August 31

Soul-savers or self-savers


“When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32).
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19).

Living to save others is the condition of saving ourselves. No man is truly converted who does not live to save others. Every truly converted man turns from selfishness to benevolence, and benevolence surely leads him to do all he can to save the souls of his fellowmen. This is the changeless law of benevolent action.
The self-deceived are always to be distinguished by this peculiarity—they live to please themselves. This is the chief end of their religion. All their religious efforts and activities tend toward this sole object. If they can secure their own conversion so as to be pretty sure of it, they are satisfied. Sometimes the ties of natural sympathy embrace those who are especially near to them, but selfishness goes commonly no further, except as a good name may prompt them on.
—Charles G. Finney.

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