Tarbert (1860)



Not only Mull, but Eigg, Rum, and Coll felt the influence of the signal blessing given to Tobermory. In other places in Argyllshire, such as Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig, and Tarbert there have been frequent seasons of reviving.

‘Revivals in the Highlands and Islands’ by Alexander Macrea – Republished in 1998 by Tentmaker Publications.

At the Religious Institution Rooms, on Friday, the following extract from a letter was read, showing the progress of the revival in Kilberry and Tarbert:—" We have had an awakening here. During the preaching of a sermon by the Rev. Mr M'Pherson of Killean, lately, many were in tears, and, towards the close of the prayer, a great number were crying out. A young girl of sixteen years of age got such a view of her danger that she sunk back into her seat almost in a state of unconsciousness. She addressed the people who gathered round her in Gaelic, regarding their insensibility and hardness of heart, and also prayed. She slept none that night, but she found peace in Christ the following day. You may well believe that this incident made a great impression. We are holding prayer meetings twice a week, and also on Sabbath, and the people are coming out to these meetings during the week better than they used to do on the Sabbath. At Tarbert there has been also an awakening. Last Sabbath evening being the communion, a great many were awakened on that and the subsequent evening. There are a great many inquirers and prayer meetings are held every night.  

"The Scottish Guardian,' November 29th, 1859.

A correspondent, writing from Tarbert on the 29th ult., sends us the following: --

For four or five months past an unusual and increased attention has been paid to the means of grace by many who had been formerly careless, and caring not for these things. The work of the Lord began in the Free Church during the communion season on the second week of last month. During the Gaelic action sermon by the Rev. Mr Campbell, many of the people were deeply impressed, and in the evening, as the Rev. M. M'Pherson, Killean, was engaged in prayer, several cried out, and also during the sermon. There is every reason to believe that these have been led to Jesus and found peace.

Ever since the Holy Spirit has been carrying on his gracious work to a considerable extent, so that there are many adults, male and female, and children, who have been, apparently through deep conviction, brought to obtain rest in Jesus. It is truly delightful to meet with some of them, their very faces beaming with joy. They now manifest great zeal in going among their neighbours and speaking to them of Jesus and the great salvation.

At the prayer meeting on Monday evening, a young man became deeply distressed. The Rev. Archibald M'Dougall, Argyle Free Church, Glasgow, lately favoured the people of Tarbert with a visit and delivered two powerful addresses, which produced great impressions. May the Lord continue his gracious work in Tarbert, and begin it where it has not begun. How gratifying to know that the sin of drunkenness has considerably ceased. There is a prayer meeting every night, and largely attended.

"The Scottish Guardian," January 3rd, 1860.


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