The Theory and Desirableness of Revivals; Being Six Sermons

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. 1842 edition. Excerpt: ... SERMON II. VINDICATION OF REVIVALS, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THIS COUNTRY. "drop Down Ye Heavens, From Above, And Let The Skies Pour Down Righteousness: Let The Earth Open, And Let Them Bring Forth Salvation And Let RIGHTEOUSNESS SPRING UP TOGETHER." Isa. xlv. 8. In resuming the subject discussed in my last discourse, I propose to submit some additional considerations, adapted to show the nature of revivals of religion, and to vindicate them from objections. My general aim will be to show that they are the regular and proper result of the means which God is employing; that they are promised in the Bible as invaluable blessings; and that their value has been evinced by their effects in the history of the church, and especially by the history of our own country. This will be attempted in a series of propositions, which will be intended as a continuance of those which were offered in my last discourse. I. My first remark is, that the dealings of God in his providence are fitted to produce revivals of religion. The phenomenon which I am endeavouring to describe, you will recollect, is the simultaneous conversion of many souls to Christ, and a rapid advance in promoting the purity and zeal of Christians. The question now is, whether there is anything in the dealings of Providence which is fitted, if a proper impression were made, to produce this result. Let me for one moment refer you to facts which are constantly passing before your eyes. Here falls, struck down by the hand of an unseen God, some endeared member of a family-- a father, a brother, a sister, or a mother. What is the effect 1 There is a common lamentation around the dying bed of the friend, and a united, sad, and slow procession to the tomb. There is a sundering at once of many...