He preached in revivals throughout his life and spent many years as a teacher at Oberlin College. His early evangelistic messages can still be read from his book Revival Lectures .
Men sin only when they are tempted, either by the world, the flesh, or the devil.
And it is expressly asserted, that, in every temptation, provision is made for our escape. Certainly, if it is possible for us to escape without sin, under every temptation, then a state of entire and permanent sanctification is attainable. Full provision is made for overcoming the three great enemies of our souls, the world, the flesh, and the devil. A denial of this doctrine has the natural tendency to beget the very apathy witnessed in the Church. Sin unblushingly stalks abroad even in the church of God, and does not fill Christians with horror, because they expect its existence as a thing of course.