Jonathan Edwards Writes About Revival

     Jonathan Edwards has this to say concerning the wonderful workings of God in the 1735-37 revival in Northampton, Massachusetts:

    “There was scarcely a single person in the town, old or young, left unconcerned about the great things of the eternal world.  Those who were wont to be the vainest and loosest; and those who had been most disposed to think and speak slightly of religion, were now generally subject to great awakenings.

    “And the work of conversion was carried on in a most astonishing manner, and increased more and more; souls did as it were come by flocks to Jesus Christ.  From day to day, for many months together, might be seen evident instances of sinners brought out of darkness into marvelous light, and delivered out of a horrible pit, and from the miry clay, and set upon a Rock with a new song of praise to God in their mouths.

    “It was a time of joy in families on account of salvation being brought unto them; parents rejoicing over their children as new born, and husbands over their wives, and wives over their husbands.  God’s day was a delight, the congregation was alive in God’s service, every hearer eager to drink in the words of the minister as they came from his mouth; the assembly in general was, from time to time, in tears while the Word was preached; some weeping with sorrow and distress, others with joy and love, others with pity and concern for the souls of their neighbors.  In all companies, on other days, on whatever occasions persons met together, Christ was to be heard of and seen in the midst of them.”

    – From A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God by Jonathan Edwards.