Whitefield, and the other under that of Wesley. | fied that the parties making such statements had The likelihood is, that the disciple of Wesley would too limited conceptions of the order of means; and, but out with his conversion some physical expres- led away by the natural love of the marvellous, resions, because Wesley made them a test of conver- ported things to have happened without an instrusion; while the disciple of Whitefield would show mentality, when, in truth, it was only an instrumentno such signs, because they were not demanded. ality which they were too short-sighted to discern. These expectations are created partly by habit, It has been represented, for instance, that some reand partly by circumstances. Their habits are en-vivals have begun quite suddenly, and before any tirely on this side. They have not to acquire a means had been adopted to the end; and even when taste for revivals; their difficulty would be to des- existing means were unfavorable. That, in some troy it. They are mostly the children of revivals; cases, even the minister has been taken by surprise; their churches have been mostly raised or nourish- and that a revival has sprung up when the whole ed in revivals; their whole history, and that of their design of his frigid discourse was to keep it down. country, is greatly the history of revivals. Their But on looking into these cases, it is found that less seasons of revival are only a variation on the ap- visible, though not less potent, means have worked proved and constant practice of their pilgrim fa- to the issue. In a church so influenced, there has, thers. They had, if Presbyterians, their four-day perhaps, been a salutary sense of its depressed state sacraments, which were protracted meetings; and, resting upon it, and a desire for change; or there if Puritans, their solemn seasons of fasting and has been a striking revival in a neighboring town, prayer, which were usually, in the highest sense, which has awakened expectation to the event; or periods of revival. While, therefore, a revival, ex- the papers, which they read in abundance, may actly after their type, would be deemed a novelty in have reported revivals at a distance, and thus have a church with us; with them, a church that knew impressed some with desire and prayer for the like no revival would be the exception from the rule. advantages. And in the instance of the good miCustom, then, which is second nature, feeds their nister, who was laboring to cool down his people, is expectation. it not evidence that he thought them predisposed to catch at the flame; and if this was their state, is it difficult for any one, who is conversant with the human heart, to perceive, that the course he took was the very means to bring on an explosion?

These means, then, which imply a preparedness of mind, are always acting, with more or less force, on this people; and they are of the first consideration. They place them, in regard to the more ostensible means, in the relation of conductors to the electric fire; while, without this readiness for excitement, the ordinary means might be used and repelled. Frequently it has happened, and does happen, therefore, that the mere notice, that a revi

Then, their circumstances are favorable to these expectations; and in several ways. Sympathy is no inconsiderable agent in a revival; and sympathy has freer play with them than with most. They have fewer lines of distinction in society; and those few are much fainter; so that there is far less difficulty in coming together. And even the distinctions which do exist, are often deemed invidious and hateful; so that those who are, by any circumstance, distinguished, are glad of an occasion to place themselves on a common footing. In consequence, the churches and the classes which compose them, have more association. What is done in one is quickly known to all; and the report of a revival at New-val has occurred in the vicinity, or that a revival York will vibrate, till it reaches Cincinnati; and the churches there, true to the fellow-feeling, will desire to possess its counterpart.

preacher is about to visit the town, supervenes a revival on the one part, and a hostile combination to resist it on the other.

ment is mostly in proportion to the discreet, humble, and persevering use of those means. You will expect that I should glance at them.

Especially, the circumstances of the people are These observations may dispose of what is anothose of uniform and great emergency. With a malous. But the general rule is, that, with whatpopulation advancing at the rate of one thousand a ever causation, Divine influence may be, at first, day, and a large part of this increase of unpromis- connected, an approved revival advances in the reing character, the church would soon be overwhelm-gular use of regular means; and that its advance ed, if she did not make some extraordinary efforts for her proportionate advancement. Then, the great passion of this people, in these buoyant and progressive circumstances, is hope; you might sooner destroy thought and action than depress them. But when this hope is found in alliance with religious character, it becomes Christian hope; and animates he Christian community as it does the commercial community, to high endeavor and irrepressible exertion.

This conducts me to the remaining portion of the explanation, which is, that they labor for the revivals they expect. As far as I could learn, this is uniformly the case. I know of no individual who would expect a revival independent of means; and I know of no church which has enjoyed a revival without the use of means. The means may be proximate or remote, more or less apparent, but always they do exist. Undoubtedly the most delightful change might happen, by a special communication of grace, without the intervention of any means; but I am now speaking only to the fact; and after carefully obtaining extensive information on the subject, I am prepared to say, that I know of no case in which means have not been employed.

