“OH, THAT HE WERE A CHRISTIAN!”
How often do we hear these words! Here a sister utters them concerning a brother beloved. There a wife for a kind and tender husband. Ministers often breathe the desire for young members of their flocks, and friends for those whose generous and manly hearts have won their own. It is the utterance of a sincere, honest, tender interest in the salvation of souls. We wish to propound a few questions to those who are wont to feel or express this desire. The answer may assist them to measure the depth and fervency of their wish. What have you done to prove that you are in earnest in your aspiration in behalf of your friend? 1. Have you prayed for him? Your wish is a prayer, indeed, and may not be unheard by him who knows our unbreathed desires. But have you gone purposely to the mercy-seat in his behalf? Have you uttered his name before the great Advocate? Have you sought his salvation with that intensity of longing which could only be uttered with “strong crying and tears?” Perhaps God wills that you should be importunate, while you have been satisfied with a vague wish. 2. Have you spoken to him of Christ? “The redemption of his soul is precious;” have you ever told him of that Redeemer, by whom his soul may be saved? Have you ever affectionately warned or entreated him? He may need a word from you to turn his life to Jesus. Perhaps he may be longing to know how you found your way to the cross, and came to the blessedness of the Christian’s hope. Do you act wisely or faithfully, not to say a word to show the solicitude which you feel for him? 3. Have you sought to persuade him to go with you to the house of God? A few gentle words might win him away from some place of pleasure or vanity to the prayer-meeting. A kind invitation might induce him to enter with you into the place where the gospel is proclaimed. There the Spirit of God may meet him, and renew him. There, at least, Jesus will be held up before him, and the cross meet his vision. Do you do right to separate from him without an attempt to lead him with you? 4. Have you shown him in your own life what it is to be a Christian? How many sermons might be preached every day, and with irresistible point and force, by simple consistency! How many souls might be won by the attractive power of a holy life! Have you tried its virtue with the one whom you wish to win? Have you been a “living epistle,” to be constantly “known and read of him?” Can he see the grace of God working in you, and daily restraining, guiding, and purifying you? What self-denial do you daily show, proving to him your love for Christ? Reader! what do you do to make your friend, brother, husband, a Christian? Do something—do everything that God commands you, and patiently, calmly, confidently await the blessing. “It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”—Sunday School Times.