THE POPULAR REVIVAL by W. N. G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 16, 1896

THE POPULAR REVIVAL.

By W. N. G.

Dr. Carlos Martyn, the revivalist, is now in this city. His special line of revival effort is intimated by a press assertion that “he has been called the Dr. Parkhurst of Chicago.” Among a large class of ministers it is deemed the acme of fame to be styled a Dr. Parkhurst. Dr. Martyn’s initial discourse at the Y. M. C. A. Hall was on the subject of “American Citizenship,” followed by a sermon on “Municipal Reform.” Of his first discourse we give the following brief utterances, which taken together are quite suggestive:—

“Who are the offerers of bribes?—Men of wealth, large corporations, greedy monetary institutions. Who defend such offenders?—Men whose talent has been trained in the high schools. As in chemistry, the scum floats.”

“Wealth and education must join the church in the purpose to smooth its path, and instruct and inspire it with Christian motives and ideals.”

These expressions bear their own comment. The desire expressed in the last paragraph is just what is coming to pass,—wealth, aristocracy, and worldly wisdom in the church, not only controlling its destinies, but also the destinies of the nations. The great “Christian Citizenship,” “National Reform” movement is fast developing “a form of godliness,” without the power thereof. The prophetic vision shows a final condition described in these words:—

“Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Rev. 18:2, 3.

The true church is thus pictured by the inspired historian, at a time when it was under the direct leadership of the Holy Spirit:—

“And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44, 45. “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” Chap. 4:32.

The apostle Paul gives this further idea of the true church:—

“Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence.” 1 Cor. 1:26–29.

Thus we see the character of the revival inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is not an aim to fill up the church with the wealthy (unless they first become poor in spirit) or with the wise (unless they first come to realize that “the wisdom of men is foolishness with God”). The true revival does not develop a church seeking by political power and the influence of wealth to control the civil governments of earth; it brings out a people sanctified “through the truth,” which is the word of God (John 17:17); it develops a people who will stand in the judgment as “they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12).

Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt. 16:24. The man that follows the example of Christ and his apostles will not preach national reform, or municipal reform, or worldly citizenship, or church control of the state. He will preach “Jesus Christ and him crucified,” he will preach heart reform, individual reform, self-denial, and the salvation of souls. Instead of seeking to reform municipalities and nations, he will coöperate with the Master in the work of gathering out of the nations a people for his name. Acts 15:14. The “new song” of the redeemed will be, “Thou . . . hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5:9. W. N. G.