There were, indeed, some cases which were reported to me before I visited the country, and some, also, while there, that were spoken of as unconnected with all means to the end. But I am now satis

1. I would name the preaching of the gospel with earnestness and fidelity. It is generally admitted, that the momentous truths which concern our salvation are made very prominent in these periods of extraordinary effort; and that on this circumstance the soundness of a revival greatly depends The Sovereignty of God; his righteousness, in condemning the world for sin; and his free election of any to eternal life. The holiness, the spirituality, and the inflexibility of the moral law; the entire alienation of the heart from God; the complete obligation of the sinner, as a moral agent, to repent and do all that God requires, without delay; his voluntary and inexcusable disobedience, and his certain rejection of the gospel, till his heart is subdued by Divine influence; his need of an infinite Saviour, to make atonement for his sin, and an infinite Sanctifier, to renovate him in the love of God; and his entire dependence on Divine grace to accept, and justify, and save him. These are the truths which are then delivered with life, and carry life to the soul.

The preaching exercises, at such a time, are more frequent than is usual. Their occurrence is suggested by convenience and necessity. The extra services are taken, perhaps, on one or two even

ings of the week, or other parts of the day, as may suit the attendants. Sometimes a whole day, or more, in connection with the Sabbath, is set apart for the purpose; and, in that case, it would receive the modern appellation of a protracted meeting.

are raised above the ordinary level of existence; the mind, the imagination, the passions, are all wound up for unusual action. The very notice of a revival awakens every one. Some look to it with joy, as the day of their salvation; others shrink 2. Visitations. These frequently take the lead; from it with fear and trembling, lest the contagion as you will remember they did in the case of Mor- should touch them, and with the apprehension that rison, in revivals. The pastor; or the pastor and it will; and others band themselves together, and a brother minister; or a pastor with his elders; or resolve to shut their eyes, and stop their ears, and the elders, two and two, acting under his arrange- harden their hearts, lest they should see, and hear, ments; are usually the persons making these domi- and repent, and be saved. None are indifferentciliary visits. They are short, serious, and devo-none are unmoved. You will, at once, see that this tional, and are kept to the single object they have before them.

3. Special Meetings for Prayer.-They are regulated by the call there is for them; and are often attended by fasting. They are, when rightly used, the soul of revivals, and animate all the services. The hand of God has, by them, been most directly acknowledged; the offence of man most freely confessed; and the blessing that was devoutly sought, was abundantly granted.

offers a fine field for Christian service. Usually, our great foe is Insensibility; but he is the first victim in a revival.

The way in which the means are used is surprising. All who, in this state of high excitement, have come under the influence of the truth, are ready for extraordinary action. For the period, but one object is before them, and it possesses them. They have found mercy, and they thirst to bestow it; they have dishonored God, and they thirst to glorify him. They become missionaries for the time; and they move about in their families and their connec tions, warning, teaching, and entreating, with tears, that they would be reconciled and saved. The services of the sanctuary are imbued with this "healthful spirit of grace." In the psalmody, the prayers, the preaching, there is life. There is a reality and a solemnity in every thing, which is it

4. Conference or Inquiry Meetings.-These are instituted for those persons who have become anxiously concerned for their salvation; and who need the more exact guidance and encouragement, which discreet conversation can best supply. The pastor, with assistance, if the numbers require, passes amongst the inquirers, and in an under voice, invites them, in turn, to express their state of mind, and seeks to advise them in their difficulties. Ex-self a means of conversion; and which, if the unhortations and prayers are connected with these exercises. These meetings are often continued beyond the period of revival, and are carefully used in favor of young converts, that they may be confirmed in the faith and experience of the Christian life.

godly shall witness, the probability is, that he wil be "convinced of all, and fall down and worship God." The ministry, at this time, has an uncommon degree of simplicity, decision, and pungency about it; and of this the ministers are fully aware On one occasion, on hearing a sermon, which was The instruction which is regularly given in the good as a composition, but not efficient, I remarked, Sabbath schools and in Bible classes, should, though Would this do in a revival?" The answer was, not of a periodical character, be considered as con- 'Oh, we don't preach so in revivals." On another tributing, in an important degree, to a sound and occasion, when I had reason to complain of some extensive revival. The young persons, who have flat and fine singing, I observed to a brother minisbeen thus trained in religious knowledge, are in ater, that it was enough to extinguish a revival; the state of preparation to admit and feel the power of the truth; and when they are placed in new circumstances in relation to it, and it is applied with unwonted force to the conscience, it is usually with the happiest result. Their previous knowledge facilitates the introduction of life, and regulates it when introduced. The first rush of living feeling over the heart is controlled by an informed understanding. They give the more sure and pleasing evidence of conversion at the time; and are expected most to adorn their profession afterwards.

