Principles of Revival

Book excerpt: Principles of Revival is an edited version of Finney's first book of published sermons, Sermons on Important Subjects. It is distinctively different in that it focuses on the psychology of revival and conversion versus the method-oriented approach of the other Finney volumes on revival. Newly edited by L.G. Parkhurst, the material cannot be found in print anywhere else (except for a few readings that relate to Principles of Victory) Major themes include: • The necessity of preaching to the conscience. • The inevitability of opposition to the gospel. • The operation of the sinner's mind. • Motivating the sinner to repentance. • The relationship in conversion between personal initiation and the work of the Spirit