The Campbellite does not believe in an 'experience of grace' in the heart. He makes fun of such a thing. It might seem unkind to suggest that the reason he does not believe in it is because he has never had such an experience himself. But as a matter of fact, he does not profess ever to have had it. It is not in his system of theology, and not in accordance with that system. He is simply consistent with his belief that religion is an outward, mechanical thing - a matter of deeds, and not a matter of the heart.

But, when a Baptist hears any one say that there is no such thing as an experience of grace, he always feels like replying as the old Negro did to his master who said that there is no such thing as religion. The Negro answered, "Master, don't say there ain't no such thing as religion; say, that as you knows on."

The Baptist knows there is such a thing as an experience of grace. He has felt it. To him it is real, deeply, intensely real. He can tell you the day his soul was born from above by the power of the Holy Spirit through repentance for his sins and faith in the Savior, more certainly than he can tell you the day of his natural birth. It is an event to him even more distinct, as well as more important, than the birth of his body. He remembers the very time and place when it occurred. He remembers how, when under conviction by the Holy Spirit, he cried out in the agony of his soul, as he felt himself sinking in the waves of sin, "Lord, save, I perish;" and how the Savior reached for his hand and helped him up. He remembers how, when the Master came on board his little boat, the wave of sorrow in his tempest-tossed soul subsided into a beautiful quiet, and there was a great calm.

He will never forget the ecstasy of the moment, the thrill of joy which ran through him, and set all the bells within his soul ringing in harmony with the bells of heaven. You need not talk to him about there being no such thing as an experience of grace. He has had one- if he is a Baptist at all - and he knows there is. He has had it. He has it now.

-Taken from 'Why a Baptist?' by Edgar E. Folk, Editor Baptist and Reflector, Nashville, Tennessee. Written circa 1900.