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MAJOR SPIRITUAL AWAKENINGS
tern. It was produced by the preaching of the word of God and by importunate prayer. It inspired a comprehensive interest in furthering the cause of Christ. Theological seminaries were founded, the American Bible Society was organized, and missionary societies were established. Truly, this was a revival sent from God for the saving of souls, and the healing of the nation.
c EVANGELISTS: CHARLES G. FINNEY
Mr. Finney practiced law until the time of his conversion in 1821. Three years after his spiritual awakening he was licensed to preach, and began his evangelistic activity, which line of work he faithfully followed until 1860, when the infirmities of age compelled him to retire. He conducted successful revivals in America and England and won tens of thousands to Christ. His "Lectures on Revivals" is one of the best books ever published on mass evangelism. When I served as minister of churches, it was my practice to read this book before revival efforts were undertaken in the churches I served. Doctor Finney served as minister of churches, and as professor of theology at Oberlin College, of which school he was subsequently president; but none of these duties prevented his evangelistic activity. In his preaching his appeals were directed at the conscience rather than the emotions; but the feelings he aroused were so intense and the demonstrations in his revivals so unusual, that his revival work provoked much criticism and opposition.