The Science of Conversion 65 of the uncertain and the vague in working with human souls and operate with absolute assurance of adequate and satis- factory results? In this greatest of all works, and which is practically com- mitted to man, has God left us to absolute uncertainties as to results? Is it not true that if the divinely ordained means be properly used the results can be obtained with the same scien- tific certainty as in other things, and results also which are in no sense spurious but the actual effect of efficient and properly applied causes ? Are not, the promises of God absolute, and do not many incidents in the work and history of thè Church demonstrate that the conversion of souls was the direct result of God-appointed and man-applied means thereto, operated by purely scientific methods, although the workers had no thought of science in their work? Are we not bound to obey God’s laws in all scientific operations in the physical world, and must we not scientifically obey His laws in the higher realm of His domain ? 2. T H E CASE DIAGNOSED A careful diagnosis of the case under consideration may help us towards a scientific answer to our investigation. To know the patient, and especially to know precisely the nature of the disease, is of prime importance in the successful treat- ment of it. Otherwise, all treatment is mere guess-work. Our subject in this inquiry is a degenerate human soul. Degenerate meaning an inherent unrighteousness and an innate corruption that has affected every fiber and faculty of the human soul. This total depravity does not mean that man is actually and practically as mean as he is capable of being, but it means that the total man is depraved in all of his parts, and that he is bom in that condition. This native degeneracy is of a twofold nature: First, it is a legal condemnation descending to every human soul from a justly condemned ancestry who represented and stood for the whole race in the government of God under the covenant of
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