Among the numerous revivalists who stirred the hearts of the people in the 19th century one of the most famous was Charles G. Finney, whose ministry took place during the period 1823 - 1872.  The influence of his preaching was extensive, and effected a spiritual awakening in both the United States and England. It has been estimated by some that about 150,000 souls were converted through his ministry; and the effectiveness of his preaching was credited to the fact that he had received a mighty anointing of the Spirit of God. Mr. Finney preached repentance, restitution, sanctification, and the need of the power of the Holy Spirit. In times of devotion, Mr. Finney was heard to give evidence of his having received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, as was given on the Day of Pentecost.

Dwight L. Moody was another Christian forefather mightily used of God in the salvation of many souls in America and England, his ministry taking place during the years 1860 - 1889. He, too, realized early in his ministry the need of the anointing of the Holy Spirit on his preaching.

In dedicating himself to God, he yielded wholly to the will of the Lord. He sought deliverance from self that God might have full sway in his life; and he also prayed that he might receive the Holy Spirit. He remarked that he knew what the Lord meant when He said, “The water that I shall give… shall be…a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”