History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

200 HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON. [1742.
brief absence of Mr. Edwards, ^ preached almost everyday
in tbe meeting-house. He was accompanied by a number
of zealous persons from Suffield, Ct., and his discourses,
supplemented by their exhibitions of feeling, greatly intensified
the already prevailing nervous tension. "The
people were exceedingly moved, crying out in great numbers
in the meeting house, and a greater part of the congregation
commonly staying for hours after the public service."
The manifestations mentioned by Mr. Edwards
seem to have been redoubled under the lead of Mr. Buell ;
there were tears, shoutings, fallings, and trances, sometimes
continuing for twenty-four hours or more. Disturb-
ances of this nature became so frequent that on several
occasions meetings were completely broken up by them.
Mr. Buell remained here in all six weeks, and succeeded
in stirring up the people in a most wonderful manner.
But the strain was too great to last, and during the summer
the religious fervor sensiblj" abated, and died out com-
pletely during the following winter.
Notwithstanding the strong nervous stimu-
Beneficial Effect
upon the Town. latiou uudcr whicli it was conducted, and
to which in a great measure may be attributed
its success, the effect of this revival upon the people
of Northampton was beneficial in a marked degree. It
permeated all classes, influencing old and young alike, and
everywhere exhibited its good results. This was especially
noticeable in the conduct of public affairs. Faction which
had long overridden the community, was well nigh oblit-
erated. The two parties into which the town had for so
many years been divided, were essentially mingled into
one. The temper of the people was greatly softened ; they
were more guarded in their communication with each
other ; and town-meetings were carried on with less heat
and acrimony. One of the most memorable results of this
state of feeling was the settlement of the controversy
about the common lands, which had agitated the town for
1 It was eustomarj' for the clergy of New England to go about among other
churches at various times, sometimes making an exchange of pulpits, extending over
several weeks. It was probably when Mr. Edwards was away on an occasion of this
kind that Mr. Buell took his place. It seems to have been a system of awakening
tactics much in practice at that time.