One often hears the complaint, "Oh, we seldom have a conversion." If the reason is
asked, the answer is often, "Well, we have a preacher every Lord’s day, and the
testimony seems faithful enough; but, as far as we know, souls are not led to confess
and own the Lord Jesus as their Saviour through the preaching." The blame is thus
thrown on the preacher, as if he were the only one responsible in the matter.

But is this so? Are we not all responsible in measure? Will this shirking of individual
responsibility do for God? I believe not. Surely He will call to account each one who is
indifferent to the well-being of precious souls. There is a manifest neglect of gospel
services and a condition of lethargy concerning the prosperity of the Word creeping
into the assemblies of the saints in many places. Some Christians are but rarely seen at
the gospel services. The weekly prayer meetings are not attended as regularly as they
might be. Business matters which might often be postponed are scheduled for prayer
meeting night, giving the individual a "good excuse" for absenting himself.

Oh! that our hearts could rise up more fully to the contemplation of God’s own love
toward the ungodly in giving His own Son to die for them (Rom. 5:8). I think we
would thus be stirred up to increased diligence in seeking to help in the work of soul-
winning.

But some one might ask, "What can I do? I cannot preach. I do not feel qualified for
the work." Perhaps not. Still there is much work to be done besides preaching the
gospel. We can seek to bring our friends and neighbors to the gospel services so that
they may hear the words of life. Again, a tract may be given by the way, or a word
spoken to some weary heart, which may result in eternal blessing for the soul and bring
glory to the name of the Lord Jesus. Thus every Christian may be used in some way, if
not in the same way, in proclaiming the message of salvation to all, through Christ.

Then, further, if Christians are desirous of witnessing blessing at the gospel preaching
(and who are not?), there should be an understanding and perfect agreement among
them as to what they need. It is absolutely necessary that there should be unity of
purpose and desire as well as united effort. Thus having a definite object before them
they can come together for presenting their requests to God (Matt. 18:19).

In Acts 1:14 we have an example of this unanimity as to a definite want seen in
practice. We read, "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,
with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren." Again, "They
were all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1). Thus were they, brethren and sisters
as well, united in prayer for blessing, and together in waiting for the fulfilment of the
Father’s promise_the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). See also Acts 4:31, 32.

Let us seek then to imitate this example, showing by our repeated supplications our felt
need and dependence upon God. And by our continued waiting, may we show our trust

in our Father, and faith in His infallible Word of promise.