p. 13 | Give the Invitation by A Sister

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 8, 1903

Give the Invitation

By A Sister

A SISTER

Many times after listening to a touching sermon my heart has been grieved because the preacher closed the meeting without giving an invitation to confess Christ.

I will give an example: In one of the Sabbath meetings an unconverted lady was so deeply impressed with what she heard that she could not control her feelings. I thought to myself, Surely at the close of the sermon the preacher will give an invitation to accept Christ. But to my surprise and grief the hymn was given out, and nothing said about “now” being “the accepted time,” and “now” “the day of salvation.”

We sang until we came to the last stanza. My burden for this soul became so great that I felt I would be under condemnation if I made no effort to help her. So I wrote on a slip of paper, “Please give an invitation to accept Christ.” On receiving it, the minister at once gave the invitation, and to my joy the woman accepted it. Hers proved to be a thorough conversion, and soon after she was the means of her husband’s becoming a Christian.

Now I do not say that all preachers do not extend an invitation, but there are many who do not.

At the close of the Sabbath-school is a good time to give the youth a chance to take a definite stand for Christ, and I believe that many, if given a pressing invitation at the right time, would be saved, who now drift into the world, and never accept this great salvation that has cost so much.

We are told to sow beside all waters, in season and out of season. I trust the preachers will think about this, and pray over it.