Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? And will he not repay man according to his work? Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgression. He that has the Son has eternal life. He that does not have the Son will not see life; instead the wrath of God remains on him.
One Soul
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As I journeyed toward my fishing hole, my soul was exercised with earnest supplication, repeatedly importuning the LORD to grant me a searching soul—a weary, sin-sick stranger—upon whom I might lavish the glorious tidings of the Gospel. And lo, a profound calm settled upon my spirit, a certain assurance of His favor! For assuredly, He never fails to bestow, in His tender grace, that which His humble servant asks of Him. This deep, abiding serenity, this grounded peace that often fills my breast, confirms the very path of my mortal pilgrimage: to spend the remainder of my fleeting days in this most blessed employ! To boast before a heedless world the immeasurable wonder of God’s unmerited gift—Christ crucified!
O, the mystery of this calling! It begets a wondrous gladness within the soul, mingled with a terrible terror in the flesh. To know that this sacred duty is laid upon me, yet to possess a natural detestation of all human attention—it is a spiritual paradox! Yet, how glorious is the wisdom of the Almighty! He hath plucked this insecure creature from the very hole of shame and darkness where I had buried myself, only to place me in the very station, and command the very task, that my own inclination would have avoided! Thus, is this creature rendered utterly speechless in the matter of boasting, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Just as my vehicle neared the Town Hall, I found myself brought up short by a lady's surprising greeting. A gracious gentlewoman, this kind soul did show a measure of goodwill toward my person, and how could this servant do less than render unto her an humble repayment of her favor? I counted it a privilege to offer her the simple provision of a shared meal. Her overflowing gratitude was, in itself, a blessing to my heart. May the LORD, in His infinite mercy, grant me a second season, an appointed time on my next return, wherein I may speak of that salvation which alone profits the soul!
As I drew near to my post, I took notice of but four souls who sought shelter beneath the kiosk. My very journey here had been attended by a sudden light shower which had compelled all persons to seek an immediate and needful refuge. Yet, mark the wisdom of the Almighty! The very moment this unworthy vessel took his appointed place and stood beneath the open sky, the rain did immediately cease! And with this divine signal, those scattered began to gather in, having their attention drawn but by the visible hand of God in the circumstances of the hour.
This day indeed brought forth a peculiar and wondrous blessing: a certain gentlewoman entered and, by a disposition surely guided from above, chose to seat herself directly before my station. When I perceived her presence, so strong was the conviction laid upon my soul, that it was as though she had been dispatched there in immediate answer to my fervent prayers! I instantly shifted the whole focus of my poor address to this single soul, and my words, by the Spirit’s own impulse, swelled into an earnest, impassioned appeal. I consciously forewent the established practice of formal preaching, choosing rather to converse with her very soul in the silence of my mind, pouring out my heart to her as one who hath found abundant grace at the very Fountain of Life.
I offered to her, without reserve, the Savior Jesus Christ.
And herein lies a truly astounding marvel, a sight worthy of heaven’s registry: that the majority of those who had been present from the very commencement of my speaking remained fixed and attentive, giving their full concentration until I had concluded my appointed time, some forty-five minutes hence! Surely, the Master Himself was amongst us in that hour, with invisible cords of love, drawing hearts to Himself!
As I made my slow retreat toward the parking ground, the heavens did once more opened, and the rain resumed itself! Verily, the hand of the Father is amazing! He doth begin and cease the showers precisely to aid His servant, thereby leaving him utterly without excuse. In that moment of sudden, damp conviction, I lamented: "Ah, how shall I ever find the sufficient words to tell them of Thee, O LORD? This creature is ever at a loss, his tongue stammering when called to speak of thy glorious and boundless grace!"
After riding forth upon my humble conveyance, I passed the kiosk and beheld the gentlewoman still seated there, staring blankly into the vastness of the world. She was seemingly lost in deep thought, her spirit perhaps wrestling with the very truths that had been offered. Oh, may the LORD not leave her to the barrenness of her own contemplation! May He, in His sovereign goodness, show her grace and mercy, and bring the seed of the Word to full and fruitful harvest within her soul!
It is most appropriate to begin public proclamation with scripture. Only then does preaching follow after. People need to hear God's word, not my opinion. Always after reading am I assisted mightily in power and in spirit. I have, in the course of my meager experience, compiled different portions of scripture that present the gospel in a linear fashion, so that it forms a singular paragraph and a consistent train of thought. Reading it alone is equivalent to preaching. If you have been given the heart to take the gospel to the lost but are afraid of preaching, I highly encourage you to read scripture. Anyone who can read can do this. If you want to kill the flesh, reading scripture in public is one of the best ways to accomplish this. But then again, keep in mind that carrying the gospel has a high price. Not one of perfection, but a sincere striving towards purity and holiness. If you have no desire in yourself to practice what you preach, or read in this matter, then it...
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