A Short History Of The Methodists... - Media Sabda Org

The Christians too were sometimes so overcome with the presence and love of God, as not to be
able to stand on their feet. It was truly affecting to see them collecting round the penitent sinners, and
praying for them one after another, and sometimes two or three together at the same time, until some
of the mourners would get converted; and then to see the young converts leaping up with streaming
eyes, and catching in their arms those that were nearest to them, and calling upon all present to praise
God for what he had done for their souls. In that revival there were some things which might be
called imprudent; yet there were so many souls brought to God, that it was thought to be dangerous
to try to stop the irregularities, for fear of stopping that gracious work which the Lord was so
strangely carrying on. There were above 600 members added to the society in that circuit in the
course of that year.
Robert Williams, who was the first Methodist preacher that came to that part of Virginia, had
married and left the traveling connection: but on the 26th day of September he died between Norfolk
and Suffolk in Virginia, at the place where he had been living with his wife. Although he is dead,
he yet speaketh to many of his spiritual children, while they remember his faithful preaching and his
holy walk.
Mr. Jarratt, the church Clergyman, was very useful in that revival of religion; and his heart was
closely united to the Methodists. He would frequently preach, meet the classes, hold love-feasts, and
administer the Lord's supper among them. He was an eye witness of this work; and as it was the
greatest revival of religion that had ever been known in that part of the country, I think it will be a
satisfaction to many people, to give them some further account of it.
1775. -- In the latter end of this year, there was as great a revival of religion in the south parts of
Virginia, as perhaps was ever known in country places in so short a time; but it became still more
considerable in January 1776. Mr. G. Shadford then preached in Virginia; and while the ears of the
people were opened by novelty, God sent his word home upon their hearts. Many sinners were
powerfully convinced, and cried for mercy. The news of convictions and conversions were common;
and the people of God were inspired with new life and vigor, by the happiness of others. But in a
little time they were made thoroughly sensible, that they themselves stood in need of a deeper work
of grace in their hearts, than they had yet experienced: and entreated God with strong cries and tears,
to save them from the remains of inbred Sin; and so to "circumcise their hearts," that they might
"love him with all their hearts," and serve him with all their strength.
In almost every assembly might be seen signal instances of divine power; more especially in the
meeting of the classes. The shaking among the dry bones was increased from week to week.
Numbers of old and gray headed, of middle aged persons, of youth, yea, of little children, were the
subjects of this work. There were instances of the latter of eight or nine years old. Some of the
children were exceedingly happy in the love of God, and spoke of the whole process of the work of
God, of their convictions, the time when, and the manner how they obtained deliverance, with such
clearness as might convince an atheist, that this was nothing but the great power of God.
Many who had long neglected the means of grace, now flocked to hear, not only the preachers,
but also the exhorters and leaders. And whether there was preaching or not, the Lord's power was