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Chapter 22—Modern Revivals
The character and tendency of modern revivals has awakened no
little anxiety in thoughtful minds among all denominations. Many
of the revivals which have occurred during the last forty years have
given no evidence of the work of the Spirit of God. The light which
flames up for a time, soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense
than before. Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the
imagination, by exciting the emotions, by pandering to the love for
what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have no more desire
to listen to Bible truths, no more interest in the testimony of prophets
and apostles, than has the novel-reader. Unless a religious service
has something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for
them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason, awakens
no response. The plain warnings of God’s word, relating directly to
their eternal interests, fall as upon the ears of the dead.
The converts are not renewed in heart or changed in character.
They do not renounce their pride and love of the world. They are no
more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek
and lowly Jesus, than before their conversion. In a genuine revival,
when the Spirit of God convicts the conscience, the earnest, anxious
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inquiry will be heard, “What must I do to be saved?” And this not
merely for a day. With every truly converted soul the relation to God
and to eternal things will be the great topic of life. But where, in
the popular churches of today, is the deep conviction of sin? where
is the spirit of consecration to God? The spirit that controls the
world rules in the church. Religion has become the sport of infidels
and skeptics because so many who bear its name are ignorant of its
principles. The power of godliness has well-nigh departed from the
churches. Heart union with Christ is a rare thing now. The majority
of church-members know no tie but that which joins them to an
organized body of professed Christians. Love of pleasure and thirst
for excitement are everywhere prevalent. Picnics, church theatricals,
church fairs, fine houses, personal display, have banished thoughts
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