“C. E. M.” desires to know if it be wrong to feel more anxious for the salvation of our immediate relatives, than for the salvation of those who are total strangers to us in the flesh. In one sense, we know that God is as much glorified in the salvation of one soul as another. “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth,” quite irrespective of the earthly relationships and natural ties of that sinner. If, therefore, we can abstract our minds from all thoughts of kindred and look simply at the glory of God in the salvation of souls, we shall rejoice in the fact that sinners are brought to Christ, whether they are connected with us or not.
But, on the other hand, we must remember, that natural relationships, and the affections connected therewith, are owned of God. To be “without natural affection,” is one of the features of wickedness “in the last days.” Hence, we cannot but feel a special interest in reference to the conversion of those who are connected with us by natural ties. If we derive a peculiar satisfaction from the promotion of the temporal interests of a friend or relative, how much more should we rejoice in his eternal salvation.