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Christ’s Object Lessons
sought out with tender affection and brotherly regard. Men in business
life, in high positions of trust, men with large inventive faculties and
scientific insight, men of genius, teachers of the gospel whose minds
have not been called to the special truths for this time—these should
be the first to hear the call. To them the invitation must be given.
There is a work to be done for the wealthy. They need to be
awakened to their responsibility as those entrusted with the gifts of
heaven. They need to be reminded that they must give an account to
Him who shall judge the living and the dead. The wealthy man needs
your labor in the love and fear of God. Too often he trusts in his riches,
and feels not his danger. The eyes of his mind need to be attracted
to things of enduring value. He needs to recognize the authority of
true goodness, which says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you,
and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find
rest unto your souls; for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
.
Those who stand high in the world for their education, wealth, or
calling, are seldom addressed personally in regard to the interests of
the soul. Many Christian workers hesitate to approach these classes.
But this should not be. If a man were drowning, we would not stand
by and see him perish because he was a lawyer, a merchant, or a judge.
If we saw persons rushing over a precipice, we would not hesitate to
urge them back, whatever might be their position or calling. Neither
should we hesitate to warn men of the peril of the soul.
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None should be neglected because of their apparent devotion to
worldly things. Many in high social positions are heartsore, and sick
of vanity. They are longing for a peace which they have not. In the
very highest ranks of society are those who are hungering and thirsting
for salvation. Many would receive help if the Lord’s workers would
approach them personally, with a kind manner, a heart made tender by
the love of Christ.
The success of the gospel message does not depend upon learned
speeches, eloquent testimonies, or deep arguments. It depends upon
the simplicity of the message and its adaptation to the souls that are
hungering for the bread of life. “What shall I do to be saved?”—this is
the want of the soul.
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