History and Character of American Revivals of Religion

The publication of this little volume may perhaps demand an apology. And it is hoped by the Author, that it may seem as reasonable, as it is simple. Soon after his arrival in London, he received a note from an esteemed and reverend brother, requesting him to deliver a discourse in his chapel on American Revivals. The Author answered the note, that he would take the request under consideration. The demand was altogether unanticipated, the topic delicate, and difficult of treatment before a popular assembly,—but yet interesting, and so far as the Author could learn, important in the eyes of British Christians; as the religious public in England were yet in suspense, as to the opinion proper to be entertained on the subject, on account of the vague, unconnected, and indistinct reports respecting it. A general historical narrative; comprehending particulars, was out of the question, as the Author was altogether unfurnished with the necessary documents. He however consented, and occupied two separate occasions, and part of a third, in the same Chapel. He was requested to deliver the substance of the same discourses in other Chapels of the metropolis, and of the country, and has done so. And he has reason to be grateful for the kindness with which they have been received, for the interest manifested, and would humbly hope, that the attempt, however unsatisfactory to himself, may be of some service to the cause. The substance of those discourses having been in several instances requested for the press, it finally resulted in a consent, that some thoughts on the general subject, in a different form, should appear before the public in a Tract by itself, instead of taking the medium of a periodical. And the Author was the more willing to do so, because, notwithstanding the approbation many had been pleased to express of what he had already done, he himself felt, and honestly felt, that it was not the thing. After it was too late to retreat, he found it was impossible to do anything like justice to the subject from the pulpit. Public attention, in a promiscuous congregation, assembled for an hour, could not be claimed for a naked historical narrative, even if the Author himself had been furnished with the necessary items. A discussion of principles was also discouraging. And a few insulated anecdotes would evidently be a very inadequate representation to those, who were strangers to the scenes, from which they might be selected. And, although what was actually done, was kindly received, the Author himself was obliged to feel, that, if he could have appreciated beforehand the difficulties of the task, he should certainly have shrunk from it. He cannot honestly say, that he has unalloyed satisfaction in the retrospect,—and that, because he is deeply conscious of the unavoidable imperfections of the endeavour.