Still, perhaps, in the diligent use of these means, you are at a loss to account for the great effects, which are common to these seasons of revivification. Let me explain it in some measure,

1. These periods are looked to as the great seasons of ingathering; and from this circumstance, the ordinary additions to the church are less, and the periodical additions greater. In a revival, a great portion of the church may have been recovered from what they deem a state of declension, and these are frequently numbered amongst the fruits of revivals. Very many have, perhaps, waited for a revival, to adopt an open profession, or to make a full surrender of themselves to the Saviour. So that these accessions are much larger at one time than is usual; though their average of increase may not surpass that of our healthy and prosperous churches.

2. Then, the mere enumeration of the approved means, does not supply you with a just idea of the use that is actually made of them. It is the spirit of the occasion, which gives it its character and success. Life pervades every thing. The people

reply was, "Oh, that is not the way we sing in our revivals." I have nothing to do just now with this admitted difference, except as a cause working to a given result.

3. There is yet one other particular which may assist you to comprehend this important subject. In the application of the means used at these periods, great efforts are made to bring them to bear on the negligent and irreligious portions of the community. These classes are visited without scruple; sermons are delivered, and prayer meetings are held expressly for their benefit; notices are given of these services, and they are canvassed by pious and zealous persons for their attendance, as they might be for their votes at an election. Tracts and books are lent; and if the first or second application fails, it is not the last; so that by "violence" those are frequently brought to the church who were never brought before. At Cincinnati, in the late revival, this was frequently done, and with the greatest success. On one occasion, a sermon was delivered to the young men of the town; and by these efforts the church was completely filled with this class of persons. The Christian community, accustomed to assemble there, finding that their places were wanted, retired to another place, and continued in prayer, that the address made to them might be successful. Such methods as these will account to you for that measure of increase which is common in revivals, and which would not be possible, if the effort were limited to the congregation.

This brief description will unfold to you, though imperfectly, what may be denominated the approved revivals of this country; and I presume that, as a

meeting for inquiry, and another for prayer, on Monday evening; a service, addressed, more particularly, to the unawakened, on Tuesday evening; social prayer meetings in different sections of the village, and lectures in the more distant neighbor hoods, on Wednesday evening; the Bible class, followed by a season of prayer, on Thursday even ing; a meeting for the instruction of the young converts, and another for prayer, on Friday even

matter of detail, there is nothing that can meet your judgment offensively. Before I pass to other views of the same subject, I am desirous of confirming and illustrating this statement by some considerable extracts from "The Narrative of the late Revival in the Presbytery of Geneva, in the State of New-York." It is one of the most satisfactory accounts with which I have met; it can be entirely relied on; and it is the more important, as it arises in a district where much, and perhaps just coming; and on Saturday evening, a prayer meeting plaint has rested :

"The year past has been, to the churches within our bounds, emphatically a year of the right hand of the Most High. In no year, since the settlement of our country, have we witnessed so many and such signal triumphs of the Redeemer's cause; or recorded so large an accession to the number of his professed followers, as the year which we are now to review. All our churches, which have enjoyed the stated means of grace, have been visited with revivals during the past year.

for a special blessing upon the labors of the Sabbath. The day was principally employed in visiting from house to house. The meeting of young converts was one of peculiar interest. Its object was instruction in the leading evidences of Christian experience and the practical duties of the Christian life: not only to guard young Christians against self-deception, but to imbue their minds with religious truth, to instruct them in doctrinal knowledge, and thus to lay a broad, and deep, and permanent foundation of Christian character. This service has uniformly been performed by a clergyman, and is still continued.

