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"■^'■' ' ' i^ip^w^ppmi

PERSONAL EFFORT

EXPLAINED 4- ENFORCED

BY REV. DANIEL WISE.

'* Why stand ye here all the. day idle V'^—Msus Christ.

n
'i

FinsT ca^t/dian edition.

dobottrg :

PUBLIBHED BY JOSEPH H. LEONARD.

AT THE CANADIAN GEM OTVICE.

18 4 8.

#'•'

'^:t

PREFACE

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

The following pages were written agreeably
to a vote passed at Eastham Camp-Meeting, Au-
gust 14th, 1840. In consenting to their publica-
tion, the author has not followed the dictates of
his own judgment; he has submitted to the wish
jof others.

No literary merit is claimed for this simple
discourse. Prepared, origin ally ^ for the people
of my pastoral charge, amid numerous duties,
nothing was attempted beyond a plain, succinct
explanation and enforcement of the duty of per-
sonally laboring to save souls. Nothing more
need be looked for in the following pages ; for the
brief notes of the discourse have been followed,
and the language of its delivery adhered to, as
closely as the nature of the case permitted.

With this statement the work is sent forth;
with many earnest prayers that the Holy Spirit
will make it the instrument of awakening many
unfaithful professors to the great work of saving
souls from death. Should this be accomplished,
the author will be more than compensated for the
unkind criticism of the cold-hearted, the Avorldly,
and the fastidious, which its simplicity and want
of literary ornament may elicit,

Jpswlch^ Scptcmhcr^ 1810.

ft I

PREFACE

TO THE THIRD EDITION.

fo^e¥4in:rf£ ^^ f ^ -™=

r?nH-o^ '^^ "^^I'^h, to relinquish his ministeriflT

io K„i^ J ^^°^ ^'^thentic sources u-hiVh i-»

aff S^'aW L''^/° ">« ^^'- ohLtt4
humble anlfaKf? ^"'^ouragement to eyerr
Jesus Chrift"'^"' '-'''"'''■'" '" 'he vineyard of

-^<?^?<?eZ, 1812. '"

j:i

PREFACE

TO THE FIRST CANADIAN EDITION.

In presenting this little volume to the friends
of Jesus in Canada, our object is to arouse the
Church to personal Christian effort for the salva-
tion of men. It treats with peculiar force and
pertinency upon personal effort, and cannot be
read by Christians without prompting and en-
couraging them to enter into the work of the
Lord, as his willing and active Agents. Every
agency that can be employed for the good of men,
especially for the good of their souls, should be
eagerly sought by the friends of Zion. Many
thousands of the lovers of Christ and his cause,
in the United States, have already read this work
with interest and profit to themselves and others.
We promise for it a favourable reception by the
friends of Jesus in this Province ; and we trust
that the Ministers of the Gospel, and the mem-
bers of the Church of Christ generally, will as-
sist in giving it an extensive circulation.

PUBLISHERS.

Cobmirg^ Jwie, 181b.

-M

PERSONAL EFrORT.

tte ivhich cohverteth the sinner from the crrof
of his way^ shall save a soul from death^
and shall hide a multitude of sins. —
James v. 20.

A FEW words of explication are neces-
sary to remove the seeming obscurities of
the lext. The phrase " He which co7iverteth
the sinner^^ obviously means, he who is the
agent in this work ; for no man, save the
Son of man, has power on earth to conr
vert a soul, or to pardon its transgressions.
" Hide a multitude of sins^^ is an Old Tes-
tament expression, and implies all that is
contained in gospel justification, or the for-
giveness of sin.

^ But whose soul is savc;d, anS" whose
sins are covered % Those of the agent in
the work of conversion, or those of the
sinner who is converted ? On this ques-
tion there exists two opinions. One affirms
that these blessings are secured to the
agent ; the other, that they are simply the
consequents of conversion, and refer to the

I'liusoxAL i;i'i'oin-,

glorious effects secured to the sinner, con-
Erer ""^'^ 'he agency of the Christian

The latter opinion is the only scriptural
and tenable ground : here, all is clear, con-
sisteiit, and intelligible ; while the opposite
position as burdened with difficulties, and
ieads to the most anti-scriptural conclu-
sions; for, 1. If the agent in another's con-
version save his own soul, and hide his
own transgressions, by that agency, then
IS human nature capable of performino-
works of merit and supererogation; fo°r
such must those acts be, that can be set
against former offences as an equivalent
or price of liquidation. 2. This opinion
destroys the fundamental truth ofevanffeli-
cal Christianity. It annihilates the blelsed
doctrine, of the atonement, by providino-
another way, save faith in Jesis, whereby
we may be saved ; for we have only to
convert a sinner, and our salvation is se-
cured. 1 hus it lays " another foundation"
for htiman hope to build upon, agreeable,
we admit to its native pride, but contrary
to the wisdom of the Eternal God. These

PERSONAL KFFORT. 9

abhorrent conclusions we cannot admit,
unci therefore deny the premises, and adopt
the other view of this interesting text.

This text, then, is a simple statement of
the great results of a sinner's conversion:
his soul is saved from death, his multitude
of sins forgiven, through the precious blood
of Jesus; and these mighty results are
stated thus strongly to encourage Chris-
tians to labor for the conversion of sinners.

This text contains the doctrine of per-
sonal efTort. Though not presented in
these terms, yet it is there. It assumes
that special effort will be made by Chris-
tians as a matter of course^ and goes on to
faithful exertion. He that converteth the
sinner; not the?/ who convert sinners^ but
he who converts the simier. What is this
but special, personal action? the labor of
individual with individual? It is this
which is here so strikingly encouraged.—-
He who succeeds, does what ? O soul-
inspiring thought! he saves a soul from
DEATH ! Let us, then, consider,

I. The duty of making personal ef-
forts TO PROMOTE HUMAN SALVATION.

TERSONAL EFFOIIT.

II. Some of the modes in whicii this

DUTY MAY BE PERFOHMED.

III. The ENCOURAGEMENTS AND MOTIVES
THAT EXIST TO FAVOR THE USE OF THESE
EFFORTS.

1. The primary question to be settled is
that of DUTY. Are we, or are we not, un-
der ohligations to make particular efforts
with individuals for their salvation ? The
answer to this question is so clearly in the
affirmative, that its decision by argument
or proof seems at first sight a needless work.
But do Christians /^e/ it to be a duty ? Do
they not rather consider it a matter they
may attend to or not, as suits their feelings
or conven ience '? Have they the same sense
of 6?z^^7/ . upon it as upon the subject of
prayer, keeping the Sabbath, or paying
then* dv:;bts ? Alas! their practice demon-
strates their indifference to its claims ; for
where are the Christians who labor fiiith-
fully for souls? Look around you, fellov/-
professor, and inquire who are engaged in
this work. Where are the faithful, per-
Bonal-cffort men and women? And what

i.-*4S3»St.

I'ERfsONAJ. L'rroUT.

says your own heart upon the matter?
Has it not hitherto excused you, and left
you to a state of indifference upon the
whole question? Fatal indifference to
you and to the church ! and never will
either aw^ake until both, feel as much
bound to practise personal effort, as to
fray I

The g^reat principle involved in this
Christian duty runs like a vein of ore
throughout the Old Testament — the book
of lesser glory. There, nothing is more
frequently taught, than that God expected
his people to be his agents^ individually as
well as collectively, in the accomplishment
of his purposer. And this is the pri?icij)Ie
of the doctrine of personal effort. It is
God's purpose to offer Christ to the world,
and it is everv Christian's duty to be God's
age7it m the execution of this benevolent
purpose. And surely it may be safely in-
ferred, that, if the lesser dispensation re.
quired this agency, the greater does not
dispense with it ; for who pretends that
Jehovah works less withhurpan aid under
ihis dispensation than under the forn^cr ?

1:<J

rEllSO>.Al. EFIOliT.

The principle, and the severity of the
Ueity in exacting it, are clearly discovera-
ble in the following fearful passage.

Judges V. 23. '' Curse ye Meroz, saith
the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the
inhabitants thereof, because thev came
not up to the help of the Lord, to the help
of the Lord against the mighty."

Curse ye Meroz ! Cur si-: BrrTERLY !
Why this horrible malediction? What
had Meroz done ? Meroz had refused to
be God's agent in executing his purpose !
Her inhabitants had iviihheld their aid —
had refused to lend positive assistance.
They had not hindered ; they did not join
God's enemies ; thev threw no obstacles
in the way of those who did help ; and yet
says Jehovah, Curse them ! Curse BrrTER-
LY ! Why? we ask again. '* They came
not up to the help of the Lord,''^ is the alarm-
ing reply of the Holy Ghost. Is not this
horrific anathema enough to stir up your
soul, faithless reader? Here you recog-
nize your own offence; for when did you
go up to the help of the I^ord ? What
have you done for sinners? O, beware,

VElii<OSAL lJi-i'*C>KT,

for God is immutable, and will punish the
like offence with a corresponding curse ;
only more fearful in proportion to your
advantages over guilty accursed Meroz.

But we turn to the instructions of the
New Testament ; and inquire of our dear
Redeemer whether it be his will that we
make personal efforts to save souls.

Matt. xxii. 39. " Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as 'thyself."

Here note, 1. The extent of this love —
thy neighbor ; that is, every human being
within the reach of your influence. Christ
has given this latitude to the word neigh-
hor in his parable of the good Sanriaritan,
2. The degree of this love is placed very
high — as thyself. 3. It speaks of individ-
ual affection — Thou shalt love thy nei<ih-
hor; not 3/^, generally, but thoii^ particularly,
shalt love, not thy neighbors^ as an undis-
tinguished whole, but thy neighbor — thy
imli^udual neighbor.

Can it be possible that this broad, expres-
sive command does not require special ac-
tion in behalf of the soul of your neighbor ?
All admit that it most uncquivocvitly do-

FERs^ONAL KITOIIT.

mands efTort for the relief of physica!
sufFering. Should a family in your vicin-
age be destitute of bread ; should iron-soul-
ed want seize and bear them to the borders
of a miserable death ; and should you,
Icnowing their necessity, pass them unno^
ticed and unrelieved, and they perish with
hunger and cold, — the moral sense of tho
whole community would pronounce you
a murderer, and universal condemnation
and scorn would fall, withering, as an
early frost, upon your head. The reason
is plain. Every b^xly perceives that
Christian morality, as taught in this great
percept, required you to make efforts I'ov
the relief of the sufferers.

