Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul (Octavius Winslow)

Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul

One of the most valuable, refreshing, soul-stirring books I have ever read. Many who experience frequent times of backsliding and spiritual decline don’t have clear ideas what the causes are.

Winslow’s searching analysis of the cause and cure of our times of spiritual decline crystallizes the issues in a way we have not seen elsewhere. Chapters on how we decline in love, faith, prayer, doctrine, as well as grieving the Spirit, and concluding with two chapters about the Spirit’s work in restoration. A powerful book.

Many who are conscious that their spiritual experience and vitality have sadly declined have only a hazy notion of the nature and causes of their condition. The kind of searching analysis which would help to clarify their thoughts and concentrate their sense of conviction is largely absent from the contemporary pulpit and from the Christian literature of the day.

But such help is available, and can be found in works like Octavius Winslow’s Personal Declension and Revival. It discusses the areas of life in which backsliding takes place, examines the consequences, and in the concluding chapters points to the Lord who is the restorer and keeper of his people.

The passage of time since this book was first published in 1841 has not diminished its value, and the fact that it has been frequently reprinted eloquently testifies to its continuing spiritual usefulness.