REVIVAL

     While the previous chapter presents a somewhat depressing view of the present-day class-meeting, it is not meant to be a pessimistic view. Notwithstanding the fact of decline respecting interest in and the effectiveness of the modern class-meeting, there is much to inspire hope as to the future of this once strong "right arm of Methodism." The very fact that its decline is so extensively recognized and lamented by the more devout and thoughtful in all branches of the Methodist family is encouraging. When godly men and women generally perceive and sigh over the desolations of Zion it betokens the approaching dawn of a brighter day.

     Within the past twenty years [Hogue copyrighted this work in 1907 and it was probably written about the same time, making the period of time to which he refers approximately 1887 to 1907. -- DVM] there has been a manifest quickening of interest in the subject of class-meetings. The parent Methodist body in this country in particular has come to recognize more fully perhaps than ever before that decline of the class-meeting means paralysis of her own "right arm" -- a paralysis too which will spread over the whole body unless arrested in its progress and overcome in its chief center of operation. Spiritual men throughout all branches of Methodism also are coming to realize that something must be done to restore the class-meeting to its former position of prestige and power in the church, if the church would not lamentably fail of fulfilling the high destiny to which Methodism was called in the beginning. Decline of the class-meeting and the decline of Methodism in spiritual power and glory always go together, and proceed with equal pace. Revival of the class-meeting and the revival of Methodism in spiritual life and power, and as an evangelizing agency, are also equally inseparable.

     Regarding the tokens of reviving interest in this invaluable means of grace within the Methodist Episcopal Church of this country, and also throughout European Methodism. "The Drill-Master of Methodism" contains the following: "Indeed, there are indications all about us of a great quickness of interest on the part of pastors, leaders and members. Class-meeting conventions are almost a new thing in Methodism, but they are being held throughout the country, east and west, north and south. Requests have come to the writer from almost every state in the Union, asking him to make addresses or to send literature which may be helpful in stimulating interest in this historic means of grace. In a recent number of the Methodist Review Bishop Vincent gives a most interesting report of the October conventions which were held at his suggestions throughout Europe. More than a thousand of these conventions were held and many thousands of the laity took part in them. The subject of class-meetings was the first of four topics named for discussion. Bishop Vincent says: 'One is glad to know that the class-meeting in Continental Methodism is still a most important factor, and that in English Methodism, thanks very largely to the wisdom and breadth and vigor of ex-President Hugh Price Hughes and the Methodist Times, it is experiencing a genuine and we trust a permanent revival. For we may be sure that Methodism of the true type goes up or down with the growth or deterioration of the class-meeting. ^[1]

     These tokens of reviving interest in the class-meeting should be an occasion of reviving hope and joy on the part of God's people. Let all beware, however, of taking too much for granted in this matter. Practically the stimulation of new interest is but just begun; and, unless the efforts now putting forth to rejuvenate this time-honored means of grace shall become general and persistent, a relapse will soon occur, and the last state of decline will be worse than the first. A solemn obligation rests upon pastors, leaders and all members of the church, to contribute as much as in them lies to the permanent restoration of the class-meeting to its former prominence and effectiveness. Let pastors and leaders in particular read and ponder well the conclusions reached by Wesley and his brethren when, in conference assembled, they prayerfully and carefully discussed the question, "Can anything further be done, in order to make the meetings of the classes lively and profitable?" ^[2] Then, having become suitably impressed and newly inspired themselves, let them with all possible haste and earnestness go forth to impress these things upon their classes and societies, and to inspire in all a burning and holy enthusiasm for this historic and time-honored means of grace.

     In this way the fires of primitive Methodism may be everywhere rekindled and made to glow with more than their primitive intensity, and the class-meeting may be made again the arsenal of Methodism, from whence, in the full panoply of heaven, Methodists will go forth to fight the battles of their King and win victories that will make hell to tremble and heaven and earth to hold joint jubilee.

1 Ibid. Page 47.

2 See Works, Vol. V., pp. 213-217.