall wear the victor ' s crown ,

It matters much ! ' '

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LESSON V. OUTLINED.

Opportunity and Adaptability. DEVOTION.

We thank Thee, O our Father, for the myriad points of blessed contact with the infinite and the divine. Grant that we may ever be watchful and pliable in all that pertains to Thy kingdom. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

ELABORATION.

Study the couplet, —

* 'If you have anything to say, True and needed, yea or nay, Say it."

See how Jesus was an eternal example in this: (1) His patient obscurity; (2) baptism; (3) pointed and apt teaching; (4) character of his illustrations; (5) woman at the well; (6) Jesus and Peter — "Lovest thou me more than these?"

Wisdom to observe the one (opportu- nity) and employ the other (adaptability), is a great element of fitness. Paul calls it "redeeming the time;" and, if this be

SOUL- WINNING. 85

done, every life, however ordinary, will be full of testimony and blessing. Adapt- ability is a mark of genius, i. e., godlike- ness — firm but sympathetic, flexible but immovable. "A bruised reed will He not break, and a smoking flax will He not quench."

APPLICATION.

You cannot see the opportunity until too late? You can't adapt yourself? You have tried? Are you willing to try, try again? But you always fail? Are you absolutely sure of that? No man know- eth; God knows.

ACCEPTED TIMES.

There are immortal moments in each life ;

They come and go — One scarce may of their presence know, Yet in them there is struck a chord, It may be loud, it may be low,

Of peace or strife,

Of love or hate ,

Which will vibrate Like circles from a pebble's throw, Unto the coming of the Lord.

— A. E. Hamilton.

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LESSON VI. OUTLINED.

Prayer. DEVOTION.

O our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the happy, holy communion of prayer — sweet hour — when Thy Spirit says to the troubled waters of our daily toil, "Be still." O teach us how to pray Thy will — Thy will be done; and to this end may we ever abide in Thee. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

ELABORATION.

The prayer of faith is commanded, and should always be with obedience and without ostentation; with watchfulness but not anxiety. Always pray in the spirit of prayer, not the clamor of idle wants. Commune and give thanks in everything, and faint not.

Inquire — Is what I am going to say true? Is it useful? Is it kind? Hin- drances: (1) Indulgence in sin; (2) Dim- ness of perception; (3) Inordinate cares.

You cannot reconcile prayer with God's immutable law. Law is God's method of

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work — -not God nor his work. Without God law would fall. Thus government and law. In God's law provision is made for prayer. You say, yes, a general pro- vision. If general, therefore special— not violent or contradictory. Comply with the conditions and your prayer will be answered.

APPLICATION.

Commune with God. O how it cheers and strengthens! It will give you God- like attributes, i. e.9 courage, wisdom, self-denial and love. Pray with and for the disobedient. Notice: Prayer will of- ten be the key to open the door in the obdurate heart for Christ's entrance.

DELIGHT THYSELF IN GOD.

Delight thyself in God,

Raise thou thine eyes above ;

His heart is yearning o'er thee,

His bounty lies before thee ,

Take thou thy fill of love.

The more thy need demands , the more will he

Extend the scepter of his grace to thee.

Delight thyself in God, And all thou canst require

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Shall be to him well -pleasing ; So will his love, unceasing, Give thee thy heart ' s desire . Pressed to his bosom, guided by his eye, Thou wilt not ask the things he must deny . — Lucy A. Bennett.

LESSON VII. OUTLINED.

Personal, Cautions.

DEVOTION.

O what is man that Thou art mindful of him? Forgive all our over-confidence and boastf ulness. O may our words and works be forgotten and perish quickly if they contradict Thy word and will. O sustain us, or we fall and are undone. We ask for Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION AND APPLICATION.

Say, with Paul, " Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." I who have labored for others may be a castaway. Am I a hearer only, thus building on sand, and deluding myself?

Do I think myself religious while I bri-

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die not my tongue? Do I commit the folly of measuring and comparing my character with that of my acquaintances? Do I keep myself unspotted from the evil in the world, avoiding its very appear- ance? Have I been neglecting daily pri- vate prayer and Bible reading? Do I neglect the appointments of God's house- hold?

Let me never believe what I feel if it contradicts God's Word. Never under- take a hazardous matter without asking God's blessing and guidance. Never take my Christianity from Christians, howso- ever God may have used them, but from Christ.

SECTION II. EQUIPPED.

LESSON VIII. OUTLINED.

Knowledge of the Scriptures. DEVOTION.

We thank Thee, our Father in Heaven, for the " sure word " of Thy Prophets and Apostles who spake, as commanded, the word for the healing of the nations. Help us to familiarize ourselves with Thy truth. May we never be ashamed of it, but defend it now that it may defend us both here and hereafter. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

ELABORATION.

Our need — the utility of the canon of Scripture — its scope, purpose, power, promises, privileges. Search as testimony of Jesus and eternal life. Search earn- estly, regularly, carefully, humbly, me- thodically. It is a library. The rich (90)

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word of testimony, wisdom, victory, prophecy and success. Note: It illu- mines, quickens, cleanses and emanci- pates. It is a hammer, a two-edged sword, a mirror, the soul's food.

APPLICATION.

Use the Gospel, God's power unto sal- vation, the soul's shield; use as an arsenal for the soul-winner. See example of Jesus in temptation. In teaching, with two disciples on the way to Emmaus. Understand difference between the old and the new Gospel committed to the Apostles.

Am I blessed in keeping the word of the Lord? Do I rejoice therein? Am I ready with the soft answer to turn away wrath and to give a reason for my faith? Do I resist temptation by the power of God's word within? Can I win souls by being expert with the sword of the Spirit?

Don't be afraid of " Higher Criticism " or the study of " Comparative Relig- ions." The World's Parliament of Re- ligions demonstrated the superiority of

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Christianity and the Christian Scriptures over all forms and expressions of faith.

LESSON IX. OUTLINED.

Knowledge of Mankind.

DEVOTION.

O our Father, may we understand the words of our blessed Lord, "Inasmuch as thou didst it uuto one of the least of these, thou didst it unto me." Help us to see Thy image in humanity, though marred and effaced. With Thy power may we take the yielding stone and place thereon Thy image yet again. For Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

Consider the possibilities of a man in Jesus Christ, shown in trial, physical, in- tellectual and spiritual.

c 'So near is glory to our dust — so near is (jrod to man, When duty whispers low 'Thou must,' the Youth replies, 'I can. '

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The test comes in sowing and not reap- ing, in doing right without reward, in cutting off kindred for truth's sake.

Consanguineous Ties. — If one member of the household is joined to Christ and His people, ordinarily that member, be it boy or girl, wife or husband, is the one who can exercise most influence upon the other members of the family. Be not diffident or procrastinating about exercis- ing such influence. If you can save them, do so; but if there be such an emergency that you must either give up your faith and obedience in Christ, in a word, your soul's integrity, or your peo- ple, your duty is clear.

Note, if the soul be unconverted it is " dead in sin," "condemned," "miser- able," "blind," "naked," "mad," "an enemy," "hopeless," "deaf," "without excuse," "lost!" But if con- verted, the antithesis, i. e., "alive," " without condemnation," " happy," "can hear," "justified," "forgiven," "saved!"

94 SO UL- WINNING .

APPLICATION.

"Because others failed, not you, there- fore. We live not by what we are, but by wThat we long to be. No one finds a place, but makes a place. We find opportuni- ties to some extent; it is love that nerves us with incessant affirmations. The mo- ment we admit the carping, fretful, un- charitable words, then we disintegrate our force."

The motor for all right achievement lies in an atmosphere of righteousness and peace and joy of the Holy Ghost. Your object in knowing man is that there may be an abundant entrance into His Kingdom.

LESSON X. OUTLINED.

What Six Is.

DEVOTION.

Deliver us, O deliver us by Thy strength in the inner man from the committal and consequences of sin — that subtle, deceit- ful and deadly foe that haunts our every

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thought and act. 0 we thank Thee for the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Washed in the blood of the Lamb. made clean every whit! Blessed be Thy wondrous health, forever and forever, world without end. Amen.

