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To win souls is a proof of wisdom, and it is also an exercise of wisdom. There is the wisdom of winning souls to be considered, and also the wisdom in winning souls.

I. THE WISDOM OF WINNING SOULS.

1. Human souls require to be won. They are at first in a lost state. They are lost as being without knowledge, without righteousness, without happiness, and without hope.

2. But the souls of men may be recovered. The method of their salvation is arranged and completed in the gospel.

3. See the wisdom of this work in its innate grandeur and excellence. In a shipwreck or a fire what strenuous efforts are made to save property, or to save life: how much more to pluck these brands from the burning.

4. See what an enduring work it is. Other things, saved, may perish again; but a soul saved will be secure for ever.

5. See the reward it brings to the happy agent himself. It gratifies his benevolence, and his piety — it secures him affection and love — it will ensure immortal honour (Daniel 12:3).

6. It is an essential part of our duty as Christians. The task of winning souls is committed to us. A dispensation of the gospel is entrusted to us. We are bound by the pledges of our allegiance and gratitude to Christ to employ ourselves in this work.

II. THE WISDOM IN WINNING SOULS.

1. There are difficulties peculiar to the work.

(1) In the perversity and prejudices of those whom we seek to save.

(2) In the snares and oppositions of the world, skilfully managed by the great adversary of our souls.

(3) In the ignorances, jealousies, and inconsistencies of the agents themselves.

2. The required wisdom consists of several important constituents.

(The Congregational Pulpit.)

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KJV: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

WEB: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.