The Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century by Edwin Paxton Hood

Revised in 2024. "The Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century" by Edwin Paxton Hood is a powerful account of the people and events God raised up to ignite a singular, unified movement of spiritual awakening that transformed the 1700s. This revival was not the work of a few individuals alone but the result of God’s sovereign orchestration of many lives, each playing a vital role in His divine plan. John Wesley and George Whitefield preached with fervor, calling multitudes to repentance. Isaac Watts wrote hymns that gave voice to the awakened souls, while William Carey carried the gospel to distant lands, launching modern missions. Robert Raikes pioneered Sunday Schools to nurture the faith of the next generation, and the Countess of Huntingdon used her resources and influence to support the spread of the gospel. Hood’s narrative beautifully weaves these stories together, showing how God worked through diverse people and efforts to accomplish one great revival. It’s a testament to how God uses both the well-known and the overlooked to accomplish His purposes, offering readers an inspiring glimpse into His sovereign work in history. Where do you fit in God’s work today? Just as He raised up ordinary men and women during the great revival to fulfill unique roles in His plan, consider how God might be calling you to contribute to His kingdom in your own time.