You doubtless feel a deep interest in the great benevolent enterprises
of the present day. No one who possesses the spirit of our Master can be
indifferent towards them. It is important, then, that you should know
what you _can do_ towards moving forward these enterprises. For,
remember that your obligation is as extensive as your ability. Christ
commended the woman, referred to in the passage above quoted for doing
"_what she could_." If you do more than any within the circle of your
acquaintance, and yet leave undone anything that you can do, you do not
discharge your obligations. You have entered into the service of the
Lord, and he requires you to _do what you can_. It then becomes a matter
of serious inquiry, "_What can I do?_" It is an interesting fact, that
the great moral enterprises of the present day, both for the conversion
of the world, and for ameliorating the temporal condition of the poor,
are in a great measure sustained by the energy of _female influence_.
This influence is felt in every department of society; and must be,
wherever the principles of the gospel prevail, so as to elevate your sex
to the station which properly belongs to them. I will endeavor to point
out some of the principal channels through which it can be exerted.
I. _You may make your influence felt in the Bible Society._ You know the
grand object of this society is to put a copy of the Holy Scriptures
within the reach of every individual of the human race. The spirit of
Christ is that of the most expansive benevolence. If you possess this
spirit, and value the sacred treasure contained in God's word as you
ought, you will feel a thrilling interest in this cause. Your heart will
overflow with compassion for those poor souls who have not the word of
life. What, then, must be your emotions, when you consider that more
than six hundred millions of your fellow-beings, as good by nature as
yourself, are destitute of the Bible? The population of the whole world
is estimated at _seven hundred and thirty-seven millions_. Of these,
_five hundred and nine millions_ are heathen, and _one hundred and
fifty-six millions_ are Roman and Greek Catholics; nearly all of whom
are destitute of the word of God. This leaves but _seventy-two millions_
who are called Protestants; but a vast number of these, even in our
highly favored land, are living without the Bible. Can you say with the
Psalmist, "Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day"? How,
then, must your heart bleed in view of these facts! "But," perhaps you
reply, "what can I do for these perishing millions?" I answer, _Do what
you can_. This is all that God requires of you. Although what you can do
will be but as a drop of water in the ocean, compared with what is to be
done, yet it may be the means of saving many perishing souls. You can
become a member of the Bible Society. You can act as a visitor and
collector, both to ascertain and supply those families which are
destitute of the word of life, and to obtain the means of supplying
others. And if no female Bible Society exists in the place where your
lot is cast, you can exert your influence among the ladies of your
acquaintance to form one. And in his measure I would advise you to
persevere, even though you find at first only two or three to unite with
you. All obstacles in the way of benevolent enterprises vanish before a
spirit of prayerful perseverance, and untiring exertion.
II. _You can make your influence felt in the Tract Society._ The
circulation of religious tracts has been abundantly owned and blessed of
God's spirit. It seems to be almost the only means of reaching some
particular classes of people, who never wait upon God in his house. It
is a cheap method of preaching the gospel both to the rich and the poor.
For a single cent, or even less, a sermon may be obtained, containing a
portion of divine truth sufficient, with God's blessing, to lead a soul
to Christ. Engage actively in the various forms of this department of
benevolent labor. The distribution of a tract to every family in a town,
once a month, when properly conducted, may be the means of doing great
good. It furnishes an easy introduction into families where God is not
acknowledged; and the matter contained in the tract will assist you to
introduce religious conversation. It will enable you to ascertain and
relieve the wants of the poor, without seeming to be obtrusive. It will
soften your own heart, and excite your compassion, in view of the
objects of distress with which you meet. It also furnishes a convenient
opportunity for collecting children into Sabbath-schools. In
distributing tracts, endeavor, as far as courtesy and propriety will
admit, to engage those with whom you meet in direct personal
conversation with regard to the concerns of their souls; and when you
meet only with the female members of the family, and circumstances favor
it, pray with them. By so doing, you may be the instrument of saving
many precious souls. Your labor will also reflect back upon yourself,
and warm your own heart. You will get a deeper sense of the dreadful
condition of perishing sinners; and this will be the means of exciting a
spirit of prayer in their behalf. Those engaged in this work should meet
every month, after finishing the distribution, report all cases of
interest, and spend a season in prayer for the divine blessing upon
their labors. I would advise you to begin your distribution early in the
month, and always finish it before the middle; and be sure you make a
written report to the superintendent, as soon as you have finished it.