ELABORATION.

Sin defined, " Transgression of law," 1 John 3: 4; "Transgression through ignorance," Rom. 10: 3; "Omission of duty," Jas. 4: 17; Every one a sinner, 1 John 1:8; 1 John 5: 19; Gal. 9: 22; Devil the author, 1 John 3: 8 and John 8: 44; Comes from the heart, Matt. 15: 19; Mark 7; 21-23.

Sin is (a) Rebellion against God. Titus 1: 16. (b) Abominable to God. Prov. 15: 9. God knowrs them all. Psalms 69: 5; Psalms 90: 8. Sin is the fruit of lust. Jas. 1: 15, and the sting of death. 1 Cor. 15: 56. Unbelievers "ex- cuse," "love," "meditate upon," "are servants of," "throw blame on others," "deny their own," "tempt others to sin and are dead in sin." Sin leads tore-

96 SO UL - WINNING .

morse, shame, afflictions, death. Where- ever sin is made light of, palliated and condoned, beware! This is a truly deadly heresy.

APPLICATION.

Believers should depart from all sin, avoid the appearance of, be watchful against, strive against, not partake of others, reprove and rebuke. By God's grace this is the sum of our work — to save and be saved from sin. Those who trust and obey Jesus, are ashamed of past sins, shall be forgiven and freed from the guilt and power of sin. Sin is sin, and one sin of whatever character has in it all sin, as the seed has in it the tree.

SIN.

Lord, with what care hast thou begirt us round 1 Parents first season us ; then schoolmasters

Deliver us to laws ; they send us bound To rules of reason , holy messengers :

Pulpits and Sundays ; sorrow dogging sin ;

Afflictions sorted, anguish of all sizes ; Fine nets and stratagems to catch us in ;

Bibles laid open ; millions of surprises ;

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Blessings beforehand ; ties of gratefulness ;

The sound of glory in our ears ; Without, our shame; within, our consciences;

Angels and grace ; eternal hopes and fears , Yet all these fences , and their whole array ,

One cunning bosom-sin blows quite away,

— George Herbert,

LESSON XI. OUTLINED.

Know Doctrines.

DEVOTION.

O our Father, purge our rubbish-filled minds, give only Thy teachings and truth. May we understand that in Thy kingdom our functions are neither legislative nor judicial. May we understand the pre- cepts and example of our blessed Lord. We ask for his sake. Amen.

ELABORATION.

The true and only apostolic succession of our day is to be accounted faithful and capable of imparting the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Caution. — "For when

for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye

7

98 SOUL-WIXXIXG.

have need that one teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God.** Not confounding the "faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints " with the conflicting notions of men, which are as varied as the customs of men and as the procession of the centuries.

" If any man teach a different doctrine and consent not to sound words — the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godli- ness— he is puffed up, knowing nothing but doting about questionings and dis- putes of words." (thus the clashing creeds of men,) "•whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, wran- glings of men, corrupted in mind and be- reft of truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.*'

It is said that this matter of doctrine is a question of interpretation, and every man has a right to his own interpretation. rning Interpretation, notice — Helps. (a) Common sense: (b) Men- tal industry: (c) Honest heart; (d) As general and thorough an education as

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possible. Hindrances. (a) Desire to please the world; (b) The Bible the property of a select few; (c) Used to prove pet doctrines; (d) Bible a book of wonders only; (e) Not intended to un- derstand; (f) Thirst for distinction.

Consider the following methods or kinds of interpretation :

/. Mystic Method — from Greek meao, " to shut the eyes." (a) Originated in mythology and heathendom; (b) Adopted by an apostate church to make priests re- spected. Objections, (a) Permits and fosters superstition and sects; (b) If the Bible does not mean what it says, how can we know what it does mean?

II. Hierarchical Metliod — by priests, (a) Makes the church the interpreter of the Bible; (b) Takes the Bible away from the common people.

III. Rationalistic Metliod — that we have reason and no need of revelation. (a) Irrational use of reason; (b) All new truth at first appears unreasonable; (c) This method takes no account of internal and historical evidences and testimonies.

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IV. Dogmatic Method — (a) Bests up- on scholasticism, i. e., trained men for defense of doctrine; (b) a searching for special doctrine — ' ' Trinity, " " Transub- stantiation," " Total Hereditary Deprav- ity," etc.; (c) exalts tradition and specu- lations of men to a level with God's word.

V. Inductive Method, "in ductio " — (a) Supposed freedom from bias; (b) goes from particular to general; (c) the sum of observations and experiences; (d) Law, History, Medicine, this method; (e) bad tendency to deduce before we suffi- ciently induce; (f) uses analysis and syn- thesis; (g) this method more than eclec- tic — ab initio different — as difference between a God revealed and an idol man- ufactured.

APPLICATION.

2 Tim. 2: 22-25: "But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes. And

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the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbear- ing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves. If peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth."

John 7: 16, 17: " Jesus therefore an- swered them, and said, My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God, or whether I speak from myself."

LESSON XII. OUTLINED.

Judgment.

DEVOTION.

We praise Thee, O Lord, that Thou art known by the judgment Thou executest. Established in Thy righteousness, may we ever confess it just. Help us that we may understand Thy decrees and be content with Thy sovereign Judgeship. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

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ELABORATION.

God's judgment is (1) without respect of persons; (2) according to deeds; (3) according to words; (4) according to the thoughts; (5) according to the use of entrusted gifts and talents; (6) the words spoken by Christ shall judge men. John 12: 48: "Take heed therefore how ye hear."

Man's judgment. (1) Judge not; (2) reflex — as ye judge so shall ye be judged; (3) by external appearances; (4) always with lack of data — must determine his own action — i. e., "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."

APPLICATION.

We too often arrogate to ourselves the prerogative of the Almighty, hence, church strife. Withholding judgment does not necessarily involve surrender, or even compromise principle. " One is our Master." Engross this motto on the tab- let of your heart and bigotry and conceit and vanity and pride will withdraw.

In treating with those out of Christ, we

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reason with them and do not judge them; we present Christ to them; they stand condemned by their own action if Christ is rejected. Take pains and present the true Christ !

LESSON XIII. OUTLINED.

Principles of Imparting Faith.

DEVOTION.

We thank Thee for the abundant facil- ities of our day for teaching Thy truth. Grant to us a breadth and depth of prin- ciple that shall accomplish Thy will among men. For Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

Man is infinitely honored in being made the dwelling-place, custodian and medium of divine life. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

Principle: (1) Point of sympathy — Adapt what is said and done to win the soul to that soul's condition and capac- ity to grasp.

104 80 UL - WINNING .

(2) Take the soul xoitli you — Maintain the attention and co-operative industry of the soul in its apprehension of, and obe- dience to, divine truth.

(3) Use of illustrations — Familiar, easy to be understood ; for both eye and ear; the child needs more than the adult.

(4) Necessity of repetition — So little is retained; it must be blow after blow; the familiar is enjoyed because it means thor- oughness; give the outline of prayer again and again and again; the same moral precepts viewed again and again from all angles.

APPLICATION.

By and by you marshal all these apt and saving truths that have been driven by blow after blow into the very life of the soul, and the soul can withstand the demands of th£ faith no longer, but yields a loving obedience to the Christ, "is buried with him by baptism unto death " to rise in the new life of the blessed Holy Spirit, whereof its tunefulness and fra- grance shall make all earth and heaven rejoice.

PART III. THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

LESSON I. OUTLINED.

The Kingdom as Outlined by Jesus Christ in the Gospels.

DEVOTION.

We thank Thee, O our Heavenly Father, for the glorious vision of the New Jerusa- lem— the white four-square city, where the power of Thy Spirit, felt, though un- seen, extends over all its beneficent sway. May we expect, desire and labor for none other than that kingdom inaugurated and described by Jesus the Lord !

ELABORATION.

