Letter from John Wanamaker

10:40 o’clock Monday night
March 12, 1888

My dear friend, 

I have just come home this very cold snowy night from Bethany where after the Passion lesson we had a solemn tender talk about how one person could get another to find a blessing from God.

I could not but think of the dear members of my class & I feel it laid upon me to write you this personal note.  

I write to each of you as a saved soul. If you are not saved my dear friend, flee to the merciful Savior as you would fly into this warm room tonight out of the cold streets and the drifting snow… If you are saved, humbly trusting in what Jesus did when His love failed not on the Cross, think of others not saved… NOT SAVED… going on to the eternal darkness, your near friend, your relative, and do something!

When you have faith enough and love enough to start out in the effort to bring a soul to the Savior.  God the Holy Spirit joins in your effort, for God wants everyone saved and He works with even the poorest instrument that engages in His work.. Please read over again the words I have just written.  

I want now to ask you to settle your mind and heart on some particular person to pray for and work with and not give up until that person is converted. 

Your help is in God.  He will put thoughts into your heart, ways into your mind, and words into your mouth.  He will tell you when to be silent and only pray and show your concern.  

If you once have the joy and sweet pleasure of bringing one soul to Christ, you will be hungry to get another.  Do not argue, do not be rebuffed, be patient and gentle and keep on with a prayer in your heart and drop a good word here and there as you go along, an invitation to meeting, to the class, take your friend to the pastor or your teacher for a little talk.  If discouraged go yourself and pray with your pastor or teacher.  Persevere, it is an undying soul you are laboring for and any angel would come down from heaven if such could be, to do the very work you have the opportunity to do.  Oh what a pleasure it will be to you to have some new born soul beside you at the next Supper of the Lord.  If you would like to write to me and tell me who you have chosen to labor for and will let me remember you in prayer, I will be very glad.  If you wish me to advise with you in any way let me know and do not fear that your letter or visit will take too much of my time.  Do not put off a single hour- hearts grow harder and colder every day and Eternity is near.  

God bless you every moment and your home also.  Yours in the hope of heaven and to win our friends to go with us.

John Wanamaker, 
Your Teacher

Eternity is nearDownload
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