But if, in such a case, personal effort is
obviously demanded, ho,v can we escape
the conclusion that it is equally, yea, more
strongly, called for in behalf of the undy-
ing soul ? It exists, close to o\ir very doors,
in a state the most ruinous and deplorable
that human thouoht can imao-ine. It ia
mortally and grievously diseased — an aw-
ful cloud, fully charged with divine anger,
hangs impendingly above it— time, swift-

PERSONAL EFFOltT.

winged and sure, is hurrying it to its fixed
and final state — a terrible and unending
hell yawns, a fearful deep, before it, and
it is on the point of dropping into the
quenchless fires of perdition, while we pos-
sess a power that may effect its rescue.
Can this command, while it urges us to
relieve the physical sufferer, allow us to
pass such a wretch without an effort for
his relief? Does he love his neighbor-.. as
himself, who stands tamely and listlessly
by while he drops into hell? Perisih, tho
mere thought; he does not, cannot love
him at all, much less as himself No
man can prete/ii to keep this command
without making, at least, an occasional
effort to save such a perishing neighbor.
Yet, fellow-professor, multitudes drop into
hell around you daily ; you see them, you
know their danger, and you make no effort
to save them. Do you, then, keep this
command? You do not. What then?
Why, you are a sinner, and, as such, need
repentance and pardon, as much as the
worldly man who lives beside you.

The parable oi ,'ic buried talent (Matt.

rj:RSOXAL EFFORT.

XXV. 14 — 30) furnishes another proof of
the obligatory nature of this work.

If the reader will turn to this parable,
he will find it to contain this solemn truth ;
that it is a sin not ^o W5(3 our individual gifts
for God. No other offence is charged upon
the owner of the talent. He did not waste,
give away, or destroy it. He kept it ; but
it was in a napkin, and buried in the earth.
For this offence, — yes, for 7iot using his tal-
ent, — he is doomed to lose it ; to be cast
into outer darkness, to weeping and gnash-
ing of teeth. <

In relating this parable, the Saviour
said the kingdom is like it ; that is, our du-
ties and 6r(?^Z'5: requirements, under the gos-
pel economy, are similar to those of the
king and his servants in that parable.
How plainly, then, does it require a person-
al use of our talents! How fearfully it
teaches the consequence of neglecting their
use ! We need not waste, destroy, or give
away our talents to insure our destruction

TO NEGLECT THEM IS SUFFICIENT. And

what can talents mean, unless they repre-
sent the power wo all possess, in various

♦

ri:RSONAL EFroilT,

degrees, of doing- good to men's souls?
Fellow-professor, read that parable, and
tremble, and beware !

Many other declarations and precepts of
the Saviour might be adduced in proof of
our point, would our limits permit: but
one more must suffice.

Matt. V. 13. "Ye are the salt of tho
earth."

These words are full and to the point.
Christ, speaking in a strong figure, calls
his disciples salt — the salt of the earth.
He means, that they are to the earth what
salt is to meat— the agent of its preserva-
tion from destruction.

This every Christian is bound to be. He
may not choose to be salt or otherwise, as
he may please. He is bound to be as salt
to the world. But how is salt effectual to
the preservation of meat? Not by keep-
ing it in large masses at a distance from
the meat, but by bringing the particles of
the salt into contact with it. So each par-
ticle of the world's moral salt— each indi-
vidual Christian — must come into personal
contact with tho beings to be preserved.

rEllSON.M. ErFOlLt.

He must exert a (Urcct^ saving influence
over his perishing neighbor, or he cannot
be as salt to the earth, and, consequently,
not a genuine disciple ; for Christ says to
all his real followers, '' Ye are the salt of
the earth."

We have thus shown you, fellow-Chris-
tian, your duty, from the testimony of God.
You cannot avoid the truth, that y-ou are
bound to labor with your own tongue and
person for human salvation. And all-^
whether old or young, rich or poor, learn-
ed or illiterate — are bound to do this. No
one can be excused here. He who excu-
ses himself is an offender ; and God will
deal with him as with the faithless servant
who buried his talent. No excuse can be
sufficient No ; not even the plausible one
of paucity of talent. " But," says a weak
disciple, " I have no talent." Friend, you
do not speak the truth. You have talent !
You buy, you sell, you get gain, you per-
suade your friends to change their purposes.
Thus you demonstrate that you possess tal-
ent enough to move 7nind. If you can do
this for yourself, you can for God ; espc-

TEnsoXAL EFFORT.

'M' ..^ "

<^ially as you will have his help in the
work. Be faithful, and say if the fault is
not more in the will than in the talents
God has given you.

But tell me, child of one talent, why did
Christ represent the servant with the one
talent as the unprofitable one ? Why not
him with the ten talents? Was there no
design think you, in this ? There was.
He meant to show that the plea of small
talent is unavailable ; that the neglect of
one talent, or a hundred, is alike an offence
to be punished with severity. The reason
is plain ; for he wiio will not be faith-
ful WITH ONE TALENT WOULD NOT BE WITH

A HUNDRED TALENTS. He lacks the faith-
ful HEART.

Away, then, with your groundless plea.
Up ! up ! for Christ's sake, up I and begin
to do your duty. Waste not a moment
more. Souls drop into hell while you
frame excuses ! O, peril not their souls
and your own too ; but resolve, even now,
to perform your duty.

II. Some of the modejs in which this

DUTY MAY BE rERFORMED.

FEU SON A L EFrOIlT.

I . Our conversation in private and social
life should invariably be of a sober and in-
structive character.

Perhaps it is hardly proper to call this
a mode of personal effort ; yet, as it is in-
dispensable to success in any degree or
kind of personal effort, its introduction in
this form may be permitted.

This proposition is guardedly expressed.
It requires only sober and instructive con-
versation uniformly: it does not say reli-
gious conversation is always to be main-
tained. This, perhaps, is impossible, sit-
uated as we are in society, and encumbered
as we are by the cares of business, &c.
Still it must be our theme of discourse
whenever practicable; but never should
we dare to sink beneath the level of so-
briety and instructiveness. Nor is it ne-
cessary that^ in being sober, we sink into
a gloomy, sour habit of expression. Chris-
tian cheerfulness should ever smile upon
our countenances ; for there is nothing to
prevent the combination of sobriety and
cheerfulness. They are friends, and will

■^

dwell together.

PKRSONAJ. ErrOIlT.

He who would win souls must avoid
all light, trifling-, flirty, loose, or carnal
conversation. He must shun it as he
would a deadly and contagious disease.
His motto must be,

''No room for mirth or triflini,' here '"
and this motto must be sacredly observed
on all occasions. Let.no one think of
success in personal effort who is not consis-
tent m his daily conversation. This must
be pure and blameless, or the most jrigan-
tic efforts will be worse than vanity A
professor may exhort like an apostle at a
praver-meetino, or at a private interview
with a sinner; he may speak of the love
ot C;rod until the heart of the hearer melts
into water; he may talk to sinners like a
Wesley or a Carvosso, and then be seen
gay as the gayest at a social party • or
laughing with the trifler about the airy
bubbles of the day ; or talking, with the
interest of the worldling, about his gains
and losses; and what will be the wonh of
us labor for sotils ? His failing here, like
those chemical substances that" neutralize
the properties of other bodies, will mndor

.>•> PERSONAL EFFORT.

all the rest abortive. He will harden the
heart of sinners, be a curse to the church,
and become the agent of the sinner's dam-

"t°et-us exhort you, therefore, Jeayeadcr,
to nurifv your conversation. Begin here
Resoff on consistency, and hereafter be
rorfsislent Whoever you have erred be-
"Z Sess i^^telf your purpose for
h/ future Then ^u m ay enter upon the
work oTsaving sou.l3 with a fair prospect
If success; pr^ovidefl', however, (which is
assumed 10 be the case,) your acUons are as
Tiure as your conversation.
"^ 2 Open sin must never be tolerated m

our presence. . i!u:a:

B-r open sin is meant proianity I bid -
nousor other foul conversation, wicked jest-

*"i'tfs''difncult to furnish a specific rule bv
which to determine the mode, time, and
place of reproving open and tar^^f ?,«[ V;'
fenders Nor is it necessary ; the Ohris-
"„ must use Us own best judgmem^^^

the^e noin;5. Sometimes he will feel it
:l:o"er^tcrc;.ro,copenlyandatcnco;at

)

VKII^ONAL EFFORT.

'r»

otlioTS, to socle privacy, nnd wail until thf^
excited feelings of the ofFtrider are calmed
by a few hours of reflection. 13ut wh<^n
open reproof is imperative, i^reat skill and
kindness should be used, lest, like an in-
experienced suro-oon, wc injure what w<?
wish to heal. The followincr fact is an
exannple of pious skill in adminislering re-
proof openly and before others.

A minister, travelling in a stage, heard
n gentlemanly-looking passenfrer swe.ar
profanely to his companions, ^i'hey were
entire strangers, and had Jiot spoken. The
minister did not, therefore, break in abruptly
to reprove the swearer, but he gradually
approached his point by entering into gen-
eral conversation. The swearer soon an-
nounced himself a Universalist, and spoke
much of the goodness of God, and even
declared that he loved him. The clerirv-
man inquired if it were a proof of love to
treat the name of the beloved with disre-
spect. He replied, " No." " How, then,"
asked the minister, ^*can a man love God.
who speaks his name profanely, who uses

rKESOXAL i^FrorvT.

it diirespectiully, on the most trivial oc-
casions?" , , ,

It need hardly bo added that the swearer

was silenced. .

But while specific rules of universal
apolicalion cannot be found, the more gen-
eral one assumed should be conscientious-
ly observed. Open sin should never be
toleratrd. However and wherever we may
choose to reprove it, we should not imitate
those coward souls, who, wearing the name
of Jesus, cringingly smile while their im-
pious neio-hbor pours out his filthy strain
of po]lut(^ talk in their ears. O, shame
on that nrofessor who smiles then, and
thus virtually approves the crime! Nor
should we ever suffer a profane or filthy
xvord spoken io us to pass unrebuked.
Thai is an insult to our holy profession,
and demands an instant reproof. Let us
never tolerate o\ien sin.

3 We should converse with our acquaint-
ances and friends upon the subject of personal
and experimr.rdal pietj/.

This is ihe sod of personal etlort— the
Ihuuj: itr^elf IVolhing can be submitted lor

I-

-yrST

PEKSONAL EFFORT.

it. Exliortation in public will not do^
hat is, general efForl, not particular. We
mast t'alk to the mm about his soul and hu
prospects for eternity. . , , ^ „„j

^ This direct labor for soils includes not
merely conversation with sinners, but with
backsliders and fellow-professors, u re-
qui.es solemn warnings and entroatie with
the sinner, faithful and constant labor with
the backslider, and much spiritual conve
sation with the believer. ^Being faithful
with one class will not suffice; th^ Ctas-
tian owes a duty to all classes, and he per-
ils his soul if he neglect either.

The time, the place, the frequency, and
the persons with whom we should thu.
strive, must be decided by the circums an-
ces and opportunities of every '^^^di^adual
The thing itself he oughi to do-^yea he
MUST do ; and having resolved on this no
must do it so as to have a conscience void
of offence towards God and man.

