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

A HISTORY
OF THE
RISE OF METHODISM IN AMERICA
by
John Lednum
CHAPTER 35
In the fall of this year, Mr. Garrettson came to Philadelphia to resuscitate Methodism, after the
British army had left it. After laboring from August to October in the city, being succeeded by Mr.
Cox, he visited Chester Circuit; and then went to New Jersey, where he rejoiced over some
remarkable conversions: one was a man one hundred and one years old; the other was Achsah
Borden, who was raised a Friend, was very serious, and read the Bible much while she was young.
One day, while reading and meditating, a flood of heavenly light and comfort flowed into her soul,
and she cried out, "Sweet Jesus;" and felt that Christ was her Saviour. Her friends fearing that her
great seriousness would end in melancholy, gathered their friends together, and with the fiddle and
dancing, endeavored to rouse her out of her seriousness. She was prevailed upon to go into sinful
amusements, until she was galvanized into gay life. But, remembering her former happiness, a deep
gloom soon came over her soul; and her speech failed her, and she spoke in broken accents with
difficulty, and soon lost all power of speech, and a dumb spirit seemed to possess her. She concluded
that it was wrong for her to dress herself, or do any kind of work, or even turn over a leaf of a book
that was given her to read. Her family kept her locked up in a room, removing every instrument by
which she might destroy herself, which, however, she was not tempted to do. It was impressed on
her mind that there was a people, about thirteen miles off, in New Mills, that prayed much and
served the Lord; and if she could be among them, they would be the means of restoring her speech.
By signs she made this known to her relations. An attempt was made to find out this people, which
did not succeed. A second attempt was successful. Mr. Ruff being present, called a meeting,
believing that God would cast out the dumb spirit. Prayer was made to God for part of three days,
when the Saviour's love was shed abroad in her heart; and, after having been dumb for two years,
her tongue was loosed, and she spake and praised God.
It is said that this took place in the house of Mr. William Budd, of New Mills; and when Mrs.
Budd, who was nursing her infant, heard Achsah (who had not spoken for two years) speak, it so
much surprised and shocked her, that she came near dropping the child on the floor or hearth.
The grandson of Mr. William Budd, named above (of the same name), who was a leading member
of the Union M. E. Church in this city, assured us that he had heard his mother vouch the main facts
in Achsah Borden's case, and the place where they occurred.
About this time Mr. Garrettson came to New Mills. He, with a number of Methodists,
accompanied the young woman to her mother's, and were received as angels. Mr. Garrettson
preached on the occasion, and was listened to as though he had been an apostle. Many were affected
by looking at the heavenly countenance of Achsah, who was now able to speak and work, and was
happy in a Saviour's love. Some were ready to conclude that the Methodists could almost work
miracles. Miss Borden's mother lived near Bordentown, and the sermon that Mr. Garrettson preached