History And Character Of American Revivals Of Religion PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII. MEANS OF ORIGINATING AND PROMOTING REVIVALS, --AND H1NDERANCES, CONSIDERED. By this time, in the progress of these discussions DEGREES I hope the distinct and proper economy of a revival is sufficiently defined and well understood. I have endeavoured to present it as a dispensation of Providence, of a marked and peculiar character, brought upon a community by the outpourings of the Spirit of God, in fulfilment of the predictions, and in execution of the design of Christianity, for the more powerful, richer, and more manifest displays of Divine grace, in the greater and comparatively sudden increase of the Church, by the conversion of many sinners in company, augmenting the faith of Christians, and invigorating their Christian character. It is a special season, and to the Church a refreshing visitation. It is, as I have frequently remarked, an economy of a distinct and peculiar character, all the specialty of which is owing entirely to the Spirit of God. As it is impossible fully to appreciate the power of it, except by being immersed in its own atmosphere, and then only for the time being, so is it difficult to describe it by an ordinary technical definition. I have elsewhere recognised the occurrence of revivals, the instrumentality of which has not been obvious. Of such facts there have formerly been many instances in the United States. And I cannot doubt it is one of the features of these dispensations of mercy to man, in the outset of a series in store for a nation or people where experience is wanting, that God pours forth his Spirit, like unexpected showers upon the thirsty earth. But although this may be a fact, and one part of the character of religious revivals, yet it is no less true, that obvious instrumentalitie