III. _You can make your influence felt in the missionary cause._ This is
a cause which must be near the heart of every Christian. The spirit of
missions is in unison with every feeling of the new-born soul. It is the
spirit of universal benevolence; the same spirit which brought our Lord
from the realms of glory, to suffer and die for perishing sinners. His
last command to his disciples, before ascending up again into heaven,
was, that they should follow his example, in the exercise of this
spirit, until the whole world should be brought to a knowledge of his
salvation. But more than eighteen hundred years have passed away, and
yet at least two thirds of the inhabitants of this fallen world have
never heard the gospel; and probably not more than one seventieth part
of them have really embraced it. This is a mournful picture, and
calculated to call forth every feeling of Christian sympathy, and awaken
a burning zeal for the honor and glory of God. O, think how Jesus is
dishonored by his own people, who thus disregard his last parting
request! But here again you may inquire, "What can _I_ do?" You can do
much more than most people think they can do. Although you may not be
permitted to go to the heathen yourself, yet you can help those that do
go. I know that your means are limited; yet there are many ways in which
you can do much for this cause with little means. By regulating all your
expenses by Christian principle, you may save much, even of a small
income, for benevolent purposes. But you may also exert an influence
upon others. In all your intercourse with other Christians, especially
ladies, you may stir up a missionary spirit. To aid you in this, become
acquainted with what has been done, and what is now doing, for the
conversion of the heathen. Make yourself familiar with the arguments in
favor of this holy cause. By this means, you may become a zealous and
successful advocate of the claims of five hundred millions of perishing
heathen. As an opportunity occurs once a month for all to contribute to
this cause, you know not what effect such efforts may have upon the
purses of those whom God has blessed with an abundance of the good
things of this life. Again; you may do much for the heathen, by forming
a missionary association among the ladies where you reside. Let such an
association employ their needless half a day in every week, and apply
the avails of their labor to the missionary cause. This would enable
every one to contribute something for sending the gospel to the heathen.
But this is not all the benefit that would flow from it. Some member of
the association should be appointed to read missionary intelligence,
while the rest labor with their hands. This will be the means of
exciting a missionary spirit, which may result in a much greater benefit
than the amount of money contributed by the society. Another advantage
of this plan is, that it furnishes an opportunity of social intercourse,
with a great saving of time. Here you may meet your friends once a week,
without being exposed to the dissipating influence of parties of
pleasure. There is a little Sabbath-school book, published in Boston,
entitled "_Louisa Palston_," which ought to be in the hands of every
young lady. It presents the subject of missions to the heathen in a most
interesting light, and also contains an excellent example of an
association of the kind here recommended.
IV. _You can make your influence felt in behalf of the poor._ By
frequenting the abodes of poverty and distress, you may administer to
the wants of the afflicted, and call into active exercise the feelings
of Christian sympathy in your own bosom. By this means, also, you will
be prepared to enlist others in the same cause. Female benevolent
societies, for assisting the poor, should be formed in all large towns;
and in most places, much good may be done by forming societies for
clothing poor children, to enable them to attend Sabbath-schools. But
perhaps there is no way in which you can do so much for the poor, as by
assisting them with your own hands, in their afflictions, and aiding
them by your advice. Be careful, however, that you do not make them feel
that you are conferring an obligation.
There is, at the present day, a very erroneous impression abroad, in
relation to the poor. Many wealthy people, and many in moderate but
comfortable circumstances, seem to think God has given them their
property solely for their own gratification. Go to their houses, and you
will find their tables groaning with luxuries, their rooms garnished
with costly furniture, and their persons decorated with finery. But, if
you ask them for a small contribution for suffering poverty, you will
perhaps be compelled to listen to a long complaint against the
improvidence of the poor; their want of industry and economy; and
possibly be put off with the plea, that supplying their necessities has
a tendency to make them indolent, and prevent them from helping
themselves. This may be true to some extent; for intemperance has
brought ruin and distress upon many families, and we cannot expect
either industry, economy, or any other virtue, in a drunkard. But this
is far from being a full view of the case. I know there is much
suffering even among the virtuous poor. Sickness and misfortune often
bring distress upon deserving people.
