The Anxious Bench (1844)

The Anxious Bench is a book written by John Williamson Nevin in 1844. It is a theological work that explores the concept of revivalism and its impact on the church. Nevin argues that the emphasis on emotional experiences and personal conversion in revivalism has led to a shallow understanding of Christianity and a neglect of the sacraments and the church's historical traditions. The title of the book refers to the practice of having a designated area in a church where those who were seeking salvation could come forward and kneel in prayer. Nevin critiques this practice as a form of emotional manipulation and argues that true conversion is a gradual and ongoing process that requires a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine and the role of the church in spiritual growth. The Anxious Bench is considered a significant work in the history of American Protestantism and has been influential in shaping debates about the nature of revivalism and the role of tradition in Christian faith. It is written in a scholarly style and is intended for a theological audience, but its insights have relevance for anyone interested in the history and practice of Christianity.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.