Nor must this great work be done m a
slicrht or careless manner. Merely talkm^
abml rcli,non, and going round Jie smner «
V.cait.wiU not do. He may be datnne.!

ruiisoNAL i::rF0UT.

rdi

under that very effort. We must/a//»;
gioii. It must glisten in our eyes, shine"
in our faceSj and burn upon our tongues.
We must appeal to his hearty and assault it
with the truths of Hcav^^n and Hell, Death
and Judgment, Wrath and Love. He
must be plied with every class of truths,
through every avenue of feeling, like some
beleaguered fort, until he yields himself,
the conquered of the Lord.

No means for human salvation is more
eftectual than this. It brings God's- word
home to the offender's hsart. In public, he
is one of many auditors ; here, he is the
only one. Every word you say falls on his
understanding, and it will make him think
as nothing else will.

It also confirms him in the truth of those
public expressions of regard for his soul
he hears from the church. When he be^
holds a gathering of professors, weeping
and praying for sinners, and then sees
them, day after day, totally unconcerned,
talking, laughing, and jesting with him,
and manifesting none of the deep feeling
they exhibited in the meeting-house or ves-

.0H^

VERSONAL EFFOtlT.

trv he naturally infers, that they are hy po-
Ses or that this excitement in pubhc 'S ^..
esult of habit. He doubts Ae.r smcerUy
and, reasoning away b^s/ears ^e stumbles
into desperate unbelief, and ultimately

^' ttileVhlm t' Christians ^carry out
their meeting-house and vestry •'eebngs in
private entreaties,-let him see that con-
cern and feeling for sinners existing m
them and following him at every step,--
and he "s convinced of their sincerity ; the
Uuth they speak has its full force upon his
Joi^l and\e must be more than man if he
on ; relt his convictions. By this mode
we also bring the influence of 'hesocia
affections into the work of Orod. 1 his is
Uetno^t powerful of all merely hnmamn.
fllTenTes 'He who has another s ,o^e has
command of the helm of his soul. He can
dom^chin forming his character or chang-
In.hTs purposes. And all have acquired
thfsVower in a greater or less degree.
The pa ent has it over the child ; brother
and s ster over brother and sister ; husband
and wife over each other: and fnend over

2'^

1*^ -v.

PERSONAL EFFORT.

friend ; in short, it is possessed in all the
social relations of life. When, therefore,
we engage in personal labour for souls,
we bring this almost resistless influence to
our aid. The mother brings all a mother's
influence to bear for God. How immensely-
powerful is that influence! What child
could long resist a weeping mother's en-
treaties ? Scarcely a child of pious parents
need grow up out of Christ, if Christian
mothers would only use this influence for
God. The same remark may be made,
and the same question asked, of all the other
social relations, with some small qualifica-
lions. Let this work, then, be engaged in,
and the wonder-working influence of the
affections, will be engaged in the cause of
God. Let it be neglected, and those affec-
tions, with all their power, are utterly lost
to Christ and his church.

This personal application of religious
truth (as indeed should all other modes ot
action) should ever be made in the spirit
of unmingled kindness. No harshness in
language, no severity in the looks^ no dic-
tation in manner, should be indulged in.

fl (

PERSONAL EFFORT,

These will surely close up the avenues to
the heart, as the winter frost seals the bab-
blin^r brooks. Not that the most awtul
truths are not to be told. This may be
done, yea, should be done ; but done m the
aiFecting manner of Jesus, when he foretold
the ruin of the beauteous temple and city
of Zion. He did it with throbbing heart
and gushing eve. Thus should we plead
with sinners. ' Love and kindness must
beam from our countenances, and warni
the expressions of our tongue. Personal
effort, made in such a spirit and persevered
in, can hardly fail of success.

4. We should, arixiously seek out the serious,
and lead them to Christ.

God's word often does wonderful execu-
tion when Christians are unconscious of its
effect. Sinners feel it and tremble. Feeble
purposes are formed, that might be nour-
, ished into an unbending purpose, and ren-
dered productive of decided piety but
thev leave the meeting unnoticed by the
Christian ; they mingle with the thought-
less, and their convictions fade hke the
misty breath on the mountain's brow.

TERSUNAL EFFORT.

This is a common case ; and perhaps there
is scarcely a congregation, favoured with a
spiritual and faithful preacher, but has such
cases every Sabbath. If so, — and who
can doubt it? — how many souls are con-
stantly perishing by neglect !

It should be our object to prevent this ;
and a word or an exhortation may do it.
Here is an example. A youth, known to
the writer, was convinced and brought low
by the silent agency of the Spiht of God.
No human being knew his feelings. He
feared to tell them. For many days he
stifled them. They began to die, when an
old acquaintance, observing his unusually
serious appearance at a meeting, sought
him out, questioned him, and learned the
state of his feelings. He encouraged him,
introduced him to Christian society as a
seeker, and he soon found the grace of
God. That youth is now a minister of
Jesus Christ; while, but for that Chris-
tian's effort, he had doubtless lost his con-
victions, and perhaps his soul. How im-
portant, then, that we watch for serious
souk: I Never should a convicted person

f I

TERSOiXAL EFFORT.

escape the observant gaze of the faithful
Christian.

5. The gift or loan of books and tracts^ and
the writing of letters^ are also valuable modes
of personal effort.

The amount of good accomplished by
these means is incalculable. Thousands
have been brought to Jesus by their use.
The expence of purchasing books and
tracts or the time required to write letters,
should be no objection ; for v^rhat are a few
paltry dollars, or a few hours of time, com-
pared with the salvation of an immortal
soul? Can money or time be spent to no-
bler purpose than to aid in the lofty work
of the world's redemption? O no !

But these modes are so obviously adapted
to be useful, and facts demonstrating their
success are so abundant, that we suppose
their bare mention is sufficient.

6. Individuals who neglect 'public worship^
prayer-meetings^ (^c, should be invited to at-

tend.

How seldom is this simple means of use-
fulness employed! Christians pass the
loitering Sabbath-breaker as indifferently

PERSONAL EITOllT.

.f f

as though he possessed no undying- spirit;
when an invitation, kindly given^ might
lead him to visit God's house, and end in
his conversion. A professor once asked a
thoughtless young man to attend a Metho-
dist meeting. He did ; the truth fastened
on his guilty soul ; he became a Christian,
and is now an honored member of an an-
nual conference. Without that invitation,
he might have perished in his sins. It
is so with others. However apparently
hopeless, Christians should not neglect
them, and thus leave them to say, " No
man hath cared for my soul /"

Other modes of personal effort might be
suggested ; but, having mentioned the more
striking and important, we leave the active
Christian to devise others, as circumstances
may call for their adoption. But, whether
these or other modes be engaged in, it
must be done with the broad banner of
Perseverance floating in the breeze.
One ray of solar heat does not melt the
massive iceberg; neither will one effort,
usually, save a soul ; but as ray suceeds
ray in its attack on the frozen mass^ so

-r

PERSONAL EFFORT.

must effort succeed effort, conversation
succeed conversation, tract succeed tract,
UNTIL THE WORK IS DONE ! When you
begin to labor with a sinner, my brother,
you must calculate on being success-
ful ! With this intent commence your
holy operation?. The heart may hold out
for days, or weeks, yea, even for months
and years ; but persevere, and cease your
labor only with the death or conversion of
the sinner ; unless, indeed, he be a gospel
swine, and " turn and rend you." In that
case you may desist ; but beware how you
pronounce him one of those of whom the
Saviour says, '• Cast not your pearls before

swineP

Deep, constant, fervent prayer for the
individual must also accompany your ef-
forts. Let none tlmik^ nay, nor even dream^
of much success without this. You are
God's agent^ doing his work ; and his aid
is indispensable. To obtain it, you must
be much in prayer.

W^ould to God the church was engaged
in this blessed work ! Would to God that
you were engaged in it. my brother ! Were

PERSOxXAL EFFORT.

the church generally employed thus, how
would religion prosper and triumph I Mil-
lions now slipping into hell would be
saved ; Zion would flourish like the ma-
jestic cedars of ancient Lebanon ; revival
would be perpetual, the kingdom of the
glorious Mediator established, and Heaven
dwell among the children of men. Great
Head of the Church, breathe, O breathe
this spirit of holy labor into thy disciples !
Blessed Master, lead thy willing servants

on?

III. The encouragements and mo-
tives THAT EXIST TO FAVOR THE ADOPTION
OF PERSONAL EFFORT.

1 . Its happy effects upon our oum personal
piety.

It is a divine axiom that "He who
watereth others shall be watered also him-
self" This is the promise of our heavenly
Father, and is of itself a sufficient en-
couragement. Whether we succeed or
not, the reward is sure. The promise is
not to him that produceih., but to him that
watereth ; and, though our labors become
the ^ savor of death" to the obstinate sin-

!/;

: 1/

rEllSO.N A L KIT OUT.

0^m

nor, we shall not be unrewarded ; for we
shall be ivalercd in the very act of pleading
with others. Such is the promise of God,
Indeed, the nature of the work itself
secures us its beneficial results. It is a
law of mind J that attemps to awaken an
interest in another, excite a more vivid in-
terest on the same theme in his bosom
who makes the attempt. Every-day lifu
affords ample illustration of this truth.
See the politician ; how fiery ! how ardent!
how untiring his labours ! His whole
soul is absorbed in the promotion of his
political views. From what altar does he
derive that glowing fire? What mystic
agency keeps him so zealous in the work?
It ig personal effort! Every fresh attempt
to nri-ake a convert pours oil on the flames
of his 2jeal It is so with religious effort.
The law of mind is the same on this, as on
other themes; and it is impossible to en^
deavour to awaken others, without becom-
ing more engaged ourselves. The reader's
experience confirms this remark. How
often have you, even when partially back-
slidden, been forced, by a call to a sick bed^

! ;l

PKUSONAL Ell'UllT.

or to see an awakened sinner, to make [jcis
sonai effort with some poor, guilty soul ]
Pragged thither, by stern necessity you
languidly entered upon the work. A few
cold questions, at first, have drawn out
either the indifference or agony of the vic-
tim of sin. Suddenly, burning thoughts
of his danger have entered like iron in-o
your soul, and, effectually aroused, you
have plead your Master's cause with an
energy surprising to yourself. When you
returned, it was with a chastened spirit,
and with high purposes of greater devotion

to God.

But how great would be the effects of
personal labor, did we constantly perforn>
it with prayer and feeling! Constant
views of our insufficiency would humble
us; the guilt and danger of the sinner
would remind us of the hole of the pit
whence we were dug, and excite our un-
ceasing gratitude for our deliverance; our
remarks on his danger and his remedy
would keep alive our ov/n hopes and fears ;
preaching Christ to the '7o5^" would swell
m\x bosoms with the procioqs love wo ii!'-

i i g S B" ' iim» I I I

rEUSONAL Kl'i'ORT.