The only way we can realize the sufferings of the poor is to suppose
ourselves in their situation. Let a wealthy gentleman and lady, with
five or six small children, be suddenly deprived of all their property,
and compelled to obtain a support for their family by daily labor, and
the lowest employments. Would they think they could live comfortably
upon perhaps no more than seventy-five cents a day, as the proceeds of
the husband's labor? Yet such is the situation of thousands of families,
even in this land of plenty. I have myself recently met with families of
small children, in the severity of winter, destitute of clothing
sufficient to cover them, and without shoes. And, upon inquiry into
their circumstances and means of support, I could not see how the
parents could make any better provision. Again; ever supposing that the
wretchedness of the poor is brought upon them by their own vices, is it
agreeable to the spirit of Christ to refuse to relieve their distresses?
Has not sin brought upon us all our wretchedness? If the Lord Jesus had
reasoned and acted upon this principle, would a single soul have been
saved? But, he has commanded us to be merciful, _even as our Father
which is in heaven is merciful_. And how is he merciful? "He is kind
unto the _unthankful_ and to the _evil_." Again; "If any man have not
the spirit of Christ, he is none of his." And are we to suppose that the
poor in our day are any worse than they were when Christ was upon earth?
Yet we find him frequently exhorting the rich to give to the poor. This
is one of the most common precepts of the New Testament. Indeed, our
Lord has greatly honored the poor, in appearing himself in a condition
of extreme poverty. At his birth, his parents could provide him no
better bed than a manger; and while wearing out his life in the service
of a lost world, he had no place to lay his head! Yet, poor as he was,
he has set us an example of giving. At the last supper, when he told
Judas, "That thou doest, do quickly," his disciples supposed he had sent
him to give something to the poor. From this we may safely infer that he
was in the habit of frequently doing so. For what else could have
brought this thought to their minds?
A Christian has nothing that is his own. He is but the steward of God's
property. By withholding it, when the kingdom of Christ or the wants of
the suffering poor require it, and spending it in extravagance, or
hoarding it up for himself and family. He _robs God._
But, even on the principle upon which the world acts, shall we neglect
the suffering of a deserving woman, because her husband is intemperate
and vicious? Or, should we suffer the children to grow up without
instruction, in ignorance and vice, because their parents are vicious?
Be, then, my dear sister, the devoted friend of the poor; and seek to
relieve distress wherever you find it, or whatever may be its cause.
V. _You may make your influence felt in the cause of temperance._ A
false delicacy prevails among many ladies, in relation to this subject.
They seem to think that, as intemperance is not a common vice of their
own sex, they have no concern with it. But this is a great mistake. No
portion of society suffers so much from the consequences of intemperance
as females. On them it spends its fury. My heart sickens when I
contemplate the condition of the drunkard's wife. I turn from the
picture with horror and disgust. But, is there no danger that females
themselves may become partakers of this monstrous vice? My soul would
rejoice if it were so. But every town, and village, and hamlet,
furnishes evidence to the contrary. Even while I am writing, I can
almost hear the groans of a woman in an adjoining house, who is just on
the borders of the drunkard's grave. But, independent of this, it is
scarcely possible to dry up the secret elements of this wasting
pestilence, without the aid of _female influence_. I have no doubt, if
the curtain were lifted from the domestic history of the past
generation, it would appear that most of the intemperate appetites which
have exerted such a terrific influence upon society were formed in the
nursery. But, besides the formation of early habits, females exert a
controlling influence over the public sentiment of the social circle.
Here is the sphere of your influence. If young ladies would, with one
consent, set their faces against the use of all intoxicating liquors,
their influence could not fail to be felt throughout society. Make
yourself thoroughly acquainted with the subject, and lose no opportunity
of advocating the cause in every circle in which you move; or, of doing
whatever is right and proper for a lady to do, in advancing it.
