I have been amazed in my study of the biographies of men and women who
have been specially used of God, to see how almost universal is the
rule that they have come to Christ, or to an experience of power,
through the personal influence of a friend or acquaintance. Preaching
is not enough, it is sometimes too general; the impressions of a song
may soon be effaced, but the personal touch, the tear in the eye, the
pathos in the voice, the concern which is manifested in the very
expression of one's countenance; these are used with great effect, and
thousands of people are to-day in the Kingdom of God, or in special
service, because of such influences being brought to bear upon their
lives.

John Wesley is a notable illustration of the influence of the personal
touch. Peter Bohler of the Moravian Church, came into his life when he
was in sore need of just such assistance as he seemed able to give. Dr
W. H. Fitchett of Australia, writes:--

"The Moravians of Savannah taught him exactly what Peter Bohler taught
him afterwards in London, but the teaching at the moment left his life
unaffected. Wesley's own explanation is, 'I understood it not; I was
too learned and too wise, so that it seemed foolishness unto me; and I
continued preaching, and following after, and trusting in that
righteousness whereby no flesh can be justified.'

"The truth is that Peter Bohler himself, had he met Wesley in Savannah,
would have taught him in vain. The stubborn Sacramentarian and High
Churchman had to be scourged, by the sharp discipline of failure, out
of that subtlest and deadliest form of pride, the pride that imagines