p. 10 | Waiting to Be Won by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 6, 1915

Waiting to Be Won

By G. B. Thompson

ALL about us are souls without God. They have no hope. Some of these are our own flesh and blood. Others are our friends and neighbors, whom we have known for many years. Perhaps we have reached the conclusion that they do not care for religion, and do not want us to speak to them about their souls. It is easier to reach this conclusion than it is to go to them personally and talk to them about being Christians, and giving their hearts to God.

The following from the experience of another can be read with profit:—

“He was a cold, selfish man. There was sarcasm in his voice and a sneer upon his lips. He was called a skeptic. Most of his neighbors belonged to the church. He was hard and grasping in his dealings.

“‘The most overbearing man I have ever seen,’ said one neighbor. ‘He’d skin a flea for its hide,’ said number two. ‘One might freeze on his doorstep and he’d never open the door,’ added a third.

“For twenty years he had lived among them, growing richer all the time. They called him ‘Old Skinflint’ or ‘Pinchback,’ and shunned him whenever possible.

“A new minister came to the country church, one very much in earnest about saving souls. As he went about in his quiet, unobtrusive way doing good, he never lost an opportunity of persuading some one to turn from his evil way.

“One evening as he stood talking with some of the brethren about the work, he remarked, ‘I am going over to talk with Mr. Harrington, tomorrow.’

“‘He’s sure to insult you,’ said one.

“‘It will do no good; he’s a hardened infidel,’ said another.

“He went. Harrington was sitting on the south porch reading as the minister came up. The pastor introduced himself, and offered his hand. The other shook hands with him and offered a chair.

“‘I am a minister. I came to talk with you, if you have no objection.’

“Harrington looked at him strangely for a moment. There was simplicity and candor in his face, as well as in his words. There was no arrogance visible—only brotherly love.

“‘Very well, sir. I have no objection,’ Harrington said frankly.

“‘For hours they talked as man to man on the highest of all themes, the welfare of a man’s soul. At last they went in, and bowed together while the minister prayed. When they arose, Harrington held out his hand. ‘For twenty years I’ve longed to talk with somebody about religion and my soul, but they all shunned me, and I was too foolishly proud to go to them. You can hardly know how I

have longed for human fellowship and sympathy, but my selfishness has kept me and my fellow men apart. I never knew how it was until now, but the message you have brought me makes it clear: I must love my neighbor as myself, and I will.’”

It is the personal touch that wins. It is not enough simply to give out a tract or lend a book. We must get close to the individual. Heart must beat with heart. When Elisha was to bring to life the Shunammite’s son, he “shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands; and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.” 2 Kings 4:33, 34.

This contains a lesson for us individually. We do not want to reach the conclusion too quickly that somebody has rejected God’s truth and has the mark of the beast. We must be sure we have personally done all we can for the salvation of others before we have any spirit to condemn.

G. B. THOMPSON.