The Scriptures recognize the
conversion of the sinner as the work of the Christian. "_He which
converteth a sinner_ from the error of his way, shall save a soul from
death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." "Others _save_ with fear;
_pulling them_ out of the fire." "Then will I _teach transgressors_ thy
ways, and sinners _shall be_ converted unto thee." It is true, we
cannot, of our own power, convert souls. But, if we are faithful in the
use of the means of God's appointment, he may make use of us as
instruments for accomplishing this great work. Every one who has truly
come to Christ _knows the way_, and can direct others to him. And in no
way, perhaps, can the truth be rendered more effectual, than by personal
application to the conscience. David did not understand Nathan's
parable, till the prophet said, "Thou art the man!"

As this is a plain, positive duty, it cannot be neglected with impunity.
God will not bless his children while they refuse to obey him. "If I
regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." You may spend
all your time on your knees, while living in the neglect of a plain
duty, and get no blessing. We cannot expect to enjoy the presence of
God, while we refuse to point sinners to Christ. It is probable that the
neglect of this duty is one of the principal causes of spiritual
barrenness in the church. If, then, Christians wish their own hearts
revived, they must try to persuade others to come to Christ. "He that
watereth shall be watered also himself." If we wish to maintain constant
communion with God, we must live in the habitual exercise of the spirit
of Christ.

But many Christians content themselves with speaking to the impenitent
whenever they meet them under favorable circumstances, in the ordinary
intercourse of life. This is a duty; but it does not appear to be the
_extent_ of duty. It is only following _part_ of the example of Christ.
He _came_ "_to seek_ and to save that which was lost." "He _went about_
doing good." Is it not, then, the obvious duty of every one of his
followers, to _seek_ opportunities of conversing with the impenitent
upon the great subject of their soul's salvation? We are bound to labor
for the conversion of every sinner, for whom we have an opportunity of
laboring. God requires us to _do all we can_. The primitive Christians
carried out this principle in its fullest extent. In the 8th chapter of
Acts, we read that the church at Jerusalem were all scat