There is a tendency, apparent at this present time, to think little of the conversion of individuals and to look upon the work of the Holy Spirit upon each separate person as much too slow a business for this progressive age. I am bold to assert that if ever we despise the method of individual conversion, we shall get into an unsound order of business altogether and find ourselves wrecked upon the rocks of hypocrisy.

Even in those right glorious times when the Gospel shall have the freest course, and run the most quickly, and be the most glorified, its progress will still be after the former manner of the conviction, conversion, and sanctification of individuals, who shall each one believe and be baptized, according to the Word of the Lord.

I fear lest in any of you there should be even the least measure of despising the one lost because of the large and philosophical methods that are now so loudly cried up. If the wandering are to be brought in in vast numbers, as I pray they may be, yet must it be accomplished by the bringing of them one by one.

To attempt national regeneration without personal regeneration is to dream of erecting a house without separate bricks. Let us settle in our minds that we cannot do better than obey the example of our Lord Jesus and go after the one sheep that has gone astray.[1]

Charles Spurgeon

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Endnotes:

[1] Charles Spurgeon, At the Master’s Feet [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005], November 10.

See also:

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