Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-03-04
For the Watchmau.
Reyivals: Edwards---NettletOn.


ReyiyalS: Edwards---NettletOn
While there Is at the present time sc
general want Of reyyals in our churches
in this vicinity, it may be both interesting
aud profitable to the lovers Of the cause oI
Christ to look at some of the refreshing
scenes Of the past, that we may learn from
them how those revivals began, by what
instrumentalities they we're carried on, and
the varied manifestations Of the Holy Spirit
While there have been, from year to year
conversions and accessions to the churches
under the ordinary and regular ministra
tions Of the Word, without any large or un
usual manifestation Of the Spirit, there
have been at times waves of spiritual in.
huence passing over the land, that seemed
TO break down all opposition, to sweep, as
it we're, all before them, and bear converts
by scores and hundreds into the church 10
very short season. 1t is of some Of these
great revivals OF which shall speak iu
this and one or two other articles. | begin
with that which took place in the early
part Of the last century, during the time oI
Jonathan Edwards, the noted pastor OF
Northampton, Conn, and in which he was
perhaps one Of the leading spirits. This
eminent divine was a metaphysician, theo-
logan and preacher. He was not pas.
tor, in the most common acceptation Of the
word. He seldom visited the people of his
parish, except he we're called to minister to
the sick, the bereaved, or the sorrowing
He did not 60 about to converse with the
impenitent, but gave them opportunity to
call uron him. at such times as he thought
best, for inquiry and instruction. His
preaching was largely of the doctrinal type,
presenting very prominently such doctrines
as divine sovereignty, election, and the
future endless punishment Of the wicked.
His famous sermon, entitled Sinners iu
the hands Of an angry Cod" aud its won.
derful effects when preached at Enfeld, are
still matters Of tradition. Under such
preaching there came a remarkable out
pouring of the Holy Spirit, which extended
not only through Connecticut, but largely
throughout the New England States. In
this revival, conviction of sin was pungent
thorough, and there were very few Who
lapsed from their profession Of faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ. But it is to be noted
that at that time the conversion of children
was rare. 1t seems not to have been ex-
pected. Their open profession Of faith was a
very unusual thing. Edwards made special
note Of the fact, that there was young
lady of fourteen years in New Haven, who
was "beloved of that Great Being who
made aud rules the world What is
worthy of special notice in that revival, is
the type of the preaching, and the uuosteu-
tatious manner of its movement among the
people. 1t was quiet, deep, powerful, ex-
tended
From what information can now gather
the revival period under the special labors
of the Evangelists began with DR.. Asahel
Nettletou, who was ordained as an Evan.
gelist in 1917, by the South Consolation
of Litch6eld, Conn. He graduated at Yale
College in lSO9 and studied theology with
the view Of becoming missionary but
after entering upon the work Of preaching
so powerful were his sermons, and so marked
were their fruits, that he at length aban
doned his first intention, and devoted him
self to revival work in the churches I'm
mediately after he was licensed, be went t.
the Eastern part Of Connecticut, bordern.
on Long Island, and visited several pacei
where Davenport had labored during tn,
religious excitement Of l740 and l74l, ant
which still showed the effects of his teach
ings. Nettleton's abors were here blessed
with good fruits Between the years ISL.
aud 1922, he engaged in revival work il
thirty-two villages Of Connecticut, beside
several in Massachusetts and New York
He presented frequently those great an
strong doctrines Of the Bible which are ex
ceedingly humbling to human pride, an
such as sinners are always so reluctant ;
hear aud accept but at the same time, b
was unusually practical, and brought tn
truth home to the heart with remarkabl
power-making the hearer feel that God
aud not man, was speaking. As might b
expected, the results were marked and good
conversions were real, and converts held o
their way. DR.. Nettleton had few OK
centricities which doubtless, at times, Dc
tracted somewhat from the highest degre
of success, but Notwithstanding these, it
probable that there has never beeen safe
man in this country to do the work Of a
Evangelist.
Another article will present some of til
reyivals Of this period 10 Vermont. c.