The Fundamentals edited by R. A. Torrey (Available from Amazon or free here) -
This week Sydenstricker conducts a scientific examination of conversion.
Firstly he diagnoses the state of humans before conversion:
(i) legally condemned;
(ii) morally corrupted.
Secondly he tells us that there are only two outcomes for such humans:
(i) judgement;
(ii) conversion.
Thirdly Sydenstricker gives us the means by which the human soul is converted:
(i) the Holy Spirit;
(ii) the Word of God;
(iii) Christians;
(iv) prayer;
(v) faith.
Fourthly Sydenstricker tells us how the means are applied.
Fifthly we learn about the necessary conditions for conversion on the part of the:
(i) Christian worker;
(ii) sinner.
Sixthly Sydenstricker explains the result of conversion: a new man.
I liked the emphasis on prayer: 'prayer is scientifically the first means and the prime force to be applied by the true Christian in producing the conversion of a human soul. It is perfectly certain that nothing can be effectively done until the Spirit is applied, and the Spirit is ordinarily given in answer to prayer that is, the quickening Spirit that arouses the soul and prepares it for the effectual application of other divinely appointed means. We question whether the Spirit is ever given without prayer where prayer is available, as in all other things human agencies are required when available.'
Prayer is a vital ingredient of conversion. If only we understood that more.
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