A miner came to the altar seeking Christ.... After more than an hour of seeking, the minister dismissed the congregation, while he himself remained with the seeker. After a long time he suggested that they go home.... But the penitent man would not be put off.

Our Ishmaels exist because we listen to some voice other than that of the Holy Spirit. Our motives may be pure, and the cause laudable, but we are badly out of our depth when we lean on human wisdom and understanding to attempt the work of God.