Re: OT--ever heard of this????
to know what
to make of it. Many scoffed at and ridiculed it; and some compared what
we called conversion, to certain distempers. But it was very observable
of many, who occasionally came amongst us from abroad with disregardful
hearts, that what they saw here cured them of such a temper of mind.
Strangers were generally surprised to find things so much beyond what
they had heard, and were wont to tell others that the state of the town
could not be conceived of by those who had not seen it. The notice that
was taken of it by the people who came to town on occasion of the court
that sat here in the beginning of March, was very observable. And those
who came from the neighborhood to our public lectures were for the most
part remarkably affected. Many who came to town, on one occasion or
other, had their consciences smitten, and awakened; and went home with
wounded hearts, and with those impressions that never wore off till they
had hopefully a saving issue; and those who before had serious thoughts,
had their awakenings and convictions greatly increased. There were many
instances of persons who came from abroad on visits, or on business, who
had not been long here, before, to all appearances, they were savingly
wrought upon, and partook of that shower of divine blessing which God
rained down here, and went home rejoicing; till at length the same work
began evidently to appear and prevail in several other towns in the
county.
In the month of March, the people in South-Hadley begun to be seized
with deep concern about the things of religion; wh