The Camden Journal

Extract of a letter to the Editor dated
"Cokesbury, Abbeville Dist., July 13.

"Dear Sir:—It becomes my duty to inform you of one of the most powerful revivals of religion that we have ever witnessed. A four day's meeting was appointed to be held in the Church at this place, commencing on Thursday the first of July, which, being the second quarterly Conference for the Cokesbury Circuit, was attended by a goodly number of Ministers from different parts of the State. The meeting progressed, with some manifestations of Divine power, until Sunday evening, which was the time appointed for its close; but, by this time, the excitement had become so general, and the tone of religious feeling so deep and strong that it was thought advisable to protract the services, which was accordingly done, by unanimous consent. The operations of the Schools were suspended—the farmer laid aside his implements of husbandry—the mechanic his tools—and all, both in the village and surrounding country, came out with one accord "to the help of the Lord against the mighty." The work continued to deepen and spread from day to day with increasing power and interest—sinners were converted by scores—backsliders reclaimed—the wavering confirmed, and believers abundantly blessed. It was indeed an interesting spectacle, on which Angels might delight to gaze, to see the young converts rejoicing from a sense of their sins forgiven, and with eyes suffused with tears, and countenances lit up with heaven-born smiles, exhorting those around them to seek a pardoning God and go to Heaven with them. The Ministers seemed clothed with a double portion of zeal, and preached as though they sensibly felt the burden of immortal souls. The meeting ended on Sunday night last, which included eleven days, during which time about fifty were happily converted to God, and upwards of sixty united themselves with the Church. "This is the Lord's doings, and it is marvellous in our eyes." Some of our oldest citizens say they have never witnessed a greater outpouring of the Spirit of God. There was scarcely an idle spectator to be found; all seemed to take a lively interest in the great cause of the salvation of souls. The happy fruits of this revival will, no doubt, tell in gladdening tones upon the destinies of scores in the day of eternity."