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R.A. Torrey

Reuben Archer Torrey (1856 - 1928). American evangelist, pastor, and author born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to a wealthy family. Converted at 15, he graduated from Yale in 1875 and Yale Divinity School in 1878, later earning a D.D. Ordained a Congregationalist in 1878, he pastored in Ohio before leading Chicago’s Moody Church (1883-1889). As superintendent of Moody Bible Institute (1889-1908), he trained thousands of lay ministers. Torrey preached globally with song leader Charles Alexander, drawing 100,000 converts in Australia alone (1902). He authored over 40 books, including How to Pray (1900), and edited The Fundamentals (1910-1915), shaping early fundamentalism. In 1912, he became dean of Biola University, expanding its reach. Married to Clara Smith in 1879, they had five children. His Keswick-inspired teachings on the Holy Spirit influenced Pentecostalism. Torrey’s clear, practical sermons remain widely read, impacting evangelical theology and revivalism.
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R.A. Torrey shares the inspiring story of a ninety-two-year-old man who, after decades away from religious gatherings, accepted Christ during a series of meetings in Warrnambool, Australia. This man's conversion, though late in life, brought him immense joy and a desire to share his newfound faith with others. Torrey contrasts this late conversion with the potential lifelong service of younger converts, emphasizing the value of early faith in Christ. The sermon highlights the grace of God that reaches even the oldest among us, reminding us of the joy in every soul saved, regardless of age.
Saved at Ninety-Two
When we were in Warrnambool, Australia, for two or three successive nights, I noticed an old man sitting up in the front seats drinking in every word I said. I afterwards learned that he was ninety-two years of age. One night after having come two or three times, when I gave out the invitation, this old man rose to his feet and professed to accept Christ. It was a very clear case of conversion. He said, “I have never been to a religious meeting since I was ten years of age until these meetings began, but I have been led to see myself a sinner and to accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour.” He was a very happy convert. Every day he would come and whenever he could he would bring others and he was always ready to testify to the saving grace of God. It filled our hearts with joy to think how this old man was plucked from the fire at the last moment, but how much more it meant for the kingdom when some of the children of Warrnambool at the age of eight or nine accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. This old man was a soul saved, “saved so as by fire,” but with little work accomplished for the Master. The boy of eight who was converted was a soul saved, plus fifty, or sixty or seventy or eighty years of service.
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Reuben Archer Torrey (1856 - 1928). American evangelist, pastor, and author born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to a wealthy family. Converted at 15, he graduated from Yale in 1875 and Yale Divinity School in 1878, later earning a D.D. Ordained a Congregationalist in 1878, he pastored in Ohio before leading Chicago’s Moody Church (1883-1889). As superintendent of Moody Bible Institute (1889-1908), he trained thousands of lay ministers. Torrey preached globally with song leader Charles Alexander, drawing 100,000 converts in Australia alone (1902). He authored over 40 books, including How to Pray (1900), and edited The Fundamentals (1910-1915), shaping early fundamentalism. In 1912, he became dean of Biola University, expanding its reach. Married to Clara Smith in 1879, they had five children. His Keswick-inspired teachings on the Holy Spirit influenced Pentecostalism. Torrey’s clear, practical sermons remain widely read, impacting evangelical theology and revivalism.