Art of Manfishing & Words to Winners of Souls

Book excerpt: The Art of Manfishing by Thomas Boston A faithful soul-winners' guide to Calvinistic evangelism recommended by John MacAuthur. ''Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men'' (Matt. 4:19). The first thing is to follow the chief Fisher of men, Christ. He gives the promise that if they follow Him, they will indeed become fishers of men. But how does Christ make men fishers of men? (1) By His call; (2) By giving them success. For His word comes to them ''in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance'' (1 Thess. 1:5). It is not by might, nor by craft, but by the power of the Spirit that fishers of men succeed. You need not despair of fishing amongst the worst of men, for none can resist the Spirit when He engages Himself. Words to Winners of Souls, by Horatius Bonar, is addressed primarily to ministers of the Gospel. It is wondrously effective in its message to those called to preach the precious words of the Scriptures. However, the usefulness of the book is not confined to ministers, but has a message for all witnesses of Christ. The same spirit, sincerity, and fervency is needful for all witnesses, whatever their calling in life. There can be but one goal to winners of souls, to lead the lost sinners around them to that ''resting place where doubt and weariness, the stings of a pricking conscience, and the longings of an unsatisfied soul'' may be satisfied, in Christ Jesus. In Him alone will all these be changed into holy joy, peace, and everlasting happiness