The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-11-02
For the Central Presbyterian.
Thoughts on Revivals.
No. 8.

|
when one that holds communion with the skies,
Has TILED his urn where those pure waters rise,
And once more mingles with us meaner things
LIS cen as II an angel shook his wings.
immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide
Ihat tells us whence his treasures are supplied
80 when ship, well frelghted with the stores
The sun natures on midas spicy shores,
Has dropped her anchor and her canvass furled
In some safe haven of our western world,
Iwere vain inquiry to what port she went,
| The gale informs u.s. laden with the scent"
Then they that feared the Lord spoke often
one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and
heard 1t, and book of remembrance was writ
ten before him tor them that feared the Lord
and that thought Upon his name.
| And they shall be mine saith the Lord of
hosts. IN that day when 1 make up my Jewels
ana VIII spare them, as man spareth his
own son that serveth him.-Malachi Iii: 1917.
In his testimony of Jesus, John the
Baptist said, "He shall baptize you with
the Holy Ghost, and with fire." This is
richly significant, for revival of religion,
by which is meanta special manifestation
OF Chrlst's saving grace, like fire, must
begin somewhere. A little fire may kin
die great matter. The recent horrible
confagration in the forests of Michigan
began with the Pickering flame of little
match
The history of revivals reveals the fact
that a work of grace most enduring in
Its results commences often with a single
Christian, never with the whole church.
The disciples continued in prayer ten
days before the promised power was re-
ceived from on high. Nothing to per-
manent purposes could have been accom-
plished without such preparation in lead
ing the thousands to Jesus. 1t is too
often forgotten too, that those converted
t. Christ on the day of Pentecost were
"devout men" out of every nation under
heaven. This fact goes to confirm the
opinion already insisted upon, that what
comes before revival is Of more impor-
lance than what follows. These persons
had been well instructed in the Scrip
lures and had the best of PREF aration for
saving conversion to the faith as it is in
Jesus.
80 far as human agencies appear in
promoting seasons of gracious ingathering
at the present day, the circumstances are
substantially these: Some one upon view
ing the spiritual needs of community is
deeply concerned at seeing souls in dan
ger. Such person begins with his own
heart, prays, confesses, and believes until
his heart is all melted and subdued by
the Holy Spirit; his love to Christ glow
ing, fervid, and burning, and he prays
more and more earnestly. In this quick
ened frame of mind others are sought out.
for his candle is not lighted to be put
under measure. A few, if not many,
unite in special prayer for the awakening
and - H. Il
they continue In united, importunate
prayer, nothing wavering until their
prayers reach the upper skies, and the
windows are opened and angels in their
songs rejoice.
All who have labored successfully in
genuine revivals, have waited at the
throne of grace until imbued with power
from on high, and then only had the true
saving power with men. The Gift thus
received will difuse a sweet influence
wherever they work for Christ. Church
es will be revived in manner securing
permanent results, and the conversions
will be such as to convince the wording
OF the reality and power of saving grace
In the souls of men.
In this review Of the use of means be-
fore revival, let it be most particularly
noticed, that it is not enough that SER
mons be able, sound, and well delivered,
or that even q series Of revival sermons
should be preached, or that persons be
visited and conversed with about their
souls nor is it enough that the church
be aroused and 90 to work actively for a
revival. Nothing can be an equivalent
for real power from on high.
a minister of large experience says
that it is no disadvantage to enter upon
continued meetings with a small congre-
cation and in unpleasant weather. Under
such circumstances the church, at least q
portion of it, will be more likely to get
fully into the spirit of the work, and de-
rive power from God, than when congre-
cations are crowded and the surround
ings exciting.
There have been, and are now, very
earnest and successful workers for Christ.
1t is useful for our purpose to learn some