> *

4i;

ibi'dllimn; conversation with believers of
high attainments would instigate us to
know more of the heights and depths of
redeeming love; while an ever-living dc*
Siire to win the souls we labored for, would
lead us to faithfully watch our lips and
lives, lest, in any way, our influence over
sinners should be nuliiiied by our misco^,
duct.

Would you, dear reader, gain eminence
in piety ? Would you maintain a constancy/
of joy? Would you secure the piety you
already possess? Then use personal ef-
fort. Fail not of this ; for by its neglect
many are weak and sickly; their piety is
a drooping flower, wasting its little sweat-
uess, and sinking to decay ; their influence
in the church is small, their usefulness in
the world nqtiiinq! Therefore awake!
Up ! for thy soul's sake, up ! drooping be.
liever, and engage in this hallowed work,
or your piety will dwindle into cold, hol-
low-hearted formality. But enter upon
this, thy long-neglected duty, and a rapid
growth of soul, glowing affectioqs, a prao.

rii RhfONAL i:rrouT.

tical zealj and a sanctified heart, will soon
be thine. - ,

2. The hogh gratification and honor ivhlch
result both here and hereafter.

The human heart has iG^\y feelings more
delightful than those excited by the flow
of the " milk of human kindness." How
exquisite are its emotions while contempla-
ting an object it has relieved ! He who,
with peril or toil, has rescued a wretch from
death, feels an unutterable sw^ell of soul
whenever he holds or thinks of the poor
unfortunate. But how ineffably delightful
- — .how infinitely higher are the emotions
of him who looks upon a soul he was the
agent in saving from eternal death ! They
are indescribably sweet.

But in eternity ! O, in eternity, what
will be the gratification of the useful soul,
to see himself surrounded by redeemed
spirits, who attribute their awakening and
conversion to his agency! To attempt its
description would be worse than folly; it
is above the power of mortal conception.
But we can experience it. Reader, will yon ?

The honor resulting from thi^■ work

PERSONAL EFFOllT,

should not be overlooked, since God has
thought it worthy of notice.

" And they" (says the prophet Daniel,
xii. 3.) -'that be vvise shall shine as the
brightness of the firmament, and they that
turn many' to righteousness as the stars for-
ever and ever."

Here" is God's pledge fox our ample re-
ward. " Shall shine as the stars^ Sweet
promise ! to be one of the brightly-sh'ining
ones in the heavenly constellation — to be
so filled with the glory of Jehovah as to
attract admiration and honor from the mil-
lions forming the celestial hosts! Lord, it
is enough. I will labor to turn many to
righteousness.

By winning souls to Christ, we promote
the glory of God and of the church. We
thus add to the beauty and adornments of
the bride of our Master; and, having been
agents in fitting her for her final and trium-
phant alliance with her glorififd Bride-
groom, we shall likewise participate in the
honor of her union. liabor on, then, O
Christian ; and though despised by the
proud, the thoughtless, and the gny, yot

PKIiSONAL EFFORT.

Jehovah will honor thee in the day of his
glory.

3. The almost bifallihle certainty of success.

There are two agencies to be relied upon
in this work — the power of moral suasion,
and the influence of the Spirit of God.

In the human mind, there is a disposi-
tion to yield to suasion. While force or
threats will excite its opposition, even to the
inflexibility of iron, suasion will render it
pliant as the ^villow bough that hangs
droopingly above the stream. There is
scarcely a page of history but exhibits its
power. What was it that cost the great
antagonist of Caesar — the unhappy Pom-
pey — the supremacy of the Roman empire?
It was the power of suasion ! His own
judgment told him the fatal consequences
of a battle ; but the constant entreaties of
his oflicevs and advisers overcame or si-
lenced his convictions. He hazarded a
battle, and his visions of conquest faded
forever. This is only a specimen of thnt
power. Facts, in number and weight suf-
ficienttodemonstrate the almost omnipotent

"-ST

TEKSOMAL EFFORT.

power of moral suasion, might be adduced,
would our limits and object permit.

It is on this power you are to rely, dear
reader, in your attempts to convert a soul.
You must assume that the sinner's mind,
from its constitution, will yield, if perse-
veringly plied with argument and entreaty ;
and in this work, above all others, you
will have the efficient auxiliaryship of con-
science. She will be encouraged, by your
appeals, to creep from her hiding-place,
and resume her wonted work. She will
approve your testimony while you speak ;
and will subsequently use your remarks as
stings and goads to urge him to compli-
ance.

But your main reliance must be on the
Spirit of God. He must give clearness,
force, and life, to the truth, or you can do
nothing. This he stands pledged to do, by
the promise of Jesus Christ — " I will send
the Comforter, and when he is come he
will co7ivince the world of sin."

With such mighty aids, who can fail of
success? It is scar cell/ possible to fail!
We do not say you cajinot fail ; but while

ri:u SON AL ErroiiT.

it is possibk, it is hardly probable, that you
will fail, with such agencies to combine
with your own.

Do you reply, "But I have failed"?
Why did you fail ? Of what naiure were
those efforts that produced no effect?
Were they persevering, prayerful, earnest
entreaties? Or were they occasional,
brief, unfeeling-, prayerless remarks about
the coul ? How could you think of success
from such labors ?

Who ever knew of a case of genuine,
prayerful, earnest personal effort made by
a person of consistent life, that failed of
success ? That such cases have been, and
may be, is admitted ; but it is also conten-
ded that they rarely occur.

Would our limits suffer it, many in-
stances of success might be inserted for
the encouragement of others; but the
reader must be satisfied with one, and for
more, let him consult the lives of Wesley
Carvosso, Rogers, Bradburn, Bramwell, or
any of the early Methodist preachers, who
were all personal effort men. and whose

- , iififSliifiiiimt3M&^ '

""tf*? ^t.^MBtfii i/|'^Wy?r

i^VSfS.

PERSONAL EFFOilT.

memoirs furnish many striking instances
of remarkable success.

When the devoted Carvosso was at
Ponsanooth, (Eng.,) he heard of a young
and beautiful consumptive, unconverted,
and on the point of death. He called, and
she refused to see him. Nothing discour-
aged, he called again, and found her up,
and looking exceedingly pale and deathly.
He asked her if she believed there was a
God.

She answered, " Yes."

" And do you believe, continued the holy
man, - that he knows the secret thoughts
of your heart ?"

" Yes."

" But do you think you have ever sinned
against this God ?"

" O yes," was her cold, indifferent reply.

" And now are you willing to die in your
present state of mind?"

She confessed she was not; and then
Mr. Carvosso preached Christ to her until
she wept. He prayed with her, and de-
parted. The next day, he saw her again,
and her heart was very tender; he talked

rtKSOxXAL EFFORT.

and prayed with her, and her distress in-
creased. Four days afterwards, she found
peace in believing ; and shortly after died
happy in the Lord.

Here is a striking case of success — a
soul saved entirely by personal effort.
Without it, she might have been in hell.
And O, how many of your neighbours are
perishing, and will surely be damned, with-
out such effort from you ! Christian, you
may prevent their ru'in ! As you value the
undying soul — as you hope for salvation
yourself— go to labouring with sinners.
Tarry not until you feel better. Begin at
once. Select a case or two, and, having
prayed for God's accompanying blessing,
visit them, and by God's grace cease not
your labors until they are converted.

4. The love of Christ should co7istrain us.

" The love of Christ constraineth us,'^
said the self-devoted Paul And how
powerfully it constrained him ! It led him
over mountain and vale, through storm
and tempest, over land and sea, to city and
village, among friends and foes, before beg-
gars, and emperors, and even to a martyr's

TERSONAL EFFOUT.

iii

tatel What was the mighty talisman
that bore the heroic apostle through his
fiery troubles? It was the constrainino-
love of Christ! What pillowed his head
in the desert and in the prison 1 The love
of Christ? What comforted him amono-
mlse brethren? The love of Christ 1 Wha't
filled his noble soul with peace and joy
when the axe waited to drink his blood ?
The love of Christ 1 That was the strenpth
of his soul. His song in weariness and
woe was, " The Lve of Christ constrain-
eth me.''

And should not this love constrain us to
perform the will of Christ? What are
our pretensions to piety without the pos-
session of this constraining affection?
Who, with this love, could forbear to labor
for souls? It is the will of Christ, that
we win souls to him. Enough ; if we
love him, we shall do it.

Let this love then constrain i/ou, fellow
Christian, to enter freely upon the work
of personal effort. Be a co-worker with
your Lord. He reio-ns to conquer the
H^orld to himself For this his soul tra-

PERSONAL KFFORT.

W'S./.

!• a'

vails. Fov this he pleads at the mediato-
rial throne. He expects your agency in
this work. If you love him, he will have
it; for small indeed must be the degree
of that love that will not constrain obe-
dience to the warmest wish of the Saviour^s
heart.

Should you be fearful, weary, and dis-
couraged in this work, an application to
Christ will inspire you anew. A sight of
his personal humiliation, sufferings, jour-
neys, toils, pains, agonies, and groans, for
you^ will constrain you to bear contumely,
neglect, and weariness, for him. Plunge
deep, therefore, O disciple of Jesus, into
your Master'?! love, and the work of per-
sonal effort will be easy and delightful

5. It is our duty.

The Christian professes to make God's
will his law. We have shown that his
will requires personal efforts for human
salvation. The question, then, is settled in
the mind of every genuine Christian. He
must make such effort. Ho can neither
dare nor wish to neglect it. To do so is
to peril his soul. Here, then, is motive

' mtmim I

l ii H i Wi lli' .

ri:uso.\.vL Eiruitr.

enough. God tcilb it. Bufort'. ihio oiolivo
every follower of God \V\\\ bow, and, if
heretofore nei^lectful. lie will repent of his
former omissions, and commence a faith-
ful observance of his duty.

We may learn from this subject —

1 . Why so many backsliders linger a rounxl
our altars.

These, who are found in every coni^-re-
gallon, once ran well. They promised
much to the church, but, alas ! soon be-
came " wells without water. " Why ?
We res])ond that, in numerous instances,
it may be traced to want of religious efibrt
— a neglect of active labor for souls. Had
this been faithfully done, would their hearts
have grown cold, worldly, and unbeliev-
ing? No! They would still have been
in the church, happy and useful. Would
you, then, weak believer, avoid backsli-
ding ? Do your duty in personal labor for
souls.

2. We learn tvhy so many are barren and
Hckly in ike church.

How frequently do we hear the pitiful
cry ofj '' my leanness! rhy ieanrjesal"

i'tftS^ONAL El'i'OllT.

