Article February 6, 1909 Issue

SALVATION BY SPIRIT

REV. W. L. SWAN

Many of the best men in the churches to—day are in doubt as to the value of the modern revival meeting. They admit that good is done, but the lack of permanence to much of the work, together with the reaction that so frequently follows, makes them skeptical as to whether the results warrant the money and energy expended in the modern spiritual campaign. All this leads the thoughtful to inquire if the cause of these undesirable results may not be too great dependence upon human will and personality.

Many times the so—called magnetic speaker is the most successful evangelist, measured by the number of converts, but may it not be possible that these men, perhaps quite unintentionally effect their ends by the use of human will—power in some phase of its application? Do not some of the methods used lend themselves to this kind of influence? Very few people would approve such means. Certainly the ideal is for the preacher to live so in communion with God as to gain a clear spiritual vision of the truth, and then, like John the Baptist, be nothing but a voice to proclaim the message. Men will be led to see the same vision that he sees, they will have a renewed mind, the change will be regenerative, permanent, wholly good, Is it not clear that to the extent good nor permanent?

The failure to distinguish between the human sense and the divine Mind may confuse many honest seekers after God. The lack of soul—satisfaction and permanence may be attributed to the failure of the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet these needs, so that the gospel is put in a false light before the world, and if these things are true in relation to salvation from sin, are they not equally true in relation to salvation from sin, are they not equally in relation to salvation from sickness? The psalmist says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases." Jesus said, "Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise and walk."

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