LETTER OF
The GOSPEL TRUTH CHARLES G. FINNEY
1858
To Hamilton Hill
11 March 1858
[MS in Oberlin College Archives, 7/1/5.]
Boston 11.Mch 1858.
Dr. Br. Hill.
Yours of the 8th inst is just
recd. I have recd nothing from Sears
of Brooks since I last wrote you.
All right in regard to what you paid
Rider for me.
The religious interest here is wonderfully
on the increase as you probably learn
from the newspapers. But within the
last week the excitement has broken
out with a power that has astonished
all. There is no describing the state
of things, especially among business
men, nor can mortal see "whereunto
this thing will grow." I forbear to say
more at present. The hand of God
is revealed in answer to prayer with
litteralness that has taken us all
by surprise. What you have read of
New York is more than realized in Boston
[page 2]
within the last two days, I should judge.
We have perfect mass prayer meetings almost
constantly from morning till 9. or 10 at
night. except during preaching services.
These meetings are held in numerous places
at present. We have had two very large
prayermeetings daily for several months
besides numerous ladies & other prayer
meetings. All of great interest. But within
the last two weeks the places all
became too strait & others have
been appointed until I know
not how many are in progress in
different parts of the city. The spirit
of prayer was given that God would
pour floods upon the city , & it
is litterally so. Such is the desire
to pray & be prayed for that people
prefer prayer meetings to preaching.
At prayer meetings the people dont
want exhortation nor talk but
prayer. This is a very marked feature
of this work at present. This I have
[page 3]
formerly seen, but not so much of late
years. I preach 8 or 9 times a week &
the word is sharp. But I did not mean
to say so much. We are well as usual.
Mrs. F. joins in much love to you, &
your Dear Wife.
Love to all the people.
Your Br. C. G. Finney.
[page 4, in pencil, in Hamilton Hill's handwriting]
Brors Morgan or Cowles
I am unable to leave
the house myself & have therefore
sent this letter, which I think
you would like to read.
Yr Br
H Hill
Footnote:
This paragraph has been crossed out, possibly by Hamilton Hill, who sent the letter on to John Morgan or Henry Cowles.