If
it

b rom whom comes that cry ? From tbt^
working disciple? O no! He has jovs
to express, and wonderful displays of o-raco
to make known. It comes fix»m the idle
disciple, v/ho does next to nothiwo- in la^,
Coring with sinners. He is always com.
plaining of his want of lore and zeal Na
wonder. God cannoi bless him He i&
guilty ofsm. He neglects a plain, evident
important duty. Would he perform thi^'
Ills soul would soon feast on the fat thincr&
of the covenant; he would be happ'V
healthy, and fruitful. Q complaining dis!
ciple, beware! See to it that this lono--for.
gotten work is done. ^

3. We learn kaio a ;pe9'peiual revival 'mau
k secured to the church.

The prosperity of the church is now
occasional and spasmodic. She lies sickly
and drooping for months, and then, as if
moused by some wonderful stimulant, starts
up, puts on her energies and accomplishes
wonders for a few weeks, and then-^sleeps

again.

This is wrong. It is wicked. It is won -
clerfiU that God does not disown u«d de.

>■

' ""(ti;!BBI

PER^iONAL EFFUUT.

stroy the church lor such incorisirftoiicy.
Sho ought — sh^ might always accomplisii
what she does now, during her periodical
excitements. The means of doing so lies
within her grasp. It is personal efFort.
This would always keep members awake ;
and then sinners would always feel, and bo
constantly yielding. Not a week vvoukl
pass without fresh trophies of the Saviour's
victories. The cry of, '• Revive thy work,"
would become obsolete ; for the work
would not die, and consequently not need
reviving It would stay revived. God
would be glorified, and the reign of Christ
soon become universal.

Fellow-Christian, God holds you indi^
vidually responsible for your part in bring-
ing about this desirable state of things.
He will judge you ^ox your unfaithfulness,
irrespective of the obedience or disobedience
of others, tie expects you to do what you
can — now — to stay revived— to constantly
labor in the work of redemption. Will
you do it? Dy the mercies of God— by
the value of immortal souls— by thejudg.
monts of thn n-rcLit day—by tho love o{

.50

i'KliSONAL KPFOIIT.

:^|te&l£3U£...

"ia>^

•.JA::AJL-3aftS~J'~t4ai,,:.;Mf9Ri i:

■^

APPENDIX.

THE INFIDEL CONVERT.

In 1836, while stationed in a flourishing

village in O a county, N. Y., one af-

ternoon, I accidentally, in my pastoral vis-
itincr. stepped into the house of an intelligent
Scotch gentleman, who had not been to
any church (except on funeral occasions)
for twelve years, and who was knovvn in
the village to be the best read infidel ot
the Voltaire school in the place or country.
He was very hostile to religion and min-
isters, p.r-d no minister had ever been in
his house to converse with his family. 1
conversed and prayed with ihem, (he not
beino- in.) The next day, he wrote me a
letter, stating his objections to Christianity,
and asking me to answer them. I re-
plied, attempting to answer his objections.
After exchandng two or three letters very
calmly and kindly, I saw he was softening

' «

,.. I

J :-S

PERSONAL KIFOUT.

hZ\ \*'" tI"-o.v*lhe laboring oar upon

After writing: and visitino- him for r^.r

trasied, and the claims of God were urSd
He was pncked to the heart. He coS'

o piaiei meeting-. I talked with him

a^Sr iJ' ,r"' ''°"'°' ''"''" his familv.
altar. ,,ame the next „,g.h. -got up-facej

ANECDOTES.

the assembly — gave a history of his life, of
his infidelitVj the booi^ he had lent, minds
he had poisoned, and the young men he
had ruined. The effect was overwhelm-
ing. He then avowed his purpose to be a
Christian, bowed down with the penitents,
and in a few evenings was soundly convert-
ed, gathered his books of infidel character,
and made a bonfire.

He soon united with the church, and was
instrumental in the conversion of many in-
fidels. He has been, ever since, an active
and consistent Christian.

-00000-

A DILIGENT LABORER.

In one of our large cities, there was a
lady who for some time was afflicted with
a drunken husband. Their property was
attached and sold to pay his grog-bills.
Distressed beyond measure, she retired to
her chamber, '' laid her babe upon the bare
floor, kneeled down over it," and prayed, —

■PMW

PERSONAL EFFORT.

» J

V'f

" O Lord, if thou wilt in any way remove
from me this affliction. I will serve thee
upon bread and water all the days of my

life."

God heard her prayer; her husband dis-
appeared, and was not heard of again until
after her death. Although she was in
wretched health, she rejected an offer of
support from the church, and opened a
school, from which she gained so scanty a
living, that she lived literally upon bread
and water.

She now devoted her leisure moments to
works of mercy and usefulness. She re-
sided in the most wicked and abandoned
part of the city. Among other things, her
heart was troubled at seeing the grog shops
kept open on the holy Sabbath. She re-
solved upon the almost hopeless purpose of
closing them, at least on the day of GoJ.
She succeeded ! Her only instrument of
success was the mild persuasion of her
eloquent lips, aided, no doubt, by the Spirit
of God.

She likewise directed her attention to the
moral destitution of the poor. She visited

ANECDOTES.

the low streets of the city, and persuaded
nianv to attend meeting, and fill the vacant
seats" at church. She established several
Sabbath schools ; at first managing them
herself, and then, when they acquired
strength, giving them to other hands.

She also collected a large number of ap-
prentices into a Bible class, and with good
eflfect upon their souls. If she saw a mem-
ber of her church sin, she kindly but faith-
fully rebuked him. If the church began
to decline, she sounded the voice of alarm.
She brought several pious young men out
of obscurity, obtained teachers and books
for their education, formed societies to pro-
cure them clothing, and thus aided them
into the high work of the holy ministry ; and
when the time of her joyful death arrived,
her pastor bore this high testimony to her
usefulness :—" I should not," said he,

" HAVE FELT AS SEVERELY THE LOSS OF SIX
OF THE MOST DEVOTED MEN IN MY CHURCH."

PERSONAL EFFORT.

THE GROOM AND THE CLERGYMAN.

A TRAINING groom was one day return-
ing from the races, near the city of London.
The stage happening to pass him on its
way to the city, he mounted it, and took his
seat outside, next to a gentleman, whom he
afterward learned to be a clergyman. This
servant of Christ at once introduced reli-
gious conversation, and presented him with
a Testament, which he made him promise
to read. When they arrived in London,
the minister took the groom to dine with
him, and when they parted, it was with
prayer.

The man was faithful to his promise.
He read the Testament faithfully, until one
day he came to the passage, " There remairi^
eth no more sacrifice for sin?^ God nailed
it to his heart. It attended him day and
night, and followed him in all his wander-
ings. For some cause he crossed the
channel, and went to Belgium; but it
haunted him even there, and he sought the
prayers of the people of God. In deep
distress, he related these facts in a prayer

.;t;»»«^^

ii.„;iiai**-'K

ANECDOTES.

meeting, and seemed determined to serve
the Lord even to the sacrifice of his profes-
sion, which he said interfered with his soul's
health. This man was the son of a min-
ister.

■00000-

TIIE SKEPTICAL STUDENT.

In 1829, while a student in the O a

Con. Seminary, a case occurred, in which
the importance and success of personal ef-
fort for the salvation of the soul were for-
cibly illustrated. An active, highminded
young gentleman, from Western New
York, entered the institution, evidently bent
upon the acquisition of knowledge, and
an elevated position in the world of mind.
He was gay, thoughtless, and somewhat
skeptical on the subject of religion. Room-
ing next door to him, I soon formed an
acquaintance with him. Finding him to
be a social companion, possessing a bril-
liant intellect, not religiously disposed, but

rEIlSONAL EFFOilT,

much inclined to loose thinking-, I felt an
unusual desire to win him to Christ.

I frequently broached the subject of reli-
gion tenderly and kindly, presenting it in
as amiable a light^as possible. At first he
manifested a disposition not to be annoyed
with that subject, and especially as he re-
garded the whole matter as mere animal
excitement. He said he did not wish to
be interrupted in his studies by his consid-
eration. After the lapse of a few months,
a gracious season of revival commenced
in the school. Soon the voice of prayer,
lamentation, and praise, was heard in al-
most every part of the Seminary building.
The case of my friend still lay with
weight upon my mind, and I prayed for
him, and conversed with him faithfully.
Apparently he grew harder and more ob-
stinate. He would lock himself in his
room to prevent conversation, and to keep
pious students from having access to him.
He even threatened to leave the institution,
if he was not let alone, and went so far as
to pack his clothes and books to leave.
The worK grew deeper and more extended,

ANECDOTES.

until almost every student in the Seminary
was under serious impressions.

One evening, during- a prayer meeting
in the dinmg hall, I feJt impressed to g-o up

to Mr. W 's room, and try to prevail on

him to go down and seek religion. I went
found his door locked, but stood in the hall,
and conversed with him. He was appa-
rently angry, and exclaimed, " , I wish

you would mind your own business, and
let me alone." I begged him to let me iTi,
as I wished to talk and pray with him.
4.fter a while, he opened the door, and in-
vited me in. I at once saw the Spirit was
at work upon his mind. Said he, " I can't
study. I have not been able to get a les-
son for two days. What do you mean ?" I
mildly replied, " 1 mean to prevail on you,
if I can, to take care of your soul." He
yielded ; went down, it being about nine,
and went directly forward to the altar, and
about twelve was happily converted. He
came out decidedly on the side of the
Lord, prosecuted his studies, went to col-
lege, graduated, and is now principal in one
of our flourishing institutions of Icarninir,

PERSONAL EFFOllT.

THE GIFT OF IJOOKH SANCTIFIED.

Twenty vears ago, a man resided in St.
Louis, who was skeptical, and often mel-
ancholy, and who said that he once medi-
tated takings his own life, but the love of
his wife and children prevented. His little
boy attended the school of Rev. Salmon
Giddings, a meek and godly man, who
gave him '• Lcdie's Method:' The father
read it— the Spirit of God blessed it — he
became a man of prayer — died with calm
and even triumphant trust in Christ — o-iv,
ing in his will $0000 or $7000 to Ihe
Tract Society, and large legacies to other
institutions,

^OOO'JO-

A>:OTIIER INSTANCE.

An aged man, who had not entered a
church for years, received from a pious
man the ^- Sainfs Rest^'' which gave him
such new views of himself and of God,
that ho sent lor a librarv of forty of tho

AN i:u DOTES.

Tract Society 'rf volumes, commenced a
course of religious reading, made his peace
with Godj and connected himself with thu
church.

-00000-

AND YET ANOTHER.

A GENTLEMAN in Kentucky received a
copy of Pike's ^' Persuasives tucarly^ Piciif
eight years since, the readinor of which
God blessed to his conversion. He loaned it
to a young man, who was also converted ;
and to a third, to whom it was blessed in
like manner ; and to a fourth, who is a
teacher, and is now connected with tho
people of God.