The Kingdom obscured because thought of as some scholastic ecclesiasticism. Not so. John heralded the coming King and kingdom — the Christ and His Spirit reign. Jesus sets forth in His beatitudes (Matt. '5: 3-16 and the like) the character of its subjects, and describes the Kingdom in the many parables: "It is like" (1)

Sower; (2) Leaven; (3) Treasure in

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Field; (4) Mustard Seed; (5) Net Cast into the Sea; (6) Marriage of the King's Son; (7) Ten Virgins; (8) The Talents, etc. ; and is further described in other figures as Christ's Household, sheep-fold, etc.

Kingdom and Church synonymously used: The word "Church" occurs but twice in the Gospels. Matt. 16: 18, "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church ; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Matt. 18: 17, "And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the Church: and if he refuse to hear the Church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican." The word used here as " church," and elsewhere as "kingdom," means " assembled," " asso- ciated," "realm" and cognate expres- sions to cover the various ideas of rt^ler and subjects, institutes and ordinances, also the Gospel dispensation — the exten- sion and general diffusion of the Chris- tianity of Christ.

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THE SURE FOUNDATION STONE.

The foolish builders, scribe and priest,

Reject it with disdain ; Yet on this rock the Church shall rest,

And envy rage in vain .

What though the gates of Hell withstood,

Yet must this building rise : 'Tis thine own work, Almighty God,

And wondrous in our eyes.

— Isaac Watts.

APPLICATION.

The Kingdom is not, (1) a club of spec- ulators in either physics or metaphysics; (2) the piously disposed followers of fashion; (3) an association of aesthetic literary characters; (4) an aggregation of self-satisfied religious devotees. The Kingdom occupies ground infinitely higher and broader and deeper than any one or all of these. It is of Divine origin, with appointments adapted to bring the entire family of man into harmony with the will of God, and we are fellow-laborers with God. Where do I stand?

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LESSON II. OUTLINED.

The First Christian Church, axd How the Apostles Made Disciples.

DEVOTION.

We adore Thee, O Thou infinitely lov- ing One, for all the provisions for and associations of grace. May we faithfully follow Him who is the author and finisher of our faith until His blessed brother- hood girdles the globe. Amen.

ELABORATION.

The Acts of the Apostles is an exceed- ingly important book, especially in this connection, as it is the authentic and ac- curate history that every soul-winner must know in order to build upon the sure foundation.

Read the first and second chapters, and especially Acts 2: 41, 42, for the nature and essential conditions of church fellow- ship and communion: (1) Baptism, im- plying faith and repentance; (2) Apos- tolic doctrine and teaching; (3) The Lord's Supper; (4) Public worship — thus

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enumerated and established for all time.

Beginning at Jerusalem the Word was to go forth (Luke 24: 47). Notice how disciples were made (first) on the day of Pentecost: (a) Holy Ghost (Acts 2: 33; 1:4,5,8; 2:4); (b) Peter's work, the speaker (Acts 2: 14, 37); Kingdom to be set up (Matt. 16: 18; Acts 1:6-8; Dan. 2: 44; Matt. 3: 2; 4: 17; 10: 7; Luke 10: 9).

Conditions of citizenship stated (Acts 2: 38, 41, 47). Argument in detail as to induce faith (Acts 2: 14-36). The peo- ple's work (Acts 2: 37, 41, 42, 47). The kingdom begins as spoken and promised in Daniel and Luke 24: 17. Baptized "into His name," i. e., in submission to his authority. Continuing the history in Acts, see also case of the Samaritan, Acts 8: 1-17; eunuch, Acts 8: 25-40; Saul, Acts 9: 1-18; 22: 6-16; first Gentiles, Acts 10: 30-48; Lydia and household, Acts 16: 13-15; Philippian jailer, Acts 16: 25- 34; general statements, Acts 11: 20, 21; 18: 8, and Romans 10: 11-17.

Miracles in the Early Church. — Pur-

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pose (Acts 14: 3; 19: II, 12, and 1 Cor. 14: 22). Truth once established miracles cease (1 John 5: 9, 10; Luke 16: 29-31; 1 Cor. 12: 30, 31, and 1 Cor. 13). Why, then, have miracles (in that sense) ceased? Answer: The purpose is accomplished; what began in miracle continues by nat- ural law, i. e.9 ordained agencies; thus the facts of creation. See Gen. 1: 11, 28. In a miraculous way the church is orig- inated; the "Gospel" is its means of re- production.

Notice Paul's illustration of the Kings dom and its Unity (Eph. 4: 1-16):

(a) Unity of Headship — "One Lord."

(b) Unity of belief—" One Faith."

(c) Unity of obedience — "One Bap- tism."

(d) Unity of hope of eternal life — "One hope of your calling."

(e) Unity of "Spirit in bond of peace."

(f) Unity of organization — "One Body."

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APPLICATION.

Beware the tendency toward intoler- ance, narrowness, and toward giving local coloring and boundaries to the Church, destroying thus its beauty, power and universality.

Notice. — We are set for the restoration of the faith — its fruits, its ordinances and its life — for the Kingdom in its full- ness. How do you stand this moment?

GLORIOUS ZION.

Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion , city of our God ! He whose word cannot be broken , Formed thee for His own abode. On the Rock of Ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose !

— John Newton.

LESSON III. OUTLINED.

Organization.

DEVOTION.

We love Thy Kingdom, O Lora. Grant that we may not dread the drudgery of

detailed duty. We pray Thee that the

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agencies and machinery for the evangel- ization of the great cities and of the world may be forthcoming, and that this soul-winners' training-class may contrib- ute to this glorious end. To Thee we will ascribe all praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ELABORATION.

The constitutional principle in the life of the Kingdom is Love (John 13 : 34, 35 ; 1 John 4: 7, 8; 1 Tim. 1:5-7: 1 Cor. 13). Hence the true purpose and scope of dis- cipline and edification is to build up and preserve in Love.

Organization means to give instruments or organs of action. Is there a work to do? There must be an order of proced- ure— a way to do it — "first apostles, then evangelists, pastors, teachers." The work and its character called for the workers and determined their character and duties (Acts 6: 3-5). Consider the nature of the work of the Kingdom. Is it legis- lative? No; Christ gave the constitu- tional law, and established the nature of

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its precepts and institutes forever. Is it judicial? No, certainly not primarily so; God is sole Judge. The fruits make man- ifest— our lives too short and eyes too dim to see all fruit. The final day shall reveal all. Christ's word shall judge. What, then, is the character of the work? It is administrative — "oversee," "feed," "serve." Beginning with Love, Faith and Hope must follow. We have worked from the wrong end. Mark this, it is vital and fundamental. Don't think to work through Faith and Hope to attain Love, but to work through Love to attain Faith and Hope. Christ-like service is the secret.

"It is said truly that hundreds of ingeni- ous inventions die every year for lack of ready hands to seize upon and work them, while hundreds more die because, while they have been in the course of develop- ment, other and better ones have super- seded them." The Church has been en- deavoring for more than eighteen cen- turies to apply the gospel to humanity: most ingenious have been many of the

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plans and methods. Nature is full of or- ganization, and the patent-office is full of inventions; and man, as he attains pur- poses spiritual, seeks an orderly arrange- ment for the expression and execution of such purposes. But organizations within the Church have multiplied. Certainly. "We organize for this, that and the other thing, and everything. Of course; and just as our thought and purposes intens- ify and widen, we will continue. But or- ganizations are defective; yes, and so are purposes. Now at any given time the thing containing the highest, best devel- oped and truest purpose will arrive at the corresponding least defective organiza- tion; they are so essentially correlated. Witness foreign missions. Burden the Church with the sincere purpose to con- vert the heathen, and it finds practical issue through organization. As the pur- pose grows and is purified and intensified, the organization seeks to adjust itself to reduce friction and facilitate a practical co-operation conformable to the law of economy.

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• All too defective are our organizations, as all too lame and halt are our purposes. The battle is by no means won — barely begun; let us hold the vantage ground and press on.

APPLICATION.

Take home to yourself the reasonable- ness of the foregoing view, because it is set forth in the Scriptures and is conceded by the Christian world; in it is the requi- site latitude for diversity of talents co- existent with the complexities of the field, the true unity in diversity.

