A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original review appears below. Jack Charleson, Elder and Adult Church School Teacher, Bridlewood Presbyterian Church, Agincourt, Ontario, Chairman, Mission Ontario, and Bank Manager.
Revival: A people saturated with God Brian H. Edwards. Evangelical Press. Darlington, Co. Durham, England.
I read this book, now available in Canada, with considerable interest. Having been concerned about, and involved with, renewal within The Presbyterian Church in Canada for several years, the title appeared to indicate the need we have within our denomination today. Truly we need to be “a people saturated with God” if the renewal we pray for is to take place.
While much of the content relates to the United Kingdom, and outlines many of the aspects of revival in that land in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, there is a clear linkage with revival which has taken place in other parts of the world. Readers are encouraged to examine trends within the church today and look for signs of revival rather than waiting for them to “jump out and hit us.”
In this introduction to the book, Brian Edwards states: “A few decades ago prayer and talk amongst evangelicals on the subject of revival were both commonplace. In more recent years the word ‘revival’ has been moved down as a poor relation to the vogue words, ‘restoration’ and ‘renewal’. That is simply a matter of fact, however you wish to interpret it. What is perhaps most worrying is that many today confuse revival with ‘a touch from the Spirit’ (which we must never despise) and with Christian enthusiasm or extravagance.”
As the book moves into more detail of various aspects of revival the author looks at conditions which exist before and after revival and our response to revival. He examines the state of the church in the decades leading to revival and how God prepares his people to lead. Clearly, this form of leadership requires a close relationship to the Lord and much courage in facing the “realities” of the society in which the person is found. This courage, however, will lead to very little unless there is strong prayer support. Brian Edwards goes on to say: “You cannot read far into the story of revival without discovering that not only is prayer part of the inevitable result of an outpouring of the Spirit, but, from a human standpoint, it is also the single most significant cause.”
We are reminded that during revival we see a greater urgency to proclaim the Gospel, an emphasis of God-centred preaching, a greater conviction of sin and the need for repentance as well as increased commitment to prayer, worship, evangelism and giving. Needless to say these all contribute to a more vibrant church and a return to higher standards in society. This was quite obvious in Wales during, and following, the Welsh Revival earlier this century.
Having read this book, it was found to be most useful as a source for information in preparation for teaching. It is certainly a publication which is worthy of consideration for the bookshelf of any person who has a teaching role within the church, or who has a real burden for renewal within our denomination.