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SOUL- WINNERS’ SECRETS 
 
 A PRIMARY REVIVAL TEXT-BOOK 
 FOR CHRISTIAN WORKERS 
 
 BY 
 
 G. F. OLIVER. D. D. 
 
 138784 
 
 CINCINNATI: JENNINGS & PYE 
 NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS 
 
RAMEY 
 Bua. 4. 
 
 aM Drgr Sch. R. 
 SEUETY Sug 
 
 ‘ 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Tus booklet contains some conclusions 
 formed during twenty-five years’ study and 
 practice of pastoral evangelism. Revival 
 literature and wide observation of evangel- 
 ists of various denominations have led to 
 the conviction that all good methods are the 
 result of a few principles applied with per- 
 sistent purpose. So instead of enlarging 
 upon details of work we have furnished cer- 
 tain open secrets, with some practical sugges- 
 tions that have proved successful in widely 
 differing fields. These points are prepared 
 with special reference to the Forward Moye- 
 ment of the Epworth League. 
 
 The concise form to which we have been 
 limited forbids the illustration and embel- 
 lishment which perhaps would have rendered 
 
 8 
 
 138784 
 
4 PREFACE. 
 
 these pages more attractive, though not 
 more useful than the thoughtful reader may 
 now find them. 
 
 The topics treated, and the supplemental 
 questions, are designed to furnish a compact 
 Revival Text-book, which the writer humbly 
 hopes may stimulate both the study and 
 practice of soul-winning, especially among 
 Methodist young people. 
 
 Life and leadership are the demands of 
 the opening century. ‘‘The secret of the 
 Lord is with them that fear him; and he 
 will show them his covenant.” ‘The night 
 cometh when no man can work.” Alas for 
 him whose talent the Master, when he 
 cometh, shall find buried! 
 
 If the Lord of the vineyard shall, through 
 these pages, multiply his soul-winners and 
 improve the methods of those already at 
 work, they will prove an answer to the 
 author’s prayer, and bring an ample reward. 
 
 G. F. OLIVER. 
 
 New Philadelphia, Ohio, 1901. 
 
~/" 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 PAGE 
 ee WORTH OW Ae SOUL A accis-sscssssseceocans esccctatcaecsrs 7 
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 BUN RRMPVEWAEs’ SINGIN GS 105; seu ccSertvosescasseseresshdnseterdosin 97 
 Bee UES OM LOA WIE, bias. cpencasosvepseasssecvancceessasensteen 107 
 MITT. TEstTiIMONY AND PRAISB..u.0.....cccsccccsscceessceeess 115 
 XIV CHILDREN’S MBETINGS.Q...0.0.0:ccceccceseseseseaneees 127 
 
 5 
 
SOUL-WINNERS’ SECRETS. 
 
 I. 
 WORTH OF A SOUL. 
 
 No MAN can be a soul-winner who does not 
 highly estimate the worth of asoul. A vision 
 of values is the start of enterprise. vision of a 
 He who can not appreciate the ‘Soul. 
 pearl will not sell his property to buy the 
 field that contains it. The larger vision of 
 a dollar marks the distinction between a 
 spendthrift and a money-maker. The path 
 to knowledge is only trodden by the feet of 
 him who counts all things loss for the excel- 
 lency of the prize. It was this vision of the 
 worth of a soul that suddenly transformed 
 Saul from the relentless destroyer into the 
 
 7 
 
8 Sou.-Winners’ SEoRETs. 
 
 soul-loving missionary. If the game is not 
 worth the powder, who will go gunning? 
 
 An appreciation of the present and future 
 worth of the treasure begets enthusiasm in 
 its pursuit. He who prizes dollars more 
 than knowledge will never be a scholar. Is 
 a soul worth saving? ‘‘He that converteth 
 a sinner from the error of his way shall save 
 a soul from death, and shall hide a multi- 
 tude of sins.”! ‘*They that be wise shall 
 shine as the brightness of the firmament, 
 and they that turn many to righteousness, 
 as the stars, for ever and ever.”? ‘* He that 
 winneth souls is wise.” 
 
 Soul-saving work is wisdom of the highest 
 grade. To be careless of souls is supreme 
 Peril of Neg- folly and eternal forfeit. The 
 
 lect. wail of ‘‘No man careth for my 
 soul,” should strike alarm into every sleeping 
 Christian. Thechildren of Abraham should 
 listen to their father’s telephone message from 
 Dives, ‘‘Send Lazarus to my father’s house, 
 
 I James v, 20. 2Danie) xii, 3. 
 
Worts or A Sout. 9 
 
 for I have five brethren, . . . lest they 
 also come into this place of torment.”’! 
 
 Measure the worth of a soul: 
 
 First. By the price paid for it. Ye are 
 ransomed by the cost of blood; the blood 
 of the spotless Lamb of God has {ts worth 
 infinite value. He would have died Measured. 
 for the lowliest if there had been but one; 
 for he tasted death for every man. If Jesus 
 can afford to die for every soul, you and I 
 can afford to join him in their rescue. If 
 he finds it a good investment to sweat drops 
 of blood, and break his heart over every lost 
 soul lest he perish forever, why should not 
 we lay down our lives for the brethren? If 
 our Master can go without his dinner after 
 a weary journey to lead a guilty Samaritan 
 woman to the well of living water, may not 
 a common disciple employ his busiest hours 
 planning, toiling, and talking to point a 
 wayward soul to the cross of hope? 
 
 For Jesus’ sake it must be done. To 
 ~ 1 Luke xvi, 27, 28. 
 
10 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 undervalue a soul is to discount the blood 
 of atonement. To win a soul is to honor 
 that sacrifice. To prize a soul beyond the 
 body, health, learning, dollars, fame, and 
 the world, is to put a premium on the love 
 of the Christ heart. To slight souls is to 
 spurn Calvary. 
 
 Second. By the immortality it bears. The 
 soul that sinneth, it shall die. The wages 
 of sinis death. True, many souls 
 seem worthless, but Jesus calls 
 back, ‘‘ How much, then, is a man better 
 than a sheep!”! We are tempted to feel 
 that zeal for the weakly one is folly because 
 it is waste labor. The Church will get no 
 profit out of her investment. At best, many 
 souls will prove only bric-a-brac instead of 
 building timber or furniture in the temple 
 of God. Yes, but eternal years, immortal 
 sunshine, everlasting fruitage await the 
 nursery trees that now seem to demand more 
 care than they are worth. The smallest and 
 ~ 1 Matthew xii, 12. 
 
 immortality. 
 
Worth or A Sovt. 11 
 
 most dwarfed soul has an eternal outcome. 
 Babes cost more than they bring at the start, 
 but life is worth the love bestowed on them. 
 The soul-winner shall shine forever, because 
 the soul he wins will never cease to sing and 
 shine forth the praise of the Lamb for sin- 
 ners slain. 
 
 Third. By its possibilities. The Phari- 
 saical zealot will compass land and sea to 
 make one proselyte if that convert 5... sours 
 should promise advantage to his Present 
 Church. Even zealous believers Poss!Mites- 
 fix their covetous eyes upon the man that 
 cometh in with a gold ring, while they exhort 
 the Master or hint to the leader of the meet- 
 ing to send the Canaanitish woman away for 
 she crieth after us. There is a universal 
 appreciation of the value of souls because of 
 money or talents that promise large results 
 for the present life; but when we remember 
 that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, 
 and, further, that he gave special time and 
 effort to this class of souls, we are justified 
 
12 Sour -Winners’ SEORETS. 
 
 in making strong efforts for all men. We 
 dare not undervalue any soul. The fisher- 
 man and the tentmaker become apostles. 
 The most unpromising child may become a 
 future pillar in the Church. The poor boy 
 may become the rich benefactor, while a 
 reformed man often becomes a reformer by 
 the grace of God. 
 
 Besides, the eternal outcome of every soul 
 is only measured by eternal growth and glory. 
 These facts alone ought to make us restless 
 to gather in the lost ones of every class. 
 
 Believing as we do in the eternal doom of 
 the impenitent, to save a soul from eternal 
 
 Heaven’s death is a work to inspire the 
 Philanthropy. most philanthropic heart. It is 
 infinitely greater than zeal for the bodies of 
 men, it is Heaven’s philanthropy. If it is 
 heroic to rescue a life, it is Christly to save 
 asoul. To cheat the grave is an honor, but 
 to people heaven is glorious. This work will 
 add luster to Christ’s crown, and will bring 
 eternal fame and reward to the soul-winner. 
 
Worrts or A Soot. 138 
 
 Supposing that many are fickle, and that 
 multitudes backslide, it is nevertheless a 
 holy work and worthy of angels to prevent 
 sinning for a season. It is worthy of any 
 physician to reduce pain and prolong life, 
 though the patient die at last. How much 
 more blessed to drain the pools of vice for a 
 time, though Satan fill them again! If the 
 Lord can afford to welcome backsliders, we 
 may well labor to bring them home, and go 
 after the truants again and again. This soul 
 love is the genius of success. Itis the vision 
 of the Son of God. It is the primary secret 
 of the soul-winner. Without it we shall be 
 spasmodic or selfish; with it we shall win 
 badges of eternal honor, and lay up treasure 
 in heaven. 
 
 TOPICS OF INQUIRY. 
 
 Give Bible examples of rich and poor sin- 
 ners saved. Whyare poor converts often less 
 popular than rich ones? What is the differ- 
 ence in value between a man’s own soul and 
 
14 Sovt-WinneErs’ SEORETS. 
 
 that of his neighbor? Does human and 
 earthly affection increase the worth of a soul? 
 How far should earthy love control our zeal 
 to save others? Find Bible examples of the 
 love of souls. How awaken a true estimate 
 of the value of a soul? 
 
Il. 
 LOVE OF SOULS. 
 
 THE love of souls essential in a soul-win- 
 ner is a gracious gift. It is never a natural 
 impulse. It is superior tofriend- tq New 
 ship, philanthropy, or kindness. Converts. 
 It is a love of God shed abroad in the heart 
 by the Holy Ghost. It is a divine instinct, 
 a heaven-born inspiration. Young converts 
 have it in its simplicity and heavenly purity. 
 They are often the best workers in a revival. 
 In the gush of their primitive love, see 
 them start for their friends. They can 
 hardly tell why, but they can not stay away. 
 Older members wonder at their boldness. 
 They perceive that they have been with Jesus 
 and learned of him. These newly-commis- 
 
 15 
 
16 Sovt-Winners’ SEoRETs. 
 
 sioned workers produce speedy conviction, 
 and often compel decision. The secret of 
 the Lord, so often hid from the ‘‘ wise and 
 prudent,” is revealed unto babes.! 
 Repeated failures often bring on discour- 
 agement and inaction, while the example of 
 Origin ofa °Lder Christians leads to tempta- 
 Burden tion and stagnation; but if the 
 for Souls. divine instinct is maintained, it 
 ripens into a habit and becomes a power for 
 God. Napoleon said that failures instructed 
 but never disheartened him. It is so witha 
 heart bent on learning the soul-winning art. 
 Practice and patience lead to tears of tri- 
 umph, not of despair. Resistance in the 
 sinner often causes heartache and tender- 
 ness in the worker. Then comes on the 
 burden of soul, which is one of the rare se- 
 cret blessings of God. This burden often 
 burns towards an individual soul. It may 
 include a perfect stranger, or compass one 
 or more friends. It is a weight of love on 
 1 Matt. xi, 25. 
 
Love or Sovts. 1? 
 
 the heart. If it is fostered in prayer it 
 abides in hope. It may take a more general 
 form, and then the soul of convert or pastor 
 is lovingly distressed for a League, a Sunday- 
 school, a class, a Church, or a whole city. 
 It is not manufactured, it comes. It is the 
 Divine consequence of following the Spirit. 
 He who enters an open door of opportunity 
 and talks with God will find the burden on 
 him unawares. He will find it in duty, in 
 prayer, in active persuasion, or in his 
 thoughts for other souls. 
 
 This love of souls must exist in the ferm 
 of a lively, though variable, impulse before 
 plans will be born or effort made i ove 
 ‘for their salvation. Christ’s own Crystals. 
 heart is forever full of this love. He wills 
 not that any perish. If his mind be in us 
 we, too, will yearn with loving solicitude for 
 the salvation of the perishing. As Jesus 
 wept over Jerusalem, and Paul warned men 
 day and night with tears, we ought to share 
 the burden of the world’s need with more or 
 
 2 
 
18 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 less painful interest. The genuine love of 
 God contains some love of souls. A general 
 desire for their rescue includes the crystals 
 of effort in solution. The intensity of spir- 
 itual life will prompt toward loving methods 
 for other hearts. 
 
 Two suggestions follow these statements. 
 To secure this love there must be the prac- 
 The Practice *1ce Of evangelism. The fisher- 
 
 of Winning man will soon lose the relish for 
 
 Souls. fishing if he does not follow up 
 his impulses in actual excursions to the river 
 or lake. This precludes mere spasmodic or 
 occasional effort for revival. It is these 
 long vacations from evangelistic effort that 
 cause rusty indolence. There may be seasons 
 of regular service, or hours of faithful and 
 formal worship; but if there be no inspira- 
 tion to ply the art of soul-saving, let us not 
 wonder that even sincere Christians lose 
 zest, if not all fitness for winning souls. Let 
 us not find fault if days, and often weeks, of 
 special effort are necessary before fruit ap- 
 
Love oF Sovts. ‘19 
 
 pears. Preachers and leaders must substi- 
 tute the habit for the spasm of evangelism. 
 We must grow in this grace by using the in- 
 itial instinct for soul-winning. Personal 
 effort must certainly be persistent and 
 chronic. We shall learn the trade only by 
 working it. Love for our calling is the 
 secret of success; but love of the work can 
 never be maintained without a growing love 
 of souls. 
 
 The second condition of progress is the 
 renewal and quickening of soul love by close 
 communion with God. Ashuman guickening 
 love is kept aglow by compan- Power. 
 ionship, so Christ’s fellowship alone can re- » 
 new a perfect love in the heart. The quick- 
 ening of the conscience is secured not by 
 logic or facts, but by the touch of the Holy 
 Spirit. This is why the disciples needed 
 power from on high to prepare them for the 
 primitive revival of Pentecost. It is a 
 necessity that frequent supplies of the Spirit 
 be sought and found. There can be no real 
 
20 Sout-WIinners’ SECRETS. 
 
 revival spirit without the graces and gifts of 
 the Holy Spirit. 
 
 This heart’s desire of Paul, that Israel 
 might be saved, which made him willing to 
 
 Agonizing be accursed for his brethren’s 
 
 for Souls. sake, and to be made all things 
 to all men that he might by all means save 
 some,! must abide as the ruling passion of 
 the average worker. This longing for the 
 salvation of souls, which made Moses willing 
 to be blotted out of God’s book if his people 
 be not pardoned,—this is the prophetic se- 
 cret of victory. When Jacob cries out, ‘‘I 
 will not let thee go except thou bless me,” 
 his blessing is near at hand; and when Zion 
 travaileth in pain she bringeth forth chil- 
 dren. When John Knox prays, ‘‘Give me 
 Scotland or I die;” or Whitefield cries, 
 “¢ Give me souls or take my soul,” the world 
 must soon know the blessing of such heart 
 burdens. The intensity of the burden usually 
 gives type to the conviction wrought, as well 
 11 Gor.ix, 22 4Ex.xxxii,32. Isa, Ixyi, 8. 
 
