The Revivals of the Day.
By A. C. Bourdeau
Much has been said and done in these parts, as well as elsewhere in this country, to get up revivals, during the present winter season. Leading representatives of the different denominations, and especially those of the Young Men's Christian Association, have taken an active part in this work; and very high-sounding accounts of their success, and of large numbers of converts, have appeared and been lauded in nearly all the journals in the land. But it is evident that there are many candid observers here and there, who are strongly inclined to the opinion that these revivals cannot effect any permanent good while they are based upon feeling and excitement, instead of being founded upon principle, or upon immutable truths applicable to our times, and calculated to produce a real change for the better in the life and practice of the convert. A week ago, I was on board a train passing near St. Johnsbury, Vt., where it is claimed that upwards of three hundred have been converted in a revival recently, when I noticed that several passengers in the car had become warmly engaged in giving their opinions of the revivals of the day. One remarked that he “would give more for one convert, who honestly and sincerely searched the Scriptures to know the truth for himself, and who applied the principles of morality and of pure Christianity to his own individual case in a manner to affect his practice, than for ten, or even twenty, converts who had religion driven into them merely through excitement, enthusiasm, or fanaticism, and who moved only from feeling and not from principle.” Another one observed, that he thought the gentleman was right; “for,” said he “some time since we had a revival in our town that resulted in eighty-three converts, but now they have all gone back, except one who seems to stand firm, and another one who is just on the point of stepping off.” And a third one added, that his minister had told him of “a place where, a few weeks ago, there was a revival which brought out fifty-two converts; but all had given up religion, except five.” Better results cannot be expected from these revivals, when it is only enjoined upon any one, to say, “I love Jesus,” to become a convert. The prophecy truly says, “They have begotten strange children; now shall a month devour them with their portions.” Hos. 5:7. It is rarely the case that any of them endure through the winter months. In this season of the year, when the tide of revival is up, it is easy for some to leave their worldly pursuits, for awhile, to float along in the channel of religious excitement; but in the busy season, when the tide is low, they are frequently found reaching out after worldly gain, and in a far worse position than they were before they started in religion. We are evidently living amid the perils of the last days, when many are content with “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Tim. 3:1-7. Yet, dear reader, there is a present truth for this age. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy,” which shows us our whereabouts in this world's history. We may reasonably look for the soon appearing of Christ, who will “purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” And we may have our faith revived; and we may more zealously heed the last warning message, in patiently waiting for the Lord, and in keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.” Let us remember that “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” A. C. BOURDEAU.