ROOM FOR YOU.

Who shall sweep away the errors Crowding on us from the past?

Who shall clear the mists and shadows That the future overcast?

Soon we busy , teeming millions ,

Will have ended all this strife ; And the myriads crowding on us

Must take up the task of life.

Ah ! the workers in the vineyard

Are too faint and all to few ; And the field of honest effort

Ever waits, young friends , for you.

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Room for boyhood, strong and sturdy— Boyhood manly, brave and true ;

Room for honest , lusty vigor — Room, my young friends — room for you.

Room for every sweet -voiced singer That can thrill the heart with song ;

Room for thoughts, and words, and actions, That will drive the world along.

— George R. Howarth.

LESSON V. OUTLINED.

The Visible and Local Congregation.

DEVOTION.

O our Divine Father, accept our praise for Thy wondrous economy. Grant that Ave may apprehend the things divinely practical to the end that now and here Thy will may be done and Thy Kingdom come in fullness. We ask for Jesus' sake.

ELABORATION.

The idea of the Church invisible and universal comes from that of the visible and local, else intangible and impractica-

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ble, and as a matter of fact this statement stands unimpeacbed. The officers we read of in the New Testament are almost entirely for service in the local congrega- tion. The desirability and necessity for co-operation among local congregations gave rise to officers with various func- tions; all such retained fellowship in some local congregation. The ordinances — baptism and the Lord's Supper — are not to be conceived as having an invisi- ble, universal existence, but on the con- trary are dependent upon local congrega- tions for their perpetuity.

One is culpable if being engrossed in the work of the local congregation he is disloyal to the general co-operation, and vice versa, viz., being so engrossed in the ultra-spiritualized work of the general movement as to be out of harmony with the local congregation. No man can be- long to an army unless he belongs to a company.

Christians "in the broad," i. e.9 not affiliated with a congregation, are not in Christ's fold, but trying some other way.

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Christ ordained the local, as also the gen- eral, but the latter through the former.

APPLICATION.

Many we visit are singularly ethereal Christians. Yes, " Christians," but not enlisted for duty; soldiers on a strictly "peace-footing." What an anomaly. How is it with yourself?

LESSON V. OUTLINED.

Thixgs Doxe to Build up the Con- gregation.

DEVOTION.

O our Father, we thank Thee for the glorious participation in Thy Cause and Kingdom. May we exercise ourselves to the salvation of ourselves and those whom we may be instrumental in influencing, acknowledging and using all the blessed means of Grace vouchsafed to us through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory and majesty, dominion and power, hence- forth and evermore. Amen.

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ELABORATION.

The object of Law is the preservation of life. "An ordinance (law) is a rule established by authority." — Webster. The ordinances are, (1) "Baptism; " (2) Lord's Supper; " (3) "Prayer;" (4) "Blessing" or "Praise and Thanksgiv- ing;" (5) "Teaching;" (6) "Serving;" (7) "Giving;" (8) "Showing mercy;" (9) "Presiding." Participation of the members in public worship is for edifica- tion. Read 1 Cor. 14: 26, 33, 40.

APPLICATION.

The Sunday-school, Young People's Societies, Church Extension Boards, etc., with the classes in soul-winning, serve some, many, or all of these ordinances, as the case may be ; therefore an integral part of the Church as a unit, and if con- ducted in the spirit of their formation are growths, not outside of, distinct from, or in any way antagonistic to, the church, local or general; but on the contrary are parts of an harmonious whole, manifest- ing the varied activities of that present

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organization which is destined, under its divine Founder and Leader to conquer the world !

LESSON VI. OUTLINED.

Kelation of Congregations to Each Other.

DEVOTION.

Especially are we grateful, O Lord, for the fellowship of the saints that broadens our service and our sympathy. Help us in our acts of co-operation and missionary enterprises till Thy Kingdom come in the hearts of all in blessed fullness.

ELABORATION.

I. Older churches planted new ones and provided for their instruction: (a) Jerusalem Church, Acts 8: 14-17, 25, 40; Acts 9: 31, 32; Acts 11: 19-2(3; (b) Anti- och Church, Acts 13: 1-5; Acts 14: 23-28; Acts 15: 40; 1 Thes. 2: 5-16; Gal. 2: 9.

II. By means of Committees or dele- gates, congregations conferred on matters

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of teaching and discipline, Acts 15: 1-6.

III. Congregations co-operated by means of Committees in relieving distress in time of famine, Acts 11: 27-30; Acts 12: 25; 1 Cor. 16: 1-4; 2 Cor. 8: 1-15; 2 Cor. 9 : 1-5. So carry the Bread of Life to all — no foreign country — all earth is unalienized.

IV. Co-operated in supporting evan- gelist in starting new work, 2 Cor. 11 : 8-9 ; 1 Tim. 5: 17-19; Phil. 4: 14-18; 1 Cor. 16: 15-18.

V. Co-operation avoids waste, over- lapping, the prejudice of ignorance, while it fosters and induces economy, promotes acquaintance and wisdom, develops pow- er, concentrates endeavor and fulfills the will and purpose of God in Christ. In our day if Protestants and Roman Catho- lics were one in Christ, how it would ex- alt the Book, the Christ and heavenly love!

How it would dismay and dumbfound the devil ! How it would spread the earth as the waters of the deep and no man could say, "No one careth for my soul."

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If as one man we could unite in conduct- ing charities, in enforcing law and order, suppressing impure literature, and in the promotion of temperance to the absolute prohibition of the poisonous alcoholic beverages, how quickly the jails, work- houses and penitentiaries, the hospitals and the eleemosynary institutions would disappear ! Instead of influencing and sav- ing a possible one-fifth of our youth and one-fifth of our adult population, to have our youth and adult citizenship, knowing neither male nor female, not only nom- inally, but really Christians, O how it would relegate to the limbo of darkness and death from whence they spring, the un- scrupulous competitions and awful enor- ities of so-called respectable businesses that now mar and blight all branches of civil and religious life ! Why so sure of this? Because disciples cannot be united until we become "one as I am in the Father." This, the sublime, harmonious symphony of earth and heaven.

PART IV. DISOBEDIENCE EXAMINED.

INTRODUCTION.

While the excuses for declining to obey Christ are almost innumerable, neverthe- less arrows of truth in the Bible quiver are plentiful to pierce them all.

We come now to the ;6 ' face-to-face " work, when soul wrestles with soul. Only those who have been so engaged may know the soul-winner's unspeakable pleas- ure in seeing the lip quiver, the eye suf- fuse with tears and the bosom swell with intense emotion as the soul is brought into the Kingdom; and as for such soul in its obedience,

' 'Earth has a joy unknown in heaven, The new-born joy of sins forgiven! Tears of such pure and deep delight, O angels, never dimmed your sight. ' '

O soul-winner, work in no other spirit than God's Holy Spirit! Converse with one person at a time and out of hearing of others if possible. Seek for serious-

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ness; proceed cautiously; find by judi- cious questioning the state of the one out of Christ — to what class he belongs and what his condition, difficulties, reasons, excuses and objections are; then fix your mind on his individuality. All the work of Jesus Christ, the prophets and apos- tles, all your studies in soul-winning are to fit you for this occasion. Put into it all your intellectual and spiritual vigor. (Necessarily from the abridged character of this treatise, all shades of disobedi- ence cannot be discussed, only outlines are attempted.) Seek for the point of sympathy and insert the Gospel blade^ "For the word of Grod is quick," etc. Heb. 4: 13.

SECTION A.

The Superficial. A vast number belong to this class, and so mixed, complicated and conflicting are the conditions that we must overcome in- difference and superficiality by our earn- estness and insight; although a difficulty

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appears shallow and slight to you, it may be real and serious to the halting one.

All classes enter into the blessings and benedictions of Christianity, although many neither confess Christ nor support His cause. Such stupidity and ingrati- tude would be incredible if it were not so common and so patent.