Love or Sovuts. ‘27 
 
 as clearness in the blessings received by the 
 inquirer. The power of this love for others 
 is the operation of the love of God through 
 us. The soul-winner’s love for souls usually 
 precedes the Savior’s visits. The general 
 impulse, or particular yearning for souls, 
 will crystallize into blessings. They never 
 fail. 
 
 President Finney speaks of a certain town 
 where there had been no revival for many 
 years. The Church was nearly run out, and 
 desolation reigned. In a retired part of the 
 town there lived an aged blacksmith, of 
 stammering tongue. On one Friday his 
 mind became greatly burdened for the 
 Church and the impenitent. His anxiety 
 increased till he locked up his shop that he 
 might spend the afternoon in prayer. He 
 called on his minister and desired him to 
 appoint a meeting. It was done, and the 
 house was filled with interested people. All 
 was silent for a time, until one sinner broke 
 out in tears and asked for prayers. Another 
 
22 SouL-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 followed, and another, until the whole town 
 was stirred, and what was remarkable, they 
 all dated their conviction at the hour when 
 the old man was praying in his shop. A 
 powerful revival foliowed. 
 
 The evangelistic passion permits us to see 
 the travail of Christ’s soul, but it leads us, 
 also, to behold with confidence the coming 
 conquest. Without it we shall not have cer- 
 tainty. With this fire aglow on our heart- 
 altars, we shall receive Heayen’s first dis- 
 patches of things to come. 
 
 The importance and wisdom of this en- 
 thusiasm for souls, as contrasted with ex- 
 
 Pitchers Citement over mere things, is fitly 
 
 or Souls? jllustrated by Joseph Cook. An 
 unlettered but celebrated evangelist was ac- 
 cused, in the presence of Harvard College, 
 of leading audiences into excitement. ‘I 
 have heard,” he replied, ‘‘of a traveler who 
 saw at the roadside a woman weeping and 
 beating her breast. He ran to her and 
 asked, ‘What can I do for you?’ ‘My child 
 
Lover or Souts. 23 
 
 is in the well!’ With swift dispatch the 
 child was rescued. Further on this same 
 traveler met another woman wailing also. 
 He came to her relief, and cried, ‘ What is 
 your anguish?’ ‘My pitcher is in the well!’ 
 she cried, ‘My pitcher is in the well!’ 
 Our great social and political excitements 
 are about pitchers in wells. Our religious 
 burdens should be to rescue the children 
 and souls.” 
 
 POINTS FOR INQUIRY. 
 
 Does the lack of soul-burden indicate a 
 want of spirituality or personal piety? May 
 the burden of anxiety for others be lifted by 
 prayer and changed to praise ? Who is most 
 responsible for a prophetic burden for a re- 
 vival? Name Scripture examples of deep 
 heart-burden. Should I be as greatly bur- 
 dened for the restoration or sanctification of 
 believers as for the conversion of the world- 
 ling? Is it selfish to desire the salvation of 
 my own kindred before all others ? 
 
III. 
 THE SOUL-WINNER’S LIBERTY. 
 
 IF there is one word which may be called 
 the key to success in soul-winning, that word 
 
 Value of iSireedom. It implies both cour- 
 
 Spiritual age and aptness. Whatever of 
 
 Freedom. native forwardness and winsome- 
 ness may be useful, the chief element of 
 preparation is spiritual life. To win a soul 
 to Christ, we must first know him. The 
 Andrews and Philips must be able to say to 
 their brothers: ‘*‘ We have found him of whom 
 Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, 
 Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”? A 
 stream can not rise higher than the fountain. 
 If you would save others, you must first be 
 
 ijJohn 1, 45. 
 24 
 
Tur Sovu.-Winner’s LIBERTY. 25 
 
 saved yourself. ‘Whom the Son makes 
 free, is free indeed.” A clear conversion is 
 usually attended with much liberty of spirit 
 on behalf of others; but if by disuse, or for 
 other cause, there is a conscious bondage of 
 fear, there can be no progress in leading a 
 soul to Jesus. 
 
 There must be, moreover, a joyous type of | 
 life. With many Christians full of good 
 desires, there is little joyfulness of spirit. 
 They need to pray, ‘‘Restore unto me the 
 joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy 
 free spirit; then will I teach transgressors 
 thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto 
 thee.”! This is the normal and healthy 
 state of Christian life. If there be not in 
 pastor or leader of public and personal revival 
 work this exultant freedom of soul, there 
 can be but little triumph. It must be sought; 
 it may be found. No training in methods, 
 nor instruction in doctrine, nor memorizing 
 of Scripture will suffice. There must dwell in 
 7 Psa, H, 12-13, 
 
26 Sout -WInnErs’ SEcRETs. 
 
 the soul that power from on high which i is 
 the fruit of the Spirit. 
 With many regenerated believers who 
 enjoy peace and long for power, there is a 
 Inner Conscious carnal bondage. They 
 Fetters. are fettered by fear of faces or 
 consequences. They wish they could speak 
 to souls about Christ. They even long for 
 freedom to do public work. Where there is 
 such lack of liberty the only deliverance 
 from the embarrassment is found primarily 
 in the Pentecostal baptism with the Holy 
 Ghost. The coal of holy fire laid upon the 
 lips of the humblest worker, will make a 
 revivalist out of every child of God, and will 
 constrain him to say with Isaiah, ‘‘ Here am 
 I, send me.” Full salvation is the best cure 
 for backwardness and slavish timidity. It 
 suddenly gives boldness and power, as well 
 A Personal 2S readiness of utterance, which 
 Pentecost can come only in faint imitation 
 Necded. after long years of effort. The 
 Holy Ghost alone can give the freedom of 
 
Tue Sovut-Winner’s Lizerty. 27 
 
 action which results in access to hearts, and 
 success in the work. Perfect love casteth 
 out fear. This is the mission of the holiness 
 meetings of the Salvation Army. It ought 
 to be the purpose of all our Conferences, our 
 Leagues and consecration services. If they 
 fall short of leading believers to their Pente- 
 cost, they will fail to graduate revivalists. 
 Fear will still haunt the worker, and failure 
 follow him. ‘‘ Tarry ye in the city of Jeru- 
 salem until ye be endued with power from 
 on high.”? This is the Master’s universal 
 call to the upper room. To despise it, is to 
 court defeat, or work with weights and chains. 
 Charles Wesley’s hymn is the preface prayer 
 for every ambitious soul-lover. 
 Breathe, O breathe, thy loving Spirit, 
 Into every troubled breast— 
 Let us all in thee inherit, 
 Let us find that second rest. 
 Take away our bent to sinning, 
 Alpha and Omega be— 
 
 End of faith as its beginning, 
 Set our hearts at liberty. 
 
 1 Luke xxiv, 49. 
 
28 Sovu.-Winners’ SECRETs. 
 
 This soul liberty is identical with the 
 abundance of life so often admitted as the 
 pressing need of believers. It is the prep- 
 aration so much in demand for effective 
 Christian work, private or public. This qual- 
 ification is the Spirit-signed diploma of the 
 soul-winner. Alas! it is frequently least 
 manifest among the outfit of strong-minded 
 and gifted members of the Church. Moses 
 protested that he was a man ‘‘ of slow speech 
 and of a slow tongue.” He wished the bur- 
 den might rest on his more eloquent brother, 
 Aaron.! Isaiah shrank from the burden of 
 prophecy until his heart was cleansed.? 
 Jeremiah cried out, ‘‘ Ah, Lord God! behold 
 I can not speak; for I am a child.” Only 
 was he without excuse when the Lord put 
 
 Notable forth his hand and touched his 
 
 sti vf lips and said, ‘‘Behold, I have put 
 Deliverance. my words in thy mouth.”® Even 
 the apostles found themselves fearful and 
 incompetent until they were filled with the 
 
 1x. iv, 10-17. 2 Isaiah vi, 5-8. 8 Jer. i, 7-10. 
 
Tue Sovt-Wriyner’s Liserty. 29 
 
 Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other 
 tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 
 
 This inner deliverance from excessive 
 caution, disastrous propriety and self care, 
 leaves the worker restful and confident. He 
 sees that sin is cowardly, and that sinners are 
 not to be feared. One such worker is a 
 majority with God. He is bold without 
 bravado, unmoved in the presence of the 
 stoniest hearts, and victorious before all 
 armies. This is, indeed, the ‘glorious 
 liberty of the children of God.” 
 
 Even the blessing of freedom is liberty in 
 embryo; it must be exercised. He only who 
 walks in the light of opportunity can enjoy 
 freedom in dealing with souls. He who fol- 
 lows his light shall know the truth, and the 
 truth shall make him free.? 
 
 FOR FURTHER INQUIRY. 
 
 Shall fettered and reticent souls be pushed 
 forward in revivals? Will the Pentecostal 
 
 1 Acts Ii, 4-6. 2 John vili, 82. 
 
30 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 grace destroy all timidity? Are all workers 
 promised equal freedom in work? How far 
 do inherited defects excuse Christians from 
 activity? What destroys a Christian’s 
 liberty ? 
 
TV. 
 FAITH IN GOD. 
 
 Gop is the Supreme Revivalist. The Holy 
 Spirit is the Chief Soul-winner. All seasons 
 are his, and he is no respecter of od the 
 persons. Weare laborers together Revivallst. 
 with God. A genuine revival is a divine 
 commotion in human hearts. It may occur 
 whenever and wherever needed. Conditions 
 vary the results, but there is a supernatural 
 factor in every work of grace. God is a 
 Wonder-worker, and with God all things are 
 possible. To believe is to see great and 
 marvelous things which thou knewest not, 
 but Christ’s miracles were abridged or 
 thwarted by the distrust of his friends. To 
 expect nothing, or only average things in 
 regular and ordinary ways, is to grieve the 
 Spirit and fail. 
 
 31 
 
32 SouL-WinneErs’ SEORETS. 
 
 Every soul-winner must find the secret of 
 faith, nor will he find it as a gift apart from 
 Winning ‘faith for his own salvation. While 
 Faith. working faith is a divine gift 
 granted to some and denied to others, it is a 
 special gift to those who enlarge upon their 
 grace of faith. To him that hath shall be 
 given, and from him that hath not, shall be 
 taken away even that which he hath. 
 He who would win souls must believe in 
 the power of God to save all cases. He must 
 Faith in pend with bold confidence upon 
 God's the Holy Ghost. Itis God which 
 Power. worketh in you both to will and to 
 do of his good pleasure.1 When he has 
 come to you he will convict the world of sin, 
 of righteousness and judgment.? If God be 
 our dependence, a revival is possible in any 
 soul or any Church. The soul-winner gets 
 this abiding conviction, and looks away from 
 circumstances and signs to the Omnipotent 
 Savior, and believes in the divine Word that 
 “Philippians ii, 18. 2John xvi, 8 
 
Farr 1x Gop. 33 
 
 \ 
 
 is quick and powerful, and will accomplish 
 that whereunto it is sent. He believes in 
 the value of revivals as a providential net, 
 and in personal work as a hook-and-line 
 process of fishing for men. He has faith 
 that the vilest may be rescued, and probably 
 will be. He does not doubt the return of 
 any backslider, but has confidence for the 
 restoration for even the fickle and feeble- 
 minded. He believes that Christians may be 
 sanctified wholly, and assumes that some will 
 seek the grace of perfect love. He is espe- 
 cially confident that children and youth may 
 be converted, and at a very early age anchored 
 safely in the Church. He rests in these facts 
 so strongly, that all objecting voices move 
 him only to pity and prayer, but never to 
 retreat. 
 
 The good fight of faith is the conquest for 
 immediate results. Martha had faith enough 
 to say in response to Jesus’ cheer- the Fight 
 ing words, ‘‘ Thy brother shall of Falth. 
 rise again,” ‘‘I know that he shall rise 
 
 8 
 
384 SouL-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 again in the resurrection at the last day.” 
 Last-day and future-day faith abounds 
 . everywhere, but the faith that cries, ‘* Now 
 is the accepted time; now is the day of sal- 
 vation,”—this is the faith that pleases God, 
 and hastens the coming of the Son of man. 
 
 Saving faith well exercised in soul-saving 
 work will prove worthy of the superadded 
 
 The ait gift of faith. If God can trust 
 
 of Faith. us, he will impart to us the du- 
 plicate of the faith of those that ‘‘ obtained 
 promises, stopped the mouths of lions, . . . 
 out of weakness were made strong, waxed 
 valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies 
 of the aliens.”! The living mustard-seed of 
 faith planted in God’s love and the prom- 
 ises soon springs up to shelter and save the 
 masses. He who possesses this living faith, 
 goes to a soul, a Church, a meeting, not 
 wondering whether any sign of much inter- 
 est will appear, but expecting tokens for 
 good on every hand. Blessed are ye that 
 ~ Heb. xi, 88-84. 
 
Farrn ty Gop. , 35 
 
 sow beside all waters, that send forth thither 
 the feet of the ox and the ass. There must 
 be a chronic and invincible habit of faith in 
 God. ‘‘ Your labor is not in vain in the 
 Lord; therefore, my beloved brethren, be 
 ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding 
 in the work of the Lord.” ? 
 
 This soul-winning work is emphatically 
 the work of the Lord. All other phases of 
 Christian activity are only secondary or 
 tributary. He who walks close to his Cap- 
 tain henceforth will be known as a soul- 
 winner. As when the soul seeks Christ, he 
 must first believe and then receive; so in the 
 work of revival, we must first expect and 
 afterwards rejoice. This lesson of faith is 
 the genius of the expert fisherman. He must 
 not—he dare not, look at the surroundings. 
 He who regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 
 Every meeting is a fish pond; every day is an- 
 gling day; every soul is an opportunity. The 
 world is dying for rescuers. We are called 
 “Visalah xxxti, 20. 21 Cor. xv, 58, 
 
36 SouL-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 to believe in the miracle-working and inter- 
 ceding Spirit. We must daily lay our hearty 
 words at Jesus’s cross for his use by the Holy 
 Spirit. Tears first, and thentriumph. ‘‘ He 
 shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, 
 bringing his sheaves with him.” Happy for 
 
 Victory Us if the Master shall speak at 
 
 Certain. last to us as to the Syrophenician 
 woman whose daughter was grievously vexed 
 with a devil: ‘‘O woman, great is thy 
 faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt; 
 and her daughter was made whole from that 
 very hour.” 
 
 FURTHER QUESTIONS. 
 
 Is faith a battle? How come to expect 
 constant victory in revival efforts? The 
 discouragements of faith in apparently fruit- 
 less efforts, how counteract? Find Bible 
 analogies in battles illustrating faith for 
 victory. Why so few leaders of meetings who 
 exhibit faith for immediate soul-saving 
 results? Is there a fanatical or absurd faith ? 
 