"The first special indícation of a work of grace appeared in Geneva, early in the month of June, 1830; and the first subjects of it were members of "To these general means may be added, the the Female Seminary. At the close of the first personal exertions of many members of the church, week, after the attention became general, eight or and of the young converts, generally in a way of ten were rejoicing in hope, and an unusual serious- individual influence. This influence was exerted, ness pervaded the minds of all. A weekly prayer not in the public meeting, but in the private intermeeting was appointed, for personal conversation view. The young converts did not become exhortwith those who were inquiring; another for those who ers, nor arrogate to themselves the prerogatives of were indulging a recent hope; and a season of prayer teachers; but testified their interest in the cause, was observed, at the same time, by a small number by their personal exertions to bring others to a of the church. Others, not connected with the se-knowledge of the truth. A protracted meeting of minary, soon became interested in the work; and three days' continuance, was held about the middle though it was not powerful or general, it continued, of April. The services were ably conducted and with various degrees of interest, through the sum- well attended, and the interest, for the time, was mer and fall: every week furnishing some new considerable; but, so far as the conversion of souls cases of hopeful conversion to God. Several sea- is concerned, the permanent results, if any, were sons of prayer and religious conference were ob- very small. It is now more than a year and a half served by the church, which were generally well since this work commenced, and from eight to ten attended, and apparently happy in their results; months since, the greater portion of its fruits were yet the members generally did not take that deep gathered in, and, thus far, the subjects generally interest in the work which they ought to have felt, appear well. In the admission of members to the and which might have been expected. The revi-church, it has been a general rule for the pastor and val, however, continued slowly, but steadily to advance until December, when the number of hopeful converts amounted to more than forty."

some of the elders to acquaint themselves, by personal interview, with the case of each individual previous to his examination by the session. In all "From the middle of January until near the last cases several weeks, and in most cases, from two of March, the number of conversions was from to three months have elapsed, after they experienced twelve to twenty in a week; but, notwithstanding hope, before they were admitted to the church. All the power of the work, no irregularities were wit-have been publicly propounded, and have been renessed, no crying out in public worship, no boister-ceived in the presence of the congregation. In ous expressions of joy, no audible sighing or groan- testimony of the increased interest which has been ing, and, indeed, little else than the natural expres-excited in the cause of Christ, it may be observed, sions of a soul deeply impressed with its guilt, or calmly reposing, by faith, upon the Lord Jesus Christ. From the last of March until the first of May, the work was less powerful; though no week passed without witnessing some new cases of conversion. It was about one year from the time of its commencement before it entirely subsided. The whole number, who have expressed a hope of renewing grace, is about two hundred and seventy; of these, forty or fifty were members of the Female Seminary, most of whom, residing in others places, did not unite with the church in Geneva. The number who have united with the Presbyterian church is more than two hundred, making the whole number of the church, at the present time, five hundred and fifty-one.

"The means that have been most blessed in the progress of the work, have been the preaching of the gospel on the Sabbath, and at the stated lectures, and the ordinary performance of parochial duty; to which may be added, special meetings for prayer and religious intercourse. The course of weekly labor has been, three services on the Sabbath; a

that the appropriations for religious charity have been nearly doubled the last year. The church now sustains one foreign missionary, at an expense of six hundred and sixty-six dollars; thirteen home missionaries, at one hundred dollars each; nine scholarships, of the American Education Society, at seventy-five dollars each; which, in addition to the appropriations for the Bible, Tract, Sabbath School, and other objects of benevolence, amounts to more than forty-five hundred dollars the past year.

"The present state of religion is, in some respects, quite interesting; several conversions have recently occurred, though there is not properly a revival. The public services are well attended; entire harmony of sentiment and feeling prevails in the church; the Sabbath School has about three hundred members, and the several Temperance Societies in the town more than eleven hundred. Four or five young men have commenced study, with a view to the ministry. The Female Seminary is flourishing, and several hopeful conversions have occurred recently among the pupils. A Manual

Labor School has been opened in Geneva, with peculiarly favorable prospects. It has now between sixty and seventy members; about forty of whom may be regarded as the fruits of the late revivals, and are in a course of preparation for the gospel ministry. Most of the young men sustain themselves at an expense not exceeding from fifty to seventy-five cents per week, and facilities are afforded them to earn, by their own labor, more than sufficient to defray this expense. The Lyceum is not a theological nor a collegiate institution, but strictly a preparatory school, designed to fit young men for an advanced standing in college, or for the counting-room, or for any other situation in which a tho rough, systematic, and practical education is required. It promises results highly interesting to the churen of Christ."

"Early in February a favorable state of religious feeling began to be apparent in Penn-Yan. Ševeral days of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, were observed; and the church renewed their covenant with God and each other. One individual before the first fast, and two soon after, gave evidence of a change of heart. The next week an inquiry meeting was appointed, at which ten or twelve persons were found anxious for their salvation.

God were soon brought to see and to feel that in God alone was their hope, and no wish was afterwards expressed for any other means than the means of God's own appointment, nor any other aid than the aid of the Holy Spirit; and, with the exception of a morning prayer meeting, they enjoyed neither in preaching, nor measures, nor manner, nor means, of any kind, any thing, different from what has been common in the churches for many years.

