Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of The Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century: With a supplemental chapter on the revival in America

The Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century: With a supplemental chapter on the revival in America

Written by Edwin Paxton Hood

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Evangelical Revival

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"The Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century" by Edwin Paxton Hood is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the transformative religious movement that swept across England during the 1700s, primarily highlighting the contributions of key figures such as John Wesley and George Whitefield. It delves into three major evangelical revivals in England, emphasizing their profound effects on society and culture, as well as the revival's expansions into America. The opening of the book sets the stage by describing the societal context in which the Great Revival emerged, outlining a time when England was steeped in spiritual darkness and moral decay. Hood illustrates the stark contrasts between the previous religious awakenings, such as the Reformation and Puritanism, and the quieter but equally significant influence of the 18th-century movement. The narrative begins by recounting the dire state of England before the revival: widespread immorality, corruption, and indifference towards religion. Hood posits that the revival offered a much-needed spiritual awakening and moral reformation, paving the way for a renewed interest in religious fervor and piety that would eventually reshape the landscape of English Christianity.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century: With a supplemental chapter on the revival in America, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • inspirational
  • historical
  • reverent

Edwin Paxton Hood's "The Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century" provides a comprehensive historical and theological examination of the significant religious awakenings that swept across Great Britain and America in the 1700s. The book delves into the origins, key figures, and profound impact of these movements, often referred to as the First Great Awakening. Hood meticulously chronicles the spiritual fervor, social changes, and theological debates ignited by influential preachers and evangelists of the era. With a dedicated chapter on the American revival, the work highlights the transatlantic nature and enduring legacy of this pivotal period in Christian history, shaping both religious landscape and societal values.

“The eighteenth century was pre-eminently the age of revival; a time when the spiritual pulse of the nation, long languid, began to beat with new and vigorous life.”

Key themes

Spiritual Awakening and Conversion
This is the central theme, exploring the widespread experience of profound religious transformation and personal conversion that characterized the 18th-century revivals. Hood details how individuals moved from spiritual apathy or nominal faith to deep, experiential conviction, often accompanied by strong emotional responses and a renewed commitment to Christian living.
Social Reform and Moral Uplift
Hood argues that the spiritual awakenings had a profound and positive impact on societal morality and spurred various social reforms. The transformed lives of individuals led to a collective improvement in community standards, a reduction in vice, and the emergence of philanthropic endeavors driven by Christian compassion.
The Power of Evangelical Preaching
The book consistently highlights the centrality and efficacy of passionate, direct, and experiential preaching in igniting and sustaining the revival. Hood emphasizes the oratorical skills of figures like Whitefield and the theological depth of Edwards, showcasing how their messages moved vast audiences to repentance and faith, often outside traditional church settings.

Worth discussing

How does Hood portray the social and spiritual conditions of 18th-century Britain and America prior to the revivals? What factors did he believe necessitated such a movement?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!