The Collected Works of S.L. Brengle - Eight Books in One

by Samuel Logan Brengle

When God searches for a man to work in His vineyard He does not ask, "Has he great natural abilities? Is he thoroughly educated? Is he a fine singer? Is he eloquent in prayer? Can he talk much?" But, rather, He asks, "Is his heart perfect toward Me? Is he holy? Does he love much? Is he willing to walk by faith, and not by sight? Does he love Me so much and has he such childlike confidence in My love for him that he can trust Me to use him when he doesn't see any sign that I am using him? Will he be weary and faint when I correct him and try to fit him for greater usefulness? Or will he, like Job, cry out, 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him'? (Job xiii. 15). Does he search My word, and 'meditate therein day and night,' in order to 'do according to all that is written therein'? (Joshua i. 8). Does he wait on Me for My counsel and seek in everything to be led by My Spirit? Or is he stubborn and self-willed, like the horse and the mule, which have to be held in with bit and bridle (Ps. xxxii. 9), so that I cannot 'guide him with Mine eye'? (Ps. xxxii. 8). Is he a man-pleaser and a time-server, or is he willing to wait for his reward, and does he seek solely for 'the honour that cometh from God only'? Does he 'preach the word' and is he 'instant in season, out of season'? (2 Tim. iv. 2). Is he meek and lowly in heart and humble?" When God finds such a man, He will use him.