Lismore (1843)



Argyllshire used to be regarded as a very cold and dead region. No Synod has done so much as that of Argyll for religious literature of the Gael yet no highland Synod was less moved by the spiritual Awakenings that took place in the first quarter of the century. Between 1839 and 1843 the Highlands generally were visited by seasons of refreshing and lying power. The Lorne and Morven districts, scarcely hitherto touched, were quickened by the new life.

At Lismore, on the 12th of January, 1843, a great work of grace began. The agent used was a young man who could scarcely speak a word of English. He began to hold meetings for prayers and to exhort the people about the state of their souls. Two of the most ungodly characters in the island were thus awakened. Some were awakened at every meeting. The Rev. John Campbell of Oban wrote: "The farm-houses were so crowded—peat-lofts and every apartment—that we could scarcely move. We got the privilege of the schoolhouses, but they could not contain the hearers. The last meeting that I attended was at Kilchiaren, where there were upwards of two hundred people, and many could not gain admittance. I was informed after coming home that ten men and six women were awakened that evening." Altogether between 60 and 70 persons professed to have found life in Christ.

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

Later someone wrote 90 to 100 were saved.


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