The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1906-07-06

controversy with several distinguished
ministers of Atlanta on the efficacy of
revivals and kindred subjects. Mr..
Wilmer takes the position that re
vivals' are emotional and are not eff
cacious and lasting and in many in
stances lead to skepticism and inf
deity.
The following article taken from a
recent issue of the Atlanta Journal
will show the trend of the discussion.
Ed Banner)
l want to call attention to the ar
ticle In Saturdays Journal by Rev.
George G.. Smith, of Vineville, Macon,
about Revivals and Especially the
Work of DIR. Torrey," model of truth
loving kindly writing on subject on
which SO many persons are disposed
to be arrogant, dogmatic and even
vituperative. Atlanta seems to me to
need nothing so much right now as
to learn the art of descent contro-
versy, or rather conference, as a ba-
sis of all other progress. The differ
ence between controversy and confer
ence Is the difference between two
men playing game Of chess, in which
each Is trying together to solve a
chess problem. In the latter case, both
are looking for the same problem, viz:
the truth; and If they criticise each
others suggestions, 1t is given and
taken In the same spirit of love of
truth and recognition of the need of
mutual helpfulness. The Rev. DIR.
Smiths article, 1t seems 20 me, comes
up to this definition. And I am sure
that this compliment will be regard
ed as at least sincere, coming from
me. when the fact is appreciated that
DR.. Smiths communication is, al
most entirely, directed against my
self. / want to say to him that will
always welcome criticism of that
character.
This much said, and, that in SIM
pie justice to DR.. Smith, wish to say
further, that the criticism in ques-
ton is directed against something
that / did not say. AS an argument
against the proposition that the pres
emit widespread skepticism in Amer
lea Is charged against modern re-
vivalism, the article is a success;
do not think, in the first place, that
there Is any widespread skepticism,
or even for positive infidelity, is mere
ly q repection of medieval theology
mot of Christianity itself, but of
certain interpretations of Christianity
which have no authority back of them
beyond the private opinions of GER
tain individual preachers, who pro-
pose to lord it over the rest of the
Christian church and accuse every
body who differs from them of re-
jecting the gospel"
Due to Many Causes.
But. as far as such skepticism does
exist, ! think 1t due to a great many
causes besides modern revivalism."
To come at once to what l did say
and do think and am quite willing
to stand by, believe that the doc
trine OF instantaneous salvation Gas
distinguished from instantaneous con-
version), is responsible for, not all,
but a great deal of skepticism and
positive infidelity. l believe that this
has operated and does operate in two
directions. First, among the persons
who have been persuaded that be-
cause they have surrendered to God
In Christ. and have accepted Christ"
and have come under the blood"
whatever that expression may signify,
that they are actually saved. | believe
that this teaching is as contrary to
Scripture as 1t is to common sense.
and that the result, in thousands of
cases, has been that, after the excite
ment Is over and the enthusiasm has
passed away somewhat, and these
saved" people find themselves up
against the temptations of life, they
60 down, and in consequence, reac-
ton takes place: they feel as if they
had made fools of themselves, or, at
least. had been deceived. and they
lose confidence in all religion. 1t is a
fact which many pastors will certify
that such people exist, and that it is