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CHAPTER I.

Of Extraordinary Awakenings, or Religious Stirs.

TRUE religion is of all things most important and desirable. It enhances the value of all temporal enjoyments, and it adds many new and inestimable comforts of its own. Its real progress in the world, and in the hearts of individuals, is marked with the most salutary effects; always bringing glory to God in the highest, by disseminating peace and good will a mong men. Every real Christian, therefore, will rejoice to see the Christian religion promoted, and its heavenly influence enlarged and extended.

The means by which this is effected, are, the written word; the preaching of the gospel, with the administration of its holy ordinances; and the operations of the Spirit, concurring with the dispensations of divine Providence.

That the effect of these means may, at some periods, and in some places, be more evident, and more extensive than at others, is what I

am by no means disposed to deny. Yet every movement or excitement, of a serious or religious nature, which may occur at different times and in different places, and which are usually called awakenings, or religious stirs, ought not to be too hastily ascribed to the Spirit of God, or the operations of divine grace upon the heart. These religious stirs (as they are called) sometimes appear to originate in circumstances, to say the least, doubtful and suspicious; they are frequently carried on in a way, and by means, which I apprehend, are not warranted by scripture; and their effects are often such as leave it very doubtful whether any real and lasting advantages have been produced by them.

Many, who are now living, probably well remember the time when the celebrated Mr. Whitfield, and some others who were cotemporary with him, itinerated through the country, and the extraordinary religious movements, which in many places were at that time excited. Yet I imagine there are but few who will not admit that this excitement was probably more the effect of the novel manner in

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which they proceeded; the extraordinary zeal which they manifested; and their pointed addresses to the feelings and passions; than to any new and uncommon operations of the Spirit, which attended their public ministration.

Those who are acquainted with the exercises and operations of the human mind, know that it is very susceptible of impressions from various causes and circumstances. The minds of young people in particular, are very easily wrought upon; especially by any thing which appears new or singular. Whether it be new in itself, or only new in the manner in which it is exhibited to them; it excites their curiosity, and arrests their attention. Hence the very different effect which the same sermon will have upon the same congregation, when only read to them in a plain, distinct manner; and when delivered to them with suitable gestures, an engaging countenance, and a commanding eloquence.

The power of sympathy also, upon the mind, is much greater than many are aware: insomuch that, in many instances, we almost imperceptibly imbibe the feelings, and imitate

the actions of others. Religion, however, it appears to me, ought to have its foundation, not in the imagination and fancy, and passions, but in the understanding and judgment; so that we may be able to give, if not a regular and systematic, yet a rational and scriptural account of the hope that is in us. "The eyes of your understanding, (says the apostle,) being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."

I cannot forbear here to take notice of an opinion which prevails, and which at this time is considerably insisted upon; but to which I can by no means subscribe. It is this-that the Lord visits particular places, towns or neighborhoods, at certain periods; continues with them, (I suppose they mean by the special influences of his Spirit,) for a short time, and then again leaves them. In the present religious excitement, or stir, the ministers in several parishes have informed the people that the Lord was then in the place :-they have stated the number of years that had elapsed since he was there before; that he probably

would continue with them but a short time; and that if they should not be converted during that space, it was most likely they would never be; or would never have another such opportunity. That a congregation, especially the younger part, should have their attention arrested, and their fears excited, by such novel and alarming representations, is not surprising. But whether such representations tend to give those views of the character and attributes of the Diety, which are necessarily included in a genuine and gospel repentance, I leave the reader to judge.

With respect to the idea that those who neglect such an opportunity, will probably never be converted, I would remark, that if they were elected from eternity, they doubtless will be converted in due time, by the irresistible operations of the Spirit. And if they have not been thus elected, then, according to that doctrine, no awakenings, or religious stirs, can be of any real or saving advantage to them.

It is observable, that the subjects of these extraordinary movements, are principally

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