"When we compare the present condition of this congregation with what it was six years ago, the change is surprising. Then but one family, where prayers were regularly attended, was found in the whole village; but one man, except the minister, to lead in a public prayer meeting; no Sabbath school, no religious association of any kind, except a small female prayer meeting, and the church was then so small and scattered, that twenty-five could hardly be collected. Now there are more than fifty praying families; more than fifty who can lead, in an acceptable and edifying manner, in public prayer; a flourishing Sabbath school; an auxiliary to almost every benevolent society in the land; and a church of more than 200 members. The church is happily united in sentiment and measures, and the various objects of Christian benevolence are sustained with increased interest and efficiency. In Septemcongregation, being called, in the providence of God, to another department of Christian labor.The church have, with entire unanimity, elected another pastor, and have the prospect of soon enjoying again the privileges of a settled ministry.

"The meeting for inquiry was continued weekly, and meetings for prayer and religious instruction were attended almost every evening. The meet-ber, 1831, the pastor relinquished the charge of the ings for prayer were, for the most part, strictly prayer meetings. Sometimes a word of exhortation, or a hymn of praise, occupied a moment between the prayers; but usually the meetings which were appointed for prayer were employed chiefly in that exercise. The work continued with undiminished interest till the opening of the spring, when, by the pressure of worldly business, it began obviously to decline. At this time a protracted meeting of four days' continuance was tried with happy effect. Ten or twelve were added to the number of hopeful converts as the result of this meeting; and a much larger number from neighboring congregations professed to have been born again.

"The state of religion began to assume a more interesting aspect in Seneca Falk early in the autumn of 1830. For two or three years previous to this, the prospect had been gloomy in an unusual degree. Several perplexing cases of discipline had occurred, one after another, in rapid succession, till it seemed as if the very foundation was parting asunder, and the whole fabric crumbling down. But even then there was praying and weeping in secret places. Some there were who even then could look through the darkness and the storm, and could lay hold upon the promises of God. A female prayer meeting, the monthly concert, and some other meetings, called together a few constant souls, who knew where their strength lay, and there they were strong in the Lord.

"The services of the protracted meeting were a season of prayer at sun-rise, three sermons each day, and a meeting of inquiry, and another for prayer, at the close of the second service. Prayer meetings were also attended in smaller circles in different places in the village. During this meeting, and through the whole revival, all the services have been characterized by perfect order and regu- "For a year or more previous to the close of 1830, larity, both as to time and manner. No public favorable appearances had been witnessed, and meetings have been continued after nine o'clock in some hopeful conversions had occurred. An inthe evening. In the instructions that have been creasing sense of the necessity of a revival was given to the young converts, great care has been manifested on the part of Christians, and a kind of taken to guard them, if possible, against trusting in expectation was entertained by some, that the blesa false hope. Many, whose hope at first was strong sing was in store, and would be bestowed soon. A and sanguine, were on being instructed in the na- general impression prevailed that something must ture and evidences of a change of heart, induced to be done, and done soon. At an evening prayer relinquish their hope entirely, and have since given meeting, it was proposed that each Christian preconclusive evidence that it was at first but a delu- sent should engage to converse faithfully with at sion. This course of instruction and personal ex- least one impenitent sinner the next day, and seveamination has, in all cases, been previous to their ral engaged to do it. The resuit was manifestly presenting themselves for admission to the church. favorable. Some time in December, at a little The number received to the church is 123, and prayer meeting, an unusual spirit of prayer, an there are, probably, twenty more who will unite at earnest wrestling of the soul with God, was manía suitable time. The work, in all its leading fea- fest. Towards the close of the meeting, a request tures has been of a most precious character. While was made to the impenitent who were present, and members of the church have been active and engag- who desired an interest in the prayers of God's peoed, they appear to have manifested a deep sense of ple, to signify it by rising. Five or six arose. This their dependence and unworthiness. In the early was the first public expression of an iety on the part stages of the work, and while the church seemed of the impenitent. A general visitation of the conrelying on an arm of flesh, a desire was expressed gregation was now commenced, and many were by some to call in the aid of some itinerant evan- found anxiously concerned for their souls. The gelist, and that a course of measures might be intro-meetings became crowded, attentive, and solemn. duced, which had been said to have been employed On one occasion, near the close of the evening serwith success in other places, But the people of vice, it was proposed to such as were resolved to