 1 Matthew xv, 28. 
 
V. 
 THE ATMOSPHERE OF PRAYER. 
 
 WHEN Rev. James Caughey, during whose 
 seven years’ evangelistic stay in England and 
 Treland nearly twenty-two thou- Knee-work 
 sand persons professed conver- Wins. 
 sion, and nearly ten thousand entered into 
 the rest of full salvation, was asked the se- 
 cret of his remarkable success, he replied, 
 **Knee-work.” He can do all things who 
 prays well. All soul-winners have con- 
 quered on their knees. Wherever the secret 
 of prevailing prayer is found, something su- 
 pernatural will come to pass. In the writer’s 
 early ministry a devout widow was accus- 
 tomed to cheer his heart by the assurance 
 beforehand of a coming revival. At first her 
 words seemed like presumption. Later 
 
 37 
 
388 Sou. -Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 on when we saw the results as proph- 
 esied, he learned that she had taken famil- 
 iar audience with the King in the secret 
 place of the Most High. The secret of the 
 Lord was with this God-fearing saint. 
 
 Prayer is the tropical climate of the soul. 
 As the climate gives character to vegetable 
 life, so the atmosphere of prayer develops 
 the fruits of the Spirit. 
 
 Every sensitive and discerning soul can 
 readily feel the difference between the at- 
 The Prayer Mosphere of prayer and ceremo- 
 
 Climate. nialism. Where the spirit of 
 prayer is diffused through the meeting, like 
 fragrant perfume, it cheers the leader, it 
 mellows the songs, it quickens the hearers, 
 it entertains the hardest sinner. The re- 
 vival climate must be warm and moist. The 
 earnest preacher or humble worker is often 
 disappointed even when his personal and 
 public efforts to enlist souls are all right. 
 He is planting in cold soil, the atmosphere 
 is social or selfish, literary or operatic, but 
 
Tur ArmosPHERS OF PRAYER. »\ 39 
 
 he knows it is not revival weather because 
 united prayer is lacking. 
 
 Herein is one of the most vital factors and 
 conditions for the salvation of souls. It 
 must exist to bring on awaken- yireg 
 ings, decisions, and victory. Prayer 
 There must be united prayer, not Comauers: 
 of all persons, for this ideal condition may 
 not often be realized; but two or more shall 
 agree as to time, place, persons, purpose. 
 ** Tf two of you shall agree on earth as touch- 
 ing anything that they shall ask, it shall be 
 done for them of my Father which is in 
 heaven.”! This was one of the open secrets 
 of Evangelist Dr. Chas. G. Finney. Henever 
 rested until he enlisted one other soul to agon- 
 ize for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on his 
 meetings. On one occasion, after a partic- 
 ularly hard struggle, he was on the floor in 
 prayer after midnight. He overheard and 
 was startled by the sobs and prayers of a 
 godly woman in the same house. She, too, 
 ~ 1Matt, xviii, 19. 
 
40 Sou.-WinneErs’ SEORETS. 
 
 was pleading for an awakening in the same 
 town. With a happy heart he returned to 
 his rest, saying: ‘‘ We have the Scriptural 
 number of two; we shall have a victory.” It 
 came the next day. 
 
 Special prayer hours are invaluable. They 
 concentrate upon the cause in hand. Pri- 
 vate prayer, if protracted and persistent, 
 will raise the thermometer of faith; but 
 united cottage or band prayer hours will 
 never fail to hasten victory. They prepare 
 the way of the Lord. 
 
 As rain is precipitated from clouds filled 
 with vapor, so showers of blessing come 
 from the prayer-clouds surcharged with the 
 vapor of tears and strong crying. Prayer 
 may not be definite as to numbers or per- 
 sons, but it must be with one accord. Rain- 
 storms are sometimes produced by firing of 
 guns, likewise the explosion of truth may 
 bring on a crisis—and it can be brought on. 
 Prayer-meetings may fail, but prevailing 
 prayer,—never. The revival is begun when 
 
Tur ATmosPHERE oF Prayer. 41 
 
 a few saints have decided victory on their 
 knees. Prayer will break the ice of formal- 
 ity about any Church in Christendom. When 
 hearts weary of asking, or slacken their 
 cries, the fruits will ripen slowly. While 
 the atmosphere of prayer is maintained at a 
 healthy heat the revival will go on. Often 
 when a meeting wanes new flames will rise 
 higher than ever if the fresh fuel of prayer 
 be added thereto. The problem of an all- 
 year-round revival in our Leagues and 
 Churches is solved only when we have solved 
 the problem of keeping the prayer-fires 
 burning. 
 
 This state of things, however, can not be 
 maintained by anything short of the inspi- 
 ration of the Holy Ghost. ‘‘ We Holy Ghost 
 know not what we should pray Prayer 
 for as we ought: but the Spirit "ffectue’ 
 itself maketh intercession for us with groan- 
 ings which can not be uttered; and He that 
 searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the 
 mind of the Spirit, because He maketh in- 
 
42 Sovu.-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 tercession for the saints according to the 
 will of God.”! Arbitrary prayer will not 
 win. Inspired prayer always does bring the 
 answer. Praying in the Spirit we discover 
 the mind of God and prove what is his per- 
 fect will. The Holy Spirit is the inspirer 
 of prayer and should ever be the supreme 
 object of our supplication; so it was in the 
 Pentecostal room. The effectual fervent 
 prayer of a righteous man availeth much, 
 says the Apostle James. Elijah prayed 
 earnestly that it might not rain, and it 
 rained not for three years and six months. 
 He prayed again and the heaven gave rain, 
 and the earth brought forth her fruit. Then 
 James continues, as if to encourage soul- 
 winners, and, at the same time, explain the 
 secret of their success: ‘‘ Brethren, if any 
 of you do err from the truth, and one con- 
 vert him, let him know that he which con- 
 verteth a sinner from the error of his way 
 shall save a soul from death, and shall hide 
 1Rom. viii, 26, 27. y 
 
Tue ATMOSPHERE oF PRAYER. 43 
 
 a multitude of sins.”! This is the only way 
 it can be done. 
 
 QUESTION POINTS. 
 
 The cause of unanswered prayer. The 
 value of vocal closet-prayer. Reformation, 
 restitution, and regeneration as antecedents 
 of effectual prayer. Prominent defects of 
 the average prayer-meeting. 
 
 1 James vy, 17-20. 
 
VI. 
 LOYALTY TO THE REVIVAL IDEA. 
 
 THERE can be no marked progress in 
 soul-saving without deep conviction of the 
 
 Revival advantages of revival methods. 
 Enthusiasm. Partiality for particular ways of 
 working is not essential, but fidelity to the 
 revival idea is a necessity. Especially must 
 the leadership of a League or Church be 
 controlled by this enthusiasm. Certainly 
 among Methodists there should be no falter- 
 ing indorsement of the revival principle. 
 Even where formality prevails, or spiritual 
 life is low, or the customs of other Churches 
 dominate, there should be loyalty enough to 
 the precedents and providence of our history 
 to compel the habitual use of revival efforts. 
 
 44 
 
Loyatty To THE RevivaLIpra. 45 
 
 He who discounts the revival or reduces 
 it to the level of mere naturalism reads his- 
 tory to little purpose. All Bible  tistory 
 and Church history shows how Means Much. 
 Providence has brought to pass certain relig- 
 ious awakenings in which soul-winning work 
 has been a necessity. The sincere Bible stu- 
 dent will find much to prompt his zeal as he 
 studies the revival under Moses about 1400 
 B. C.;! under Samuel, 1140 B. C.;? in the 
 days of Jehoshaphat, 940 B. C.;3 and those 
 under Hezekiah and Josiah;* the great re- 
 vival in Ezra’s day;° the primitive Christian 
 revival of John Baptist ;*® and of Pentecostal 
 days.’ Nor can the intelligent reader lose 
 sight of the significance of the revival 
 epoch of the Lutheran Reformation begin- 
 ning 1517; of the Wesleyan revival started 
 1739; of the great awakening in America 
 under Edwards and others in 1740-1744; the 
 
 1Ex. xxxv, xxxvi. 71 Sam.vii. #2 Chron. xvii, 
 42 Chron. xxx-xxxiv. 5Neh. viii. * Matthew iti. 
 TActs ii, vill, xvi. 
 
46 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS, 
 
 great Western revival of 1800-1801; the 
 ante-civil-war revival from 1857 to 1858; 
 the Holiness revival of 1865; the Moody and 
 Sankey revival of later date; and others of 
 like import, though of various degrees of 
 importance. 
 
 It never promotes prosperity to rule out a 
 revival meeting nor to despise the revival 
 
 Makethe SPitit. God has specially com- 
 Revivalidea missioned Methodism as a reyi- 
 Prominent. val Church. All other Churches 
 ought to be in the business. Our young 
 people can not perpetuate Church life or win 
 success except as revivalists. Our chief busi- 
 ness is to save souls; nor isit the business of 
 preachers only. Customs of society and 
 Church circles may have changed; old 
 methods may seem impracticable, other 
 Churches may hold to different methods of 
 progress or adverse standards of activity; but 
 we can not afford to slight our antecedents 
 or be ashamed of our calling. Our theology 
 and hymnology, our history and our profes- 
 
Loyatty To THE RevivatIpga. 47 
 
 sion, all constrain us to keep to the front 
 the revival idea. By public and personal 
 agencies we must maintain the revival spirit. 
 We must still get souls saved and educate 
 new soul-winners in the school of the re- 
 vival. Anything short of this is a death 
 knell to all organization and progress. 
 
 The necessity of the hour, the voice of 
 Providence, is now as in the past, ‘‘Awake, 
 thou that sleepest.” The Twen- ur 
 tieth-century call is a call to re- Necessity. 
 vivalism. Instead of apologizing for our pe- 
 culiarities, explaining our failures, faulting 
 our methods, or censuring our workers, let 
 us raise the standard of primitive evangelism, 
 let us follow this principle with loyalty and 
 love so as to get results despite the age we 
 live in or the obstacles we meet. Without it 
 our rural Churches must rapidly decline and 
 our city Churches grow corrupt. We must 
 succeed in adding to the Church daily such 
 as are being saved, or our candlestick will 
 be removed out of its place in history. 
 
48 Sou.-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 FOR ADDITIONAL LIGHT. 
 
 Greatest Bible evangelist. Modern reviv- 
 alists and soul-winners. What proportion 
 of Methodists have been converted in reviv- 
 als? What points in Methodist theology are 
 of special encouragement to soul-winners ? 
 Revivals as the birthplace of hymns. How 
 turn the tide in city and country toward 
 evangelism ? 
 
Vil. 
 REVIVAL DISCOURSE. 
 
 In every century it has ‘*‘ pleased God by 
 the foolishness of preaching, to save them 
 that believe.” It matters not ,,. Staple 
 whether the crowd be great, as of Gospel 
 in the case of Jonah, John the D!scourse- 
 Baptist and Peter; or consist of but one 
 hearer, as when Jesus taught the Samar- 
 itan woman, when Philip preached to the 
 eunuch, or Paul to the jailer at Philippi. 
 It is an ordained method of leading souls to 
 repentance and faith through proclamation 
 of divine truth. Preaching must enter as a 
 prime factor into soul-saving. The art of 
 preparing and using open discourse so as to 
 bring results, is well worth the wisest study. 
 
 4 49 
 
50 SouL-WInNERS’ SEORETS. 
 
 Of course, only preachers are responsible for 
 the character of sermons, but there is much 
 discourse outside of the pulpit which enters 
 this problem of soul-winning. It behooves 
 every leader of public or social meetings 
 among the laity to put a just value upon the 
 truth in talk and testimony. A few simple 
 rules furnish the key to all soul-winning 
 messages. The public address, whether in 
 pulpit or on platform, in prayer or League 
 service, the effective sermon or exhortation 
 has for its staple essence: 
 First. The Word of God. This is the 
 sword of the Spirit. It is the Word quoted or 
 Exposition. implied not merely as a text, but 
 Is Best. ysed as a message from him. 
 Expository Scripture discourse is nearest the 
 ideal. It will be less likely to become mo- 
 notonous, and will take stronger hold of the 
 conscience. Whoever speaks must ‘‘ preach 
 the preaching ” that God bids. Great soul- 
 saving discourses have usually been born in 
 prayer. The preacher speaks the ‘‘ Thus 
 
Revivat Discourse. ‘51 
 
 saith the Lord.” However well prepared, the 
 letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. If 
 the word spoken be sent of God, it will have a 
 freshness and power above all natural wisdom ; 
 it will not return unto him void, but will 
 accomplish that whereto it issent. Accord- 
 ing to your faith be it unto you. Preach the 
 Word. 
 
 Second. The message must aim to save souls. 
 If not aimed at convincing any one of sin, 
 it will likely hit nobody and be 4 purpose 
 wasted effort. If manifestly de- to Save. 
 signed to entertain, it will not reach the 
 heart. Ifitshows astrong desire to helpand 
 lead some heart to accept Christ, the word will 
 have weight. If from the heart, it will 
 reach some heart. If the address be more to 
 exhibit self than to exalt Jesus, admiration 
 may follow, but not salvation. Itshould be 
 direct without being personal; pointed with- 
 out cant; and plain without being uncouth. 
 
 Third. It should be an adapted message. 
 This means that it will be plain and clear: 
 
52 Sou. -WInNNERS’ SEORETS. 
 
 it will be fitted to the conditions of the meet- 
 ing and the average person present. It will 
 not be merely an exegesis or a thesis, though 
 
 Suited to these have their place. It will 
 the Hearers. he an exposition of the Word 
 Divine. It will be simple and well illu- 
 mined by fact, simile, incident, or testimony. 
 It will not attempt too much at one time. 
 It may be well prepared or spontaneous, 
 but it will be hearty and sincere. It will 
 close before the natural patience of the 
 average hearer is overtaxed. It may indoc- 
 trinate the mind or storm the will; but 
 without being a mere address or a formal 
 oration, it will prove to be a tender and 
 faithful appeal to yield to God. If the 
 Spirit leads to the instruction of believers, 
 the meeting should justify the end sought. 
 One or two sinners in a crowd may occa- 
 sionally call for a discourse to them; but 
 adapted address will adjust itself to the 
 greatest good of the greatest number. 
 
 If the burden of the leader’s heart require, 
 
Revivat Discourse. , 53 
 
 or conditions demand it, topics, programs, 
 and preparations may well be laid aside or 
 cut short, in order that the inspired message 
 may have place, and special effort be made 
 to lead asoul toChrist. One of Dr. Finney’s 
 greatest sermons was given him in his open- 
 ing prayer. 
 
 Have faith in the preached Word. Faith 
 makes good sermons. The greatness or fame 
 of the speaker has no more to do Faith helps 
 with the results than the size of Sermons. 
 the gun or fishing tackle with the amount 
 of game. It is not the ordained preacher, 
 but the ordained discourse that helps souls 
 heavenward. Davyid’s pebbles and sling are 
 sometimes honored above Saul’s armor and 
 sword. It is not the rod, but the rod in 
 Moses’s hand that divides the sea and brings 
 the gushing waters from the rock. Far 
 from being a discount of the regular minis- 
 try, this is only a hint at how all the Divine 
 ministry of the Word may be made fruitful. 
 
