RESTORATION AND REVIVAL, OR, Times of Befreshing. BY THE REV. JAMES G. SMALL Bervie AUTHOR OF "THE HIGHLANDS," "TIKE SCOTTISH MARTYRS," LONDON: HAMILTON, ADAMS, & CO.; AND JAMES NISBET & CO. GLASGOW: DAVID BRYCE. NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER & CO. MDCCCLIX. 141. d. 408. PREFATORY NOTE. [THE Publishers have the pleasure of submitting the following note, as explanatory of the circumstances in which the Author undertook, in compliance with a wish expressed by many, to prepare for the press his thoughts on the subject of Revival. The names appended are well known to the public. They are those of the Rev. Mr. Wilson, Clerk of the Synod alluded to, and author of "The Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ;" the Rev. Mr. Nixon, Montrose, author of "Pleas for the Sanctification of the Sabbath," &c.; and the Rev. Mr Foote, Brechin, author of "Incidents in the Life of our Saviour," and "Closing Scenes in the Life of Christ." To these reverend gentlemen early copies of the greater part of the work were sent.] The germ of what follows was delivered, in the form of a sermon, at the opening of the Free Church Synod of Angus and Mearns. The author received the thanks of the Synod for it, not as an empty compliment, but from a high appreciation of the fine sentiments which it contained, and of the elevated style in which these sentiments were embodied. In its present ex iv. panded form, we are satisfied that it will be found to have undergone a decided improvement,-many kindred topics being introduced, and greater fulness given to the great theme of Church Revival. We have much pleasure in attaching this recommendation of it. We feel quite sure that it will be generally appreciated on account of its earnestness, freshness, and eloquence. WILLIAM WILSON. WILLIAM NIXON. A. L. R. FoOTE. the NOTE BY THE AUTHOR. The Author is unwilling to add anything, by way of preface, to a work which has expanded so far beyond what he had any idea of when it began to pass through press. If he has been enabled to speak any word in season, glory be to "the Lord who gave the word;" not to him who is but one of the "great company of those that publish it." The nature and design of the book, as well as the order and concatenation of the subjects discussed, may be gathered by glancing over the following Analysis. ANALYSIS. PART I. RESTORATION FOR THE LOST. "Ye have sold yourself for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money." INTRODUCTION. The Restoration from Babylon typical, Page. 1 ... I. THE RUIN. Men have sold themselves;-to whom ?-for what purpose?-for what benefit? 4 ... ... The wages of sin. The sleep of spiritual death II. THE REMEDY, ... 1. THE REDEMPTION. The price-the process-the pro- 2. THE RENOVATION. The Spirit convincing—convicting POETICAL ILLUSTRATIONS. 1. The Plague of the Heart, 2. The Waters of Shiloah PART II. AWAKENING. "Awake, awake." SECTION FIRST. ... IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH'S AWAKING, TO HERSELF AND TO THE WORLD ... SOURCES AND SYMPTOMS OF SLUMBER ... Relapse after excitement-discouragement-satisfaction with routine. "Works not filled up," MEANS OF AWAKENING ... 1. THE WORD. Arousing calls. Laodicea. Rebuking, undeceiving, and comforting, 2. PROVIDENCE. Recent events-war, commercial disaster. True peace and prosperity not from the world, but from God. Security of Heavenly treasures, 3. THE SPIRIT. Afflictions insufficient. The Spirit alone can renew and revive. Elijah at Horeb. The Spirit as the "north wind"-and the "south," LINES "Lord in judgment thou hast spoken," SECTION SECOND. THE DOING OF THE LORD. 28 32 38 47 58 1. IN GRACE. America, Sweden, Britain, and other lands, 59 2. IN PROVIDENCE. China, Japan, India, Turkey, Africa, &c. 65 |