The Narrated Puritan Unknown

In all of the years I have studied the history of Revival, nothing comes close to the scope and reach of the Prayer Revival of 1857-1858 and the resulting revivals in the U K and elsewhere.

I wish it were a matter of difficulty to confirm the truth of what is here observed. But what is affirmed is but expressive of the state and condition of most of those in the world to whom the gospel is preached. They come short of all benefit or advantage by it. It ever was so, and it may be, for the most part, ever will be so in this world. That sentence of our Savior contains the lot and state of men under the dispensation of the gospel- -Many are called, but few am chosen.- It is true, -faith cometh by hearing,- but bare hearing will denominate no man a believer- more is required in this.

-This is not done by any immediate revelation or impulse, or merely by any text brought to the mind -for all these things are equivocal and delusory-- but by coinciding with the testimony of their own consciences as to their uprightness in embracing the gospel and giving themselves up to the service of God. So that, whilst they are examining themselves concerning the reality of their conversion, and find Scriptural evidence of it, the Holy Spirit from time to time shines upon His own work, excites their holy affections into lively exercise, renders them very efficacious upon their conduct, and thus puts the matter beyond all doubt- -Thomas Scott-.

The hearts of natural men are dreadfully hard and incorrigible. There is nothing but the mighty power of God will move them. They will cleave to sin, and go on in sin, let what will be done with them. Pro. 27-22, -Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.- There is nothing that will awe our hearts- and there is nothing that will draw them to obedience- let there be mercies or afflictions, threatenings or gracious calls and invitations, frowning, or patience and long-suffering, or fatherly counsels and exhortations. Isa. 26-10, -Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness- in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.-

An examination of what is at the root of indwelling sin, John Owen's Treatise on this subject.