VI. _You may make your influence felt in every circle in which you
move, by directing conversation towards profitable subjects._ Here the
honor of your Master is concerned. There is a lamentable tendency, even
among professors of religion, when they meet for social intercourse, to
spend, their time in light and trifling conversation. The consequence
is, they bring leanness upon their own souls; and if any impenitent
sinners witness their conduct, it helps to rivet upon them their carnal
security. "Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel." And
remember, Christ has declared that _every idle word_ shall be brought
into judgment. "Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved,
what manner of persons ought we to be, in all holy conversation and
godliness."
VII. _You may make your influence felt in bringing people within the
sound of the gospel._ There are multitudes in this land of gospel light
who live like the heathen. They do not appreciate the privileges which
they might enjoy. They live in the habitual neglect of public worship,
and the means of grace. This is especially the case with the poor in
large towns. Poverty depresses their spirits, and they seem to feel that
"no man cares for their souls." It is impossible to conjecture how much
good one devoted female may do, by gathering these people into places of
worship. A lady can much more readily gain access to such families than
a gentleman; and, by a pleasing address, and an humble and affectionate
demeanor, she may secure their confidence and persuade them to attend
public worship. In this way she may be the means of saving their souls.
VIII. Lastly. _You may make your influence directly felt by the
impenitent._ That it is the duty of Christians to warn impenitent
sinners of their danger, and to point them to the "Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world," will appear from several
considerations:--
1. The Apostle Peter says, "Christ suffered for us, _leaving us an
example that we should follow his steps_." Let us, therefore, inquire
what was his example, with reference to the subject under
consideration? The spirit of Christ, in the great work of redemption,
manifests itself in COMPASSION FOR SINNERS, and ZEAL FOR THE GLORY OF
GOD. "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." And in the near
prospect of his agonies, his prayer was, "Father, glorify thy name." It
was that mercy might be extended to the guilty, consistently with the
honor of God, that he laid down his life. Behold him, deeply feeling the
dishonor done to God by ungrateful and rebellious men, constantly
reproving sin, weeping over the impenitence and hardness of heart of his
country-men, and even exerting his power to drive out those who were
profaning the temple. And he says, "If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself and take up his cross and _follow_ me." To _follow_
Christ is to imitate his example. Hence, unless we follow Christ, in his
general spirit, we have no right to be called after his name. And this
we must do _to the extent of our ability_, and at the expense of any
personal sacrifice, not excepting, if need be, even _our own lives_.
This is the true spirit of the gospel; and if it were carried out in the
life of every professor of the religion of Jesus, the millennial glory
would soon appear.
2. _We are required to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and
strength._ When we love a friend we are careful of his honor. If we hear
him defamed, or lightly spoken of, or see him ill-treated, it gives us
pain. We take part with him, and vindicate his character. But we see God
dishonored, and his goodness abused, continually. Multitudes of
impenitent sinners around us habitually cast off his authority, and
refuse to honor him as the moral governor of the universe. What can we
do more for his honor and glory than to reclaim these rebellious
subjects of his government, and bring them back to loyalty and
obedience?
3. _We are required to love our neighbor as ourselves._ We profess to
have seen the lost condition of perishing sinners. We think God has
taken our feet from the "horrible pit and miry clay." We profess to
believe that all who have not embraced Christ are every moment exposed
to the horrors of the second death. Can we love them _as ourselves_, and
make no effort to open their eyes to their awful danger, and persuade
them to flee from it? Said a young man, "I do not believe there is any
truth in what they tell us about eternal punishment; nor do I believe
Christians believe it themselves. _If they did, they could not manifest
so little concern about it._"
4. _The business of reclaiming a lost world is committed to the Church
in conjunction with the Holy Spirit._ It is the business of the Church
to apply "the truth" to the consciences of lost sinners. It is the
office of the Spirit to make it effectual to their salvation. "The
Spirit and the _bride_ [the Church] say, _come_." And even the hearer of
the word is allowed to say, "_come_." The Scriptures recognize the
conversion of the sinner as the work of the Christian. "_He which
converteth a sinner_ from the error of his way, shall save a soul from
death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." "Others _save_ with fear;
_pulling them_ out of the fire." "Then will I _teach transgressors_ thy
ways, and sinners _shall be_ converted unto thee." It is true, we
cannot, of our own power, convert souls. But, if we are faithful in the
use of the means of God's appointment, he may make use of us as
instruments for accomplishing this great work. Every one who has truly
come to Christ _knows the way_, and can direct others to him. And in no
way, perhaps, can the truth be rendered more effectual, than by personal
application to the conscience. David did not understand Nathan's
parable, till the prophet said, "Thou art the man!"
