Wesleyan Church, Accrington (1860)



WESLEYAN SABBATH SCHOOL.—Last Sunday, the 14th inst., witnessed glorious scenes. At the morning prayer-meeting from thirty to forty were present, and such earnest, pleading prayer was offered for a mighty shower that day, that we felt it could not fail to move that Hand which moves the world. That prayer was answered. After the lessons were over in the afternoon the superintendent gave a short, earnest address, announced a prayer-meeting to be commenced at the dismissal of the school, and kindly pressed upon all to stay. From 150 to 200 remained, and God manifested in an especial manner his convincing and converting power. In every part of the room there arose, amid tears and sobs, the cry of the publican; many broken hearts were then and there bound up by the great Physician. We spoke to several ourselves, who, after much stress, were enabled to go away trusting in Jesus. At four o'clock the meeting was, with some difficulty, adjourned till five when the scene was renewed. First one and then another burdened soul being relieved by the happy assurance, that the Lamb of God had borne away their sins. I saw, on passing from this meeting into the chapel, a little girl, about ten or twelve years of age, weeping bitterly on account of sin; and her companion, about the same age, walking by her side, and earnestly directing her to rest her soul on Christ, adding, with a loving smile, " It's so easy, you would not believe it." Truly our Father "hath hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hath revealed them unto babes." The scene after the evening service was yet more glorious. The prayer meeting was held in the school room. The anxious were requested to retire into the vestries, which were filled to overflowing; many, we have every reason to believe, were delivered from the power of the strong man armed. It was indeed delightful to look at those joyous countenances, as they told each other how Christ had revealed Himself to them. One said, "Oh! I saw Him on the cross, crucified for me." Another, with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, "I've touched the hem of his garment;" and, being told that one kneeling beside her had not yet felt the virtue of his blood, she exclaimed, " Oh, but she may do," and, falling down upon her knees, threw her arms around the mourner's neck, and sweetly told her the story of the cross; they rose from their knees together rejoicing in Jesus. These newborn souls seemed to be able to make the way of salvation clearer to inquirers than those who were more advanced in the Christian life. I think I speak within bounds when I say, that over forty young people, since the commencement of the present gracious work here, have tasted the Saviour's love. The work is still progressing. Special prayer meetings were held on Monday night, and one is announced for Wednesday evening. It was said on Sunday, "We never saw it on this fashion;" but we are expecting greater things than those. To God be all the glory. Will inhabitants lift up their hearts in praise to God for this gracious visitation, and in prayer that these dear young people may be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, and that the work may go on till the whole school is converted. R. B. Oct. 16th.

From the 'Revival Newspaper', Volume III, page 135.

The teachers of the Wesleyan Sunday school have for some time felt deeply impressed with the necessity of a Revival of religion among the young people, and many fervent prayers have been offered at the throne of grace. Prayer meetings are held in the schoolroom every Sunday afternoon at three o'clock, and in the large, bandroom at five. On the 10th inst., two very impressive sermons were preached by a student from Didsbury; a prayer meeting was held after, and the large band-room was crowded; the power of God came down, and many were heard to cry for mercy and ask "What must I do to be saved?" The anxious ones went into the adjoining room, where the brethren conversed with them. Twenty-one professed to have found peace through the blood of the Lamb others went away sorrowful. One young woman said she had never attended a Methodist prayer meeting before; but, blessed be God, she had found peace; her countenance was lit up with joy, and she was going home rejoicing in the God of her salvation. Among the number were several backsliders, who earnestly cried aloud for mercy; some of them went home rejoicing and praising God. The Revival is anxiously looked for every week and read with pleasure and profit. I believe the reading of it, especially about Richard Weaver, has fired the hearts of many of our young men; many are very anxious to hear him. He has had an invitation to Accrington; I trust the Lord will open his way. The cry is on every hand, "I wish he would come here." I trust the Lord will pour down his Spirit on every congregation in the town, and awaken sinners. There are, thousands here who seldom if ever enter a place of worship. Will all the readers of the Re­vival pray for Accrington? R. P.

From the 'Revival Newspaper', Volume V, page 167.

As I have often got my soul blessed by reading your excellent paper, the Revival, I wish to tell you how the Lord's work is prospering here. The second week in January we had prayer meetings every night in connection with the Wesleyan chapel, Union-street. I am glad to say the result was, souls were converted. The good work has been going on. We have upwards of
1,000 scholars and about 160 teachers in connection with our Sabbath school. Some of the scholars who have caused the teachers much anxiety of mind have been hopefully changed for the better. In about four weeks fifty or upwards have professed to find peace with God through Jesus. Amongst these have been gamblers, race-runners, pigeon-flyers, drunkards, etc. One woman sent a request one evening that prayer should be offered for her husband who was wicked. In about three weeks after he was brought to Jesus, "clothed, and in his right mind," and now attends the means of grace with his wife. These are but the drops, we are expecting a shower. "Richard Weaver's Leaflets" are being scattered broadcast. Thousands are in the hands of a few young men who are doing a great work. I trust the devil's kingdom will have a mighty shake. There are thousands in this town who never attend a place of worship. May God send us help. Thank God, souls are saved every week. We have just opened a large room in Manchester-road for divine service and Sunday school, which is well attended. Sinners have been converted there. We have cottage services at various houses during the week, which have been very beneficial. Some who felt their sins to be such a burden could not sleep during the night. We are ripe and ready
for a visit from Richard Weaver. Many are longing to hear him. He has our prayers, and we shall be glad to see him. May the Holy Spirit direct him here! I know it is not by might or power, but by the Spirit; but thank Heaven he carries the influence with him. The Lord bless him, body and soul. May the sanctifying power descend! May the Divine word be as a two-edged sword piercing sinners' hearts!
 

"The Revival," February 26th, 1863.

Additional Information

The marker is where the school was and the chapel was to its right.


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