3. In the world at large —
[Wherever thei'e is an immortal soul, there should be an object of our care and love. We should not ask, in reference to any human being, " Am I my brother's keeper?" We all have a debt of love, which we should be paying to every child of man. Especially should we be concerned for the salvation of their souls, and be using all the means in our power to advance it. The unconverted heathen, the unbelieving Jew, and the scoffing infidel, should be objects of our tenderest compassion, as should also be the careless and ungodly all around us; and, both by secret prayer and benevolent efforts,
^ 1 Cor. ix. 20— 22.
of whatever kind, we should seek their salvation. And what if we be the means of saving one single soul ? Verily I say to you, that we shall cause all heaven to rejoice: for " there is joy among the angels in the presence of God over one sinner that repenteth." Know ye this, brethren ; " know, that whoso converteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins*^." Shall not such a prospect stimulate us to exertion ? You will say, you are not sure to succeed in your efforts. True : but are you sure that you shall not succeed ? " How knowest thou, O man," what God shall be pleased to effect by thy means ? Thou mayest be among the weakest of the people ; yet that should not discourage thee : for God delights to honour those who honour him; and " he will perfect his own strength in thy weakness." But, at all events, if we should fail in doing good to others, shall none accrue to ourselves ? This cannot be : for " God will reward every man according to his own labour^;" and he who "watered others, shall be watered also himself"]
f Jam. V. 19, 20. s 1 Cor. iii. 8.