As this is a plain, positive duty, it cannot be neglected with impunity.
God will not bless his children while they refuse to obey him. "If I
regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." You may spend
all your time on your knees, while living in the neglect of a plain
duty, and get no blessing. We cannot expect to enjoy the presence of
God, while we refuse to point sinners to Christ. It is probable that the
neglect of this duty is one of the principal causes of spiritual
barrenness in the church. If, then, Christians wish their own hearts
revived, they must try to persuade others to come to Christ. "He that
watereth shall be watered also himself." If we wish to maintain constant
communion with God, we must live in the habitual exercise of the spirit
of Christ.
But many Christians content themselves with speaking to the impenitent
whenever they meet them under favorable circumstances, in the ordinary
intercourse of life. This is a duty; but it does not appear to be the
_extent_ of duty. It is only following _part_ of the example of Christ.
He _came_ "_to seek_ and to save that which was lost." "He _went about_
doing good." Is it not, then, the obvious duty of every one of his
followers, to _seek_ opportunities of conversing with the impenitent
upon the great subject of their soul's salvation? We are bound to labor
for the conversion of every sinner, for whom we have an opportunity of
laboring. God requires us to _do all we can_. The primitive Christians
carried out this principle in its fullest extent. In the 8th chapter of
Acts, we read that the church at Jerusalem were all scattered abroad
except the apostles. "And they that were scattered abroad _went
everywhere, preaching the word_." And afterwards, in the 11th chapter,
19th verse, we hear of them as far as Phenice and Cyprus, where they had
travelled, preaching [in the Greek _talking_] the word as they went. It
is to be particularly remarked that these, or at least most of them,
were the private members of the church: for the apostles still remained
at Jerusalem. And what was the result of these joint labors of the whole
church? Revivals of religion immediately spread all over the land of
Judea and its vicinity. And so might we see revivals spreading over this
land, and continuing, with increasing power, and multitudes of sinners
converted, if the church, _as one_, united in Christ, would come up to
her duty. Nor would it stop here. The fire thus kindled would burn
brighter and brighter, and extend with increasing rapidity, till it
spread over the whole world. Should not all Christians, then, consider
themselves placed, to some extent, at least, in the situation of
watchmen upon the walls of Zion? If they neglect to warn sinners, will
they be guiltless of the blood of souls? How can they meet them at the
bar of God? Ezek. 33:1-9.
* * * * *
Few persons are aware of what they might accomplish, if they would _do
what they can_. I once knew a young lady, who was the moving spring of
nearly every benevolent enterprise, in a town of seven or eight thousand
inhabitants. The Bible Society of the town appointed a number of
gentlemen as visitors, to ascertain who were destitute of Bibles, and
make collections to aid the funds of the society. But the time passed
away in which the work was to have been accomplished, and nothing was
done. The books were handed over to this lady. She immediately called in
the assistance of a few pious friends; and in a very short time the
whole town was visited, collections made, and the destitute supplied.
She imparted life and energy to the Tract Society. She set on foot, and
with the aid of a few friends, sustained the monthly distribution. There
had been, for some time, a small temperance society in the town; but its
movements were slow and inefficient. She undertook to impart to it new
life and vigor. The plans and efforts which she, in conjunction with her
friends, put in operation, produced a sensation which was felt in every
part of the town, and in a few months the number of members was
increased, from about fifty, to three hundred.
