A History Of The Rise Of Methodism In America - Media Sabda Org

Robert Williams came to the house of Mr. Jarratt, and was the first Methodist preacher that visited
him. Instead of being scowled away in the spirit of exclusiveness, he was taken by the hand as a
brother beloved. The next year other preachers came, who received a cordial welcome. From the year
1773, the work was carried on in the counties of Sussex and Brunswick, chiefly by the Methodists;
and in these counties Methodism had its stronghold in Virginia, in the last century. In 1774, the word
preached was attended with greater power than had ever been known in that region before; many
hearts were pierced, tears fell plentifully, and some were constrained to cry aloud.
In 1775, Mr. Shadford was sent to take charge of Brunswick Circuit, where he continued his
labors for eighteen months. During this time, through the preaching of Mr. Jarratt, and the Methodist
preachers, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, there was the greatest work of religion that had ever been
known in America. In 1775, Mr. Asbury was preaching on the Norfolk Circuit, and in the fall of this
year he visited Brunswick, and labored for a few months. Here his soul caught the holy flame that
was burning in these parts. Mrs. Jarratt met him and entreated him to come into their parish; and at
Captain Boushell's, both Mr. And Mrs. Jarratt met him, giving a long account of the work under Mr.
Shadford; here they held a watch night together. Mr. Jarratt had fitted up his barn for the Methodists
to preach in, as neither of his churches were very near to his residence. We give some of the most
striking occurrences of this extraordinary work, as detailed by Mr. Jarratt and others, who were
laborers in it, in the following account:
"In Amelia county, where the people had been notorious for gaming, swearing, and drunkenness,
a great reformation took place. The work went on through the fall, and greatly increased in the winter
and spring of 1776. In almost every meeting God's power was manifested; and when those in distress
were questioned concerning their state, they answered with tears, and fell on their knees, asking the
prayers of God's people. From the old stouthearted sinner, down to children of eight or nine years
old, many were subjects of this work. In their prayer meetings, such was the distress of some, that
they have continued therein for five or six hours. While mercy! Mercy! was the cry of penitents, the
professing people of God were beseeching Him with strong cries and tears to sanctify them
throughout spirit, soul, and body. The work was now general in Brunswick Circuit, which was in
circumference near five hundred miles. In May, 1776, the Methodists held their quarterly meeting
at Bath Chapel, in Mr. Jarratt's parish. Here the windows of heaven were opened, and the rain of
Divine influence poured down for more than forty days. In the love feast the power of God came
down, and the house was filled with His presence. The flame ran from heart to heart. Many were
convinced of sin, many mourners comforted, and many believers so overwhelmed, as to believe they
loved the Lord with all their heart. When the doors were opened, many who had stayed without,
came in, and beholding the anguish of some, and the rejoicing of others, were filled with
astonishment, and soon, with trembling apprehension of their own danger, several of them prostrated
themselves before God, and cried aloud for mercy. When most of the people had gone away, the
distress of some was so great, that they would not leave the place. Some lively Christians stayed and
prayed with them, till fifteen of them could rejoice in God. Some careless creatures, of the politer
sort, went in to see this strange thing, and soon felt an unusual power, and falling on their knees,
cried for mercy, and, like Saul, were found among the prophets.
"The multitude that attended this meeting returned home fully alive to God, and spread the flame
through their respective neighborhoods, which ran from family to family; so that within four weeks