Led
to make a profession by undue pressure
Some of the most glaring sinners known to me were
once members of a church, and were, as I believe,
led to make a profession by undue pressure,
well meant but ill-judged. Do not, therefore, consider that
soul-winning is or can be secured by the multiplication of
baptisms, and the swelling of the size of your church. What mean
these dispatches from the battle field? “Last night fourteen
souls were under conviction, fifteen were justified, and eight
received full sanctification.” I am weary
of this public bragging, this counting of unhatched chickens,
this exhibition of doubtful spoils. Lay aside such numberings of
the people, such idle pretense of certifying in half a minute
that which will need the testing of a lifetime. Hope for
the best, but in your highest excitements be reasonable.
Enquiry-rooms are all very well, but if they lead to idle
boastings they will grieve the Holy Spirit and work abounding
evil.
- C. H. Spurgeon