The amazing influence of one Christian, who lives out the spirit of
Christ, is illustrated, in a still more striking manner, in the life of
a lady, who died not long since, in one of the principal cities of the
United States. I am not permitted to give her name, nor all the
particulars of her life. But what I relate may be relied upon, not only
as _facts_, but as far below the _whole truth_. She had been, for a long
time, afflicted with a drunken husband. At length the sheriff came and
swept off all their property, not excepting her household furniture, to
discharge his _grog bills_. At this distressing crisis, she retired to
an upper room, laid her babe upon the bare floor, kneeled down over it,
and offered up the following petition: "O Lord, if thou wilt _in any
way_ remove from me this affliction, I will serve thee _upon bread and
water_ all the days of my life." The Lord took her at her word. Her
besotted husband immediately disappeared, and was never heard of again
till after her death. The church would now have maintained her, but she
would not consent to become a charge to others. Although in feeble
health, and afflicted with the sick headache, she opened a small school,
from which she obtained a bare subsistence; though it was often no more
than what was contained in the condition of her prayer--literally _bread
and water_. She had also another motive for pursuing some regular
employment. She wished to avoid the reproach which would have arisen to
the cause of Christ from her being maintained upon the bounty of the
church, while engaged in the system of Christian activity which she
adopted. She remembered the duty of being _diligent in business_, as
well as fervent in spirit. She was a lady of pleasing address, and of a
mild and gentle disposition. "In her lips was the law of kindness." Yet
she possessed an energy of character, and a spirit of perseverance,
which the _power of faith_ alone can impart. When she undertook any
Christian enterprise, she was discouraged by no obstacles, and appalled
by no difficulties. She resided in the most wicked and abandoned part of
the city, which afforded a great field of labor. Her benevolent heart
was pained at seeing the grog-shops opened upon the holy Sabbath. She
undertook the difficult and almost hopeless task of closing these sinks
of moral pollution upon the Lord's day, and succeeded. This was
accomplished by the mild influence of persuasion, flowing from the lips
of kindness, and clothed with that power which always accompanies the
true spirit of the gospel. But she was not satisfied with seeing the
front doors and windows of these moral pest-houses closed. She knew that
little confidence could be placed in the promises of men whose
consciences would permit them to traffic in human blood. She would,
therefore, upon the morning of the Sabbath, pass round and enter these
shops through the dwellings occupied by the families of the keepers,
where she often found them engaged secretly in this wickedness. She
would then remonstrate with them, until she persuaded them to abandon
it, and attend public worship. In this manner she abolished almost
entirely the sale of liquors upon the Sabbath in the worst part of the
city.
She also looked after the poor, that the gospel might be preached to
them. She carried with her the numbers of those pews in the church which
were unoccupied. And upon Sabbath mornings she made it her business to
go out into the streets and lanes of the city, and persuade the poor to
come in and fill up these vacant seats. By her perseverance and energy,
she would remove every objection, until she had brought them to the
house of God. She was incessant and untiring in every effort for doing
good. She would establish a Sabbath-school, and superintend it until she
saw it flourishing, and then deliver it into the hands of some suitable
person, and go and establish another. She collected together a Bible
class of apprentices, which she taught herself. Her pastor one day
visited it, and found half of them in tears, under deep conviction. She
was faithful to the church and to impenitent sinners. She would not
suffer sin upon a brother. If she saw any member of the church going
astray, she would, in a kind, meek, and gentle spirit, yet in a faithful
manner, reprove him. She was the first to discover any signs of
declension in the church, and to sound the alarm personally to every
conscience. It was her habitual practice to reprove sin, and to warn
sinners wherever she found them. At the time of her death, she had under
her care a number of pious young men, preparing for the ministry. These
she had looked after, and brought out of obscurity. As soon as their
piety had been sufficiently tested, she would bring them to the notice
of her Christian friends. She persuaded pious teachers to give them
gratuitous instruction, and pious booksellers to supply them with books.
In the same way, she procured their board, in the families of wealthy
Christians. And she formed little societies of ladies, to supply them
with clothing. There was probably no person in the city whose death
would have occasioned the shedding of more tears, or called forth more
sincere and heartfelt grief. Her memory is still deeply cherished in the
heart of her pastor.[L] He has been heard to say, that he should not
have felt as severely the loss of six of the most devoted men in his
church.
[Footnote L: This was first written in 1832. He has since gone to
that "better land," where he has no doubt met the hearty greetings
not only of his dear fellow-laborer, but of scores whom he has
been instrumental in plucking as "brands from the burning."]
