Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1840-04-10

heir mind were more vigorous and active and
eir memories more reientive and accurate
an they had been before have heard res
lectable characters assert, that their manifesto
iions of gospel truth were so clear, as to re-
quire some caution when they began to speak
lest they should use language, which might
lead their hearers to suppose they had seen
those things with their natural eyes. But at
the same time they had seen no image or sensi-
bic representation, nor indeed anything besides
the old truths contained in the Bible Among
those whose minds were filled with the most
communications Of divine love, but seldom
observed anything ecstatic. their expressions
were just and rational they conversed with
calmness and composure and on frstrecover-
ing the use of Speech they appeared like per-
sons just recovering from a violent sickness
which had left them on the border of the
grave.
have sometimes been present when per-
sons who fell under the influence OF conyic-
iions, obtained reliefbefore they rose. On these
occasions it was impossible not 20 observe how
il was depicted in their countenances. From
a face Of horror and despair they assume one
which was open, luminous. and serene, and
expressive of all the comfortable feelings of
religion As to those who fall down under le-
gal convictions and continue in that state, they
are not different from those who receive con-
victions in other rerivals excepting that their
distress is more severe. Indeed, extraordinary
power is the leading characteristics of this
revival. Both saints and sinners have more stri-
king discoveries ofthe realities Of another world
than have ever known on any other occasion.
trust have said enough on this subject,
TO enable you to Judge how far the character of
enthusiasm is applicable to it. Lord Little
ton in his letter on the conversion of St. Paul
observes, (and think very justly,) that EN-
thusiasm is vain, self-iigh,eous spirit, SWELL
ed with self-sufficiency, and disposed to glory
in its religious attainments" If this definition
be a good one, there is perhaps as little enthu-
siasm in Kentucky as in any other revival.
Never in my life have ! seen more genuine
marks Of that humility, which disclaims the
merits of his own duties, and looks to the
Lord Jesus Christ as the only way Of accept
ance with God. was indeed,hghly pleased
to find that Christ was all and in ali in their re-
ligion, as well as in the religion of the gospel.
Christians in their highest attainments were
most sensible of their entire dependence on ci- |
vine grace aud it was truly affecting TO hear
with what agonizing anxiety awakened sinners
inquired for Christ, as the only physician who
would give them help. Those who call these
things enthusiasm, ought to tell us what they
understand by the Spirit of Christianity. In
fact, sir, this revival operates, as our Saviour
promised the Holy Spirit when sent into the
world II convinces of sin of righteousness and
of Judgment strong confirmation TO my!mlnd
both that the promise is divine, and this Is re-
markable fulflment OF IT, Il
II would be of no little avail TO object 10 all
this, that perhaps the professions oil many OF
the people were counterfeited Such an OBJ
lection would hardly establish what 1t meant to
DESTROY. For where there reality there can be
no counterfeit aud besides when the general
tenor of a work is such, as to dispose the more
insincere professors to cou terielt what lsrlght,
the work itself is genuine. But as an eye-wit-
ness OF the case, may be permitted to declare
that the professions of those under religious
convictions were generally marked with such
a degree of engagedness, and feeling, as wllfui
hvpocracy could hardly assume. The lam
OF age of the heart when deeply impressed is
easily distinguished from the language of affec- /
ton.
TIpon the whole sir, think the revival in
kentucky. among the most extraordinary that
ever visited the church Of Christ And all
things, considered il was peculiarly adapted 10
the circumstances of the country into which il
came. ILfidelity was triumphant, and religion
at the point of expiring. Something of an ex-
,raordinary nature appeared necessary to ar
rest the attention of giddy people, who were
ready TO conclude that Christianity was fable
and futurity dream. The revival has done it.
II has confounded infdelity awed vice into ST.
ience, and brought numbers beyond calculation
under serious impressions.
Whilst the blessed savior was calling home
his people, and building up his church in this
remarkable way, opposition could not be silent.
At this ! have hinted above. But it is prop
er that should observe here, that the clamor-
Gus opposition which assailed the work at IFS
first appearance, has in great measure born
down before it. A large portion of those who
had fallen were at first opposers and their ex-
ample had taught others to be cautious, ifit has
not taught them TO be wise.
have written on this subject to a greater
length than first intended. But if this account
should give you any satisfaction, and be of any
benefit to the common cause, | shall be fully l
graiifed. L