The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-10-18
WESTERN VIRGINIA IN 1905.

The following is an extract from letter write
by the late venerable Samuel B. Wilson, d. ID.
then recently licensed to preach the gospel.
was addressed to the Rev. Samuel Brown, uude
whose instruction he studied theology. 1t will in
terest many both on account of the writer and th
section of country to which its statements refer.
Having now performed my tour through
the western part of Virginia, shall give yol
my views of the state of religion in that par
of the State. The revival which commenced
in Bath county, on the waters of Greenbrie
river, about the first of the year 1904, ha
excited general attention, and particular
account of the origin and progress of it vii
no doubt be agreeable to you.
In settlement called the Head of Green
brier, forty miles above the Little Levels
there are some characters who engaged il
religion some years since, during former
revival in Virginia; as is usually the case
where the means of grace are not dispensed
they grew cold in religion, and the divine
spark was almost smothered by worldly cares
Near the close of the year 1903, some o.
them hearing of revivals in various parts oi
the world, became very solicitous that Goo
would do something for them and their neigh
bors. who were living ignorant of God, ant
careless about their immortal souls. Accord
ingly some of them proposed that they should
appoint social meetings, for prayer, singing
and reading such religious tracts as they
might think useful. But difficulties and OBJ
jections were still thrown in the way, which
prevented society from being introduced, till
New Years day, 1904. At the first meeting
serious attention and solemn engagedness
were discovered in. almost every one. The
hearts of Gods people were deeply affected
with lively hope that He was about to dc
something for them in their destitute state
These meetings were well attended. Mum
bers began seriously to enquire what they
should do to be saved? While some were
brought to praise God for His mercy in Wis
itiug them in their destitute condition, and
bringing their souls from state of nature
to state of grace.
In the Little Levels, about the Goth o.
March, the revival began there in the family
of - 1t appears that the Divine Being
had previously prepared him for the event
Some months before, he felt great engaged
ness in religion; and a strong belief thai
God would visit his neighborhood, although
destitute of the public means of grace.
One evening, having collected his family
for the purpose of worship, they began tt
sing some hymns. At the close of one ht
sank down in his chair, under a deep sense
of divine things. Shortly after four of hi
family fell, on which occasion their mind
were much affected. Some praying that Goo
would have mercy on them, while others Ia
menting in bitterness of soul, their lost ant
undone state by natnre and practice.
Under these circumstances they though
proper to call in their neighbors, some O.
whom were affected; at that time, in th'
same way both in body and mind. Thus thu
revival of religion began, which has apreac
and prevailed till this time.
Various bodily agitations have accompan
led this work, such as falling, leaping, jerk
ing, &c. But the people, as far as | had tn
opportunity of conversing with them, put nj
dependence in them as evidences of religion
It may be, and probably is the case, that som
esteem them more highly than they ought
But this will not appear strange when We at
tend to their situation, previous to the pre-
sent out-pouring of the Spirit among them
They considered themselves as brought up ii
almost total ignorance of the gospel-Th
Sabbath was spent in wickedness, or idl
amusement, instead of religious duties. Th
expressions of many who are subjects o
the bodily exercise, manifested that the Spiri
of God is at work on their hearts. 1t
very common to hear sinners lamentiug wit
bitterness their violations of Gods laws. an
the neglect of their souls salvation. Thos
who have received the comforts of Christians
shew by their conduct and expressions, tn
gratitude of heart they feel towards God, fo
showing mercy to them through Saviour
The change that has taken place general
where this work has prevailed, is very pleas
ing; formerly, when they collected together
drinking, swearing, horse-racing, fighting
and such like practices, were common anon
them. But now, as l am told, you will Sc
dom see one pursuing any of these practices
Those who make no pretensions to religion
still appear under great restraint.
The bodily exercise, which has lately al
compauied revivals in the Western an
Southern States, has much perplexed th
; pious Christian, and speculative philosophe
l shall not pretend to say anything about th
J outward appearance. One thing l beliey
there is sometimes connected with the bodil
exercises, heart-work begun and carried OF
for which many will have cause to bless Ga
| throughout eternity. As Christians we ougl
> to rejoice in this, and pray the King of zic
, that he will still ride forth cOnquering an