INFIDELITY CURED | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 22, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 51.

INFIDELITY CURED.

A YOUNG man was inclined toward infidelity, and, like others of his age who have imbibed such notions, he was more or less proud of his advanced ideas. He took occasion one day to go to the study of a minister of his acquaintance, and state to him his doubts and disbelief in Christianity. He expected, of course, that the minister would undertake an elaborate argument to prove the truth of the Scriptures and the reality of the religion founded on them. This would give him just what he wanted,—the opportunity to argue and combat.

But the pastor, with a wisdom not born of earth, after listening until he had concluded his harangue, said quietly, “Let us tell Jesus about it,” and dropped on his knees. The young would-be infidel was surprised into following his example. As the two knelt side by side, the man of God poured out his petition from a full heart for the young man beside him, but without any allusion to his condition of skeptical unbelief. He simply pleaded for him as a sinner needing salvation.

The prayer was answered. Before he rose from his knees, the doubter doubted no longer. Instead, he was convinced and converted, and ready to ask, with Paul, “Lord, what will Thou have me to do?” The answer came, and that young man now preaches the Gospel he once sought to destroy with his infidel arguments. That quiet, “Let us tell Jesus,” followed by the simple, earnest prayer, did what argument would have failed to do.

There is the lesson. Will soul-winners learn it? Go tell Jesus—alone, if need be, with those you would win if you can—but tell Jesus, and ask of Him the needed grace. It is not argument with man that is needed so much as telling Jesus. Take Him at His word, “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Go and tell Jesus.—Mid-continent.