Asahel Nettleton

by Bennet Tyler, Andrew A. Bonar

In Andrew Bonar's biography of Asahel Nettleton (1783-1843), he writes of a man who was a leading figure in one of the most important half centuries in American Church history. From the late 1790s to the early 1840s a succession of revivals transformed the spiritual prospects of the nation, and in these, in the words of the New York Evangelist, 'Nettleton served a glorious purpose. Few men, since the apostolic days, have been honoured with such signal success in preaching the word, and in the conversion of sinners'. The author, Dr. Bennet Tyler, who knew Nettleton from 1812, asserts that from that date, he was 'employed almost constantly in revivals for ten years'. As a counsellor to ministers his aid was constantly sought, particularly upon the subject of evangelism and revivals on which he had an amount of experience and observation beyond any man living . At a time when the nature of true revivals and of biblical evangelism is being widely re-assessed, the re-appearance of this volume, ably edited by M'Cheyne's biographer, Andrew Bonar, is of major significance.

Genres: Biography, Church History

454 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1996

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not often that I say this, in fact this may be a first, but my favorite thing about this book was an appendix. Appendix 1 is about an evangelist named Mr. Davenport, who for a time wrecked havoc in the churches before being convinced of the error of his ways by some godly pastors. I don't know if I have ever heard of a story of a man who, as a Christian, did more damage to the kingdom of God and yet who in the end so completely and powerfully repented. I would have given up on him based on the early part of his ministry, but there were pastors who didn't and who kept seeking to persuade him against all odds and were rewarded for their efforts with a remarkable change. The story is compiled from a series of nine sermons preached in 1763 by Joseph Fish. This version is six pages long and is worth the price of the book.

The rest of the book I had mixed feelings about. It was rather repetitive and dull in many places. There were errors I wish had been better addressed, such as Nettleton's suspicion of assurance of salvation. He so stressed the depravity of one's heart that he strongly implied you could never know for sure that you were a Christian. His preaching also reflected that lopsided view.

That being so, I think he is a man we should know about. His preaching was used so mightily that he deserves a place not too far behind Whitefield and Edwards. He had a passion for the lost that is seldom equaled and is worthy of imitation. He had a sense of the danger of people depending on him as a preacher instead of depending on God, when many men secretly like having people look to them. He was an evangelist, yet he had a very high respect for pastors and sought to strengthen them instead of undermining them.

Here is a convicting quote from a sermon of his:
"Have you not sorrow enough in your hearts for your brethren, your kindred according to the flesh, to take them by the hand, and say: Friends, I fear that all is not well with your souls-you must be born again: prepare to meet your God? Have you not courage?… How many, think ye, may be lost through your neglect? If we do not warn sinners, my brethren, God has warned us. He will make inquisition for blood." A little later he quotes a hymn:

"Did Christ o'er sinners weep,
and shall our tears be dry?"

There is much that we can learn from Nettleton, but I hope there is another book out there, or one that will soon be written, that gives a more readable and balanced account of his life. This one was originally written in 1854 by a friend of Nettleton's and later edited by Andrew Bonar.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few books that give insight into great revivals and how specifically the Lord worked through individual men, perhaps because there have been few in our lifetime. This is a valuable work in reminder, in thought, in humility, in seeing the Lord's hand work in ways that today we are not used to perhaps, and thus leads to thoughtfulness in considering the nature of wisdom in ministry and salvation and a guiding hand in the midst of a great work.

[Michael Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard the other side

I have read Finney's memoirs and his curiosity about why Nettleton attacked his ministry. I was a little saddened that many letters were used instead of pinpointing AN's disdain for Finney.
I do not persuade others against his ministry. It happened that two revivals came at the same time and both worked differently.
If you disagree with Finney, this book is for you. If you agree, read to hear the other side then make a rightful decision.

[Seth Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author’s point: God powerfully used Nettleton through his serious, searching preaching to bring thousands upon thousands to Christ.

My evaluation: As an evangelist, this account makes my own soul long for more rain on my field.

[Nate G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Biography. I wish more Christians knew about this main. I really enjoyed the selections from his sermons that were included.

[Pete Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book on my "to-read" shelf for many months and, having now finished it, I regret waiting so long to pick it up. A very stirring biography of a godly - albeit largely unknown - preacher in a remarkable period of history.

[Chuck Bonadies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the biography, but I have a feeling others would find it a bit boring. I'm sure part of the reason I was taken by the book was because Nettleton ministered in CT, where I grew up.

CB

[Dwight Walker]

Very interesting coverage of 1820s revivals in USA before Charles Finney took off.