The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1917-03-01


but il is foolish
to condemn all
revivals because
some are spurious. Ii would not be
wise 20 refuse all money because we
had seen a few counterfeit bills. but II
would be wiser 10 learn the difference
between the genuine and the counter
felt. Even 50 il may be profitable TO
consider what genuine revival of re-
ligion il. why IL is often necessary and
what can be done 10 promote It,
A revival is simply renewal Of spir-
ltual life which has grown dormant.
Strictly speaking il applies only 10
Christians. for those who have no spir-
ltual life cannot have il renewed. You
can revive "a dropping plant, but not
dead one. So those in whose hearts
Christ dwells may have their love for
| him increased. but one who has never
been converted cannot be revived.
However. when Christians are revived
the unsaved are sure to be converted.
though this is by no means the prin-
cipal benefit.
That the spirit does move upon a
church or community at times in an
unusual manner cannot be denied. In
place of apathy and Indifference we
behold attention and interest. Gods
word seems attractive. Gods house is
thronged night after night regardless
Of the weather or the season of the
year. Old feuds are forgotten, old
enemies are reconciled. and everybody
feels that they ought to settle up with
God. and man. whether ii involves q
hearty confession. or the paying of a
debt or the restoration of what has
been wrongfully taken
Objection l. 1t awakens excitement.
What If Ii does? Excitement is good
and the conversion of lost men and
women is certainly worthy object.
Business men try constantly to inter
est people in their stock of goods. they
work night and day to get crowd into
their store; politicians flood the coun-
try with literature parade the street
with bands. and no one questions the
wisdom Of il because we know it Is
necessary 10 arouse the public 10 the
importance Of voting alright. but when
Gods people put forth special efforts
to arrest the attention of Ne thought
less. the cry OF excitement is sure to
be raised.
Objection =. II does not last long.
That may be true in some eases. but
ne merchant does not stop booming
his business because he knows the
boom viii not last long. nor the poll
tician though he knows the campaiga
will be- short. IL il not 20 be expected !
that special meetings will continue
many weeks. but if the work * genuine
the results viii abide for years. The
Reformation lasted only few years
but Europe and the whole world feels
its effects 10 this hour. Peitecost last
ed but day. but il changed the whole
face of the world reliSiouSly.
Why does dying plant need water
and sunshine? Because II hasn't
strength enough TO hold its head NJ
md must have outside help. Sc Their
re nsny Christians who are not Sii-
sustaining. They do not pray enough
nor feed on the word enough 10. keep
them in good spiritual conditid9 The
consequence is they steadily lose
ground until they are in danger of los
ing all hold On Christ. and si'eci'
measures must be resorted To 10 resiv'
them. Frequent doses Of Gods wor
must he poured into them until the
begin to respond To il and lcyc IL. an
become seif-suStainirg Christians. ahie
TO help others into the way of lite-
In all ages God has found il neces-
sary to say to his church, AWAKE
awake. put on thy strength. . Zioh
put on thy beautiful garments. o Jeru-
;alem."
When May a Revival Be Expected!
When Gods people desire revival.
and are willing 10 comply with the con-
slitions. God is always willing but n
people are Eot. IF my people WINCH
are called by my name, shall humble
themselves and pray. and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways: then
viii | hear from heaven. and will Tor
give their sin and will heal their land.
Oil Chron- I'D. i
Bring We all the tithes into the
Storehouse, that there may be meat ia
mine house. and prove me now mere
with, saith the Lord of hosts, IL VIII
not open you the windows of heaven.
and pour YOU out blessing, that there
shall not be room enough to receive
it," NIal- 3:1O).
These two messages seem to teacn
clearly that Gods people can have q
revival whenever they are willing to
do their duty as the word requires
and claim Gods promise