Now, what hinders you to "go and do likewise"? It is amazing to see what
can be accomplished by a single individual, by earnest effort and
untiring perseverance, accompanied with a simple and hearty dependence
upon God. If every member of the church would do _what he or she can_,
what a tremendous shock would be felt in Satan's kingdom! What a
glorious triumph would await the church! Therefore, "whatsoever thy hand
findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device,
nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
But the work of directing sinners to Christ is one of vast
responsibility. How distressing the consequences, when the weary
traveller is directed in the wrong way! How deeply so, if his way lie
through the forest, where he is exposed, if night overtake him, to
stumble over precipices, sink in the mire, or be devoured by wild
beasts! Yet, what is this, in comparison to leading astray the soul that
is inquiring for the way of salvation? "He that winneth souls is wise."
I cannot, however, pursue this subject here; but must refer you to a
little work, entitled "Friendly Counsel," in which I have endeavored to
give at length suitable directions for this work.
* * * * *
In your active efforts, several cautions should be observed:--1. _Avoid
every appearance of ostentation._ Suppress every rising of
self-complacency, on account of what you do, and of the success which
attends your efforts. Such feelings are abominable in the sight of God;
and if indulged, will make you appear contemptible in the eyes of men.
The Pharisees were active in many religious duties. They made long
prayers, and were so particular in outward things as to pay tithes of
the most common herbs. They also gave to the poor. But all this they did
that they might have praise of men. They chose public places to pray;
and when they were about to give anything to the poor, they caused a
trumpet to be sounded before them, to give notice of their approach. All
this was done to feed the pride of the carnal heart; and,
notwithstanding their loud professions, and apparent good deeds, the
heaviest curses the Lord Jesus ever pronounced were directed against
them. Be modest, unobtrusive, and courteous, in all you do and say. Let
the love of Jesus animate your heart, and the glory of God be your
object. Make as little noise as possible, in everything you do. Never
speak of what you have done, unless you see that some good can be
accomplished by it. "When thou doest thine alms, let not thy left hand
know what thy right hand doeth." Keep yourself out of view, and give all
the glory of your success to God.
2. _Great prudence and discretion are necessary in everything._ Do
nothing rashly. When you have any enterprise in view, first sit down and
consider the matter seriously. Pray over it. Look at it in all its
bearings, and inquire what good will be likely to result from it. When
you have satisfied yourself on this point, inquire whether you have
reasonable ground to hope for success. Then summon all your wisdom to
contrive a judicious plan of operations. When this is done, proceed with
energy and perseverance, till you have either accomplished your object,
or become convinced that it is impracticable. Pay especial regard to the
feelings and advice of those who act with you. Keep as much in the
back-ground as you can without embarrassing your efforts; and whenever
you can do it, put others forward to execute the plans you have devised.
This will save you from becoming the object of jealousy, and also serve
to mortify your pride.
3. _Be resolute and persevering._ When satisfied you are in the way of
duty, do not be moved by the scoffs and sneers of the giddy multitude.
If some good people disapprove your conduct, thinking that you attempt
too much, let it lead you to a candid and impartial reexamination of
your course. If by this you become convinced that you are wrong, in the
particular matter in question, confess it, and change your conduct. But,
if this review of the affair confirms you in the opinion that your
course is right, pursue it with decision and firmness. There are some
well-meaning people, of limited views, and excessive carefulness, who
disapprove of the best of measures, if they happen to be at variance
with their long-established customs; or, more frequently, if they were
not _consulted_ before the particular enterprise was undertaken.
4. BE MUCH IN PRAYER. Upon this will greatly depend your success in all
things. Feel that of yourself you can do nothing; but that you can do
all things through Christ strengthening you. Before undertaking
anything, pray that God would give you wisdom to direct and strength to
perform; and if it is anything in which the efforts of others will be
required, pray that he would incline their hearts to engage in the work.
Before you go out on an errand of mercy, first visit your closet, and
commit yourself to the direction of the Lord. Pray that he would give
you wisdom, courage, and discretion; and that he would keep down the
pride of your heart, and enable you to do all things for his glory.
Your affectionate Brother.