The Anxious Bench

work by Nevin

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June 18, 2026

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The term "anxious bench" refers to a seat near the pulpit in some revival meetings, reserved for individuals concerned about their spiritual state. It is also known as a "mourners' bench".1

John Williamson Nevin, an American theologian, published The Anxious Bench in 1843. This work was a critique of the popular Protestant revivalism of his time, particularly the methods of evangelists like Charles Grandison Finney. Nevin argued for the significance of church life and the sacramental aspects of Christianity, influencing the "Mercersburg theology" movement.2

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John Williamson Nevin
In 1843 Nevin published The Anxious Bench, an influential criticism of the revivalism and disregard for confessional traditions of such evangelists as Charles Grandison Finney. Nevin argued for the importance of church life and the sacramental side of Christianity, particularly for the importance of the Roman Catholic doctrines of…
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In 1843 Nevin published The Anxious Bench, an influential criticism of the revivalism and disregard for confessional traditions of such evangelists as Charles Grandison Finney. Nevin argued for the importance of church life and the sacramental side of Christianity, particularly for the importance of the Roman Catholic doctrines of…
Read More