Illustration: Conviction of Sin for All

A famous Methodist evangelist named Peter Cartwright was known for his uncompromising preaching. However, one day when the U.S. President Andrew Jackson, "Old Rough and Ready," came to Cartwright's church, the elders warned the pastor not to offend the president. In those days, the president had great power to influence a denomination for good or bad. Content that their pastor would not say anything to discredit their church, the elders retired to the back of the sanctuary.

When Cartwright got up to speak, the first words out of his mouth were, "I understand President Andrew Jackson is here this morning. I have been requested to be very guarded in my remarks. Let me say this: Andrew Jackson will go to hell if doesn't repent of his sin!" The entire congregation gasped with shock at Cartwright's boldness. How could this young preacher dare to offend the tough old general in public? they wondered.

After the service, everyone wondered how the president would respond to Cartwright. When Andrew Jackson met the preacher at the door, he looked at him in the eye and said, "Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could conquer the world!" When we appreciate the power of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit speaking from the lips of people with conviction, we will make eternal differences. (Paul Fritz, SermonCentral newsletter)