 Whatever can be done to secure revival 
 
54 Sou. -Winners’ SEORETs. 
 
 discourse is the highest wisdom for any 
 Church. Discourse which convicts of sin 
 Revival 2nd leads to Christ is rarer than 
 Sermons. that which merely instructs or 
 enlists thought. To secure and encourage 
 revival preaching may cost both speaker and 
 hearer the sacrifice of well-formed tastes, 
 popularity, time, and money; but no expen- 
 diture is so fruitful in the end, or insures so 
 great reward. He who learns how to handle 
 his divine sword so as to wound and make 
 alive has learned a rare art. 
 ‘* Preach the Word, be instant in season, 
 out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with 
 Revival 11 longsuffering and doctrine, for 
 Doctrines. the time will come when they will 
 not endure sound doctrine. . . . But watch 
 thou in all things, endure affliction, do the 
 work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy 
 ministry.”! If this was young Timothy’s 
 ‘path to success, why shall we not walk the 
 same road? The late Dr. J. O. Peck gives 
 
 12 Tim. ty, 2-5. 
 
Revrvat Discourse. , 55 
 
 this counsel on revival preaching: ‘‘ Preach 
 the great doctrines of the Bible. Sin, repent- 
 ance, faith, pardon, regeneration, adoption, 
 the witness of the Spirit, and sanctification 
 are the great doctrines in a revival. Preach 
 these doctrines in the spirit of love and ten- 
 derness. . . . Let the compassion of Christ 
 melt every utterance.” History, human na- 
 ture and the Divine nature all teach us that 
 there can be no awakening of the impenitent 
 without alarming visions of the ‘‘ wrath to 
 come.” Nor will formal professors reform 
 without startling glimpses of the doom that 
 impends carelessness, and the disaster which 
 follows a corrupt heart. After studying suc- 
 cessful speakers, and hearing how it is done, 
 it remains of supreme import that the only 
 way to learn how to speak, is to practice one’s 
 commission. The art is learned by habitual 
 exercise. 
 
56 Sovu.-WInnERs’ SECRETS. 
 
 SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT. 
 
 How may gospel discourse be made more 
 helpful? What is the best sermon you ever 
 heard ? Did it kindle your thought or touch 
 your heart, or both? What proportion of 
 public address should be aimed directly at 
 soul-saving ? 
 
VIII. 
 THE ALTAR-CALL. 
 
 SIncE the early days of Methodism the 
 wise use of the altar, or mourners’-bench, 
 has been a marked feature of gos. ana 
 public revival work. In some Use of 
 Churches its use, for good rea- ‘eAlter — 
 son or from prejudice, has been largeiy 
 abandoned. Whenever it becomes a fetich, 
 or a relic, like the brazen serpent carried 
 about by Israel until it became an idol, then 
 there may be reason for breaking it to pow- 
 der and calling it Nehushtan;} or, if it be 
 monotonously held out as an only evidence 
 of surrender and path to blessing, it may 
 become a preventive of a full acceptance of 
 the truth during the delivery of the sermon, 
 
 12 Kings xviii, 4. 
 57 
 
58 Sout-Winners’ SECRETS. - 
 
 or in the silent intervals between altar sery- 
 ices. When once guarded against abuse, 
 there still remain many good reasons for its 
 employment as a help to decision and hu- 
 miliation. There is no better draw-net in 
 all the fisherman’s historic outfit. So use- 
 ful has it been found, and so divinely sealed, 
 that it may still be cherished as a providen- 
 tial method and discovery. Those who 
 object to its use are not from among the 
 millions who have had their burdens lifted 
 while prostrate before it. Rather is the ob- 
 jection on behalf of those who find it, not a 
 place of inconvenience to themselves or 
 workers, but a place of confession and sac- 
 rifice. The ruse of Satan is to prevent con- 
 victed persons from public confession and 
 separation. The voice of God cries, ‘‘ Come 
 out from among them and be ye separate 
 and touch not the unclean thing; and I 
 will receive you.”! The philosophy of an 
 altar-call following public discourse, is 
 12 Cor. vi, 17. 
 
Tue Atvrar-Catu. 59 
 
 this: I believe in the Word of God; that it has 
 convinced some; that they ought to confess 
 and forsake sin. If they do, they will find 
 mercy and rest. If they refuse, they will 
 be the worse for hearing the truth. They 
 must be constrained to decide in favor of 
 God and their souls. To refuse or conceal 
 their conviction, is to retreat. To openly ac- 
 knowledge themselves seekers or inquirers, 
 is the first valuable step towards salvation. 
 
 Besides the advantage to the seeking soul 
 in publicly securing the prostration and sep- 
 aration of the heart, it is a con- Gaal 
 venience to bring the seeker and Confession 
 teacher together, face to face, for %** 
 prayer, sympathy, and instruction. The 
 inquiry-room may serve the same end, but 
 the moral advantage upon a gazing world as 
 well as upon the seeker himself is much in 
 favor of open decision, rather than secret 
 surrender. 
 
 In recent years the use of the altar for be- 
 lievers has made it not only a place of pen- 
 
60 Sout - Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 itence, but one of consecration and prayer. 
 To all who find it a trysting-place with the 
 Savior, it becomes unspeakably precious. 
 The Altar ‘Lo those who have been blessed 
 a Blessing. at the altar, and have laid their 
 offerings upon it, it glows with a peculiar 
 charm. As a convenient place of heart- 
 searching and faith, it justifies every call 
 made to rally about it. Where the altar in- 
 vitation is made definitely for distinct classes 
 of persons, there will be no confusion; but 
 the art of so inviting seekers as not to 
 needlessly embarrass those invited, is one 
 of the secrets of method worthy a most care- 
 ful study. A few rules may be of practical 
 value in promoting successful altar services. 
 First. The leader must believe in the altar. 
 Hesitation or apology by the leader of the 
 meeting, or an assumption of prejudice in 
 the congregation, will show itself in defeat. 
 Objections or resistance in some minds will 
 not weigh much if the minister or leader 
 of the service does not advertise it. 
 
Tue Axrar-Catt. 61 
 
 When should an argument in its favor 
 be woven into the appeal ? 
 
 Such arguments, if needed, should come 
 earlier aud when not expected. If presented 
 in connection with the call, they distract 
 attention and divide the motives , 5. outitul 
 for acceptance. All young peo- Piece of 
 ple of Methodism ought to be Furniture: 
 made familiar with the providential and 
 manifest advantages of the altar of prayer. 
 They should be taught to embrace it and 
 honor it, not only for sacramental purposes, 
 but for occasions of renewal, repentance, 
 and consecration. Consequently, the altar 
 service in League and Sunday-school ought 
 to be a frequent fact. Of the Methodist 
 altar, Dr. J. O. Peck says: ‘* Emphasize the 
 use of the altar. It is the most beautiful 
 piece of furniture in the Church. Coming 
 to it is an open burning of the bridges be- 
 hind the sinner. Magnify the altar. It 
 means stronger converts.” 
 
 Second. LExhortation should precede invi- 
 
62 Sout -Winners’ SEORETS. 
 
 tation to the altar. This is sometimes in- 
 cluded in the preceding sermon or address. 
 hs! The soul must be stirred and the 
 
 will moved. The testimony-meet- 
 ing is often the best preface to the altar- 
 call. ‘‘ But if all prophesy, and there come 
 in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, 
 he is convinced of all, he is judged of all; 
 and thus are the secrets of his heart made 
 manifest; and so falling down on his face 
 he will worship God, and report that God is 
 in you of a truth.”! 
 
 Third. The appeal for decision must match 
 the burden of the meeting. If the drift of 
 the meeting is for the backslidden and un- 
 converted, the call should be chiefly to such. 
 If it be a meeting for believers, a call to 
 seek holiness may be the proper course. If 
 both classes are sought, a double call is in 
 order. If the teaching has been definite the 
 call should be correspondingly explicit. If 
 general truth has preceded, a more promis- 
 11 Cor. xiv, 24, 25. 
 
Tur Atrar-Oatu. 63 
 
 cuous invitation for renewed loyalty and 
 fellowship may not be out of place. The 
 leader must discern the spirit of the meet- 
 ing, and never go in advance of the prompt- 
 ings of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Fourth. The appeal must be fownded on 
 God’s Word, the soul’s need, and the claims 
 of conscience. Since the altar-call is designed 
 to crystallize good desires into decision, it 
 should be brief, sympathetic, and yin. sor 
 personal. Nowhere is knowledge the 
 of human nature and keen spir- Comsclence- 
 itual discernment needed so much as at this 
 crisis. As certain souls are slow to action, 
 time must be given by patient persistence. 
 To know when to modify the call from de- 
 cision to prayer, or to prolong the call by 
 the use of a hymn, and yet not burden the 
 halting will, this is an art worthy a life-time 
 study. To crowd the altar-service into a 
 few weary minutes, is a farce. To drag it 
 along to death and defeat, is an equal blun- 
 der. Wait till the fruit is ripe, or ripen it 
 
64 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 by faith, then shake the tree until the fruit 
 falls. 
 
 Fifth. Overcome concealment and con- 
 strain confession. This necessity of method 
 has its root in the Savior’s condition of sal- 
 
 Huntthe VWation, ‘‘ Whosoever, therefore, 
 
 Soul's shall confess me before men, him 
 Hiding-place. +1] I confess also before my 
 Father which is in heaven.”? ‘*He that 
 covereth his sins shall not prosper: but 
 whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall 
 have mercy.”? Concealment and postpone- 
 ment are Satan’s chief methods for defeat- 
 ing souls. Any plan that compromises an 
 open confession by the sinner cheapens sal- 
 vation. To yield to objections at this point 
 is to build with untempered mortar. The 
 revivalist will find little objection to con- 
 certed or ritualistic confession of sin; but 
 the protest against methods comes in when 
 any pressure is brought to secure immediate 
 and individual decision. Hold to this prin- 
 "I Matt. x, 82,98. 2 Proy. xxviti, 18. 
 
Tur Atrar-Catt. , 65 
 
 ciple, that the individual sinner must make 
 a confession equal to the character of his 
 sinfulness. Likewise, it is equally fair and 
 necessary that the heartsick believer should 
 humble himself on the discovery of his heart’s 
 need. Neither class has any Divine permis- 
 sion to evade the facts. 
 
 Of course, the confession must be a vol- 
 untary act. It is more agreeable, and per- 
 haps wiser, to secure the decision yo, rests 
 without any test that may provoke are 
 opposition among the rebellious 2ust"ble- 
 or unconvicted persons present. Neverthe- 
 less, where conviction prevails, it often helps 
 the hesitant and awakens the careless to put 
 such tests as compel acknowledgment of the 
 facts in the case. ‘‘He who is not for me 
 is against me,” may sometimes be enforced 
 by compelling a stand for or against the 
 truth. In the use of these constraining 
 methods, against which there are often just 
 objections, there needs be great tenderness, 
 faith, and courage. They are fatal if pre- 
 
 5 
 
66 Sout - Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 mature, but effective when commended by 
 the Spirit’s power. Out of place, they cor- 
 rode like the driving of a rusty nail. At 
 the crucial moment they are as the surgeon’s 
 knife; hence, tests must neither be used in- 
 discriminately, nor branded as a foolish tres- 
 pass on individual rights. 
 
 Sixth. Secure concession from the largest 
 number. Slight yielding is better than rigid 
 
 Partial Yesistance. Initial confession is 
 
 Yielding. often a step towards final sur- 
 render. To secure a confession of Church 
 membership, of good desires, and hunger 
 for a better experience, of interest in the 
 revival, of a wish for prayers, of sympathy 
 with the truth uttered,—all this may occa- 
 sionally lead to more thorough surrender. 
 While such expressions encourage the mem- 
 ber and raise the temperature of the meeting, 
 they are a miserable substitute for penitence 
 and saving faith. Thorough consecration 
 and full surrender must be made by some 
 hearts before the real note of victory is 
 
Tue Axrrar-Ca.Lu. ‘67 
 
 sounded. Get the people to move forward, 
 or respond up to the measure of their convic- 
 tion. From among these sift out those who 
 are ready to seek the Lord in earnest, hum- 
 ble prayer. Rally rather than disintegrate 
 the congregation, but never do it at the ex- 
 pense of truth as to their spiritual state. 
 Seventh. Adopt surprises without sensa- 
 tionalism. Masked batteries are the order 
 of modern warfare. The enemy , FILE? BP 
 is defeated by withholding your of 
 designs. Do not advertise what Surprises: 
 you intend to do or say. Sinners, easily 
 fence against monotonous calls. Satan is 
 best overcome by surprises, both as to the 
 form and the time of the call to the altar. 
 The unexpected move is as important in the 
 revival as in war. The Holy Spirit is more 
 likely to indorse sensible methods in accord 
 with human nature than absurd ones. In 
 all this it must be assumed that the general- 
 ship of the service is under the special con- 
 trol of the Spirit of God. Every tactic 
 
68 Sout-Winners’ SEORETs. 
 
 must prove disappointing unless it has the 
 stamp of inspiration. The prayer telephone 
 must be in good working order. 
 Eighth. Avoid distraction in the moment 
 of decision. Beware of the innocent jani- 
 Distractions Or. Hold him still while souls 
 ina are in the balance. By previous 
 Crisis: yequest, prevent the scattering 
 of the congregation at this crisis. Shorten 
 the discourse, song, and prayer, but hold 
 your crowd until the invitation is fully made. 
 Renewed appeals should. be given, but usu- 
 ally strange voices appeal to curiosity rather 
 than conscience. Beware of marked diver- 
 sions, of rhetoric, humor, or even song. 
 Hold every exercise, word, and prayer to the 
 one line. Concentration means victory, dis- 
 traction brings defeat. 
 
 QUESTIONS FOR REFERENCE. 
 
 Why are altar-calls for Church members 
 more criticised than those for sinners ? 
 What are the merits for the private and 
 
Tue Attar Catt, _ 1. 69 
 
 public inquiry-room as contrasted with a 
 Methodist altar? Whence come most ob- 
 jections to methods in revival work? What 
 are the relative advantages of the long and 
 short altar service? May not the best results 
 be often reached during discourse and with- 
 out altar-call ? 
 
TX: 
 PERSONAL PERSUASION. 
 
 THE judicious use of public discourse 
 must never be undervalued or dispensed 
 Superiority With. It is an ordained plan of 
 of Personal God for saving men; but since 
 
 Work. few are called to public address, 
 and all are called to win souls, the art of 
 private persuasion is of much more universal 
 and practical importance. We haye never 
 known a successful pastor or evangelist who 
 did not depend more upon personal work 
 than upon public preaching. As the plow 
 depends upon the seed drill, so the sermon 
 must be followed by personal work. Christ 
 set us the example, and was the Prince of 
 personal workers. The Samaritan woman. 
 
 70 
 
Persona PErRsuasIONn. ae 
 
 Mary Magdalene, James, Peter, Andrew, 
 Nathanael, Zaccheus, and others, each heard 
 his personal call, ‘‘ Follow me.” The fisher- 
 man with hook and line is most needed. 
 Shaking the tree requires a strong hand, 
 but picking the fruit is the choice and tell- 
 ing business after all. Dr. Peck, in the 
 ‘* Revival and the Pastor,” says if he had to 
 win a thousand souls in ten years as a con- 
 dition of his own salvation, and must choose 
 between sermon and personal appeal to win 
 the prize, he would take the latter method 
 as surest of success. 
 
