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The Second Awakening in the East was known for its dignity and orderliness, as well as for the fact that it lasted for decades, which would not have been true if it had brought disgrace.

From early in his ministry Charles Finney insisted on order and dignity, and the thousands of converts who flowed from his meetings attested to the power that attended them, and the absence of fanaticism. Describing Finney’s Rochester revival of 1830–1831, historian Whitney R. Cross declared, “No more impressive revival has occurred in American history.… But the exceptional feature was the phenomenal dignity of this awakening.” The Third Great Awakening of 1857–1859 was noted by the secular newspapers for its quiet orderliness everywhere, while through it more than a million converts were added to the churches!

In spite of the fanaticism that may arise and be used by some in attempts to discredit awakenings, it is surprising how many have not been accompanied by emotional excesses. The majority of awakenings in America—and elsewhere—have been accompanied by great orderliness and a profound, majestic sincerity. Our heritage is a testimony to the working of God’s Spirit through spiritual awakenings; we can be thankful of how God has worked in our midst.

And we should continue to pray that God will send awakening.

Copyright © 1989 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian History magazine.
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