Hints and helps in pastoral theology - Plumer - XVIII - Chapter 22

Required reading
Hints and helps in pastoral theology by William S Plumer (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 22 (Means of promoting revivals).

My summary
Today's discussion centres on revivals.

Firstly Plumer gives some characteristics of revivals.  They should be marked with:
(i) scripture;
(ii) the frankness and simplicity of the gospel;
(iii) the kindness of the gospel;
(iv) sobriety and good order;
(v) seasonable use of means;
(vi) no provocation of opposition;
(vii) permanent effects;
(viii) a remembering that to err is human;
(ix) an avoidance of all doubtful expedients;
(x) an awakening of the sinners.

Then Plumer states some precise means to be used for promoting revivals, including:
(i) a high estimate of the value of revivals;
(ii) the preaching of God's word;
(iii) fellowship;
(iv) celebration of the sacraments;
(v) alms-giving;
(vi) a liveliness, thankfulness and praise to God for his mercies;
(vii) prayer;
(viii) fasting;
(ix) discipline;
(x) pious conversation;
(xi) zeal;
(xii) a holy life;
(xiii) patient waiting.

What grabbed me
I think this is a particularly important point about the results of revivals: 'In the use of all means to promote revivals, we should not chiefly regard present results, but permanent effects. The addition of a hundred members to a church may next year lead to the ejection of the whole number thus added. No wise man will say that the cause of God is thus strengthened. In bodily health stimulants are often useful, but a needless stimulant is useless, and an overstimulant is injurious. Means which now multiply church-members, may in the end ruin a church. Let us take into view all the remote consequences of a measure before we pronounce it good.'

An increase in numbers is not necessarily a sign of good health.

Next week's reading
Read Chapters 23 (Pastoral visiting) and 24 (Visiting the sick).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.