 It is the principle of personal contact. 
 Truth is clinched through the conscience by 
 the touch of direct face to face appeal. 
 Gehazi laid Elisha’s staff upon the Shunam- 
 mite’s child, but he waked not; then the 
 prophet shut the door upon them twain and 
 prayed unto the Lord, but still the lifeless 
 form responded not until he ‘‘ went up and 
 lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon 
 his mouth; and his eyes upon his eyes; and 
 
72 Sout-Winners’ SEORETS. 
 
 his hands upon his hands; and he stretched 
 himself upon the child; and the flesh of the 
 child waxed warm.” This he did again and 
 again, and the child opened his eyes.1 Many 
 a soul dead in trespasses has opened his eyes, 
 not from the touch of any polished staff 
 handed down from the pulpit, but by the 
 hand to hand, and heart to heart invitation 
 of some one sent of God as an angel of res- 
 cue. In the great day, the personal and 
 private worker will get a large share in the 
 commission of rewards usually recorded to 
 the credit of the preacher. 
 
 There are two phases of this kind of work, 
 that of personal appeal in presence of others, 
 
 Public or #24 private conversation. To the 
 
 Private former, not all are adapted; the 
 
 Appeal. latter is a universal duty open to 
 every worker. Both are Scriptural ways of 
 winning souls. Perhaps the question method 
 here will throw most light into a small 
 compass. 
 
 12 Kings iv, 32-86. 
 
PerrsonaL Persvasion. ,aoum 
 
 How shall I know that I ought to invite 
 persons in a public meeting? The occasion, 
 the opportunity, the pulpit call, the neces- 
 sity of something being done, the tow shalt 1 
 scarcity of laborers, the presence Know? 
 of conviction in the audience, and you 
 knowledge of an interested friend, are all 
 evidences of your duty in the case. Any on- 
 of the above may be reason enough for you 
 to start on the errand of persuading a soul. 
 
 Who should do this public work? Not ev- 
 ery one. Those with some heart prepara- 
 tion, some fitness of manner,some whols 
 freshness of experiencc, some Called? 
 spirit of prayer, will succeed best. Forced 
 going, either out of scason or under mere 
 command from the leader of the meeting, 
 will accomplish nothing. Those whose in- 
 consistencies are well known, who are not at 
 peace with their neighbors, or who love their 
 Church more than souls, are candidates for 
 private heart searching and prayer. The 
 impressions of the Holy Spirit often surprise 
 
74 Sout-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 our ideas of propriety, so that if any one 
 feels led to this honor, for there is no greater, 
 let him go. Prayer and faith will overrule 
 his blunders, and better workers may thereby 
 be stimulated to fruit-picking. A warm 
 heart, average sense, a living faith, and socia- 
 bility are usually sufficient preparation for a 
 venture. 
 
 How shall I find the right person in @ 
 congregation? Assume and believe that all 
 are providentially present. Their presence 
 Discovering 12 the meeting is your opportu- 
 the Sertous nity. You have providential lib- 
 
 Soul. erties. Whether you are a leader 
 or a stranger in the meeting, it is your 
 fish-pond. If you are first prayerful and 
 sensitive to the Spirit’s voice you will get 
 a sensible, though often surprising, sug- 
 gestion as to the person. It may be your 
 companion, a nearby friend, a neighbor, a 
 stranger. A sad eye or a heavy-hearted 
 look may settle the question of a start; 
 but if in pliable and prayerful mood, you 
 
PrrsonaL PERSUASION. Vi 
 
 will be well paid if you go forth with little 
 or no light but a loving impulse to call 
 some soul to Christ. A timid woman ap- 
 proached two young men in a revival, only 
 to be bluffed, if not insulted, and driven 
 back to tears and regrets. That very night 
 those two chums were converted in their 
 room through words of that saintly woman. 
 The reaction of their rudeness, with the 
 impression of the Holy Spirit, brought con- 
 viction. Study indications. Watch eyes. 
 Promiscuous approaches to strangers are not 
 generally wise, though people of the same 
 sex and age may fitly forego an introduc- 
 tion in a social or public meeting where the 
 revival atmosphere prevails. Speak in Jesus’s 
 name to those you naturally meet, trusting 
 the Holy Spirit to second and indorse your 
 words. Patient practice will make you a 
 discoverer and a winner. 
 
 With what words shail I approach a soul 
 for Christ’s sake? In a social way. Find 
 common ground. Ask a surface question 
 
76 SouLt-WInneERs’ SECRETS. 
 
 easily answered. The question of Church 
 membership or ordinary greetings may be- 
 gin the invitation. Quickly and without 
 Methods of ergument begin your heart que- 
 Approach. ries: ‘“‘Are you saved?” ‘‘Are 
 you converted?” ‘‘Would you like to 
 be?” ‘Are you thinking cbout a Chris- 
 tian life?” ‘‘Ave you in the light or dark ?” 
 ‘‘Are you at your best for God?” Take no 
 evasion. Change the form of question until 
 you secure a confession either of indifference 
 or seriousness. If certain of the former, 
 pass him quickly, leaving a kind wish or 
 word of warning. If the person be serious, 
 press the ‘“‘ought;” and invite, then urge, 
 warn gently and plainly, using the Word 
 of God freely. Be ready with the Scrip- 
 tures. Argue little. Express your tender 
 wish by look or pressure of the hand, and 
 if possible secure some favorable decision 
 quickly. Go with the inquirer to the altar, 
 or make it easy for him to go. If you 
 finally fail, get his promise to pray alone, 
 
PrrsonaL PERSUASION. 47 
 
 or to confess Christ soon, and prayerfully 
 pass on to another. 
 
 How shall I persuade souls to immediate 
 decision? By tenderness, directness, and 
 courage. Dr. Talmage once said a wise 
 word to some theological students: p.,.uading 
 ‘* Brethren, do not go fishing with to Immediate 
 a crawfish for a bait, a log-chain Pcc!sto™ 
 for a line, a weaver’s beam for a pole, and 
 then scream, ‘Bite, or be lost forever!” 
 Keep yourself out of sight, but discover 
 the condition in the one you approach. If 
 conviction does not prevail, it is not good 
 fishing weather. More prayer is needed, and 
 more truth; but if the soul is ripening and 
 shows serious interest, deal faithfully and 
 plainly. Avoid all flattery. Waive opin- 
 ions and excuses for the most part for 
 protracted interviews. Be bold and pa- 
 tient. Do not hurry when the heart door 
 yields. Ifthe lip trembles, or the tear starts, 
 prayerfully wait. Have inward confidence. 
 Bring your own will and faith to bear upon 
 
78 Soun-Wrnners’ SECRETS. 
 
 your friend. This is a divine lever at your 
 command. When Jesus saw the faith of them 
 that brought him, he said to the sick of the 
 palsy, ‘‘Arise, take up thy bed and walk.” 
 We must help souls to decide by our faith. 
 A patient worker will be a rapid learner. 
 Go to the Spirit’s training-school; you will 
 learn more in three hours’ practice and 
 prayer than in three days’ study of theories 
 and methods. 
 
 How shail Ideal with a serious soul in case of 
 no available public opportunity for confession ? 
 The service} may be dismissed, the altar-work 
 ended, or no meeting at hand. The best time 
 for personal work is when the restraint of crit- 
 
 APrivate icism and consequent resistance 
 Slese. is passed. Whether in Church 
 
 or home, in the shop or store, in field or 
 highway, study first to produce conviction; 
 second, to secure decision. Avert fault- 
 finding. It counteracts the sting of the 
 truth. Kindly compel admission of sinful. 
 ness and the need of Christ. If you dis- 
 
PrrsonaL PEersvasion. G9 
 
 cover a new and divine desire, secure the 
 person’s consent to take the first step to- 
 wards the light. Hold him to the issue of 
 serving Christ or Satan now; of being a rebel 
 or a friend; of obeying God or sin. Scores 
 of devices and words will come to him who 
 studies souls at this crisis. Get your friend 
 to talk. Ask him questions, or tell him in 
 a word how you were sayed. One of the 
 important steps to decision is immediate 
 prayer. The more unexpected, the more 
 effective if consent is given. Make an altar 
 kneeling or standing; but pray. Urge sur- 
 render; do it with God’s words and in your 
 own language. If you see a sign of peni- 
 tence, press your suit. A soul is almost 
 persuaded. Forget the clock and all else 
 if thereby you can get your friend more 
 heart-sick and hungry. Do this sometimes 
 by calling one or more Christians to your 
 side. Possibly a song or silent prayer may 
 increase the burden, and leave a genuine 
 seeking penitent on your hands. Avoid 
 
80 Sovut-Winners’ SEORETs. 
 
 futures; now is God’s word, now is his time. 
 Press immediate decision, and rest the case, 
 if need be, with a solemn promise to seek 
 - Christ until peace is found. 
 
 Name other ways of private persuasion. 
 Out of a full and thoughtful heart, speak 
 often in private conversation of religious 
 
 Secret life. Ask questions about your 
 
 Methods friend’s spiritual enjoyment. A 
 with Souls: jook, a passing hint of former 
 days will often trouble a backslider. Write 
 your friend a letter. Send it by mail, or 
 give in person a book or tract. In unlooked 
 for moments refer to the good news of 
 revivals. Tell of some other soul’s conyer- 
 sion as opportunity affords. Relate an inci- 
 dent, sing a song, offer a prayer. Live in 
 the prayerful desire for the salvation of souls. 
 He that abideth in Him, the same bringeth 
 forth much fruit. One of the most fruitful 
 evangelists we ever knew began her work and 
 became famous as an invalid. ‘‘He that 
 soweth in tears shall reap in joy.” 
 
PrrsonaL PErsvasion. 81 
 
 What of the prolonged neglect of personal 
 soul-saving effort? Certain decline of love 
 and spiritual power. Faith and works must 
 live together. No convert can keep up 
 his primitive joy unless he labors to get 
 others into like grace. He who enjoys 
 perfeot love should patiently seek pou, o¢ ° 
 to bring souls into the same lib- Prolonged 
 erty. We keep the light only by Nesleet- 
 walking in it ourselves, and by helping others 
 into a like experience. Many a League or 
 Church has degenerated from testimony into 
 cold talk, from fervor into frost, because they 
 took a vacation from the soul-winning busi- 
 ness. He who abandons the soul-saving 
 habit will certainly backslide in heart. He 
 will soon become infected with fault-finding, 
 with excuses, and finally with unbelief and 
 spiritual death. It must not be a winter 
 campaign or a three-years’ siege, but a life 
 long and growing habit. This will make us 
 fruitful in old age, and cause our path to 
 shine more and more to the perfect day. It 
 
 6 
 
82 Sovut-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 is not only a question of how we shall save 
 ourselves, but how shall we ourselves escape 
 if we neglect the salvation of others. 
 ‘‘Help me to watch and pray, 
 And on thyself rely; 
 
 Assured if I my trust betray, 
 I shall forever die.” 
 
 THEMES FOR THOUGHT. 
 
 The need of revival training lessons. 
 College classes for Christian evangelism. 
 Symptoms of awakening. Memorize Bible 
 replies for every excuse of sinner or form- 
 alist. Is it as important to get a believer 
 sanctified wholly as to secure the conversion 
 of asinner? What difference in methods of 
 persuasion, if any, is needful in presenting 
 the claims of holiness upon professing Chris- 
 tians? Shall we hold out instantaneous de- 
 liverance as the only type of experience for 
 convicted seekers of pardon and purity? 
 
X. 
 ALTAR WORK. 
 
 Tuis phrase, so familiar to Methodists, 
 implies, first, an altar; second, seekers; 
 third, instructors; fourth, the help and 
 instruction given, together with the accom- 
 panying exercises. 
 
 The altar may be a rude bench, a chair, or 
 a finished chancel; it ought to be a comfort- 
 able kneeling place. Discomfort 
 of body may be a snare of Satan ‘deeae 
 to distract the mind from spirit- Reach 
 ual things. Ventilation should be ; 
 kept good. Bad air or excessive heat will 
 counteract both faith and prayer. The leader 
 of the meeting being largely responsible for 
 
 83 
 
84 Sou, -WInnErs’ SECRETS. 
 
 favorable circumstances should guard against 
 conditions of disaster. The preliminary work 
 having been done, the call made and the way 
 open, those who respond should be sacredly 
 dealt with. The kneeling posture is best, 
 because in keeping with a penitent and 
 humble spirit in the inquirer. Having come 
 alone, or with others, the seeker should be 
 directed by the leader or assistants, and 
 carefully guarded from unwise attentions. 
 Only the best available helpers should be 
 invited to instruct. Objectionable persons 
 and incompetents should be kindly kept a 
 few paces to the rear; but for immediate 
 effect upon the penitent, a preliminary word 
 or touch of sympathy and welcome from a 
 near friend or new convert, will prove very 
 helpful. It cheers and often melts the 
 inquirer to penitence and prayer. Such 
 general instruction to both seekers and 
 workers should be given in advance as will 
 relieve all embarrassments. During this 
 service, others should be frequently urged to 
 
Arar Work. *. 85 
 
 come forward, while those who bow should 
 be pressed speedily into the kingdom. 
 
 Different Methodist communities have 
 produced different types of seekers, as well 
 as various classes. They must be treated 
 according to their specific needs. 
 
 First, there is the emotional seeker. He 
 comes sincerely, but under impulse. He 
 may be under the dominion of Types of 
 the customs of the locality, and Seekers. 
 may not expect immediate blessing. He may 
 further expect considerable noise and sing- 
 ing. Another is the intellectual inquirer, 
 whose head is foremost, who prefers quiet, 
 but whose mind is open to receive instruc- 
 tion and the promises of the Word. Then 
 there is the slow and uncommunicative 
 imquirer or doubter, who wants forms of evi- 
 dence he will never receive. These cases 
 require special and peculiar attention; some 
 of them may even bafile all skill. ~ 
 
 If the trend of the meeting encourages 
 different classes of seekers, sume will come 
 
86 SouL -WINNERS’ SECRETS. 
 
 for pardon, some to be reclaimed, some for 
 restoration of joy, some for heart purity, 
 and some for general blessings. Both the 
 
 Definite type and class of inquirer must 
 
 Seeking. be discerned and prescribed for 
 faithfully and with discretion. As a rule, 
 the more definite and simple the invitation, 
 the more intense the effort of the seeker, 
 and the simpler the instruction given. 
 
 The conduct of a public altar service 
 demands great wisdom and flexibility. Faith 
 The Progress #24 attention must be kept up, 
 
 of the for if these fail, the atmosphere 
 
 Meeting. —_ of unbelief soon depresses the 
 inquirer and prevents progress. The meet- 
 ing must be kept moving. Song, prayer, 
 counsel and periods of holy silence should 
 fill the passing hour in helpful order. One, 
 or at most two leaders should keep every 
 condition before the eye, and follow the 
 mind of the Spirit. All other workers must 
 fall in line with directions given. This will 
 avoid confusion and secure harmony. 
 
Arar Work. 87 
 
 The chief end of a public altar service, 
 where souls are seeking salvation, is to help 
 them into the light as quickly and as thor- 
 oughly as possible. This aim must be 
 wrought, first, by deepening conviction; sec- 
 ond, by perfecting surrender or consecration ; 
 and third, by lifting the eyes to Christ. 
 
