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"We have lived long
enough in this world to find out that men will credit us as having a
better religion than others around us only when they see superior
fruits. If they see that you have the real joy of the Lord in your soul
and a deep love for poor lost men; above all, when they see that you are
actually used of God to "pull souls out of the fire" who are
far gone in sin and wretchedness... they will acknowledge that God is
with you.
The best sign of a
good store and that which attracts customers more than all lettered
boards and newspaper advertisements is a large display of the goods. For
instance, if a person in a city wishes to buy fruit, he will go straight
to that place where he sees the largest profusion of fruit exposed to
view. Likewise the best convincer that we are "the seed whom the
Lord hath blessed," is the actual fruit of salvation, the real
deliverance of men from the power of sin, and the manifestation of the
virtues of a holy life. Aim directly at getting men and women saved.
When you shall have been used of God in the salvation of souls yourself,
you can, with more authority and consistency, reprove sectarian
fruitlessness.
"Who is a wise
man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good
conversation his works with meekness of wisdom" James 3:13.
"Show your works," brethren; get souls saved, and they will
testify of God's blessing through your labors, and this will stop the
mouths of gainsayers, especially at new places, where your efforts will
be watched. The real virtues of your labors, your practical success in
winning souls to God, will decide whether you have anything better to
offer than the sects have. Much holy wisdom is needed."
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