New Souls

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The LORD continues to bless His own sacred work with manifest fruits, with profound spiritual deepenings, with humbling realizations of our own failings, and with sweet, undeserved comforts. We see clearly the tension between our desperate needs and His perfect answers, all while maintaining our solemn duty to stand firmly against the world, the corrupt flesh, and the malicious devil. Truly, the Sovereign Word doth irresistibly further its transforming work within the souls whom the LORD alone hath drawn unto Himself!

The Father's tender and humbling hand is clearly, powerfully evident in the very conduct of this sacred work. In order to keep my poor, sinful heart low and to prevent it from being vainly puffed up by any semblance of success, He hath sovereignly ordained that I should be held of no reputation, and even an object of ridicule amongst those who profess the name of Christ! I am constantly rejected and dismissed for possessing no formal credentials, no seminary education, and presently, no official church affiliation. Yet, praised be His Name! My only and eternal credential remains my unwavering faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me! Thus, the very lack of earthly honor serves as a powerful, daily reminder that the glory belongs to God alone.

I am called a madman by those who claim the office of enlightening the people who are in darkness. They are more contemptible than ordinary business men, who, when they see another doing better business, try to imitate his methods. What have I taken from them or what have I gained? Their churches are fuller and they are revered more than before. I love the religion but I must despise these niggardly professors. Do I fear their rage? What can they set against me, except that I have endeavored to do good and that God has followed my efforts with His blessing.

Howell Harris

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