The Waste of Christian Influence

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” — PSALM CVii. 2.

Ir is their duty. The man who has been blessed is in duty bound to become a witness. The enriched disciple must become a busy apostle. He who has heard the word of life must himself become a messenger. “‘ Let him that heareth say, Come!’ Experiences must record themselves in expression. The world is waiting for witnesses, and especially for witnesses of the lay and unofficial order. The witness of the regular ministry is partly discounted because of our calling. Our testimony is expected, and it is thereby deprived of the element of surprise. But when a business man witnesses to the power of redeeming grace the testimony runs with arresting strength. It is this kind of witness who captures the interest of the jury and wins their verdict. The world, I say, is waiting for lay witnesses, and too often their testimony is hid like a lamp put under a bushel. ‘‘ Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!”’ It is their duty to add the power of their experiences to the record of redeeming grace.

But it is also their sacred interest. Experiences which are denied expression speedily fade away. Expression confirms experience, it sustains it and enriches it. Sentiments which find no voice find it hard to live. Gratitude which never says ‘‘ Thank you!” pines away in its silence. Hixpression gives air to sentiments, and quickens and strengthens them, It is ever so with a truth of revelation. We confess our hold upon. a truth when we become its witness. Many doubts melt away like mist when our souls go into the open air of public testimony. When the disciple of truth becomes its apostle it clothes itself in more radiant glory. And so do I say it is our interest to declare what the Lord hath done for our souls.

“Ye shall be my witnesses!’? That was our Lord’s command. The world is waiting for our obedience.