A few years ago I had the privilege of being present at an interview between a young man who had a love for souls and a venerable servant of the Lord. Having before me all those who labor in the vast harvest field who may read these lines, I will relate the last words that passed on this occasion so full of interest.
Before taking leave of the old servant of God, and after having expressed the pleasure that it had been to him to make his acquaintance, the young man made a request somewhat in these words: "We have just met for the first time and perhaps it will be the last one down here. You have worked many years in the Lord's vineyard and are drawing toward the close of your pilgrimage and of your service. You have far more experience than myself, for I have only just started in service. May I venture to ask you for a Motto which will be a help to me in my work if the Lord sees fit to lengthen out my term of service down here?"
A Motto! Many who read these words might be disposed to reproach the young man for showing so little spirituality in asking a man for a motto when he had the Word of God. But I will never forget the answer that came from the lips of the old man—an answer full of grace and going to the heart. I will always remember the unction and power with which he pronounced these words: "In the first place, endeavor to produce in the conscience of your hearers a deep sense of sin and of hatred against it; and then, when they have believed the gospel, endeavor to produce in the hearts of those who have believed a true and sincere affection for the Person of the Savior."
Let all those to whom God has given in any measure to be engaged in presenting the gospel consider carefully those weighty words.
A true and deep work of conscience is extremely necessary in these days of lightness and indifference. Let us never weaken the sense of the gravity of sin in attempting to make the gospel simple; nor fail in insisting on the necessity of real "repentance toward God." And then let us always cultivate in ourselves as well as in each new convert a sincere affection for the Person of Christ—an affection that will manifest itself in a prompt and unreserved obedience. The Savior has said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." To do His will, cost what it may, is the proof of our affection for Him, just as love for His Person is the powerful motive and the source of all obedience. "Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" The Lord refuses the outward fidelity of a disobedient heart.