In this sermon, Charles Spurgeon argues that the growth and success of Christianity cannot come through human armies, political power, large denominations, or even the talents of individual leaders like great scholars or eloquent speakers, because God wants all glory to belong to Him alone. He uses examples from history—such as how British colonial rule actually hindered the spread of the gospel in India rather than helping it—to show that when Christians rely on worldly power or institutional prestige, God withdraws His blessing, and it is only when people depend entirely on the Holy Spirit that true revival and conversion happen. Spurgeon concludes with a passionate plea for Christians to stop relying on church structures, plans, and human abilities, and instead pray earnestly for God to pour out His Spirit, since that alone is what the church truly needs to accomplish anything meaningful.

Sermon delivered on August 31, 1857.