Prov. xi. 30. He that winneth souls, is tvise.
REAL piety is operative, and influential on the whole life ; and discovers itself very principally in laboiu-s of love to those around us. " The fruit of the righteous is" very fitly compared to '' a tree of life," which administers to the welfare of all who come under its benignant shade. True, indeed, such per- sons are often regarded only as weak enthusiasts ; and are despised in proportion as they exert them- selves for the benefit of their fellow-creatures. But
they have a good report from God himself, who says concerning them, " He that winneth souls, is wise."
This sentence it shall be my endeavour to confirm : and confirmed it will be beyond all doubt, if we con- sider what may be justly said in vindication of every one who engages in this good work.
T. The object he proposes to himself is most ex- cellent—
[What in the universe is there worthy to be compared with
an innnortal soul ? And what work can be compared
with that which is done for the soul, in its conversion to God?
Think of its being plucked as a brand out of the fire of
hell itself Think of its being restored to the favour of its
offended God — — — Think of its being ti'ansformed into the
divine image • — Think of its being exalted to a participation
of all the glory and felicity of heaven Is there any object
that can stand in competition with this? What is the acquisition of crowns and kingdoms in comparison of this ? ]
Further,
II. The labour he bestow^s upon it is most beneficial,
1. To the soul he wins —
[Let the foregoing hints be duly contemplated ; and then say what a benefactor he is, " who turns a man from the error of his ways, and saves a soul alive ^" ]
2. To the world around him —
[Man, in his unconverted state, is a snare to all around him. By his example at least, if not by any avowed declara- tions, he teaches men to think that the concerns of this world are most worthy of their attention, and that the concerns of the
soul are only of secondary importance But, when once
he is truly turned to God, the honour of God is dear unto him,
and the welfare of immortal souls lies near his heart
For the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom he prays in secret, and labours according to his ability in the sphere wherein he moves. " Thy kingdom come," is the language, not of his lips only, but of his heart also. He now lives, not for himself, as heretofore, but for God, for his Saviour, for his fellow-men ; and whatever he possesses he considers as a talent to be im- proved for them Now, therefore, he becomes *' a light
in the world ; " and, from being an agent of Satan to advance the kingdom of darkness, he is a favoured instrument of Jehovah, to promote in every way the happiness and salvation
a Jam. v. 19, 20.