I. LACK OF DEEP CONVICTION.

Matt. 13: 5, 6: "And others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth : and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth : and when the sun was risen, they were scorched ; and because they had no root they withered away."

John 1 : 10 : " He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not."

Matt. 22: 5: "But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise."

II. " STILL A LITTLE SKEPTICAL."

John 7: 16, 17: "Jesus therefore an- swered them, and said, My teaching is not

130 SOUL- WINNING.

mine, but his that sent me. If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God, or whether I speak from myself."

John 20: 31: "Bat these are written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God ; and that believ- ing, ye may have life in his name."

III. " WAIT UNTIL A MORE CONVENIENT TIME."

2 Cor. 6: 1, 2: "And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, And in a day of salvation did I succour thee ; behold, now is the accept- able time; behold, now is the day of sal- vation)."

Heb. 3: 13: "But exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called to-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Acts 24: 25: "And as he reasoned of righteousness, and temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified,

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and answered, Go thy way for this time ; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me."

Jas. 4: 13, 14: "Go to now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade and get gain; whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then van- isheth away."

Jas. 4: 17: "To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

Eccl. 12: 1: "Remember also thy Cre- ator in the days of thy youth, or ever the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them."

Prov. 8: 17: "I love them that love me; and those that seek me diligently shall find me."

Isa. 55 : 6 : " Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near."

Matt. 24: 44: "Therefore be ye also

132 SOUL WINNING.

ready : for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh."

Heb. 3: 15: " While it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."

IV. LOVE OF EASE.

Matt. 10: 38, 39: "And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

Matt. 19 : 27, 29 : "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have? And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundred fold, and shall inherit eternal life."

V. NOT CALLED YET — WANT SPECIAL SIGN.

Acts 22: 16: "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on His name."

Luke 19: 41, 42: "And when he drew

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nigh, he saw the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known in this day, even thou, the things which belong unto peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes."

Matt. 12: 38, 39: "Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, say- ing, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign : and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet."

Luke 16: 30, 31: "And he said, Nay, father Abraham : but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be per- suaded, if one rise from the dead."

Rom. 1: 16: "For lam not ashamed of the gospel : for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believ- eth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

134 SOUL- WINNING.

VI. CONTROVERSIAL SPIRIT.

Matt. 22 : 15, 23, 34, 35, 41, 42 : " Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. On that day there came to him Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection. But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, gathered themselves together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him. Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose Son is he? They say unto him, The son of David."

VII. "WONT BELIEVE WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND."

John 3:9: "Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?"

John 6 : 52 : " The Jews therefore strove with one another, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

John 6: 60: "Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?"

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Acts 17: 32: "Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, We will tear thee concerning this yet again."

1 Cor. 2 : 14 : " Now the natural man re- ceiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spir- itually examined."

2 Cor. 8: 12: "For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not."

Rom. 10: 8: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart : that is the word of faith which we preach."

2 Peter 3: 16: "As also in all his epis- tles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be un- derstood, which the ignorant and unsted- fast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

PRAYER.

O our Father in heaven, help us a* we engage in thy blessed work. May we

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have a ready mind and plain speech to convince the wavering and move them to action; and grant that our work may stand the tests of time' and eternity. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

SECTION .B.

The Apostate.

There are those open apostates who go "out from us, because they are not of us." There are those reprobates who are still maintaining some sort of a profession of religion, but lead wicked lives. There are also those who with their religious pretensions maintain a fair outward life, but are backsliders in heart. It is a most sad and unsettled condition — most unac- countable excuses and flimsy difficulties are presented. Great forbearance and patience are required to work with such characters, because one feels that as they fell away once, they perhaps are subject to falls. Remember God's grace is suffi- cient for us and for them.

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VIII. (1) "CANNOT HOLD OUT."

Jer. 2: 13: "For my people have com- mitted two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, that can hold no water."

1 Cor. 10: 13: "There hath no tempta- tion taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it."

Eom. 8: 38, 39: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Mark 4: 18, 19: "And others are they that are sown among the thorns; these are they that have heard the word, and the cares of the world, and the deceitf ill- ness of riches, and the lusts of other

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things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."

John 10: 27-30: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me : And I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, which hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

Kev. 3: 14-17: "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the cre- ation of God: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth."

ix. (2) "tried without success."

John 8: 12: "Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world : he that f olloweth me shall

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not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."

1 Peter 4: 19: "Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator. ' '

Pro v. 14: 14: "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man shall be satisfied from him- self.5'

2 Peter 2: 20, 21: "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again en- tangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them."

Luke 9: 62: "But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

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X. (3) "INCONSISTENCIES of chris- tians.''

Jude 12, 13: "These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that with- out fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame ; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of dark- ness hath been reserved forever."

Eom. 14: 4: "Who art thou that judg- est the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand."

Kom. 14: 12: "So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God."

1 John 3 : 10 : "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."

John 21 : 21, 22 : "Peter therefore see-

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ing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."

XI. (4) "TOO GREAT A SINNER."

Phil. 1:6: "That the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowl- edge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ."

John 6 : 37 : "All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."

Isa. 1: 18: "Come, now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimsom, they shall be as wool."

1 Peter 2 : 24, 25 : " Who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were going astray like sheep: but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your soul."

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PRAYER.

O our Father, we thank Thee for all Thy blessed promises. Grant that the envi- ronment of all may be so surcharged with Christian sentiment that our weaker brethren may find no occasion of stumb- ling. Forgive the hosts of the backsliding Israel who come back to Thee from wretched wanderings in the wilderness of sin. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

SECTION C.

The Bewildered.

Confusion is the occasion of accidents, calamities and disasters, and which in turn are joined to superstition. It is said, "It is better to have no opinion of God at all, than such an opinion as is un- worthy of Him; for the one is unbelief, the other is contumely; and certainly superstition is the reproach of Deity." However, of two such ills, little practical purpose is served by determining (if we were able) which' is the greater. Igno-

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ranee and false lights entail enslaving enormities upon the sons of men, and if there be added thereto extreme reverence for tradition, progress would be effectu- ally blocked. The very best of us are only partially enlightened ; each year and day adds its quota of light, if so be we are ever moving towards that goal in which there is fullness of light.

XII. (1) THE SUPERSTITIOUS.

Matt. 24: 24, 25 : " For there shall rise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you beforehand."

Acts 17: 22, 23, 25, 29: "And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are somewhat supersti- tious. For as I passed along, and ob- served the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, to an unknown god. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this set I forth unto you. He dwelleth not in temples made

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with hands: neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and

breath, and all things: and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or sil- ver, or stone, graven by art and device of man.*'

XIU. (I?) SPIRITUAL BUNDNESS, IGNORANCE.

Luke 4: IS: " He sent me to proclaim

release to the captives, the recovering of sight to the blind."

Luke 11 : 84: " The lamp of thy body is thine eye: when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light: but when it is evil, thy body is also full of dark- ness."

1 John 1: 5, 6: "And this is the mes- sage which we have heard from him. and announce unto you. that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him. and walk in darkness, we lie. and do not the truth."

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1 John 2: 4: "He that saith I know him, and kecpeth not his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him."

2 Peter 3: 8, 9: "But forget not tin- one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thou- sand years as one day. The, Lord is not slack concerning his promise, us some count slackness ; but is long-suffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to re- pentance."

John 17: 3: "And this is life eternal, that they should know thee, the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, Jesus Christ."

Matt. 16: 16: "And Simon Peter an- swered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

XIV. (3) HUMAN TRADITIONS TOO MUCH REGABDED.

Matt. 15: 9: "But in vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrine the precepts of men."

2 Tim. 4: 2, 3: "Preach the Word; be

10

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instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doc- trine, but having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables."

PRAYER.

O our Father, we thank Thee for the " Light of the World." May ignorance, and superstition and human vanity no more hold sway over our hearts; help us to always do those things which are right in thy sight, whether or not it meet the approval of men. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen

SECTION D.

Commending Themselves.

The human heart is desperately wicked and deceitful. No one of the "works of the flesh " — " fornication, uncleanness,

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lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divis- ions, heresies, envyings, drunkenness and revelings" — but that not only find de- votees, but also those who will bring forth somewhere something to commend in each.

