Charles Grandison Finney (1792–1875) is known by many today as the father of modern revivalism. A minister and social reformer, he became a leading figure in what would become known as the Second Great Awakening, popularizing controversial “new measures,” as critics described his tactics, that allowed him to conduct more effective revival services. Finney composed this letter on November 25, 1828, near the height of his evangelistic career, asking his friend John P. Cushman for help with his ministry. “O what a state the world is in after 1800 years,” he writes. “What are we all about? Brother C., what are you about? Souls are perishing.”