OOUOO-

PERSONAL EFFORT IN A COLLEGE-

While tho dovoted Brainerd was at col-
lege, ho made the follovv^ing entry on his
iournal. It bcaulif^iHv exhibits tho strug-

I'EIISOXAL liFFljUT,

gling of u faithful soul through many dilK-
culties, to the post of duty

" June 21, 182G. The consideration that
1 have been three years, almost, in colle<re,
withoutconyersing with my fellow-students
upon the subject of their religious responsi-
bilities was heart-breaking. To go forward
seemed to be too heavy a cross. The struo--
gle was great, but it came to this —nl-
BOLVEo tnthe presence of God and by his
help, to begin awl do my duly in college, in
conversing with my companions in stvxlii ' I
repeated the resolution, and afterwards felt
much relief. While at prayers, m v burden
Jett me in consideration of this truth — ' If
any man will be my disciple, let him deny
himself and take up his cross and follow
mo. While there, I determined to invite a
Class male into my room, and talk with

«,'!n • w ^"f '" *° '^^>'' ^"' '"y heart
well nigh failed me. But I addressed him

—he fohowed me— and I prayed God to
raise in power to his own glory what was
sown in weakness.

« July 2. The cross which I laid hold
on with so much difficulty, I have since

ANECDOTES.

only dragged. With twenty impenitent
companions, I have attempted to speak in
reference to their eternal things. The
mouths of most were stopped. They lis-
tened and assented to the truth."

For such devoted labors, this holy youth
was not unrewarded by the Lord of the
vineyard; for at a prayer meeting held
about that time, he writes, " I was melted,
and stopped, and repeated the cry, ' Lord
Jesus, come quickly!'"

'00000-

THE PROFIT OF WORKING FOR CHRIST.

A MINISTER went to a camp meeting,
pleading with God for a convincing evi-
dence of full redemption in Jesus. After
listening to several discourses, he made up
his mind to work/or God. While laboring
in prayer for the salvation of some friends
in the prayer circle, he says, '' I felt my
soul filled unutterablv full of gloTyand of
God Such a view of God's goodness and

r>i

iKiisoxAL Eri'oirr.

mercy I never had before. With the poet
I could say,-r--

' 'Twns Gflory in my sou].
'Twas j,'lory'all around.' "

-00000-

•■jm
I*

A FATITEil CONVERTPJ) THROUGH THE LABORS

OF m^ CHHJ).

At a Wesleyan class meetino-j a man

rose and addressed the leader thus: *' 1

am very thankful to God, and to you, for
your Sunday school. My son, who now
sits beside me, is my spiritual father. He
heard me cursino-, while in a state of drunk-
enness, and said to me, ' O father, my
teacher said to-day, at the Sundav School,
that neither drunkards nor swearers could
enter into heaven.' This so affected my
mmd, that from that time I was enabled, by
the grace of God, to leave oif those wicked
practices; and both myself and my son
are now members of your society."" He
then laid \m hand on his son's head, and
repeated. ■' My son is my spiritual flither."

ANECOuTtlS.

iv,

A (JllILD'S REliUKE SAVING Illrf FATIIEU.

Two years ago, last fall, I sat down one
day at my table to dinner, and commen-
ced eating, as usual, without any reference
to my heavenly Father, who had all my
lifetime fed me upon his Eounties, when
my eldest son, then four years of age,
looked up earnestly into my face, and said,
*' Pa, why don't you thank God before you
eat?" I made no reply at the time, but a
train of thought was set in motion, which
showed me very plainly the sin of living
in unthankfuliMps. Suffice it to say, that
since then I ha^ been enabled to give my-
self to the Savour, and have been for the
last two years engaged in the Sunday
school cause, and hope to be the remaind-
er of my days.

•00000-

A FATHER'S TESTIMONY.

In a village near Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
a man advanced in years related the fol-
lowing fact about himself: —

PERSONAL EFFORT.

" I was a very wicked man — a drunkard
— a swearer — a Sabbath-breaker. My boy
was long- and severely sick. I seldom saw
hinij and never conversed with him in his
sickness until the day of his death.

" On that day, I entered his room, and
seated myself by his bedside. After a
brief silence, he turned his pale face to-
ward me, and said, ^ Father, take me up !'

"I did so. The exertion fatigued him.
On recovering sufficie'^t strength, he raised
his head from my bo< m, seized one of my
hands, and looking with affectionate earn-
estness in my face, he said, ^Ifather, I have
one thing to ask of you before I die. It is
that you will leave off your bad habits, at-
tend chapel, and give your heart to God.
Will you, father?'

*' I attempted to turn the conversation ;
but, rousing himself, he exclaimed with
wonderful energy, ^Father, this will not
do. It is noio or never. Do break off your
sins, and give your heart to God. Will
you, father ? Will you i"

" I replied, ' I will ;' and my heart for
the first time felt broken.

ANECDOTES.

*^ My reply gave my dying boy so much
satisfaction, that he said, ' Now put me to
bed. and let me die!'

"'l placed him in bed, and in five mm-
utes, without a groan or a sigh, he fell
asleep in Jesus.

«^ By the help of God, I have fulfilled
my promise, and am happy in my Saviour's
love. My wife, too, whose heart has been
frequently touched by the entreaties of the
child, is inquiring the way to Zion. Glory
be to God !"

-00000 — —

THE FRurr of the labors of a mere babe.

Little Lea Glaizette was a scholar in
the mission school of Mr. and Mrs. Mas-
son, at St. Jean d'Herans, a village in the
south-east of France. A gentleman who
visited them gives the following account of
this interesting young Christian . —

" A few weeks ago. Lea Glaizette, only
four years old, gave the missionaries the
most cheering evidence of the value of
their labors.

TEllbONAL El'.'QRT.

" This dear child used to take her littfe
bench every day, and sit at the feet of Mrs
Masson, to hear her read the Scriptures, or
relate to her some of the stories from the
^ YmitiVs Friend.'' She used to retire, fre-
quently, to a corner of the old kitchen of
the chateau, where she prayed with great
lervor and simplicity. At the beginnino-
ot last August, an inhabitant of the vif-
lage, Mr, X., was attacked by a nervous
lever. The child heard them speak of this
man with much anxiety, concernino- the
state of his soul; for he appeared to b'^e ap-
proaching his end, but was bitterly op-
posed to the word of God. She immedi-
ately left the house, and penetrated, no one
knows how, to the very chamber of the
sick man, and said to him, ' Mr. X you
are going to die immediately, and you are
going to meet God, and yet you are not
converted ! Shall I pray for you, that the
good God may forgive your sins, and irive
you a new heart?' ^ Yes, if you please,
my little friend.' ' J i ^>

"Immediately this amiable little crca-
WQ kneeled down, and prayed for him

■3

ANECDOTES.

with so much earnestness and fervor, that
he could not restrain his tears, ft is from
him alone that \ve have learned the inci-
dents of this touching" scene ; for, three
days afterwards. Lea was herself attacked
by the same fever, with such violence that,
for forty-nine days, her sufferings were
dreadful; and she then died without re-
covering her reason. From that time, this
enemy of God was changed, and he is now
found a constant hearer of the word of God,
He cannot speak of liltle Lea without
weeping."

-00000-

REV. .TOTTN SITMMERFIELD.

WiiKN this eloquent young divine wns
under deep couviction for sin, in the year
1817, he wandered about, in a state of
deep mentnl agony, through the streets of
the city of Dublin. He was noticed and
accosted by a pious man, — by trade nn
edcfc-tool maker, — who. with the tnct of a
Methodist, and the simplicity of a saint, as-
certained hisstato, and endeavored to com-

PERSONAL EFI'OKT.

i'T

"ri i

fort him, at the same time inviting him to
his house, or rather to his cellar, where he
was about to hold a prayer meeting. The
party assembled consisted chiefly of sol-
diers. Prayer was offered by the different
persons in turn, aud the ease of the provi-
dential interloper was specially presented
before Him with whom the effectual, fer-
vent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much ; and such was the fervor of the
good leader and the soldiers, and so sincere
the contrition and supplication of the pen-
itent, that he that very night found peace
to his soul. Thus, through the personal
efforts of that poor edge-tool maker, was
the elegant, the accomplished Summerfield
led into the liberty of the people of God.

fOOOOO-

A WHOLE VILLAGE CONVERTED BY TIIE GIFl*

OF A TRACT.

A MISSIONARY gave away a number of
tracts at a fair held in a Javanese town.
Three years afterwards, one of these tracts
fell into the hands of a priest. He read it^

A.^iGCDOTEF.

and was convinced that ho was a sinner,
and that the only Saviour to whom he coul'j
iook for help was Jesus Christ, the Son of
Goi

These views ho communicated toothers;
their attention was arrested ; together,
many of them repaired to the house of a
Christian Dutchman for further instruc-
tion. Forty of them renounced Moham^
medanism, and embraced Christianity;
and many others were led to inquire into
the true method of salvation. All this re-
sulted from the gift of a single tract.

-00000-

SUCCESS OF A CHILD'S EFFORT.

A CHILD brought a little volume frorr!
the Sabbath school, and laid it on the table,
where her father would be likely to find it.
The perusal of that volume was the means
of converting that once petulant and irrita-
ble father into a meek, mild, and prayerful
disciplo of the Lord Jesus Christ. His
rf^ompaiiion and three children were also
eou verted.

•m

I'iaiiOiXAL i:rroitr

KFl'EtT {){' rEil;-'ONAL C()iNVF.U;^ATk)i\ WITH

TIIL: SCllOLAllir?.

At the cornrnencemcrit of a new ycar^
thu tecichers of a Sabbath school \Yem
much ailected by the consideruion that
there had beon no conversion in their school
during the year that had gone. Alter much
deliberation on tiie subject, they formed
the solemn resolution to coivversc jjerscnaUi/
with each sclioiar in the schoo], and to be-
^;in this work on the next Sabbath. They
FiiAVED over the subject during the week.

The next Sabbath these teachers met
rheir respective chisses. and began their
personal conversation with their scholars.
They had no need of question-book^-. They
found open ears and tender hearts. Soon
one whole class of youth were melted, and
much interest was manifested throuorh tho
school. 'I'his was the commencement of a
delightful work of grace in that town, in
which seventy were hopefull\r converted.
Sidy our were members of the SabbatI*
.-:choo!, nn(\ forl/j wx^re under twenty ycar?^
v( nnr, and onQ urr,h:r nine.

•^sal^

*\*«W»H»WW***»**^*^-"'

AlSr.Cl)0TK5,

VVJTll

year,

1 that
school
much
ormed
cnaUi/
to bc-
They
week.
s met

their
lulars.
'i'hey

h)00li
.1, and
"h tho

it of li

/n, in
erted.
ubaili
vear?^

« .xMvr^ I \MB RECOVERED
THE STRA^l^*^ LAiHo ivA^

was riding along the h^hway he av^^ ^
young woman standing a the Q ^^_

farm-house, ^^'hom he knew to oe ^.^
^^''^ed'^'sTe'di^n "a /eano^'ecognizo
S Fixing a look of s/mpathy «pon her,

'"rHa^Tyou seen a stray lamb pass this

""^No sir," was the inconsiderate reply.
uAreyousuretherehas-ibeennopoor

lost lamb here?"

