Sympathy, for Sinners
Genuine sympathy for sinners can powerfully lead to their conversion and salvation.
A devoted elder, burdened for souls, one morning called upon a sceptical blacksmith for whom he had been wrestling in prayer. With deep feeling, he said, "Mr. R., I am greatly concerned for your salvation,—greatly concerned for your salvation!" and burst into tears. He could say no more, and returned home. "Greatly concerned for my salvation!" it rung through the blacksmith's ears like a thunder-clap in a clear sky. "Greatly concerned I ought to be for my own salvation. What shall I do?" It was a new and unanswerable argument for religion. He went to his Christian wife, and asked her what to do. She advised him to follow the elder home. He did so, and, greeting him, said, "I am come to tell you that I am greatly concerned for my own salvation." They prayed together; and the man, whom no logic could reach, was converted,—a striking testimony to the power of sympathy.