 The preface step, therefore, in instruction 
 is to understand the type and class of seeker 
 you approach. First, obtain the 9. stoning 
 confidence of the inquirer and the 
 make him your friend. Find out S¢e**® 
 his mental condition, and what is the burden 
 of his heart. To deepen convictionand lead 
 upon faith ground, nothing succeeds like 
 open confession and audible prayer. By 
 direct questions induce brief acknowledg- 
 ments of sinfulness and need. Begin with 
 plain questions, answerable by yes or no. 
 Then constrain to vocal prayer. Put words 
 in his mouth, if need be, and insist upon 
 prayer. You have nota ripe candidate for 
 blessing until this point is gained. For a 
 
88 Sout -WINNERS’ SECRETS. 
 
 penitent, ‘‘ God be merciful tome a sinner,” 
 is always in order. ‘‘ He is nigh unto all 
 that call upon him,” must be impressed upon 
 his mind. ‘‘ Whosoever shall call upon the 
 name of the Lord shall be saved,” is another 
 useful word of counsel. ‘‘ Him that cometh 
 unto me [ will in no wise cast out,” seldom 
 fails to help. Itis a valuable rule to urge 
 serious souls to pray aloud in their room as 
 well as at the altar. Thorough and deep 
 consciousness of sin is thereby secured as a 
 speedy approach to full surrender and faith. 
 The fifty-first Psalm, read in prayer at home, 
 after promise to do so, has often led a soul 
 to light. 
 
 By persistent and kindly boldness you must 
 break the spell of silence. Compel him to 
 
 Audibie face his own hard struggles, but 
 
 Prayer. open the mouth of the seeker you 
 would help. It must be done. Urge it upon 
 all workers as a necessity and a sure prepar- 
 ation for victory. 
 
 But even this end may be gained. and the 
 
Artar Work. . 89 
 
 soul remain insubordinate, self-willed, and, 
 consequently, burdened. Next find if there 
 is any conflict or unsettled trouble in the 
 heart. Take the eye off supposed conse- 
 quences and urge complete sub- 7). process 
 mission to God. Rebellion may of 
 consist in not fully forsaking cer- Surrender: 
 tain sinful habits or pleasures. It may appear 
 in some form of conceit, some prejudice, some 
 old grudge, some unsettled obligation, or in 
 some cherished plan for the future. Make it 
 plain that the soul seeking Christ, must at 
 every point and to every test, say amen to 
 God’s demands. He is a rebel until he fully 
 yields all. The wrath of God is on him until 
 he surrenders every weapon. ‘‘ He that is 
 not for me is against me.” Hold these truths 
 before him without compromise. Seek for 
 Scripture verses, analogies, and illustrations 
 further to impress the truth. Happy if he 
 accepts while you proceed; if not, leave him 
 to fight it out. 
 
 The seeker must abandon sin, self, and 
 
90 Sout -Winners’ SEoRETs. 
 
 finally he must give up his dowbts. Unbe- 
 lief is often a settled form of looking within 
 instead of at Christ. The soul must turn 
 
 Thingsto 2way from his own feelings, as 
 be Ylelded. well as from his sins. He must 
 act his faith and trample his fears under foot. 
 If this be not done, darkness will grow more 
 dense. Doubts will condemn the heart as 
 surely as vice. It is a simple path, though 
 often hard to find. ‘‘ Give up and look up;” 
 nothing short of this will bring peace. Be 
 patient, thou angel of rescue, thou guide of 
 souls. God and our friends had to bear 
 long with us, let us bear with others. But 
 do not let them shelter ina false or human 
 hope. Never, on your own account, tell 
 them it is all right, and that they are saved. 
 Nevertheless, they must be pressed to 
 accept and confess God’s Word as true. 
 Never flatter a penitent nor compliment a 
 cony-cted believer. Do not disregard the 
 dignity of age, usefulness, Church member- 
 ship, or scholarship in a seeker. Although 
 
Arar Work. ‘91 
 
 one of his own class, or some one naturally 
 agreeable, if competent, may prove his best 
 instructor. The penitent must be saved, if 
 at all, as a humble, little child. He must find 
 out at last that neither his record nor acquire- 
 ments will commend him to Christ. Before 
 he can find rest, he will needs abandon all, 
 yield all, look to Jesus, and welcome advice 
 from very humble sources. 
 
 Never be afraid to approach even your 
 superior. You only need to know, like a 
 messenger boy, that you are sent, approaching 
 and that you have a message to Superiors. 
 deliver. You need only trust God to use you 
 and make you a blessing. He loves to over- 
 rule the blunders of the brave and willing 
 worker. It may be difficult, sometimes disas- 
 trous, to follow any specific routine in leading 
 souls to Christ. Faith, not formula, saves, 
 but help at the crucial point of his threshold 
 entrance into the kingdom is so needful 
 that we venture another word of counsel. 
 
 The general instruction to be given all 
 
92 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 persons before and during the inquiry pe 
 riod is, that they may find Christ who seek 
 Seeking Him with all the heart. Hach 
 with all soul can fix the date of his own 
 the Heart. deliverance. ‘In the day that 
 thou seekest me with all thy heart, I will be 
 found of thee.” That such seeking brings 
 the witness, or assurance of the Spirit 
 with all fruit thereof, should be always 
 and clearly taught. The seeker should be 
 urged to seek until he finds rest, and is fully 
 satisfied. Without turning his eyes inward, 
 let him confidently expect God’s certificate 
 to his adoption. If darkness lingers, it is 
 often well to commit the inquirer to pray 
 through to the light. It is always ahead, 
 never behind him. 
 If sin be forsaken, and penitence shown; 
 if self be surrendered, including talents, will, 
 Getting Voice, the soul is very near to 
 Ridof God. The last ditch is that of 
 Doubts. doubt. It must be crossed. But 
 doubt is only a vestige of the self or sin life. 
 
AxtTAR Work. . 93 
 
 When all is given up, faith springs up and 
 Christ comes in. Desperate helplessness is 
 the point of progress where faith becomes 
 easy. To get this result, it will be use- 
 ful to show Christ’s ability, his willingness, 
 his nearness. Every fact and promise may 
 be used that will turn the thought away 
 from self to Jesus. ‘‘Is Christ your friend ?” 
 ** Are you his friend?” ‘‘Is he nigh you?” 
 ‘« Are there not two friends together now ?” 
 ‘© Will you not call him yours?” ‘‘If he 
 welcomes you, will you not trust him to 
 pardon or cleanse his own?” ‘* Have you 
 laid your sins on Jesus?’ ‘* Will he lay 
 them back on your shoulders?” ‘‘ Will you 
 dare say he rejects you?” ‘* Are you glad 
 of his promise?” ‘*‘ Are you glad you have 
 come to him?” ‘Does he reject you, or 
 receive you?” ‘Will you trust Christ to save 
 you now ?” 
 
 These, with similar lines of thought, will 
 lead a soul to the facts rather than to his feel- 
 ings; from himself by saving trust to the real 
 
94 Sout -Winners’ SEoreETs. 
 
 and present Savior. With the Spirit’s help he 
 may thus fix his eyes on Christ, and find his 
 
 Facts not soul full of rest and sunshine. If 
 
 ans , one illustration fails, try another, 
 
 of Joy. until he sees the sinfulness of 
 doubt and steps across the line. Keep 
 urging him to give up and look up until 
 by sudden or gradual acceptance of the 
 promises his darkness is past, and the true 
 light shineth. Do all this quickly if possible, 
 but do it thoroughly. In every case, the 
 use of the Word of God and a few simple 
 promises or incidents will be best honored of 
 the Spirit. 
 
 The principle that surprises are often the 
 best line of approach must not be over- 
 looked. Home facts familiar to the person 
 in his employment are the most impressive. 
 The parables of Jesus, and incidents of home 
 life, never fail to do good if narrated in 
 faith and prayer. The prodigal son’s return 
 to his father’s house has speedily brought 
 many a backslider into the banquet hall of 
 
Arar Work. ‘95 
 
 peace; while the story of Israel’s crossing 
 Jordan has helped many a wilderness Chris- 
 tian into his Canaan of rest. 
 
 Finally, all human help may seem to fail. 
 The Holy Spirit must finish his own work 
 begun in conviction, and carried ,. 
 forward in penitence and prayer. Spirit's 
 The inquirer must be left with Fa! Mel 
 God. Urge him to pray through to victory. 
 Our words and works can only be effective 
 when the Spirit applies them. He may get 
 along without human agencies, though God 
 usually employs a soul to save a soul. 
 Listen to Heaven’s voice, be prayerful and 
 persistent, but ever ready, also, to take the 
 hint of ‘‘hands off.” ‘‘ He that hath begun 
 a good work in you will finish it.” ‘‘The 
 meek will he guide in judgment.” 
 
 FURTHER SUGGESTIONS. 
 
 What difference, if any, in the instruction 
 of a backslider and a new penitent? Under 
 what conditions, if any, may a soul be coun- 
 
96» Sovr-Wryners’ SECRETS. 
 
 seled to decline a public confession? What 
 reading should find place during a seeker’s 
 progress? Why do certain workers get 
 inquirers through sooner than others? Do 
 backsliders ever come into new light with 
 exactly the same phase of experience as 
 before? Contrast the step of progress in 
 seeking justification, reclamation, and entire 
 sanctification. 
 
XI. 
 REVIVAL SINGING. 
 
 THE power of sacred song is admitted by 
 all. Its influence over the heart and will 
 are beyond all question. It has The Source 
 always had a prominent part in ees an 
 revival work. Especially have Song. 
 Methodists, since the days of the Wesleys, 
 been noted for hearty singing. Tunes, and 
 hymns, and instruments are of little value 
 when considered apart from the worth which 
 the human heart infuses into them. ‘Be 
 filled with the Spirit;” . . . ‘*Speaking one 
 to another in psalms, and hymns, and spir- 
 itual songs, singing and making melody 
 with your heart unto the Lord.”! The Re- 
 
 1 Eph. v, 18, 19. 
 vf 97 
 
98 SouL-WINNERsS’ SEORETS. 
 
 vised Version here makes the heart the in- 
 strument of acceptable singing. Dr. Daniel 
 Steele says that ‘‘the only singing that 
 pleases God and melts and moves men is in- 
 spired by the Holy Spirit.” Dr. A. J. Gor- 
 don used to say that it was a case of simony 
 to attempt to buy inspired song. It is the 
 gift of the Holy Ghost. When Jehoshaphat 
 would defeat the Ammonites he consulted 
 and appointed singers unto the Lord, that 
 should praise the beauty of holiness as they 
 went out before the army, and say ‘‘ Praise 
 the Lord;” and when they began to sing and 
 to praise, the Lord set ambushments against 
 the children of Ammon, which were come 
 against Judah; and they were defeated.” 
 Paul and Silas sang, as well as prayed, in 
 starting their midnight prison revival. 
 
 The leadership of singing is second only 
 to that of the meeting itself. Indeed, it is 
 a happy providence that the most successful 
 soul-winners are good singers. There are 
 "12 Chron. xX, 21, 22. 
 
Revivat Srineina. 99 
 
 sufficient exceptions to prevent the idolatry 
 of song. If the leader of a meeting can not 
 carry tunes himself, he should al- Qualities 
 ways have at hand some one in tot 
 close confidence who can do his _ Singer. 
 bidding and co-operate well in every phase 
 of the work. A good leader of singing 
 is almost a necessity in every service. But 
 unless the singing is to prove an offense and 
 hindrance, the leader of hymns should be 
 spiritually-minded and of good judgment. 
 To be a real help he must himself love 
 soul-winning work, and in some measure be a 
 soul-winner. 
 
 Several things are of first importance as 
 to revival singing. Preparatory songs should 
 be selected so as not simply to Selection, 
 put in time set apart for a praise-meeting. 
 Hymns should have an aim, serve a purpose, 
 and lift the devotion of the congregation to- 
 wards the victory level. Revival music 
 should be heart-music in contrast with #s- 
 thetic singing. The words and melodies 
 
100 SouL-Wriyners’ SEcRETS. 
 
 should lead the largest possible number of 
 voices. Instruments may profitably be used 
 if controlled by devout persons, so as to sus- 
 tain the voices and complete harmony. 
 There has been much narrow thinking 
 and writing about the relative value of old 
 Old or New 220 well-tried hymns. Hymnol- 
 Hymns. ogy is a progressive inspiration. 
 The new is as likely to become a blessing as 
 the old. Of course there is much inspira- 
 tion and advantage in all the people singing, 
 but a hymn sung by one or two voices may 
 have all the merit of a sermon. A wise 
 leader of singing will so combine the new 
 and old, the voices of soloists and congrega- 
 tion, that the highest effect will be reached 
 and deepest impression wrought. 
 The same may be said of choruses. It is 
 almost universally true that choruses joined 
 Chorus +o hymns are more effective in re- 
 Singing, vival service than hymns without 
 them. Wide observation on this point is 
 worth more than theory. This is true partly 
 
Revivat Srnera. 101 
 
 because the people quickly learn the choruses, 
 and can sing from memory, which is always 
 the most effective and inspiring. A uniform 
 line of revival hymns and choruses should be 
 taught our youth in all Leagues and Sunday- 
 schools. The public congregation should 
 jearn them also as a preparation for general 
 reyival. Training the people to memorize 
 hymns and to distinguish tunes is an impor- 
 tant part of the schooling of every Church. 
 There are hymns of worship, of doctrine, of 
 exhortation, of inspiration, and of comfort. 
 All kinds, with melodies to match, should be 
 drilled into our people, young and old. 
 
 As Scripture must be at command by the 
 worker for specific use, so leaders of song 
 should be trained to recall verse 5000 ana 
 and tunes from memory for every Tunes 
 stage of the meeting. There is a *?Propriate- 
 place for the revival singing-school. In its 
 absence every wise revival leader will in- 
 struct by example as to the appropriateness 
 ‘of hymns and tunes. In this he will be first 
 
102 Soun-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 full of words and tunes, with grace to select 
 and apply them. It is not wise to refer too 
 much to promiscuous selection by the audi- 
 ence. The pastor or leader knows best 
 what to sing next. When an altar-call is 
 being made, special invitation hymns should 
 be selected. A choir isa help only when 
 harmonious and in prayerful sympathy with 
 the particular service where used. Other- 
 wise, dispense with it and have one person 
 with a well-saved organist lead the singing. 
 No greater wisdom is needed than to direct 
 the hymns during an altar-service. It is 
 better if the leader, or one in closest sympa- 
 thy, can conduct this part of the service. 
 
 Sina The pulse of the meeting, the 
 Generalship.! condition of the seekers, the 
 thought and faith of the people, must all be 
 in line. This is a great test of generalship, 
 and an extraordinary tax upon the strength 
 of the worker. If the interest of the exer- 
 cises centers about one or two seekers, their 
 condition of faith and progress must dictate 
 
Revivau Sryere. 103 
 
 the selection of hymns. These selections 
 should be made from memory, and used 
 without break or hesitation. It would re- 
 quire a volume fully to illustrate the blun- 
 ders and beauties of altar-singing. To lead 
 seekers out into the light and gladness, and 
 crown their faith with proper doxologies of 
 victory and praise, requires a full memory, 
 a sensitive heart, and quick discernment. 
 The grace of ‘‘what to do next” is one of 
 the much-needed and rarest gifts of the 
 Holy Spirit. 
 
