Opportunity!—Never has opportunity knocked so loudly, never has evidence been so compulsive, never has the need been so great for a greater evangelism, as is true of the present hour. It is time for the rising cry of the third angel. A bewildered world wants an explanation, and sin-laden souls want the healing balm of the everlasting gospel. This is our golden opportunity; nay, more, it is our bounden obligation. God will honor faith as we press forward.
Culture! —Refinement is rightly expected of the public representative of the gospel of grace. Crudity of conduct in dining room, drawing room, or desk is offensive. Especially is this true in enlightened lands, where flaunting of the established customs of human society becomes a barrier against a favorable audience to truth. Soiled linen or spotted clothing, unpressed garments or unpolished shoes, unshaven face or finger nails "in mourning,"—these are some of the little foxes that spoil the fruitfulness of the ministerial vine.
Facts!—The passion for truth will lead us to scrutinize every quotation or fact that we use. Sometimes a quotation has been cited by an ardent advocate of some theory because it fitted neatly into a conclusion already formed in the mind, while the investigator seemed oblivious to any contrary evidence. We should scorn to use a single reference that will not bear most rigid scrutiny, and that is not buttressed by unqualified personal conviction as to its trustworthy character. Let us always draw our conclusions from the facts, and never force the facts to conform to preconceived opinion.
Propitious!—Material prosperity and soul winning often operate in reverse ratio. For example; In the flourishing year of 1920 there was practically no increase in membership in North America, while in the stringency of 1931 there were 7,222 additions, the largest net increase since 1917, when the hearts of men were crushed by war sorrows and problems. This is both the providential and the psychological hour to offer God's rest to the restless; to proffer confidence in Him for chilling, human fear; and to set forth the "blessed hope" as the only solution for a world and a race gone awry. We dare not think of aught but advance, until our task is done.
Morale!--Let us hold steady in this time of pressure. It will be easy to become panicky, but this must not be. The difficulties, as well as the task and its completion, were all foreknown to God and foretold to us. We should be neither surprised nor discouraged when baffling situations confront us. Our God lives and rules, and it is a wonderful thing to be on His side. His message cannot be stayed until it has done its allotted work. Our faith and devotion should increase in proportion to the proximity and complexity of the end. Readjustments will be necessary; let us make them cheerfully. Simplifications will be required; let us make them effectually. The present situation is a token, and a blessing in disguise. Therefore let us think courage, talk courage, and exemplify courage.