Buttonhole Christians

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An incident is related which occurred during Charles Finney’s meetings in New York City, and which will illustrate the value of a little tact in the great struggle for souls. The big cutlery firm of Sheffield, England, had a branch house in New York. The manager was a partner of the firm and very worldly. One of his clerks, who had been converted in the meetings, invited his employer to attend. One evening he was there and sat across the aisle from Mr. Arthur Tappan. He appeared affected during the sermon, and Mr. Tappan kept his eye on him. After the dismissal, Mr. Tappan stepped quickly across the aisle, introduced himself, and invited him to stay to the after-service. The gentleman tried to excuse himself and get away, but Mr. Tappan caught hold of the button on his coat and said: “Now, do stay; I know you will enjoy it,” and he was so kind and gentlemanly that the cutlery man could not well refuse. He stayed and was led to Christ. Afterwards he said: “An ounce of weight upon my coatbutton saved my soul.” More “buttonhole Christians” are needed.

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