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

to return to Little York, which he did with all speed. Mr. And Mrs. Worley, having been trained in
outward ceremonies, being in great distress of soul; and but imperfectly instructed in the plan of
salvation, through faith in Christ, not knowing what to do to obtain comfort, went to work in the use
of material things: -- they washed themselves with water, -- put on their best clean garments; and
concluded that this was the "washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Coming out
from their toilet, they kissed their son and daughter, who were nearly grown up, telling them that
they were newly born. Having learned from Mr. Garrettson that in the new birth old things are done
away and all things become new, they proceeded to practice literally on it; throwing their old
clothing, bedding, and furniture on the fire. Having some of the two hundred millions of continental
paper money that Congress had issued, worth at that time one fourth, or one fifth of its facial value,
Mr. Worley said, "This is an old thing, and must be done away;" and on the fire it went. It is scarcely
presumption to say that if Mr. Worley had possessed the power, there would soon have been a new
heaven and a new earth in which righteousness alone would have dwelt. Their loss was estimated
at some fifteen pounds, and would have been greater if the neighbors had not stopped them in
making these burnt offerings. All the blame of this affair was thrown on Mr. Garrettson. The cry was,
"Such a man ought not to be suffered to go through the country, -- he should be put in jail." A
minister was sent for; and, as he did not understand their condition he recommended a doctor to be
called in, who, understanding their case no better, applied blisters. There was present a Quaker
woman, who showed more judgment than any of them, by recommending them to send for Mr.
Garrettson, who had been instrumental in bringing them into mental distress. Soon he was back at
Little York; and the neighbors seeing him go into Mr. Worley's house, gathered in also. Mr. Worley
was in bed under medical treatment, and Mrs. Worley looked wildly. Mr. Garrettson asked him what
he wanted. He replied, "To be new born." Mr. Garrettson proceeded to read and lectured on a portion
of Scripture, and under prayer the Lord not only opened up the way to heaven more clearly to Mr.
And Mrs. Worley, but also to several others who were present, -- it was a precious season. Mr.
Garrettson had the blister removed; and soon the man and his wife were well in soul and body.
Though this event was very distressing to many, and not less so to the mind of Mr. Garrettson; yet
in the end it resulted in bringing glory to God, by astonishing and bringing many to serious
reflection. The doors of the churches were shut against him, but a large schoolroom was offered to
him in which he preached, -- the hearts of many were touched; and, the two mad people, as they were
called, were rejoicing in the Lord, while the word reached the hearts of some of his enemies.
On another occasion he was requested to visit a man in Little York who thought that he was
troubled with an evil spirit: he said that, "for a long time the devil had followed him, and that he had
frequently seen him with his bodily eyes." It seems that the man was under conviction for sin, and
was ignorant of what ailed him. Mr. Garrettson called his minister out of bed one morning, and they
both visited him, and offered up prayer for him. After this he was troubled no more in the same way;
and became one of Mr. Garrettson's quiet hearers.
At this time there were a number of soldiers billeted in this town; and the officers declared that
they would take Mr. Garrettson to jail if he attempted to preach again The next time that he preached
there, they were present, on his right hand. One of them stood on a bench, with uplifted staff, to
strike or frighten him. There was no harm done to him; and the same officers became quiet hearers,
and invited him to preach to the soldiers.