rhetoric will be thrown to the winds, and a divine passion will possess
the life. The world may sneer at it as fanaticism, but it is the
fanaticism of Pentecost. When the crowd saw the intensity of emotion
shown by the newly-anointed disciples, they exclaimed, "These men are
full of new wine." Here was shown an enthusiasm that leaps over all
difficulties and rises above every discouragement--the enthusiasm of
Pentecost; and every soul-winner must have it. Then, like Paul, wishing
himself accursed that Israel might be saved, or like John Welch, wrapped
in his plaid, kneeling in the snow, unable to sleep, and praying
mightily for the souls of men, this holy earnestness will not let us
rest until we see the salvation of the lost.

It will tell in look, and tone, and manner. It may lead us to do things
that may shock the sense of propriety of the dead, formal Church member,
such as being obedient to the Master's command, "Go ye out into the
highways and hedges, and compel them to come in." Jeremiah preached
repentance in the streets; and the early Church preached everywhere, on
the streets, by the river's bank, in the market-places, and in prisons.
John Livingstone stood on a tombstone, and preached with such power in
the midst of a falling rain that multitudes were born in a day. So did
John Wesley. O that the great Church of Jesus Christ might now have the
enthusiasm of Pentecost!




STUDY XVIII.

PERSEVERANCE.