The Oberlin Evangelist

January 1, 1839

TO THE EDITOR OF THE OBERLIN EVANGELIST

[by CHARLES G. FINNEY]

Dear Brother, Permit me, through your columns, to address the Churches of Christ, especially those who, within the last few years, have been converted, in the extensive revivals that have prevailed throughout the length and breadth of this land. My mind has been, for some time, struggling with a strong desire to revisit the churches where I once labored, in the hope of being instrumental in imparting to them a second benefit. I feel at times an inexpressible desire, to see, converse with, and preach to those Christians who call me their spiritual father. I do not mean that I desire to see and visit them alone. But my heart yearns over the Church, and I often exclaim, “Oh, if I only had the health to be an Evangelist once again, so that I could again visit the Churches, and see how they are doing. However, in my present state of health, and especially the state of my throat, it is impossible for me to perform the labor of an Evangelist. Now, may I not through your paper, preach to those beloved ones, and address the Church of God in this land, and speak to them as though I were present with them, and pour out my heart before them?

C.G. FINNEY.