The Assembly of God. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. IIIMackintosh, Charles Henry
Religion
The Assembly of God. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. III
Mackintosh, Charles Henry
Theology
No, no; I believe we want to look seriously into this great practical
subject. It demands the solemn and dispassionate consideration of all
who are engaged in the work. There are dangers on all sides. There are
conflicting opinions on all sides. But I cannot conceive how any
Christian man can be satisfied to shirk the responsibility of looking
after souls. A man may say, "I am not an evangelist; that is not my
line; I am more of a teacher, or a pastor." Well, I understand this; but
will any one tell me that a teacher or pastor may not go forth in
earnest longing after souls? I cannot admit it for a moment. Nay more;
it does not matter in the least what a man's gift is, or even though he
should not possess any prominent gift at all, he can and ought,
nevertheless, to cultivate a longing desire for the salvation of souls.
Would it be right to pass a house on fire, without giving warning, even
though one were not a member of the Fire Brigade? Should we not seek to
save a drowning man, even though we could not command the use of a
patent life-boat? Who in his senses would maintain aught so monstrous?
So, in reference to souls, it is not so much a gift or knowledge of
truth that is needed, as a deep and earnest longing for souls--a keen
sense of their danger, and a desire for their rescue.
Ever, dearest A., Your deeply affectionate yoke-fellow, * * *
LETTER IV.
When I took up my pen to address you in my first letter, I had no idea
that I should have occasion to extend the series to a fourth. However,
the subject is one of intense interest to me; and there are just two or
three points further on which I desire very briefly to touch.
And in the first place I deeply feel our lack of a prayerful spirit in
carrying on the work of evangelization. I have referred to the subject
of the Spirit's work; and also to the place which God's word ought ever
to get; but it strikes me we are very deficient in reference to the
matter of earnest, persevering, believing prayer. This is the true
secret of power. "We," say the apostles, "will give ourselves
continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word."
Here is the order: "Prayer, and the ministry of the Word." Prayer brings
in the power of God; and this is what we want. It is not the power of
eloquence, but the power of God; and this can only be had by waiting
upon Him. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might
He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and
the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall
renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they
shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isa.
xl. 29-31).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account