Wise to Win Souls

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 12, 1871

Wise to Win Souls.

WHERE resolute purpose is cherished in the heart, it will always find methods of execution. And any humble Christian who longs and prays to be made useful in the Saviour’s cause, will be made “wise to win souls.” T. L. Cuyler says:

On a certain Sabbath evening, some twenty years ago, a reckless, ill-dressed young man was idly lounging under the elm trees in the public square of Worcester. He had become a wretched waif on the current of sin. His days were spent in the waking remorse of the drunkard; his nights were passed in the buffooneries of the ale-house.

As he sauntered along—out of humor with himself and all mankind—a kind voice saluted him. A stranger laid his hand upon his shoulder, and said in cordial tones, “Mr. G., go down to our meeting at the town hall to-night.” A brief conversation followed, so winning in its character that the reckless youth consented to go. He went; he heard the appeals there made. With tremulous hand he signed the pledge of total abstinence, by God’s help he kept it, and keeps it yet. The poor boot-crimper who tapped him on the shoulder (good Joel Stratton) has passed away. But the youth he saved is to-day the foremost of reform on the face of the globe. Methinks when I listen to the thunders of applause that greet John B. Gough, on the platform of Exeter Hall, or of the Academy of Music, I am hearing the echo of that tap on the shoulder, and of that kind invitation under the ancient elms of Worcester! He that winneth souls is wise.

“I stood to-night for an hour at the corner of the street,” said Harlan Page, on a cold, wintry night, “laboring with Mr. H., to persuade him to submit to God.” So earnestly did he plead, so faithfully did he point to Christ, that within a few hours the young man found peace. He afterward became a devoted pastor, and in his turn was wise to win souls to Jesus. Who does not envy Harlan Page his heavenly crown? I would rather wear the diadem that decks his brow than to stand in Milton’s or in Bacon’s place at the day of Judgment. He that winneth souls is wise.—Sel.