Widespread Excitement Across the Country
“The news of the strange operations which had transpired at the previous meeting had run throughout the country in every direction, carrying a high degree of excitement to the minds of almost every character. The curious came to gratify their curiosity. The seriously convicted, presented themselves that they might receive some special and salutary benefit to their souls, and promote the cause of God, at home and abroad.”
Revival Takes Hold in Gasper
In his “Narrative of the Commencement and Progress of the Revival of 1800,” James described how the Kentucky revival truly took hold in Gasper, drawing people from far and wide:
The Sacrament at Gasper River
In July, the sacrament was administered in Gasper River Congregation. Here multitudes crowded from all parts of the country to see a strange work, from the distance of forty, fifty, and even a hundred miles: whole families came in their wagons; between twenty and thirty wagons were brought to the place, loaded with people, and their provisions, in order to encamp at the meetinghouse. On Friday nothing more appeared, during the day, than a decent solemnity. On Saturday matters continued in the same way, until the evening.
The Flame Spreads
Two pious women were sitting together, conversing about their exercises; which conversation seemed to affect some of the bystanders; instantly the divine flame spread through the whole multitude. Presently you might have seen sinners lying powerless in every part of the house, praying and crying for mercy.
Ministers and Christians Busy Through the Night
Ministers and private Christians were kept busy during the night conversing with the distressed. This night a goodly number of awakened souls were delivered by sweet believing views of the glory, fulness, and sufficiency of Christ, to save to the uttermost.
The Testimony of a Little Girl
Amongst these were some little children—a striking proof of the religion of Jesus. Of many instances to which I have been an eyewitness, I shall only mention one, viz. a little girl. I stood by her whilst she lay across her mother’s lap almost in despair. I was conversing with her when the first gleam of light broke in upon her mind she started to her feet, and in an ecstasy of joy, she cried out:
“O He is willing. He is willing—He is come. He is come—O what a sweet Christ He is O what a precious Christ He is O what a fulness I see in Him—O what a beauty I see in Him—O why was it that I never could believe! That I never could come to Christ before, when Christ was so willing to save me?”
Then turning round, she addressed sinners, and told them of the glory, willingness, and preciousness of Christ, and pleaded with them to repent; and all this in a language so heavenly, and at the same time, so rational and scriptural, that I was filled with astonishment. But were I to write you every particular of this kind that I have been an eye and ear witness to during the two past years, it would fill many sheets of paper.
Overflowing Crowds and Open-Air Meetings
The Gasper River meetinghouse proved too small to accommodate the large crowds, so areas were cleared to hold meetings in the open air. A makeshift preaching stand was constructed, and logs were converted into pews.
Signs of the Spirit’s Power
Services lasted throughout the first night, and the cries of the penitent threatened to drown out the voice of John McGee as he spoke on Sunday. The same signs of the move of the Spirit that had been at Red River were at Gasper River: many people fell under the power of God, cried out and prayed under the conviction of the Spirit, and gave loud shouts of joy and praise when they had found the peace with God they had come hoping to receive.
Revival Spreads Across Kentucky and Tennessee
The conviction of the Spirit operated without limits, as believers, Universalists, Deists, and even atheists were all struck down. Revival fire was spreading from Logan County throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. A frenzy of the Holy Spirit continued to take the frontier, and Communion services were held almost every weekend for the rest of the summer.
Tale Tuesday 055
Date: 19th September, 2023
Title: : James MacGready part 4
Source: God’s Generals: The Revivalists
Author: Roberts Liardon
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