There is a widespread feeling of disappointment amongst the children of God at the present time because of the apparent non-success of their Gospel labors. The masses are less and less disposed to accept our invitations, and come together to hear the marvelous story of God’s grace. The Sunday newspaper, the radio, and the many facilities for fleshly indulgence such as our fathers never dreamed of, are doing their deadly work in every direction. Even Britain, so long favored with an open Bible, is rapidly becoming a pagan land. In conversation with individuals, one is frequently amazed at their absolute ignorance of even the outlines of Divine truth. An officer recently asked me who Moses was, for he had never heard the name before! Possibly the people in Central Africa are now more familiar with the things of God than the people of Britain. The need for revival is anxiously expressed. The following pages may serve to point the way to a true revival in spiritual things.
Some years ago the English religious denominations organized a “Come to Church Campaign.” The aim was to fill the “Churches” for at least one occasion. But much more than this is needed if souls are to be eternally blessed. In our Lord’s familiar parable of the Great Supper in Luke 14, the man who spread the feast said, “that my house may be filled” (Luke 14:2323And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14:23)). Generous grace! But the house of the parable is not a Parish Church, but the festal hall above. God wants that place filled.
Josiah was able to accomplish wonderful things for God in a particularly difficult time, because (1) he sought the Lord with all his heart; (2) because he was determined to be obedient in every detail to the written Word of God; and (3) because he, set himself diligently to cast away from himself and from the sphere of his influence everything that was inconsistent with the divine law. Given these conditions in any locality, we might see great things yet, so gracious is our God. But shortened addresses, solos, choruses, and other unapostolical methods are poor substitutes for the spiritual features which characterized King Josiah, and which drew forth such blessing from God in the closing days of Israel’s sad national history.
The careful reader will probably notice some repetitions and a few minor errors in this book. Kindly consideration for old age and infirmity will excuse these things. Even the youngest reader may become old himself some day and lose his alertness!