Rarely, if ever, is the sin, per se9 com- mended; but when the individual is in- volved, the apology is forthcoming; such is the depth of human depravity as not only to commit these things, but to boast of them. This disposition to commend our practices leads men to fashion God to suit themselves — to even manufacture gods of their appetites, their avarice, or their ambition.

So common and universal is this ten- dency that some contend there is no reve- lation of God, ab extra, but that man has only idealized the creations of his own imagination.

These self-commending people are es- pecially prone to wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction. Ignorant of the

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righteousness of God, they are zealous in establishing their own righteousness.

Disobedience coming directly or indi- rectly from this predisposition is observ- able everywhere; intelligent faith alone is capable of successfully contending with such.

XV. (1) LOVE OF PRAISE.

John 12 : 43 : " They loved the glory of men more than the glory of God."

John 5: 44: "How can ye believe which receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not? "

Isa. 55: 8: "For my thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."

Prov. 16: 25: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

XVI. (2) FEAR OF MAN.

John 7: 12, 13: "And there was much murmuring among the multitudes con- cerning him; some said, He is a good

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man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray. Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews."

John 12: 42: "Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but be- cause of the Pharisees they did not con- fess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue."

XVII. (3) NOT WILLING TO LEAVE IMPENI- TENT ASSOCIATES.

2 Cor. 6 : 16-18 : "And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? For we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be to you a Father, and ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

Luke 18: 29, 30: "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, there is no

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man that hath left house, or wife, or brethren, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not re- ceive manifold more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life."

Heb. 11 : 24-26 : " By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the peo- ple of God, than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treas- ures of Egypt."

1 Cor. 7: 16: "For how knowest thou, 0 wife, whether thou shalt save thy hus- band? Or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife? "

XVIII. (4) DOX'T LIKE THE 3IESSEXGER.

John 1: 46: "And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Xazareth? And Philip said unto him, Come and see."

1 Cor. 1: 21: " For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wis- dom knew not God, it was God's good

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pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believed."

1 Cor. 2:5: "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in .the power of God."

XIX. (5) INSINCERITY.

Rom. 9: 19, 20: "Thou wilt say unto me, Why doth he still find fault? for who understandeth his will? Nay, but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus?"

Ezek. 18: 25: "Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? "

Matt. 21 : 28-31 : "But what think ye? A man had two sons; he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to-day in the vine- yard; and he answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented himself, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise; and he answered and said, I go, sir; and went not. Whither

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of the twain did the will of his father? They say, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you."

PRAYER.

O our Father, help thou our unbelief ! May the truth work effectually in us. 0 may our efforts to save souls be blessed of Thee to the end that many may gladly re- ceive and obey Thy word. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

SECTION E.

Foes Within and Without.

In the minds of many disobedient there is chaos and confusion, and in their hearts conflicting emotions and desires. They have not made, nor even attempted, any clear analysis of their attitude toward Christ. The foes of the soul within and without persist in their determination to neutralize gospel influences, and prevent

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the soul from a committal to any definite and specific stand. The effort to examine into these complex conditions can be pro- ductive of good. Persist, then, in prob- ing, even if it cause a wince now and then.

XX. (1) TOO MANY THINGS TO GIVE UP.

Phil. 3:7, 8: "Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yea, verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."

Mark 8: 36-38: "For what doth it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what should a man give in exchange for his life? For who- soever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful gener- ation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

1 Tim. 4: 8: "And exercise thyself unto godliness; for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise

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of the life which now is, and of that which is to come."

XXI. (2) PRIDE OF BIRTH.

Matt. 3: 8, 9: " Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance : and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abra- ham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham."

John 8: 33, 34: "They answered unto him, We be Abraham's seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bond-servant of sin."

James 2: 1, 5: "My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? "

Luke 2:7: "And she brought forth

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her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for him in the inn."

XXII. (3) TOO SMART.

Matt. 11: 25: "At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Fath- er, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes."

John 9: 39-41: "And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they which see not, may see; and that they which see may become blind. Those of the Pharisees which were with him heard these things, and said unto him, Are we also blind? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye would have no sin: but now ye say, We see ; your sin remain- ed."

XXIII. (4) LOVE OF THE WORLD.

2 Tim. 4: 10: "For Demas forsook me, having loved this present world."

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James 4: 3, 4: "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures. Ye adulter- esses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? "

1 John 2: 15, 16, 17: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lusts thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."

XXIV. (5) LOVE OF MONEY.

Luke 16: 13-15: " No servant can serve two masters : for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else will hold to one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. And the Phari- sees who are lovers of money heard all these things, and they scoffed at him. And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men;

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but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abom- ination in the sight of God."

1 Tim. 6: 9, 10: "But they that desire to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

XXV. (6) CARES OF THE WORLD.

Luke 10: 40-42: "But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to hini and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful : for Mary hath chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her."

Matt. 13: 22: "And he that was sown

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among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

xxvi. (7) dox't want sins exposed.

Jno. 3: 19-21: "And this is the judg- ment, that the light is come into the world, and men love the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth ill hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved. But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in Grod."

Prov. 28: 13: "He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy."

XXVII. (8) MURMURING SPIRIT.

Matt. 25: 24, 25, 29: "And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow,

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and gathering where thou didst not scat- ter: and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abun- dance; but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away."

PRAYER.

Our Father in Heaven, we thank Thee for Thy providence that saves and sus- tains. O grant that our souls may ever be upon their guard and the vigil-fires be lighted throughout the world, and we shall have victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

SECTION F.

The Self-Righteous.

You have often heard those who refuse to accept Christ urge, "I never did any thing bad." "I mean well." "I am good enough and better than a good many of the so-called Christians." "I don't think as you do." "Everybody has a

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right to his own opinion." "I believe I am right and am doing my best to be saved." " I worship the God of nature, and believe I will get to heaven." " It is not necessary to be a church-member to be saved." " I can go to heaven without being baptized." "There are so many denominations, I guess I am as near right as any of you, anyhow."

A prodigious and indefinite amount of sophistry, hypocrisy, bigotry, incompe- tency, irrelevancy and iniquity can be run in under expressions like the above. These self-righteous and self-sufficient, so-called "good, moral people," are legion in number, but may generally be sifted down into a struggle between self and Christ.

O, if the soul would save itself, let it rind Christ and throw away self, " the old man of sin ! "

XXVIII. (1) don't want to confess

CHRIST.

Mark 8 : 35 : " For whosoever shall save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall

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lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's shall save it."

Rom. 10: 9, 10: " Because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved, for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth con- fession is made unto salvation."

Matt. 10: 32, 33: " Every one there- fore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

Jno. 14: 6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way and the truth and the life : no one cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Acts 4 : 12 : "And in none other is there salvation : for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved."

1 Jno. 5: 12: "He that hath the Son

hath the life; he that hath not the Son

of God hath not the life." 11

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XXIX. (2) don't want to be baptized.

Mark 16: 16: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned."

Matt. 7: 21, 22: "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out dev- ils, and by thy name do many mighty works?"

Jno. 15: 10, 11: "If ye keep my com- mandments ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's com- mandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be fulfilled." *

Acts 2: 38: "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

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Kom. 6: 4: "We were buried there- fore with him through baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life."

PRAYER.

O our Father, we thank Thee for Thy great love. Grant that we may cheer- fully follow these heaven-ordained ordi- nances; preserve them in their purity for us and our posterity, and not for us only, but for all who will receive them. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

SECTION G.

Many Infallible Proofs for Unbe- lievers.

There must be infallible proof of the truth of Christianity, because it is a relig- ion of fact, not an expression of opinion. It was not done in an instant in some corner of the world, but claims to be an evolution of 6,000 years' duration, enacted

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in the light places on every continent. Thus assuming an historic form, it chal- lenges investigation; indeed, any attempt to hedge it about, while its devotees de- mand an unquestioning faith, is to remove its facts into the region of the shadowy, mysterious and unreal.

