Memoirs of Rev. Charles G. Finney
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Overview
The autobiography of Charles Finney was published after his death at the request of his friends and family. In the Memoirs of Rev. Charles G. Finney, Finney recounts his childhood years and the story of his conversion, and includes lengthy accounts of numerous revivals in which he participated. These memoirs offer a rare window into Finney’s own theological exploration and the development of his doctrine. In a series of personal revelations, he comes to grips with his own popularity and becomes aware of his responsibility for the emergence of revivalism as one of the traits of authentic Christianity.
Top Highlights
“But as I turned and was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any recollection that I had ever heard the thing mentioned by any person in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love; for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me, like immense wings.” (Page 20)
“Instantly the baptism that I had received the night before, returned upon me in the same manner. I arose upon my knees in the bed and wept aloud with joy, and remained for some time too much overwhelmed with the baptism of the Spirit to do anything but pour out my soul to God.” (Pages 22–23)
“Then shall ye go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. Then shall ye seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Page 16)
“the revelation of my pride of heart, as the great difficulty that stood in the way, was distinctly shown to me.” (Page 16)
“so strong an impression on my mind as to make me tremble, so that I could with difficulty write.” (Page 96)
- Title: Memoirs of Rev. Charles G. Finney
- Author: Charles Grandison Finney
- Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
- Publication Date: 1876
- Pages: 477
Charles Grandison Finney was born on August 29, 1792 in Litchfield, Connecticut. He studied law, but his plans were altered when he underwent a dramatic conversion experience at the age of 29. Finney later wrote of his conversation experience: “I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love” (from Memoirs of Rev. Charles G. Finney, included in this collection).
Finney became pastor of the Free Presbyterian Chatham Street Chapel and later the Broadway Tabernacle. He spoke as a refined and expert orator and became a widely popular evangelist, organizing and preaching at numerous revivals and meetings throughout New England. He also traveled to England. As many as one million people heard Finney preach throughout his career, and many of them underwent conversion experiences. Finney also spoke at length about social issues, and became an ardent abolitionist. In 1835, Finney was appointed as a professor of theology at Oberlin College, and became its president in 1851, where he remained until 1866.
Charles Finney died on August 17, 1875.