Hanging Heaton - John Valton (1782-1783)



"Oct 28th - This evening I preached at Hanging Heaton, a village near Dewsbury, with much power and many felt the mighty energy of the word. After preaching I met the society and while singing the first hymn the power of God fell upon me and soon after upon all the people. They were all in tears and we scarcely knew how to conclude. I had never known such a night since I left Paulton in Somerset. God was indeed in the midst of us and we all rejoiced with unspeakable joy.

Dec 26th - After preaching twice this day and riding twenty miles, I went to Hanging Heaton to hold a watch night. The service of preaching, prayer and exhortations continued from seven o'clock to one in the morning. Here the work broke out in a very astonishing and extraordinary manner. The cries and agonies of the people were very moving. We sang and prayed until near twelve and no deliverances were wrought. I then went to one who seemed to be agonising in prayer. I kneeled down and prayed with her for deliverance as far as my exhausted strength would permit and presently she found peace. I then went to another and she also, in a few minutes found peace. Thus four or five found liberty in the same manner. In all nine persons that night obtained a sense of God's forgiving love. I never knew such a time before."

'Lives of Early Methodist Preachers', by Thomas Jackson, Volume VI, page 103.

Mar 3rd - "This afternoon I catechised the children at Hanging Heaton and while in prayer many of them cried aloud for mercy and continued for the space of two hours."

Mar 4th - "After sermon at night we continued in prayer until midnight. The Divine presence descended on the people, exciting them to weep and pray, Nine persons felt peace and comfort, while many others remained under conviction."

Mar 24th "...I preached in Joseph Bennet's room with great power and many were deeply wounded under the word. We continued in prayer, singing short hymns at intervals for about three hours amid the cries and groans of the contrite. Some found peace, others went home in deep distress."

'Lives of Early Methodist Preachers', by Thomas Jackson, Volume VI, page 106-7.

July 3rd - "This night I was six hours on my legs. The crowd was large and we had a wonderful time. One aged man dropped down on the floor and many cried aloud and were comforted. some of the bretheren continued in prayer until three in the morning. This was truly one of the days of the Son of Man."

'Lives of Early Methodist Preachers', by Thomas Jackson, Volume VI, page 111.


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