 Singing is to be the bridesmaid of sermon, 
 exhortation, and prayer. It may adorn and 
 attend them all, making them all 5... yee of 
 fragrant, effective, and beautiful. Good 
 He who sings well should know S!nslna. 
 how to pray well. Good and wise singing 
 will sweep souls into the embrace of truth, 
 and up to God. Poor, formal, inappropri- 
 ate songs will drag sermon, prayer, and 
 souls down to death. Better none than the 
 poorest. Operatic singing, or singing with- 
 
104 Sout -WInnErs’ SECRETS. 
 
 out the heart-quality and divine inspiration 
 in a revival is as much out of place as a 
 dirge at a banquet, or a waltz at a funeral. 
 Two ‘Two faults degrade spiritual sing- 
 Faults. ing and make it a weight instead 
 of a wing. The first is an inappropriate 
 tune. It may be a triflmg melody extracted 
 from worldly, unhallowed associations. It 
 may be too majestic, or slow, for the people 
 or occasion. Familiarity with a tune, or 
 poor leadership, may draw a hymn to the 
 dust, when, like a kite, it is made to fly as 
 a thing of beauty. Another widespread 
 blunder is to sing, or permit others to sing, 
 without thought. ‘‘I will sing,” said Paul, 
 “with the Spirit and with understanding, 
 also.” In helping souls, thoughtful singing 
 is God’s plan of power. Sing so that both 
 words and expression will compel thought; 
 then will singing touch hearts, and not 
 merely tickle the ear. 
 In a praise and social service, where 
 prayer and testimony are interspersed by 
 
ReEvIVAL SINGING. 105 
 
 verses of sacred song, the skill of the chor- 
 ister is most manifest. To choose an appro- 
 priate song or verse like a piece of mosaic, 
 and work it into the service so as to enhance 
 the value of every other word, and lead to a 
 higher level and climax of interest, is a task 
 an angel might covet. Gifted singers will 
 find in revival and religious leadership a 
 rare field for both fame and usefulness. 
 Above all, the singing must be ‘‘ unto the 
 Lord.” He is a singer. The gift of song 
 should be placed at his disposal. sing Unto 
 Satan has his singers who sing the Lord. 
 only to please him. The Lord plants a new 
 song in the believer’s mouth, that it may 
 come forth in praise like the flower exhales 
 its fragrance. When our Leagues come to 
 study and apply these principles of music, 
 capturing hearts by this lasso, a new revival 
 era will have dawned on us. The Holy 
 Spirit has been doing his part in giving 
 birth to much recent heart-melody and gos- 
 pel hymnology. To use and apply it will be 
 
106 Sout -Winners’ SECRET. 
 
 a triumph of the coming generation of soul- 
 winners. 
 PRACTICAL HINTS. 
 
 Find a dozen striking Bible references to 
 song. Name tunes and hymns to correspond 
 with the following phases of experience— 
 carelessness, procrastination, penitence, de- 
 cision, sorrow, surrender, faith, peace, justi- 
 fication, adoption, joyfulness, perfect love, 
 rest, hope. How may our people be taught 
 to memorize hymns? The study of the birth 
 of hymns and their use,—how promoted 
 among singers ? 
 
XII. 
 THE USES OF PRAYER. 
 
 In a previous chapter we considered prayer 
 as a preparation for soul-winning work, and 
 the necessity of an atmosphere of prayer. 
 There are specific uses of prayer vitally im- 
 portant to every worker. 
 
 Will God hear sinners pray? The plow- 
 ing of the wicked is sin, and his sacrifice is 
 an abomination to the Lord. But For 
 if he repents and gives up hig Slnners. 
 sin he is no longer a rebel. He is then on 
 grounds of mercy. Let him add earnestness 
 to penitence, and there is hope for the peni- 
 tent however wicked he has been. ‘‘ This 
 poor man cried, and the Lord heard him 
 and saved him out of all his troubles.” 
 ~TPsalm xxxiv, 6. 
 
 107 
 
108 SouL-Winners’ SEoRETs. 
 
 Believers must be taught the antecedents 
 of effectual prayer before they will be much 
 For helped in pushing forward the 
 Believers. Tjord’s chariot. Verbal, extem- 
 poraneous prayer, inspired and taught of the 
 Holy Spirit, will be found most useful. Add 
 to this, restitution. No Christian can pray 
 successfully who brings his gift without first 
 being reconciled to his neighbor; neither 
 can he be bold in prayer who has not a clear 
 consciousness of sonship, or if he regard 
 iniquity in his heart the Lord will not hear 
 him. 
 Workers should understand the necessity 
 of certain essentials of helpful prayer. It 
 The Work. Must be definite. Ask for bread, 
 er’s Public a fish, an egg, what things so- 
 Prayer. ever ye desire. The Father hon- 
 ors definite praying. Prayer must be di- 
 rected into detailed wants. Only thus can 
 it be suitable and powerful. Importunity 
 is as essential as definiteness. Not pro- 
 longed public prayer, but prolonged private 
 
Tur Uses oF PRAYER. 109 
 
 prayer counts most. However, a revival can 
 stand a long, heartfelt public prayer better 
 than so many little word prayers. We are 
 in peril of destroying the old-time gift of 
 supplication by urging everybody to ‘‘ pray 
 just a word.” Of course, thanksgiving and 
 faith must be included as essentials of good 
 and effectual prayer. Whoever prays as a 
 leader of prayer should remember that his 
 prayer imparts a like spirit to others. If he 
 fails to prevail, the meeting weakens. It is 
 better to call upon those who are recognized 
 prayer leaders than to leave this important 
 adjunct of revival-work to the impulse of 
 volunteers. Voluntary prayer has its place. 
 Those who are rusty, formal, cold, and out 
 of practice, may be restored by urging short 
 voluntary prayers. For this exercise appro- 
 priate seasons should be chosen. Public and 
 vocal prayer is usually the echo of private 
 or family prayer. Where secret and home 
 prayer is maintained, public vrayer is not 
 a great cross. 
 
110 SouL-WInnERs’ SEORETs. 
 
 Requests for prayer are important features 
 of a meeting for soul-winning. These open 
 Special OF written requests awaken inter- 
 Requests. est, deepen the desire of those 
 making them, and concentrate the faith of the 
 people. Such requests should be verbal or 
 written, and should have immediate attention 
 in the meeting. Reports of answers should 
 be invited from those who know the facts. 
 Prayer lists should be made and urged 
 upon all Christians. The confession of such 
 prepared lists, is an inspiration to general 
 revival-work and faith for results. The late 
 George Miller, of England, prayed for two 
 friends for sixty years, one of whom was 
 saved after Mr. Miiller’s decease. 
 Days of prayer, accompanied by fasting, 
 have always been a mark of determined effort 
 Daysof 10 Win souls. If a few will agree 
 ys Oo 
 Fasting and to such special prayer and self- 
 Prayer. denial, it always brings an increase 
 of zeal, and often a prophecy and victory 
 of faith which sweeps many souls into the 
 
a 
 
 Tue Uses or PRAYER. 1t1 
 
 kingdom. There are too few prayer hours, 
 and still fewer nights of prayer. Jacob was 
 himself blessed after his all-night wrestling, 
 and Esa \’s heart melted into love. 
 
 It is a practical question as to how long a 
 congregation should be detained to pray with 
 seekers. The formal dismissal | oo oth of 
 should not be postponed beyond Prayer 
 the average endurance and con- S¢e™ce- 
 venience of the people. Often, when the 
 interest is great, no formal adjournment is 
 made at all, though people are privileged to 
 retire at pleasure. We are persuaded that 
 most services are dismissed too early, and 
 workers leave seekers too soon. Protracted 
 prayer-mecetings are the legitimate fruit of 
 a high tide of revival. The evidence is, that 
 more of the same spirit would bring convic- 
 tion and produce fruit if adopted as a means 
 to an end, rather than accepted as the end 
 of means. A general note of victory, let it 
 come soon or late, is usually a signal for a 
 formal or informal dismissal. 
 
112 Sout-Winners’ SEORETs. 
 
 The use of audible prayer among young 
 converts is as necessary to keep them strong 
 
 Audible 2S to secure their conversion. 
 
 Prayer. Prayer-meetings, if properly em- 
 ployed, are a breakwater against spiritual 
 decline. Systematic training of new con- 
 verts in the exercise of extemporaneous pray- 
 ing is good for them, and a tonic to older 
 Christians. 
 
 A surprise prayer-visit is another method 
 of reaching a serious soul and of building 
 Surprise and UP youthful believers. They must 
 Persistency. live a life of prayer. They are 
 never fully abandoned to God until the voice 
 is given over to the Spirit to be filled with 
 both prayer and praise. Prayer is the secret 
 of steady progress in every siege of soul- 
 winning work. Whether the effort is for the 
 salvation of a specific soul, or for a revival 
 in a certain Church, prayer will protract the 
 meeting with profit when all other agencies 
 fail. Persistency is a duty. Prayer holds 
 the forces together and prevents retreat. It 
 
Tue Uses or PRAYER. 113 
 
 bridges over bad nights, discouraging cir- 
 cumstances, dry meetings, and wakens the 
 bleached and sleeping bones of a — The 
 dead Church. The prayer gift Prayer Gift. 
 should be developed in all young people. 
 The smaller cottage or private prayer service 
 is better than the public congregation; but 
 a warm altar service is the best school for 
 the training of this gift. 
 
 Finally, all prayer, even ritualistic or 
 memory prayers, must be in the Holy Ghost. 
 No form or lack of form will gituatstic 
 strengthen the soul or reach other Prayer. 
 souls unless the Spirit of God help our 
 infirmities and impart life and energy to our 
 supplications. ‘‘In nothing be anxious; but 
 in everything, by prayer and supplication 
 with thanksgiving, let your requests be made 
 known unto God. And the peace of God, 
 which passeth all understanding, shall guard 
 your hearts and your thoughts in Christ 
 Jesus.”? 
 
 1 Philippians tv, 6, 7. 
 8 
 
114 Sovut-Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 FOR LEISURE STUDY. 
 
 The great prayers of the Bible. How 
 to break up inappropriate prayers in a 
 prayer-meeting. How to check impulsive 
 and forward persons, and draw out the timid 
 in voluntary prayer. How far adherence to 
 ritualism or preparation in prayer may grieve 
 the Spirit. Does the Holy Spirit ever forbid 
 us praying for certain persons or objects ? 
 
XIII. 
 TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. 
 
 ‘*He hath put a new song in my mouth, 
 even praise unto our God; many shall see it 
 and fear, and shall trust in the Grace opens 
 Lord.”! This is the common _ the Lips. 
 experience of the genuine new convert. A 
 little later the same inspired psalmist cries 
 out, ‘*I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, 
 thou knowest; I have not hid thy righteous- 
 ness within my heart; I have declared thy 
 faithfulness and thy salvation; I have not 
 concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth 
 from the great congregation.”? Some few 
 children seem to be born into the kingdom 
 of grace dumb, but they are the exceptions. 
 
 1 Psalm xl, 3. 3 Psalm xl, 9, 10. 
 
 116 
 
116 SovuL-WInnERS’ SEORETS. 
 
 The first evidence of life is the utterance of 
 the lips. Love shows itself, naturally, in 
 language. ‘Out of the abundance of the 
 heart the mouth speaketh,” is the gracious 
 order of God in the salvation of a soul. 
 This impulse of the Spirit must be imme- 
 diately encouraged and not stifled. The soul 
 that receives Christ must confess him before 
 men. Testimony is the abiding fruit of the 
 Spirit in the heart. When the soul shows 
 evidence of saving faith, he should be given 
 an early, and if possible, frequent and habit- 
 ual opportunity to witness his faith and joy. 
 This habit will brighten and establish the 
 witness of the Spirit. This exercise should 
 attend the altar service. Get the soul on his 
 feet. Ask him formally with others to 
 confess; or induce him to tell his faith to 
 one or more friends. The ‘‘ hand stretched 
 forth in presence of them all” was healed. 
 The uttered peace flames into joy, and a 
 victory over temptation is gained. 
 
 The secondary advantage of the word of 
 
TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. 117 
 
 witness is the effect upon the doubting or 
 formal soul who hears. It stimulates others 
 to seek the assurance of grace Value of 
 
 more than an hour’s discourse Testimony. 
 upon the witness of the Spirit. It entertains 
 and holds the attention of saint, sinner, 
 and ritualist. If perchance the joy of love 
 bursts into a shout of praise with physical 
 demonstrations, a few may be shocked, but 
 more will be convicted, pleased, and awed. 
 If genuine, it is the manifestation of the 
 Spirit, and is the presence of God in the 
 burning bramble. The bush glows, but is 
 not consumed. Let none be alarmed. Trust 
 God to use his own argument. Only rare 
 cases of chronic or nervous excess need be 
 controlled, and then in a gentle manner so 
 as not to quench the Spirit, or needlessly 
 offend his little ones. Some may go forth to 
 mock, but more will return to inquire, and 
 unconsciously charmed and awakened, will 
 begin to pray. Testimony is one of the arms 
 of power in revival work. The early Meth- 
 
118 Sout-WInners’ SECRETs. 
 
 odist fathers were experts in building revival 
 flames by the use of the kindling wood of 
 fresh testimony. A few live, warm-hearted 
 witnesses taken from one neighborhood to 
 another prove of more value than many pre- 
 paratory sermons. 
 
 That the power of testimony by the newly 
 saved should ever degenerate into mere talk, 
 _ Degenerate 18 2 Sad comment on the weakness 
 
 Testimony. of human nature, possibly of 
 human teachers. To maintain it at its 
 normal power, there must be a progressive 
 experience and fresh supplies of the Spirit. 
 If stagnation or slumber overtakes the soul, 
 however telling his former testimony, it will 
 soon become tedious or tame, then finally 
 taper off into either silence, objections to 
 class-meetings, excuses from cross-bearing, 
 or into skeptic censure of ‘‘obsolete revi- 
 vals.” This proves, as nothing else, the ne- 
 cessity of perpetuating the witness stand in 
 our Churches. It is next in importance to 
 the altar. It is as needful in a Church as in 
 
Testmony AND PRaIsE. 119 
 
 a courtroom. Some form of the testimony 
 habit must be kept up. Fre~h bestowals of 
 the Spirit always make it easy to witness. 
 Such renewals and anointings, or epochs in 
 consecration, must be secured as will cause 
 hearts to flame and lips to open. Here is an- 
 other secret of the soul-winner. As members 
 multiply and opportunities decrease, the 
 witness department must find a place in our 
 method and organization. The class-meet- 
 ing may become disused, but the coming 
 Methodist must be a witness as well as a 
 worker. This alone will preserve an atmos- 
 phere of prayer, promote conviction, insure 
 progress, and prevent death. As a guard 
 against decline, and as a signal of alarm, we 
 ought to discern and be. ashamed of mere 
 talk as a substitute for testimony. The 
 witness is a reporter, not a speech- Talk a poor 
 maker. Testimony has to deal ays = 
 
 with facts, experience, revelations Testimony. 
 
 of the Spirit, blessing in prayer, inspired 
 thoughts and feelings. ‘‘I will declare what 
 
120 SovuL-WInNERS’ SECRETS. 
 
 the Lord hath done for my soul.” Reticence 
 of Christ’s gifts is neither xsthetic or safe, 
 nor is testimony less complimentary to the 
 witness than a speech or exhortation. In- 
 deed, there are more talkers in many Churches 
 than witnesses. A good witness is often a 
 more valuable helper of souls than a good 
 talker. Hxhortation has its place, and should 
 be encouraged. Even reminiscence is useful 
 at times, but a praise-meeting will prove a 
 failure if the glow of fresh testimony does 
 not, like Mary’s alabaster box, perfume the 
 whole room and magnify the Lord Jesus. 
 Betterthan LO distinguish and rule out all 
 Discussion. spurious evidence, is the business 
 of the wise leader of meetings. ‘To secure 
 and utilize testimony is the most valuable 
 method of promoting the revival spirit. Our 
 Leagues should not allow their ‘‘topics” to 
 beget mere talk or discussion. Call for 
 testimony often, keep the witness corner 
 warm. ‘‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all 
 flesh, and your sons and your daughters 
 
TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. Wit 
 
 shall prophesy.” This is the evidence of 
 Pentecostal life. It is our only hope. 
 
