Determining the Success of Meetings
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working in the right lines, his main purpose was to get the largest kind
of congregation by fanciful preaching, which differed vastly from the
preaching of John, the forerunner of Christ. Many signed the covenant,
but when he left it was demonstrated that they believed in _____, were
attracted to the man and not to Jesus Christ. Many who signed the
covenant were unconverted, and when left alone they withdrew their
names.—
Letter 79, 1893
.
Elder _____’s Church—In working for those who are converted
under your labors, you would be highly pleased if they were called
Elder_____’s church. You would like to manipulate their minds in
such a way that they would be guided by sentiments of your choosing.
But God forbid! In fastening minds to yourself, you lead them to
disconnect from the Source of their wisdom and efficiency. Their
dependence must not be in you but be wholly in God. Only thus
can they grow in grace. They are dependent on Him for success, for
usefulness, for power to be laborers together with God.—
Letter 39,
1902
.
Christ’s Property—Not Ours—Let us always remember,
Brother _____, that no matter how great and good a work the hu-
man agent may do, he does not gain the ownership of those who
through his instrumentality have been converted to the truth. None are
to place themselves under the control of the minister who has been
instrumental in their conversion. In our ministry we are to bring souls
direct to Christ. They are Christ’s property, and must ever be amenable
to Him alone. Every person possesses an individuality that no other
person can claim.—
Letter 193, 1903
.
God to Receive the Glory for Success—After the warning has
been given, after the truth has been presented from the Scriptures,
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many souls will be convicted. Then great carefulness is needed. The
human agent cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit, we are only the
channels through which the Lord works. Too often a spirit of self-
sufficiency comes in, if a measure of success attends the efforts of
the worker. But there must be no exaltation of self, nothing should
be attributed to self; the work is the Lord’s, and His precious name
is to receive all the glory. Let self be hid in Jesus.—
The Review and
Herald, October 14, 1902
.