Each person, in some more or less in- dependent way, should get at the histor- ical facts and subject his faith to certain tests, in order that he be not a victim of fraud, mistake or superstition; thus can he have an open-eyed confidence and a boldness that is not bigotry.

Of course, in this section we can only outline a consideration of evidences, with the hope that such outline may be instru- mental in assisting many to see their duty of obedience to Christ, and seeing, per- form; as, however, the soul may see and yet not obey, so also the soul, through ignorance or perversity, may not see, yet the duty to obey remains.

You ask, How can this be? Notice, one's responsibility is measured by his opportunity to know what his duty is;

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hence, the legal maxim, "Every man is presumed to know the law — ignorance is no excuse."

Industry and honesty cannot fail to lead the inquirer into the way of eternal life ; these qualifications are humanity's two wings whereupon to rise to heaven ; lose either, and the soul falls into sin or super- stition.

XXX. (1) THEORIES OF INFIDELITY.

The sum of our faith is in Jesus Christ ; he is the Alpha and the Omega of revela- tion— all time is focalized in him. His energies have wrought wonders in every land. "Jesus Hominum Salvator " is the universal creed of Christendom, — simple enough for a child, profound enough for a sage.

The real battle of infidelity rages around Jesus, for he is the " Gibraltar of Chris- tian Evidences." If Christ was not as claimed and represented, infidels are called upon to account for him.

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I. IMPOSTURE.

In an earlier age infidels who would not admit the claims of Jesus, reasoned that, whatever he was, he was no fool — he understood himself — he was an impostor. This theory is not accepted even by in- fidels in our day. Paine said, " He was a virtuous and amiable man." Ingersoll said, "For the man Christ I have the highest admiration and respect."

Could an impostor have (1) lived the purest life known to history? (2) In- augurated a religion of beneficence and sublimity?

II. SELF-DECEPTION.

It is put forward by some infidels, as an explanation of Jesus, that he was self- deceived, that he imagined certain things of himself — was a fanatic, self-deluded, a visionary, a wild enthusiast. This theory is also denied by other infidels. Says one: "He was gifted with a grand, clear intellect, a perfectly balanced being." Kenan said: "He represented the rare spectacle of a life, so far as we can esti-

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mate it, uniformly noble and consistent with his own lofty principles."

Jesus could not have been self -deceived, because of, (1) His practical precepts; (2) No taint of superstition appears in him; (3) He never magnified one truth at the expense of any other; (4) He was not deceived in either his disciples or others; (5) He never erred in judgment; (6) He taught men to control their religious en- thusiasm, to think and to reflect.

III. NATURALISTIC.

The theory has been advanced that Jesus was not such an extraordinary man, after all, but a natural product, and that his disciples misunderstood, magnified and misrepresented his doings. "Jesus did not walk on the lake, but simply on the shores of the lake — but the eyes of the disciples deceived them. The eyes of the blind were healed by an efficacious eye-salve, but the minutiaz of the cure was not perceived by the disciples ; that Jesus raised Lazarus and others, but only from a swoon," etc., etc.

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This theory is in turn denied by other infidels. Strauss said: "This effort to get rid of the supernatural by a bold, realistic interpretation of the language of the Gospel narratives, whilst the credibil- ity was represented in tact, w^as too glar- ing an outrage upon common sense to be successful."

This notion cannot be true: (1) It makes more difficulties than it solves; (2) The disciples themselves were too in- credulous and slow of belief; (3) It would not comport with the teachings of Jesus; (4) Jesus especially guarded this point.

IV. MYTHICAL.

This theory, held by some infidels, is to the effect that round about Jesus are woven allegories, and fabulous statements of imaginary actions, etc.

This theory has not been generally ap- proved by infidels. Chevalier Bunsen said: "The idea of men writing mythic histories between the time of Livy and Tacitus, and of Paul mistaking such for

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realities!" "How can accounts which are circumstantially correct in geography, chronology, etc., be resolved into myths?" It is much easier to believe in Jesus than to believe that anyone could have conceived and worked off such allegories under the circumstances. Again, con- temporaneous history will not warrant such an assumption.

V. LEGENDARY.

This theory admits the early origin, au- thenticity and general veracity of the Gos- pel narrative, but that there was added an unreality of the miraculous — that Jesus consented to "play a part," disa- greeable and distasteful, however; that his miracles were "a violence done him by his age — a concession which a pressing necessity wrestled from him, and so he entered on a course of mild and beneficent deception."

A most remarkable theory this, and other infidels will not accept such a self- contradictory hypothesis. Holy fraud ! forsooth !

This theory cannot stand, because, (1)

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Of the overwhelming evidence of the transcendent excellence of Jesus; (2) His attitude towards his disciples and the world was as leader, not as follower.

VI. ECLECTIC.

This theory is a combination of all the others, using here a little of one, and there some of the other. It maintains that Christianity is now superstition, now ignorance, now a fraud; that this is an allegory, and that a legend. So far short does this come from accounting for Jesus that it only confuses, beclouds and mysti- fies. It leaves us to wander in the night of agnosticism, closing all avenues of the soul to Him who is the " Light of the world."

PRAYER.

O our Heavenly Father, save us from the rank presumption that denies a high purpose and destiny for mankind, that denies the revelation Thou hast made of Thy will, and that involves us in the chaos and ruin of infidelity. O, as we prove the spirits, whether they be of Thee, may we

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not, in repudiating the counterfeit, cast off the true also. May we believe the ev- idence which Thou hast given of the true character of Thy only begotten Son, and confess that " Jesus Christ is come in the flesh." Help us in the power of Thy might to overcome the world with our great faith. We ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.

XXXI. (2) INTERNAL EVIDENCES.

The barest outline of evidence can be attempted here. The student is recom- mended, if possible, to pursue this line of study further; a number of good text books on Christian Evidences can be fur- nished by almost any bookseller.

By "internal evidences" of the truth of Christianity, we look at Christianity, as presented in the canon of the Scriptures, to see what marks of credibility, genuine- ness and authenticity it carries with itself. Notice, then:

I. PROPHECY.

"A miracle of knowledge," used to pro- mote hope and faith. The prophecies of

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Scripture are marked by, (1) worthy ends; (2) unambiguous language; (3) no failures of fulfillment; (4) a record pre- served.

On the contrary, fraudulent prophecies and heathen oracles are, (1) unworthy; (2) ambiguous; (3) marked by failures; (4) leave no records.

(a) Old Testament Prophecies. — (1) Concerning the prosperity and adversity of the Israelites themselves; (2) the neighboring nations, as Tyre, Nineveh, Babylon, Egypt, etc.; (3) of the coming Messiah, his character, purposes and events in his life.

(b) New Testament Prophecies and Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies. — (1) Of the Jewish nation, siege, dis- persion, unity, and peculiarities; (2) the life of Christ; (3) the prophecies of Christ, the destruction of Jerusalem, the inauguration and progress of the King- dom of God.

The fulfillment of these prophecies is an ever-present miracle, testifying with over-powering weight to the genuineness,

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authenticity and credibility of the Chris- tian Scriptures.

II. MIRACLES.

"Manifestations of superhuman power give authority to God's messengers," and are calculated to produce faith and obedience.

As contrasted with spurious miracles, Scriptural miracles are, (1) for important worthy purposes; (2) instantaneous and public; (3) sensible and easy to observe; (4) well authenticated.

III. HISTORICAL CONSIDERATION.

Notice the evidences afforded by the volume itself of, (1) the time covered; (2) the places mentioned; (3) the events narrated; (4) the character of the wri- ters, as having an adequate knowledge of what they relate; (5) the remarkable preservation of the writings ; the Hebrew and Greek languages uniquely fitted for this purpose; (6) the range of the Old and New Testament in these points pre- sent a most remarkable unity in diversity — a marvelous harmony without collusion.

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This wonderful library of religious his- tory contains within itself overwhelming evidence of being genuine, authentic and credible.

