Balderton - John Smith (1827)



A visit paid by Mr.Smith to the Newark circuit in the year 1827, is perhaps also worthy of record. On the Sunday afternoon and evening, he preached the anniversary sermons for the chapel at Balderton, a village about two miles from Newark. On the former occasion, the congregation was so large, as to render it necessary for the service to be conducted in the open air. At the outskirts of the assembly, was a group of young men, who appeared to have come to scoff. Mr S. addressed them in so solemn a manner however that they were overawed, and induced to listen with attention to the sermon. One of them was cut to the heart by the truths which he had heard, and not long after, in a love-feast at Nottingham, made a public profession of having obtained pardon for all his sins. At the tea table the same afternoon, at or about the time of taking tea, five persons entered into the enjoyment of peace with God. During the evening service, much divine power was present, but for some time it was resisted, and to use Mr Smith's own words, " the struggle was awful." At length, seven were awakened, three of whom were set at liberty before the meeting concluded.

R Treffry's 'Life of John Smith' p259

http://www.archive.org/details/memoirslifechar00trefgoog

Additional Information

The map marks the existing chapel. There was a Methodist Chapel in the town in 1813; I do not know if the chapel was in the same place.


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