XXVII. Success.
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Success in any department of life, depends upon the right use of right means; at the right time; in the right place, and in the right manner. Like causes will produce like results in all ages of the world. Hence the farmer wishing to raise wheat, breaks up the soil, sows his seed, and waits patiently for the early and latter rain with the assurance “that seed-time and harvest will not fail;” and with rejoicing he gathers thirty, sixty or a hundred fold into his barn. This is also true of spiritual things. Success is certain to the man called of God to preach, if he avails himself of the right means, employs them at the right time, and in the right manner.
1. The means to be employed is the Word of God; and this must come forth like a stream of fire, from a heart blazing with the love of God. The command is, “Preach the Word.” Into this armory man may enter, and take to himself just the weapons that will give him victory on every battle-field. I thank God! he may be thoroughly furnished, and never know defeat. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” But there is more to follow; “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me by thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Here success is based upon being thoroughly furnished with heaven’s panoply, the blessing of a clean heart, and possessing the joy of the Lord. The more I search God’s Word, the more I am convinced that he has provided means for the complete subjugation of this world to himself. He never designed that defeat should be written upon our banners, but that we should press the enemy to the very gates of hell. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Here is a declaration from God who cannot lie, that, if we go forth in his strength, having renewed within us a right spirit, the spirit that will cause us to weep over sinners lost, as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and erring Samaria, with this spirit, clad in armor all divine, we shall come forth from every field of battle, bringing our sheaves with us. But in order to wield heaven’s artillery successfully, an experimental knowledge of the same is necessary. “The laborer must first be partaker of the fruit.”
2. As to time and manner. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” In order to make full proof of our ministry, every redeemed power must be in complete harmony with God; employed at the right time, place, and in the right manner; by being instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine.
And God who is ever faithful, will make us successful in winning souls to himself, and leading on believers to the promised land of perfect love.