Carey was preaching from that text in Isaiah, “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.”
After discussing it thus: Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God, he had thoroughly moved the congregation. Hearts were taut. The atmosphere of the building was intense with spiritual power. God was present. The preacher called the audience to arise and they were solemnly dismissed.
As they started out, an old man by the name of Fuller cried, “Carey, call them back. Aren’t we going to do anything about it?” The congregation came back. That day was born the modern missionary movement. They sent Carey to India.
Ah, that’s the secret! When moved by God, when the soul looks out in holy vision, do something about it. Step out for God. Too often we are afraid; we move men, we ministers stir them, flame their souls, burn with a God-sent message into their hearts, but we let them go without “doing anything about it.” I would that those words of burning zeal could ring through the souls of all of God’s holy children. The world dies, evil increases, the heat of Divine love burns low in pulpit and pew, but too often we do nothing about it.
Those words challenge us today.
“Enlarge……stretch……lengthen……strengthen.”
(Excerpts from “Answered prayers and soul-winning incidents – published in 1940)
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