IV. CHARACTER OF JESUS.

The character of Jesus lends greatest weight to the credibility of Christianity; from his evident nature Jesus was with- out flaw. "I, having examined him be- fore you, found no fault in this man." " Tempted, yet without sin." "No guile in his mouth." "Spake as never a man spake." "Teacher come from God, for no man can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him." He was approved of God "by might, powers and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye your- selves know." He was unjustly crucified; his judge said, "Behold, nothing worthy of death hath been done by him." He was raised from the dead, "nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus did God raise up, whereof we all are witnesses." He suffered and rose again from the dead,

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"and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached unto all nations, beginning from Jerusalem, ye are wit- nesses." His sympathies were with the poor, afflicted and down-trodden; all his life was consistent with these pure princi- ples and holy purposes.

His was a revelation of the will of God perfected in man — a Divine human life — a perfect man !

V. THE CHARACTER ELECTED FOR HIS DIS- CIPLES.

No ostentatious almsgiving or prayers ; no sanctimonious hypocrisy or meaning- less ceremony; but meekness and purity, love of enemies, unfeigned fraternity. "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." "Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God, . . that which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

This feature of Christianity is abso- lutely unique. No religious faith, either adapted from Christianity or claiming

176 SOUL- WINNING.

originality, presents this remarkable as- pect.

The sublimity of the elect Christian character is one of the strongest evidences of the credibility and genuineness of Christianity.

XXXII. (3) EXTERNAL EVIDENCES.

No one can reasonably deny, a p?*iori9 that the all-wise and all-powerful God can not only reveal his will, but can give to men a full and certain assurance that it is a true revelation.

I. THE NECESSITY.

The necessity for such revelation is ap- parent, because, (1) The ancient concep- tions of the nature and the worship of God were dark, imperfect and monstrous; (2) Ignorance of the true genesis of the world; (3) Ignorance of the cause of de- pravity and misery among mankind; (4) Ignorance of the means of reconciliation between God and man; (5) There was no assurance of divine assistance towards the attainment and the perseverance in virtue; (6) No solid foundation for be-

SOUL- WINNING. 177

lief in the soul's immortality; (7) No ad- equate conception of the supreme felicity of man; (8) Only confused and monstrous notions concerning the rewards and pun- ishments of a future state.

Christianity answers all these needs with absolute satisfaction.

II. CONTEMPORANEOUS HISTORY

Of Egyptian, Persian, Grecian and Ro- man life, where common points are touched, corroborates the Bible accounts.

The excavation of ancient ruins — coins, medals, monuments, etc., together with the reading of the symbolic languages of the ancients, give additional testimony to the accuracy, veracity and reliability of the Scriptures.

(a) The Jews. — The Jews, the city of Jerusalem, and the entire land of Pales- tine, from Christ's time till to-day, are mute and reluctant, but most remarkable witnesses of the credibility and authen- ticity of the Bible, (b) Falsehood De- tected.— There is a moral certainty that

Jewish leaders, such as Gamaliel and

12

178 SOUL- WINNING.

Saul, would have detected and exposed falsehood and fraud concerning Jesus and the resurrection had such existed. (c) Monuments. — The ordinances insti- tuted (baptism and the Lord's Supper) to perpetuate the principal facts and events of Christian^— observed to this day — are strong evidences of authenticity.

III. COMPARATIVE RELIGION.

The evidence of Christianity's divine origin and authority, as contrasted with other religions having admixtures of error and superstitions, is shown in, (1) Christianity's perfect concepts and pre- cepts; (2) Its openness; (3) Its adapta- tion to the conditions and capacities of all mankind; (4) The spirituality of its worship; (5) Its opposition to the spirit of the world; (6) Its humiliation of man and exaltation of God; (7) Its restoration of order to the world; (8) Its contrariety to the covetousness and ambition of man; (9) Its eradication of evil passions from the heart; (10) Its restoring the divine image to man; (11) Its mighty effects in the governments of the world.

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A CONVERTED LAWYER.

Tertullian, a converted lawyer, and called "the father of Latin Christianity," born A. D. 160, says in his able defense of the Christians, under the charge of be- ing traitors to Rome, "That piety, vener- ation and loyalty, therefore, which is due emperors, does not consist in the fore- mentioned shows of duty, which even re- bellion cloaks herself in, to pass undis- covered ; but in such virtues as civil soci- ety finds necessary to be practiced sin- cerely towards prince and people. Nor are these actions of a virtuous mind look- ed upon by us as a tribute due to Caesar only; for we have no respect of persons in doing good, because by so doing we do good to ourselves, who catch at no ap- plause or reward from men, but from God only, who keeps a faithful register of our good works, and has ample rewards in store for this universal charity; for we have the same good wishes for emperors as for our nearest friends. To wish ill, to do ill, to speak ill, or to think ill of any one, we are equally forbidden without

180 SOUL- WINNING,

exception. What is injustice to an em- peror, is injustice to his slave; and that which is unlawful against the meanest, is so against the greatest." And again, in defending the Christians against persecu- tions, Tertullian says: " But your reason is so entirely blinded with prejudice that you have not an eye left to see the public damage — a damage as visibly great as true. Not a man weighs what the com- mon injury amounts to by thus depopu- lating the empire of the most just and in- nocent subjects in it; it is hardly credible to imagine how many Christian prisoners your judges destroy at every goal deliv- ery, but only their trials are upon record. fc 'Among all this number of criminals, and this variety of indictments, what Christians do you find arraigned for assas- sinating, or for pickpockets, or for sacri- lege, or for pilfering at the bath? Do you hear at the trials any article against Christians like that which other malefac- tors are charged withal? Do not the prisons sweat with your criminals contin- ually? Do not the mines continually

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groan with the load of heathens? Are not your wild beasts fattened with hea- thens? And is not the whole herd of condemned wretches, which some public 4 benefactors ' keep alive for the enter- tainment of the amphitheater — are not they all of your religion?

"Now, among all these malefactors, there is not a Christian to be found for any crime but that of his name only; or if there be, we disown him for a Christian.

"We, then, are the only harmless peo- ple among you, and where is the wonder, if it cannot well be otherwise? as in truth it cannot, considering our educa- tion; for the innocence we are taught,, we are taught from God, and we know our lesson perfectly well, as being revealed to us by the Master of all perfection, and we observe it faithfully as the command of an All-seeing Lawgiver, whom we know is not to be despised, but at the hazard of eternal happiness. Whereas, your sys- tems of doctrine are but the conjectures of human philosophy, and the power which commands obedience, merely hu-

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man; and so neither the rule nor the power indisputable, and consequently the one too imperfect to instruct us fully, and the other too weak to command us effect- ually, both which (deficiencies) are abund- antly provided for by revelation from God.

"Where is the philosopher who can so clearly demonstrate the true good as to fix the notion beyond dispute? And what human power is able to reach the conscience and bring down that notion into practice? For human wisdom is as subject to error as human power is to contempt.

"Therefore, let us enter a little more into a comparison between your laws and ours. Tell me, then, which do you take to be the fullest and completest law, that which says thou shalt do no murder, or that which resists the very passion of an- ger? Which expresses greatest purity and perfection, the law which prohibits the outward act of adultery, or that which condemns the bare lust of the eye? Which is the wisest provision for inno-

SO UL - WINNING . 183

cence, to forbid evil doing, or not to per- mit so much as evil speaking? Which is the most instructing lesson for the good of mankind, to debar men from doing in- jury, or not so much as to allow the injured person the common privilege of returning evil for evil?

"But this is not all, for I must give you to understand that these very laws of yours, which are but in the way to per- fection, are no more in good truth than a transcript of the old law of God, older by much than any law of your making; but I have already laid before you the an- tiquity of Moses."

Thus far the reliable Tertullian and in view of the history intervening, and of the remarkable fact that seven-eighths of the world's territory is to-day under Christian governmental control, who can doubt that our "faith is the victory that overcomes the world."

PRAYER.

O our Father, hasten the day when ani- mosities and wars and corruptions in

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high and low pla ss shaD lis&ppear, and all shall ^line in CL our

Lord, to whom be glory and honor and W : d i without end. Amen.

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