Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-01-05
CHRISTIAN ENDEAyoR.
Prayer Meeting Topic For the Week
Re,;nnjno Jan. 9, 1910.

Beginning Jan. 9, 1910.
Topic.-Bringing others to Christ. Who
ahould do it? How is 1t done ?-John !,
6-51. Comment by Rev. Sherman n.
Doyle. D. D.
Bringing others to Christ is the most
important subject that can concern the
mind of one who has himself found
Christ. Having been found, we should
become seekers. If man who had
been lost when he was child should
live in community where child was
lost, we can readily understand Low
deeply interested in the search for the
child he would be. Having once been
lost, but found, we should be deeply
interested In seeking souls that are
still lost. Moreover, Chrfsts example
inspires us to this work. He died to
draw others unto Him that they might
be saved. 81. if be lifted up from
the earth, will draw all men unto me-
"The Son of Man came to seek and
save the LOST Still further. Christ's
supreme mission to His church is to
bring the unsaved to Him. The Holy
Spirit could convert all men without
mans help, but God has graciously
given us part in this great work of
leading souls to Christ.
There is no question. therefore, as to
who should do this work. 1t may be
answered in one word-Christians. But
not all Christians can do it by per-
sonal work. as did Andrew and Philip.
Some Christians have the tactfulness
to lead others to Christ, but many
others have not. 1t is well to empha-
size personal work. but not too much.
Many are thus made to feel duty
resting upon them to speak to others
when they are totally unfit and do
more harm than good. Where there is
no ability there is no responsibility.
We need today to emphasize the
church as the supreme place where
men are led to Christ. Pulpit preach
ing should be and is the supreme
power under the blessing Of the spirit
OF God for the conversion of sinners.
II we think that the personal CONVEX
sation Of perhaps one absolutely I'M
fitted for such work is superior to
the message of the pulpit we are vast
~ mistaken. Yet this is the tendency
Of today. Personal work is overem-
phasized, and many plunge in who
should be the last people in the world
to speak to any one else upon such a
subject. If all such would lead others
to the church and attend the church
faithfully themselves better results
would be obtained.
Under this topic Andrew and Philip
are the usual Illustrations selected.
But all men are not Andrews and Phil
Fps. An Oxford Bible with few pas
sages marked in it does not make a
soul winner. 1t is great pity rIAt
Acts ii is not more frequently taken as
an illustration Of leading others to
Christ. There Peter in one sermon
led 5000 to Christ But today ha,,d
to hand work is emphasized. 1t is,
therefore, readily understood why few
er converts are made directly through
preaching. Men think that some one
must see them and talk with them,
and these some ones very often fail to
accomplish the purpose desired. But
it is still true that many Christians
are competent to Lead others to Christ.
Yet more emphasis today should be
placed upon the church and preaching
as the supreme place and method of
leading souls to Christ. II they are
emphasized and Christians are faith
fully at church and bring others with
them, then the way is open for kind
word Of invitation If the service and
sermon have been impressive. One
personal word then or clasp Of the
hand may bring another to Christ and
to a public confession of Him. Meth
ing can ever supplant the means Of
grace established In the house Of God
for the leading of others to Christ.
One thing all can do-pray. Prayer
reaches the throne of grace, and here
the most humble and timid, the most
unfit and laundering may have an ef-
fective part in saving souls il there
be passion for souls within them.
Couple fervent prayer with consist
ent Christian life and loyalty to the
church of God and you will find in the
long run that you will win more souls
for Christ than many who flourish a
flexible back Oxford Bible and think
that they must approach every man
they meet upon the subject Of their
souls eternal welfare. Above all, love
those whom you would lead to Christ
A true love for their souls viii make
your influence powerful, though you
never speak word, but when you
must speak do it at the right time and
place and in the sweet spirit of the
Master, who never condemned the sin
ner whom He desired to save. You
are to 'lead'' others to Christ, not
"drive" them. Many may be led;
none can be driven. Practice tact,
patience, long suffering and faith, and
may God bless you In bringing many
souls to Christ.
BIBLE READINGS.
lisa. Iii. II; ", II; Ps. lxxxyii; Dan.
XII. 1-3; Prov. xi, 80; Matt. xviii,
10. 20; Luke XIV, Ito: Acts II. 36-41;
L. L.