 In the conduct of a revival, regular 
 League meeting, or Sunday-school, the intro- 
 duction of a brief testimony-serv- The Place 
 ice by select or voluntary wit- Waal 
 nesses will prove a great blessing Meeting. 
 and stimulant. Let the exercises of testi- 
 mony be as prevalent as song-services. A 
 witness-meeting is a splendid preface or 
 conclusion to sermon, lesson-study, or pro- 
 gram. It may blend with songs, though it 
 should not be spoiled with too much singing; 
 nor should the witnesses expect the compli- 
 ment of a song to conclude their words. Be- 
 ware of mere compliment in all soul-saving 
 work. Several may be requested to testify 
 in order without song. Blocks of three or 
 five may often be utilized by requesting that 
 many witnesses rise at once. Brevity may 
 sometimes be urged, and again the details of 
 experience should be encouraged. Occasion- 
 ally ask all who have not spoken to arise 
 
122 Sovut-WINNERS’ SECRETS. 
 
 and remain standing, taking their turn in © 
 order as witnesses. If the spirit of testimony 
 is not present, it is equally fatal to show 
 impatience with silence or sluggishness, and 
 to draw the meeting out to reluctant death. 
 Change the order or call out testimony by 
 Drawing out general questions, such as ‘‘What 
 Testimony. Jed you to Christ?”  ‘* What 
 exercises have most helped your religious 
 life?” ‘*Name two promises which have 
 comforted you in private prayer;” ‘‘ Give 
 some spiritual blessing for which you can 
 now praise the Lord;” ‘‘ How do you know 
 Jesus saves you?” All such promptings 
 should be plainly suggested and definitely 
 urged upon your hearers. Hesitation in 
 response is not always the evidence of ab- 
 sence of love and spiritual life. 
 
 In private conversation, similar exercises 
 may be started, and may prove helpful both 
 to questioner and questioned. ‘‘ How does 
 your soul prosper?” is a pertinent, social 
 question often to be asked among those who 
 
TrsTIMONY AND PRAISE. 123 
 
 would carry sharp and ready sickles for the 
 harvest-field. 
 
 To appreciate properly a good testimony 
 by looking. the witness in the eye, gently 
 commenting, never rebuking, but you 
 often instructing by personal or Embarrass- 
 general reference to what was ™"™ 
 said, is the soul of wisdom. To call for 
 witnesses by other forms of confession 
 than by voice, may often strengthen the 
 professors and relieve the weak ones of 
 temptation. Hence, it is often useful to 
 secure, by silent rising or other concerted 
 action, the confession of those more timid 
 or tardy, crowning such expression with a 
 suitable hymn, Scriptural or other vocal 
 utterance in concert. To close, at the right 
 time, a witness-meeting is as important as 
 to begin or conduct it. If the Spirit be 
 present, and opportunity favorable, follow 
 effective testimony with prayer and con- 
 fession. 
 
 The duty of holding fast the profession 
 
124 Sovut-Winners’ SEoreEts. 
 
 of our faith should be urged on all believers. 
 ‘* The fruit of our lips, even praise unto the 
 Excuses Lord,” is as pleasing to Christ as 
 Overcome. the fruit of our life. The common 
 excuses for not speaking are well known: 
 “<T can not speak;” ‘‘Would rather hear 
 others;” ‘‘ Want my life to witness;” ‘‘ Do 
 not believe in class-meetings;” ‘* Was never 
 reared to it;” ‘‘ Confuses my mind to try to 
 speak ;” but all these can be quickly answered, 
 and the obligation, privilege, and possibility 
 made clear; but argument or prodding is of 
 little advantage if the spirit of testimony is 
 absent. Better call to prayer and heart 
 searching than force mechanical and empty 
 testimonies. A dry and formal speaking- 
 meeting is more objectionable than a prayer- 
 meeting of similar type. If the heart is full 
 the mouth will open. ‘‘ Open thou my lips, 
 and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.” 
 Next in importance to the fact and 
 frequency of testimony is its definiteness. 
 If the seeker has sought pardon, he should 
 
TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. 125 
 
 confess his peace; if purity, he should utter 
 his faith for cleansing. The more definite 
 the testimony, the stronger the 1. <timony 
 faith, and clearer the vision of mest be 
 doctrine. Confused and indefinite Pct 
 confession will darken counsel and muddle 
 theology. Methodist faith and testimony 
 must keep abreast. They are, as Bishop 
 Taylor used to say, the two blades of the 
 shears and only work well together. Omit 
 either, and you have poor cutting with a 
 ragged edge. Without insisting on a mere 
 shibboleth of terms, we must honor, and 
 never show that we are ashamed of God’s 
 words. If we do, he will be ashamed of us. 
 We shall thus forfeit both joy and power, 
 and lose the vision of truth. Herein is the 
 secret and cause of much spiritual decline; 
 alas! it is often the beginning of heresy. 
 
 DEEPER QUESTIONS. 
 
 What is the spirit of prophecy ? Contrast 
 wrophetic inspiration with personal inspir- 
 
126 SovuL-WInners’ SECRETS. 
 
 ation by the same Holy Spirit. What are 
 reasons for definite doctrinal testimony? 
 How revive the habit of testimony among 
 obsolete witnesses? What elements of the 
 Methodist class-meeting are still available, 
 everywhere, and how secured? Compare 
 “‘dead words” with ‘‘dead works,” in 
 Hebrews ix, 14. 
 
X1V. 
 CHILDREN’S MEETINGS. 
 
 { 
 
 Dr. Hoxntanp said there were more 
 chances, a thousand-fold, of obtaining con- 
 Childhood Verts among children than from 
 the best Soll. among adults. Some years ago 
 the late Dr. C. H. Payne took the census of 
 a select congregation containing 784 Chris- 
 tians. Of these, none were converted over 
 eighty years. Between fifty and eighty 
 years, but two, or one in four hundred; be- 
 tween forty and fifty years, 15, or one in 
 fifty; from thirty to forty, 42, or one in 
 fourteen; from twenty to thirty, 125, or one 
 in six; under twenty years, 600, or one in two, 
 and most of these under fifteen years. Out of 
 one Conference of 215 Methodist ministers, 
 127 
 
128 SouL-WInNERS’ SECRETS. 
 
 the average age of conversion was found to be 
 fifteen years. If such facts contain approx- 
 imate truth, the conversion of children is all 
 important. Personal effort and meetings on 
 their behalf can not be overvalued. If the 
 world is to be saved, we must save and train 
 the children. The child heart is by far the 
 most fertile and economic soil for the seed 
 of truth. 
 
 The above statements explain the high es- 
 timate placed upon children’s meetings by 
 modern soul-winners. The Junior League 
 must have a co-ordinate, not a mere sub- 
 ordinate, rank in the revival methods of the 
 Church. 
 
 Meetings for children are proportionately 
 more fruitful than meetings for adults. 
 
 Why More Children are more shy of individ- 
 
 Fruitful? yal teaching, and more susceptible 
 to influence from their associates than adults, 
 hence the value of separate class efforts in 
 both Sunday-school and League. 
 
 Meetings for childhood conversion should 
 
Crrpren’s MEETINGs. 129 
 
 usually be held separate from and parallel as 
 to time with those for older people. Not 
 that children should be excluded from gen- 
 eral evangelistic services. Indeed their pres- 
 ence and their response to the Spirit are 
 often a splendid feeder of a revival. They 
 are good kindling to start a fire, or keep it 
 going. Daily, during special epochs, meet- 
 ings may wisely be arranged especially for the 
 youth from six to fifteen years. To conduct 
 them wisely, a rare order of tact and ability 
 is needed. The chief essential . 5.) ua 
 qualifications are a faith in child- Quattfica- 
 hood, a love for the child, and “%™"* 
 confidence in the promise, ‘‘All thy children 
 shall be taught of the Lord.” The rest may 
 be learned; and learning it well, the soul- 
 winner has found the secret of a starry 
 crown. 
 
 A few vital rules must be constantly re- 
 garded in getting children to seek and serve 
 Christ. These principles must either be ap- 
 plied in private or public instruction. 
 
130 Sout -Winners’ SECRETS. 
 
 First. Prepare the way by-prayer. The 
 meeting itself must be prayed for and 
 ripened by faith. If there be little 
 or no prayer in their homes the 
 greater need of it as a preface to any success- 
 ful service. A spiritually warm room is 
 especially needed for the lambs of the flock. 
 Second. Fix the child’s attention. Nothing 
 can be done without it. The eye, the ear, 
 the imagination, the sensibilities, 
 are all avenues to the youthful 
 heart. Your own eye is the best policeman 
 to arrest attention. Keep a bright eye your- 
 self. Object lessons are always good. They 
 furnish frames for Scripture pictures of 
 truth. Music is always useful, but must be 
 used with greater variety and flexibility than 
 with older persons. A child-winner should 
 be a tune-leader. Book songs, memory and 
 ' gesture songs, often rivet attention when 
 other methods fail. These must be at the 
 tongue’s end ready for use in every emer- 
 gency and as frequent flashes of surprise. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Attention. 
 
Critpren’s MEerines. 181 
 
 The story from the Bible, the incident from 
 experience, the simile from nature, each has 
 its place, and, like the devices of the pho- 
 tographer for holding an infant quiet until 
 the impression is made, should all be used as 
 needed. 
 
 Third. There must be fe. None discerns 
 so quickly as a child, the difference between 
 a lively and a dull meeting. A 
 little spice, humor, question, or 
 illustration, is needed in variety to keep up 
 with the lively and exuberant temperament 
 of children. 
 
 Fourth. Teach sin and salvation. Enter- 
 tainment merely is the blunder of the aver- 
 age children’s meeting. They whatto 
 may have a ‘“‘ good time,” and yet Teach. 
 be unawakened and their hearts really un- 
 touched. Their souls must be stirred. Pic- 
 tures and facts of sin must be strongly 
 though briefly put before them. In this 
 you may rely upon God’s Word and Spirit as 
 with older hearts, Concrete examples are 
 
 Life. 
 
132 SovuL-WInnNERS’ SECRETS. 
 
 much better than abstract statements. You 
 must illustrate until they see the point. 
 Draw them out and entertain by questions. 
 Having gotten their attention and confidence, 
 talk to them of sin, disobedience, punish- 
 ment, pardon, peace, happiness, and love. 
 Their relation to parents and teachers has al- 
 ready prepared them for instruction as to God 
 the Father, and Jesus the Savior. Jesus is the 
 drawing magnet for boys and girls. They 
 take quickly to the story of his death, his 
 promises, his love. Motives of fear, thanks- 
 giving, sorrow, and hope, are quickly awak- 
 ened in the child’s scul; hence you need not 
 dwell long. Expect quick returns in a chil- 
 dren’s meeting, and do not assume the results 
 shallow or superficial on that account. 
 Fifth. Secure decision and give instruc- 
 tion. Make your call and inquiries so simple 
 that all may understand. Avoid big words 
 or theological terms. Scripture phrases may 
 always be trusted. They are so inspired 
 that neither fools nor children need err 
 
CuiLtpren’s MEEtInes. 133 
 
 therein. Find out by question or vote who 
 is sorry for sin, or desires to seek Jesus. 
 Never herd children to the altar, tow to 
 nor yet make it hard for them to _ Invite. 
 come. Guard and warn, but welcome them 
 on their individual decision. Make it a 
 solemn moment when they decide to seek 
 their Savior. Recognize their will, and as- 
 sume in all your words that they are old 
 enough toact. Theyare. Let them feel it. 
 Speak privately to those who give evidence 
 of penitence. Be plain with those who show 
 pride and rebellion. Talk briefly, and urge 
 by word and song, and get every one to face 
 his own personal duty to Jesus that hour. 
 Invite to the altar, then have all kneel, close 
 eyes and talk with Christ in prayer. 
 
 Wise private instruction is more necessary 
 for children than with adults. The best 
 helpers are needed. Quick, sim- gest instruc- 
 ple words of help must be given, tlon Needed. 
 Tender plants need careful handling. If 
 there were as many expert soul-winners 
 
134 Sout-WinneErs’ SECRETS. 
 
 as Sunday-school teachers, how soon would 
 our nurseries become orchards! Our youth 
 would become rapid witnesses and faithful 
 workers. 
 
 In the absence of helpers, concerted in- 
 struction may be given. Prayer may be put 
 into their mouths and confession secured 
 with better effect. They are more teach- 
 able and obedient than old penitents, and 
 more sincere in what they do. Their hearts 
 are not so deceitful. They surrender sooner. 
 They believe and get blessed more quickly, 
 and often with less emotion, but with 
 equally stable results of faith. 
 
 Sixth. Urge confession and Church duty. 
 Confession in a child after conversion is 
 as necessary as in the adult. Expect only 
 child life and experience; but teach them 
 to bear the cross, to speak and pray aloud, 
 to begin and continue as followers of Jesus. 
 Church membership, baptism, converting 
 the world by our prayers and gifts, are all 
 lines of duty easily appreciated by children. 
 
CHILDREN’s MEETINGS. \135 
 
 Classes for their instruction and training 
 in good Christian habits should no more 
 be neglected than public preaching or the 
 prayer-meeting. Even the art of hand-shak- 
 ing should be taught our Juniors. Those 
 who can sing should be taught to do so, and 
 habits of testimony should be urged on them 
 as faithfully as piano practice upon those 
 who would learn music. But es- 5.01, them 
 pecially should they be taught how to win 
 
 to secure blessing in prayer, and brits 5 
 how to invite other young friends to Jesus. 
 No more beautiful sight than a child soul- 
 winner. Our Junior Leagues ought to grow 
 them, and graduate leaders in soul-saving 
 work. Those who early learn to gather 
 sheaves in the harvest-field will later be able 
 to shock the grain, or drive the great reapers. 
 ‘‘And they shall be mine, saith Fina 
 the Lord of hosts, in that day Reward. 
 when I make up my jewels; and I will spare 
 them as a man spareth his own son that 
 serveth him.” 
 
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