These lectures contain as full an outline of Theological Study as we have hitherto been able to fill up in our discussions and investigations, during the three years allotted to Theological Instruction in this Institution Oberlin, 1840]. . . My design was at first, not to publish, but barely to print a small number of copies exclusively for the use of the students. But as it was supposed that others would desire to possess them, I have consented to their publication, reminding my readers that they are a bare skeleton of the course of Theological study here pursued. The skeletons of these lectures have heretofore been copied out by each student as a kind of memoranda, to which he might in future refer, to refresh his memory. This has cost so much labor, that the students have earnestly solicited their publication. For their use and benefit, they are therefore principally intended. . . They are designed as memoranda, as the summing up of previous discussions, thought, and investigation, rather than as essays from which Theological information is to be derived. . . It has been no part of my design to relieve the student from the necessity of deep study, research, and original investigation upon every topic in Theology. . . I have intended so to shape these skeletons, that those who understand them, should have a general, and pretty thorough acquaintance with Theology, as a science, so as not to be at a loss for an answer to almost any question upon Theological subjects. To the superficial and unpracticed Theologian, many things that I have said, will of course be unintelligible. But those who think, and love to think, will, I hope, be able to understand them. CHARLES G. FINNEY (1792-1875)was America's foremost evangelist. Over half a million people were soundly converted under his personal ministry in a day when there was no TV or microphones. He was also an excellent theologian, philosopher, educator, pastor and reformer while professor of theology and president of Oberlin College. Harvard's Perry Miller said, "Finney led America out of the eighteenth century." He is remembered, according to Harvard's W. G. McLoughlin, for his "textbook on how to promote revivals of religion. This book is the perennial classic to which all succeeding generations of revivalists have turned for authority and inspiration." He was also a father to the evangelical and holiness movements.

The excellent memoirs of Charles G. Finney are published here in their original form: the preface, all thirty-six chapters and the conclusion are included. Charles G. Finney stands as one of the greatest preachers to ever grace the United States. In this book we encounter his life story, told in his own moving and eloquent terms. We journey with the great reverend as he captains revival after revival, preaching the word of God to crowds in great cities and villages alike. His eloquent and conscientious sermons, and support of Christian perfection, appealed to many Americans of the era. An inspiring story honestly told, we witness the spiritual growth of Finney and the lessons he dispensed to congregations far and wide. Eventually Finney would spread his spiritual wisdom to England and Scotland, where he received a warm reception. A leading Presbyterian, it was through tireless campaigning that Finney united many Christians voices against the slavery, which was abolished after the American Civil War.

In 1989, the first complete, restored text of revivalist Charles Finney s memoirs was published by Zondervan. Until then, all editions had reflected editorial liberties introduced in the first 19th-century publication, edited after Finney s death. The restored text---the culmination of over ten years of research by editors Garth Rosell and Richard Dupuis---brought to light Finney s entire memoirs in their original language. Longstanding omissions and inaccuracies were corrected. Comprehensive annotations supplied detailed, phrase-by-phrase and even word-by-word explanations. The 1989 edition was a scholar s and historian s delight. However, the average reader who simply wants to read what Finney wrote doesn t need the scholarly minutiae. This new edition provides the complete, restored text of Finney s memoirs with no unnecessary details to obstruct a straightforward read. In bold, untouched language, Finney s thoughts march across the page with fascinating clarity and cohesiveness. For students of revival or anyone interested in the life of one of America s foremost evangelists, here in his own words is Charles Finney: his life, his thoughts, his struggles and accomplishments, and his abiding love for God and enduring commitment to the gospel of Christ."

The excellent memoirs of Charles G. Finney are published here in their original form: the preface, all thirty-six chapters and the conclusion are included. Charles G. Finney stands as one of the greatest preachers to ever grace the United States. In this book we encounter his life story, told in his own moving and eloquent terms. We journey with the great reverend as he captains revival after revival, preaching the word of God to crowds in great cities and villages alike. His eloquent and conscientious sermons, and support of Christian perfection, appealed to many Americans of the era. An inspiring story honestly told, we witness the spiritual growth of Finney and the lessons he dispensed to congregations far and wide. Eventually Finney would spread his spiritual wisdom to England and Scotland, where he received a warm reception. A leading Presbyterian, it was through tireless campaigning that Finney united many Christians voices against the slavery, which was abolished after the American Civil War.

These are powerful lectures on what constitutes a religious revival, how to encourage or promote a religious revival, and what can be done to maintain a revival experience in the life of the Christian and in the life of the church. Charles Finney understands a religious revival to be the work of man, when we renew our first love with Christ. A religious revival is a new beginning of obedience to God. It results in the backslidden person or church returning to its first love (Jesus), and in the conversion of sinners. God is involved in the revival process insofar as he providentially arranges for men and women to be encountered with the truth of the gospel. Yet a revival cannot take place without the cooperation of the penitent sinner, he or she must repent of their sins and seek the Lord with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13). This understanding of a revival shows that Finney emphasizes the work of man right alongside the work of God, which would be anathema for Calvinists. Finney also stresses that people need many revivals. If our love grows cold, or our hearts become crusty, it is because we need to remember the height from which we have fallen and repent and do the things we did that led to our first revival. Finney contends that we need to be reconverted, or a person who was once a revived believer could end up in hell. He points out that a revival can be expected when God reveals to His people that the time is right for one. Also, when the Christian community and the clergy are united in their intense desire to see a revival that will bring about the salvation of the wicked, an awakening can be expected. Finney would also point out that the church would need to be open to God doing it any way He wants.

This is a new release of the original 1924 edition.