Unst - Shetland (1863)



July 1 - Since I last wrote a great and glorious work has been and is going on in this island (Unst). Revival is going on east and west, north and south. Three or four times the large Presbyterian Church has been occupied to contain the people. A minister from the south came here, and the Lord has blessed his labour; he has paid no respect to sects and has preached in every church. Last night three ministers are in a chapel (Haroldswick), but soon both chapels had to be taken to hold the people. I have no hesitation to say that very many sound conversions have been on the island in a few weeks. Glory be to God. Last Sabbath night in a chapel here, strong men were broken down, and on their knees before the Lord with streaming eyes were seeking Jesus. One minister was at Yell, but “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.” I have been much worn out as most nights, the natural daylight had come in before we parted and then the day's toil.

July 22 - Since I last wrote, I have been very ill. Repeated changes from hot to cold at last took effect on my system for about two weeks I have been laid aside. The work of the Lord is still going on gloriously. Fetlar also, and Yell have caught the flame. Our minister was at Fetlar last Sabbath and I made an effort to get to chapel on Sunday evening. What a precious time – many anxious ones, men and women; but to hear the power and liberty with which some young men prayed in public quite made me weep for Joy. Those I refer to are converts.  I always write of a revival with trembling lest I give not God the glory, but He knows it is in my heart to do this. Praise His name!

"The Revival," August 13th, 1863.


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