« I am quite sure, sir."

« And yet," eountinued he, " there has

bpcn one here."

The true meaning of the mm^;er sud-
denly broke upcnrher^-^^^^
into tears, confessed hei^ell to d

a devoted ('hvislian

ri:rtSOi\AL EiroiiT.

TlMEiy KEl'ltoOF.

'si, „ "'^"''' ^ou remember Mr

" Yes, very well.'

"No."

'^It was a sad hahi* • Imf u

his loveK,f story te tin V- and .f.r'^. °"- '^
bad habit, a very bad Inh^ f •'' '° '' ^

the o-o<!n I F u '" "" ^ minister of

spiriK;go.d^^5\r.7 '"',''^ ^"'■"-'

bnn^,- o„i ^' "° 'lierefore took to
Huzaijty, (or he, yon knou-, pjr. ^va? mti-h

ANECDOTES.

for

older than I was; yet, being per ualcl
that the ruin of his character, if not of his
peac ;waLevitable,unlcsssomctb.ing was

Ee,'l resolved upon one strong effort for

his rescue. So, the next »i?^;^YHal 1
led, and, as usual, said, Fr'end "aU^ i
will thank you for a glass of brandy ana
water ' I replied, ' Call things by ^eir pro
waiei, i. '"^F ) . ,, j^ g jjs much as
per names, and you snau u'lvv

vou please.' „

cc ' Why, don't I employ the right name 1
I ask for a glass of brandy and water.

" c That is the current, but not the appro-
priate name. Ask for a glass of liquid
FreaAd distilled damnation, and you shall
have a gallon !'

tt Poor man ! he turned pale, and tor a
moment seemed struggling with ange
Srknowing that 1 did not mean to msult
S he stret1:hed out his ha-^d, and sa.d,

' I^rother Hall, I thank you from the hot-
torof i-y l-rt.' From that time he

ceased to take brandy and water.

M • li

If)

(

PERSONAL ErFORT.

INCONSISTENCY AND PERSONAL EFFOR'

A SLAVE, who belonged to a youno- gen-
tleman recently from Africa, was laken
sick. His master's brother visited him in
his chamber, and, among other instruction,
read the ten commandments. The poor
lad listened very attentively, and seemed
very anxious to profit by his visitor's labors.

After his recovery, observing the younn-
gentleman, who had taught him freely en-
joying himself in gayety on the Sabbath, he
looked at him, held up his hands, and,sha.
king his head, exclaimed, —

" O massa, massa ! him read me about
keeping Sabbath; him break Sabbath
himself O massa, mas^a !"

00000 •

THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY.

The immediate influence of the labors
of a missionary will, in all probability, be
much less than he anticipates; he will
perhaps go down to the grave as one disap-
pointed of his hope. But^ like Abraham,

V-

•vJ

'J*

.'SlifeSr

•^mmtt*^

'•'■''^-i

ANEtiDOTE!

V-

fonh'ln all sides. He has excitea a spark
whrch will raise a flame through a king-
dom He thinks he has done ^tle but
S!^is in fact, effected that which calcu-
lation 'cannot 'follow. We can scarcely

In ertain "oo contracted an expectation of
entertain loo c ^^ ^^^

the immediate etteci "' "'" , , ■' ,,:
.carcelv too exalted an idea ot their urn
l!<fpfficacv The flame, once excited,
mate eincacy i"° ' Kreast from

.v,nli unread from breast to breasi, uu'"
amu/rf^mily, from village to^viUage,
from region to region ; \« />'"„^i *'°f^i^'em-

£t bllighted from the fire that burns on

*^How ^nUhe faithful missionary rejoice
before the Judge of quick and dead, when
he shall meet, at the right hand of Christ,
^nt r^tracralinc^ individual or two, whom
r ^af td'means of pe-uadjg, m the
A re «f hU ^psh to turn to God, oui per
S a nation o'f converts, to whom, his
scScnial "nd at the time, unpromismg

.■■*^„-ii^i-.,'.^,- ,,.......,

i f

rEUSONAL BnoilT.

labor, had been the on^inal means of bnn-
mg salvation I— Professor Farisk. *

00000-

A SEASONABLE RFPKOOF.

EuENEZEii Adams, an eminent member
of the society of Friends, on visitino^a kd!

v^hM 7 ^ her husband, on a sofa covered
with black cloth, and in all the diVnitvof

and gently taking her by the hand, said,-

for^i v^n r "i ' aV'?' i^'"' '*^°" li^st not yet
lorgiven God Almighty i" ^

vnibo fo?' 3'^>««^diately laid as.^e the
symbols of grief, and again entered unon
the important duties of life. ^

-00000-

PERSONAL EFFORT IN A DAY SCHOOL.

ned on his principles and sense of duty in
Jabonng for the conveision of hisschoirs

msm

Ai^BCUOTES.

v*1

, u „ rhristian fcienil remarked
in a letter that a numbe ^^^^^,_ ^

when in youth, a^^^'^'^i^i^ and to God for
feel under o^^'f'^^^l^Ms for their sal-

^00000

^'- ^Tin^aSSufer^^^^^^^^^ .
worth, went mto a cone ^^^^^^ geveral
for some refreshment^ i ^^^ ^{ the

gentlemen in a box f^^^ ^f the guards,
?oom, one o whom, an oihce ^^^^

swore dreadfully^ hiJwithout much diffi-
could not speak to h.m ^^^^^^ ^^

culty ; he therefore dcsue ^^^ .^ ^^^
cive him a glass o^ J^Carry it to yon
brought, he. «-;^^f;i"J' at, and^desire him

gentleman in ^^0,^^ V°\is oaths." The
To wash his mouth afu^rm ^^^ ^^^j.^^n
officer rose up m a lur>> ^^ ^^^^n^

^" n'o°i "If c^-^^^

crying out, i^^y?

-— .r-.^4S»~-' ;

y.^^!3^S®^

ri^ilSONAL EFFOJIT.

thus restrained, and Mr i^ f °^'"' '^'^'

Some years aftPr k! ' ^'^^^ departed.

don, andClli^f l„''^-»-j^^^^^^^^^ j? Lo„.

gentleman joined him who .ft ^^'■''' ^
versation, iiiquired f he rec'ofer ''""'
seen him before Mr iP°Y^'^^^^ having
the negative ThflL^^'^^y '^P^^ed in

to h.s remembrancer :Se" 'Ifl^'^'i
fee-house. and added " s? V^^ ''°^-

sir,IthankGod,Ihavefea?^r '^^t *™^'
as I have a perfect rp.niff-^" °^^^' ^"d,
rejoiced at seSg ' „ " d ^ ,f y°"' ^
frain from exDTeUr.,^L *^?"''* "«» re-
and you!" ^'^J''''''"^ my gratitude to God

.^; A word spoken in season, how good is

— 00000

DEATII.BED OFAUNIVERSALIST.

Sabbath evening, I wenfaE:oth?hoS

I '.,1

WR-'i:'- ^-"^

wm^

ANECDOTES.

...e 1 had ^fl^\l^!^:i.Ttyo

week P^-^^i^fi^'^^lX the same roof, a
nieeling, and ^^at, under me_^ ^^^^ .^ ^^

man was very ^^^^ J'l^ „/ call, gave
ous, appeared grated J^^^^ees, and

,ne an ^f °^;." . ^ ^eThusband had been a
informed me '.hat &e nu ^^^^

professed Umversal.st bu^ o ^^^^^ ^^^^
Ihought his confidence m ^^^^j a,.

shaken; though ^f^^ ';^°''^„a others, even
gae the.subject wuh her - d^.^ ^^.^^ ,,,

on his sick, and, sne i i ^t, and

. She informed him I w-s P^^ ^^^ he

asked if he wished P;^f^^'„pW_Temark-
did. ItoldhimlwouUlcompy ^^ ^^

ing that, as he ^«««^^^^J^^^^^ eternal God,
must probably soon meet m^^^ He inl-
and asking if he leu p j-
mated that he ditl. experienced

"'^.°n\thtrrvhthiss%keno{

SSfwofd 5 S as essential to salva-

'''''«T<^7Ste1o7thS^^^^^
tohimsclf, 'andbeUeveuu

Christ?'

TEftSONAL EFFOR'

,u "'rP° y°^ '°ve Christ V caiVi r < r u
the One altogether loviy 2 ''"^^- ^' ^'

savedbyw'°''^^'°'"^;IJ^°Petobe
ChrS° ^°" ^'^^''' ^» ^vill be saved by

;;; jf , i think so.'

"TheS„tCa;tt'oet;ttP^^^^^^^
ishment"?' > ""o everlasting pun.

<uw"""°,"?" ''*'»"■' means'

'urnod into he I Jnd afl .r'^'^'-'^'^" ^^
forget God." ' "**^ "=»"ons that

changed?' ^""^ ^^^« '"ay bo

,ified.-^''''' '"''^ '^^' ^ ""d 'hat 1 may be pu-

-^Z^rtar.ittSE,r"^t,^"

sobs and tears His vifn 1 . ' '"""^^'

f^;.

ANECDOTCS.

■ whioli I did Willi Mr. D., a
call again, whioU ^^ ^^iacntly de-

respecting his state ^^^^ ^^^^^j,

4' Alter we leit nimj u^ "^^ , , •

. tv. Pov Mr J., and expressed liib

sation with Y"J-;\^^;' gi,, . Us renuncia-
conviction ot his rum uy an , ^ .

d!lv 'Alin'^^S evidence as ho. could in
fet hours, that he lell asleep m Je.u..
^Ufe of Harlem Page-

■,■00000

- ^riiMONS THE INSTRUMENT OP A-

I 1R14 Mrs C, of Saltash, sister^ to

came a very z^^^^^J^ Uvnthor dwellmg m

Jamaica, lay near her ^^J „^ J,^/ ^^afors
for his sf at^on an^ ^.^ nu.ny^^p^.y^ ^

for the divmc bUo^m^,

ri4

;* '

TKIISONAL EFFOirr,

copy of Mr. Wesley's Sermons. Over
his gift she stUl prayed, in the hope th"t
t would prove to be a seed of salvatln o
her brother. Nor did she hope in vaii
After some t,me, she received the folio "^
"^SSmifying information ; « Now I ale
read Mr Wesley's Sermons," v°to e M.
Drew " I seem to see with new eves '^
He afterwards wrote a detailed account of
his conversion; still ascribing the Irea
change, under God, to that gift ^

^hTSpS^ftl^

■:>oooi>-

liEV. WILLIAM BUAMWEI.L,

The wonderful success of Mr Bram
well as a preacher is well known TZ
not, however, by preaching alone that it

Preachm. 1 ^""''^^VcnouuhffoH with his
preaching, as may be seen by tho follov
jng extracts :— ' " '0'w\,.

