Winning Souls

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Over the door of a church in Scotland are carved the three Hebrew words translated in our Bible, “He that winneth souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30). They were put there as an indication of the object of the church’s existence, and also in the hope that some Jews passing by might see them, and come in to worship the God of Abraham. Dr. Bonar preached from these words on the day on which the church was opened, explaining that “winning” was the word used to describe a hunter stalking game, and reminding “soul-winners” that their work must be done in a wise way. “How carefully David prepared to meet Goliath! He chose five smooth stones out of the brook. He did not assume that one would be lying by his hand when he needed it. Never go to the Lord’s work with meager preparation.”
—James Hastings

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