The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-01-28
About Revivals and Other
Matters.
PHILADELPHIA. Jan. l9th. 188O.

The Central Presbyterian is the only
paper to which | have access. amongst
several hundred perhaps, in the reading
rooms OF a large city, containing whole
broad sides of continuous, interesting.
reading matter, scarcely excepting the
advertisements, for even these appear to
be of a select character.
Although controversies and discus
slons amongst Christians may not al
ways be desirable or commendable. still
this collision of sentiment may sometimes
produce spark or light to guide out of
some labJ rinth of doubt or difficulty.
1t is frequently said that doctors and
lawyers differ, but this difference arises
generally more from disputed facts and
definitions than from disputed law. The
same may be said of doctors of divinity;
their different presentations arising from
difference in standpoints and difference
in definitions.
There was once quite an earnest dis
cussion over the grand old hymn begin
mng, Come humble sinner in whose
breast the criticism applying chiefly
to the line, {" / can but perish if I 90.
Now this may be explained by the differ
ence IN standpoints. One who has tri-
1Gimphantly, passed through every con-
thct but the last, whose experience in
faith, repentance, Holy Spirit, atoning
blood, sovereign grace, substitution, adop-
ton, ETC., have enabled him "to seize the
crown of perfect love and scale the mount
OF heaven, and from its highest pinnacle
exulungly to proclaim, thanks be to God
who glveth us the victory" etc., NAV we'll
look down upon the humble sinner and
almost rebuke his doubt and hesitation.
But he should remember the stems bv
which he attained this beatifc eminence
Just as we should remember the hum
blest lnstrumentality by which we were
saved from yawning gulf This is the
food designed for the babe in Christ or
prior to his Christian birth. The milk
OF the word may encourage and strengthen
his totterlng footsteps, when strong meat
might cause him to perish. Oh, do not
break the bruised reed nor quench the
smoking flax. 1t is thus, perhaps. that
all may unite IN praising the different
parts OF hymn which at least has the
merit of having withstood the criticism
OF every revision of the hymnal.
There seems also quite discussion on
what is termed revivals, or getting no
REVEALS by human devices rather than
IN conformity with the word of God II
may well be considered whether this is
worthy OF the name of revival. and go
worthy OF consideration at our hands The
misfortune Is that opposition to such re-
vlvals( so-called) and the anathemas hurled
against them, may strike or rebound against
some of a wholly different character
those true revlvals which occur alas but
too seldom. 1t is difficult to make much
wheat without some chaff But must we
surrender the wheat because of the cbafi'
which accompanies? These revivals o,
sudden conversions are certainly sustained
by scrptural example 1t is not mere
ercHement we desire, but ercttiaq into
action previously well matured, deiber-
ate convictions. What we need as
stated, Is action on deliberate convictions
and whether they come by old measures
or new measures let us not dispute about
,Ooyds.
None should unsettle the faith of many
by requiring knowledge of the place
where or the time when this important
change occurred Whereas 7 was once
blind now | see, should suffice. Now
can it be denied that such knowledge is
desirable and attainable in revivals ?
Let all then in taking ground against
revivals expound their full meaning. and
II they mean revivals based on human
devices and without the word and spirit
of God, then there is no controversy.
But as stated, there is danger Of pro
scribing all revivals and as also stated
the lamentation is made, on the other
hand, that there are not greater results
from genuine revivals.
There was once what may be called q
revival-that was revival-in the coun-
ty Of Nottoway, Virginia-weeks proceed
ing and weeks succeeding, but certainly
embracing the 30th of August. 1888 by
entry on the lid of my family Bible
Though thus over forty years ago. It is
somewhat remarkable that the same min
ister still ministers devotedly and accent
ABLY in the same place, and of the ora
cious fruits then gathered in, as far as
present recollection acts, 81 only am left
to tell ETC.
That minister, in Presbytery or SYNOD
held in Fredericksburg some time after
gave most enthusiastic and GLOWING ac-
count Of this revival, embracing nearly
all OF prominence, or who had occupied
prproi mont r,CuitfCv- Al