^■.urw^\rt:'tm

ANECDOTKi^

'^ It was customary with Mr. Bramwell,
when in the country, to visit the different
families of his hearers, and pray with each
of them. In company, he constantly en-
deavored to redeem the time by the most
profitable exercises. He would not con-
verse on trifling subjects ; but the most
com mon theme of his discourse was, W hat
shall we do to praise the Lord more, to pro-
mote his glory, and obtain greater bless-

mgs

Q?'"

"When Mr. Bramwell preached at
Gomersal, he generally remained all nighi
at our house. As soon as dinner was over,
it was his constant practice to pray m the
family, and then to visit the neighbors from
house to house. In this way he generally
called on seventeen or eighteen different
families before tea, and prayed in each of
them with the utmost fervor. I was ac-
customed to invite a few of our friends,
whose chief desire was to have their souls
blessed, to take tea with Mr. Bramwell in
the afternoon. Affectionate inquiry was
then made into the state of each persori's
mind, Thcv wIjo had not received the

ILilSONAl- EFiOrvT

blessing of justification were urgoJ not to
rest until they were sanctilied, and matlc
new creatures in Christ Jesus."

'00000-

BANCTIPICATION OF REV. GEORGE SMITH

tkm'

Mr. George Smith was stationed at
Ashby de la Zouch, and had heard won
derfuIthiniT^s about the revival at Sheffield.
Having been long in search of the blessing
of sanctification, he resolved to go to the
place where it was reported many others
had received it. lie accordingly set out for
Sheffield, in connpany with Messrs. Craw-
son, Shakespeare, and Keecher. They
arrived early on Saturday, and repaired in
the evening to the band meeting, in Nor-
folk Street chapel. Messrs. Bramwell^
Pipe, Longden, und Miller, were present,
and while they and other able witnesses
gave a clear and scriptural account of the
maaner in which they received the gift of
sanctification, the strangers (Mr, George
f^mith and hi? fricn^l^) ^v^'>rc rnyh alT'.clc'l

A iN EC DOTES.

Mr. Miller perceived it, and, going up to
Mr. Smiih inquired who he was. When
he had been told, he said, "Here is a
travelling preacher, who is come to Shef-
field, and has brought three of his friends
with him, above seventy miles, for the
purpose of receiving ' a clean heart.' " He
exhorted all the faithful to lift up their
hearts in behalf of these earnest and sm-
cere seekers. They began to pray for them ;
when Mr. Smith was so overwhelmed
with the power of the Highest, as instant-
ly to " enter into the sanctifying rest which
remains for the people of God." He then
adopted the advice which our Lord gave
on a different occasion to Peter — -'And
thou, when thou art converted, strengthen
thy brethren." He united in prayer for
those whom he had brought with him;
and while in the act of entreating 'Hhe
very God of peace to sanctify them whol-
ly," and their whole spirit, and soul, and
body might be preserved blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Lord spake the word, and tlicy were madci
partakers of ihc blessino-, '' Being cleansed

PEllSONAL EFFORT.

Irom all iilihiness of the flesh and spirit,
they were enabled to perfect holiness in
the fear of God." On retiirningf home-
ward, " their hearts burned within them
while they talked" of this great salvation.

-00000-

ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAY

About sixteen years since, three pious
brothers covenanted tocfether to observe a
particular day of every week to offer spe-
cial prayer for the conversion of their ag-ed
father. The old gentleman was a strict
moralist^ and one who deemed conversion
unnecessary, and consequently would re-
sist every appeal to repent and yield to be
saved by grace alone. Thus he lived till
eighty years of age. But his faithful sons
would not give him up for lost; they con-
tinued for fifteen years to offer their prayers
before perceiving any visible token of good.
At length, however, to their unspeakable
joy, their aged father, during the past year,
became the subject of G ni's convertin<r

(ts^5^

ANECDOTES.

grace. He publicly professed his faith in
Christ by uniting^ with a Christian church.
A few weeks after this, the old gentleman
sickened and died ; but he left behindliim.
an evidence of God's power and willing-
ness to save to the uttermost all who come
unto him through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In view of facts like the above, let pray-
ing souls take courage, and hold on in well
doing ; for '^ in due season ye shall reap, if
ye faint not."

•00000-

IIARLAN PAGE.

We insert the following extracts from
the Life of Harlan Page,- because they
teach the true principles which alone lead
to successful personal effort : —

" It was the hurdeii of his hearty ayid the
purpose of his life. When engaged in his
usual business, the religious welfare of per-
sons with whose stat3 he had become ac-
quainted, was generally pressing on his
mind ; and it is now known, that, for sev-

r'j

I'EUSONAL EFl'Olir.

cral years before he died, he almost always
had by him a memorandum of the names
and residence of a few iudividuals with
whcun he was to converse. On these he
would call, as he went to and from his
office, or religious meetings; and if no
names icere on this lisf, he felt that he was
doing little good. He also uniformly had
in his hat more or less awakening tracts,
that he might present as he should judge
them adapted to the state of those he met.
Not unfrequently he would seize a few
moments from his usual occupation, to go
out and address some individual ; and when
the business of the day was closed, he has-
tened to some meeting or other religious
engagement for the evening. It is believ-
ed that an entire month has frequently
elapsed, during which he did no sit down
for an hour even in the bosom of his own
family, to relax his mind, or rest.

" When urged, at the close of a day of
fatigue, to spare himself and spend the
evening at home, he would say, ' Don't at-
tempt to persuade me away from duty. I
have m.otivc enough within myself to tempt

ANi:cn>OTE^

•n

mo 10 oiijoy repose with my family ; but that
will not save souls.' A little previous lo
his last sickness,as he returned from church
couching, ho was asked if he had not
spo'ken too much in the Sabbath school.
' Perhaps I hav ,' he replied ; * but how
could I help it, when all eyes were fixed,
and the children seemed to to devour every

word I said V

^' He had the most clear view of the
necessity to every man of being born again,
As soon as an individual came into his
presence, it seemed to be the first question
of his mind, ^ Is this a friend or an enemy
of God?' The next thing was if impeni-
tent, to do something for his conversion ; or
if a Christian, to encourage him in duty.
Whatever else he saw in an individual, ho
felt that it availed him nothing unless ho
had received Christ to his heart by a living
faith. Tiiis he felt and urged to be the
sinner's first, great, and only duty in which
he could be acceptable to God. This was
exemplified at a meeting of his Sabbath
school teachers, when he called on each
to know whether he thought he had a well

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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^ Hpnic
Sci^ces
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

'^^'■'

%> M') ^ /////

r£U&Ox\AL EfTORt.

f} '* <-

grounded hope in Christ, or not , and re^
corded their several replies. Among them
was an amiable young merchant, whom he
highly respected, and who seemed not far
from the kingdom of God.

^'^Have you a hope?' he tenderly in-
quired.

" * No, sir,' was the reply.

" ^ Then I'm to put down your name as
having no hope V

"'Yes, sir.'

'' • Well, f write down your name as hav-
ing no hope.'

"The young man pondered on this
decision and record of his spiritual state,
was troubled, and soon came to our broth-
er, saying, ' I told you to put me down as
having no hope; but I can't say that.'
Fie is now a member of the church, and
a decided supporter of all her institutions.

" He brought his efforts to bear upoii indi-
viduals , and^ folloivcd up impressions made.
All the triumphs of the gospel, he knew,
consists in the conversion and sanctification
of individual ; and he was not satisfied
with merely praying and contributing for

ANECDOTES.

the salvation of the world as a whole, or
having a general impression made on 'the
mmds of a congregation. His intense de-
sire was, that individuals should be turned
from sin to God.

^ " He had a clear sense ofobligaiions, both
in the sinner to repent, and in the Christian
to devote all his powers to God. His heart
was mtent that it should he felt and i7)ime-
diately carried out in an entire consecration
to God.

" ^ Brother,' said he to a lovely Christian
who \yatehed with him, < when you meet
impenitent sinners, don't merely say calm-
ly, "Friend, you are in danger;" but ap-
proach them with a holy violence, and la-
bor to " pull them out of the fire." They
are going to perdition. There is a heaven
and a hell.'

"As a brother from Boston, to whom
several of his letters were addressed, had
called for a h\Y moments, and was about
takmg leave, he asked the dying man if
he had any particular thought on his
mind to express as he bade him farewell.
Ah, I can say nothing/ he replied, 'hm

94 rERSONAl, EFFORT.

what has been repeated over and over ; but
rould I raise my voice to re-h a congre-
nation of sinners, I wou d tell hem their

let shall slide in due t"'"^' " 7.1i/v n"
,lide"-}hero is no escape hut by behevmg

'"<?H?nat only endeavored to alarm im-
penitent men, but to bring them to a deasicm
that thev will he the Lord s.
'^^'fwhL in his native pl«c\l^° XtS;
sent one evening till so late «» hour that hu,
wife remonstrated wuh him for ^nje^s^"
-^hlv taskin<^ his own health, and separat-
S;Celftromhome. '1^ have spent rtns

me ^ said he, ' in trying to persuade jour
ijme, saiu , -. • jjjg heart to

poor impenitent brotncr u b"^
Christ' That impenitent brother was
soon bvoucht to accept of morcy ; pursued
Tcourse o"? theological study, and is now

serving God in the ministry.

00000

lMrOTlT\NT CONSIDERATION.

It is not enough that a Christian does not
hinder the gon>ol- he is to be a "helper to

pi'

• ; but
>ngre-

'-^ shall
ieving

m irn-

lecisio7i

ms ab-
that his
reason-
separat-
cnt this
ie your
heart to
er was
pursued
is now

AN LC DOTES.

1)5

, does not
helper to

ihp iniili," auJ to consider him.-icK lo a ec--
tain extent responsible for the convcrc^^on
of the vvorld. That the church, in hs c„
poratc character is so responsib e, i.s . 4 ,
wily ad.nmed: but it is lo bo fcarcf Aat
many who make that admission do, ever
theless, ose sight of their own in,liSn )
respo„s,b,lity. Men have certai d «t Ls to
perform, and not only with respect to he"

h™Sd 'h-'J '"'""'' '° the^^h.rch and
nrovrt.f '"'.'-' ^' l-e performed by
'•oxy. It IS their duty, undoubtedly as

sri'n^™ TL;zr:i:: rr"' ^••^"

ney to support instyfutfonT /rhl';r
phshment of that object: b.t that does not
absolve them from prayin,. for all me„, o
horn everyone "savin? to his nei<rhbor
and to h.s brother, k„S.v ye the Lord '^
Employing one talent is no lec,i"mate ar
gument for hiding others i„ the emh a.

' ■"W.-.Wii' » "

i'j:rvftONAL EFytniT.

m the conversion of the world ; and that
whatever may be his station in lite, Uoa
calls him as the light of the world to en-
lighten others, and as the salt of the earih
to impart a savor to those with whom Uo
is surrounded.

-EN I? »'^"'

•#*

d ; and that
n life, God
kvorld to en-
of the earih
Lh whom U