If time would have allowed, I should most gladly have given you a detailed account of the tent meetings held at Dorking, Surrey, from the 24th May to the 8th June. On Whit Monday we had a tea meeting, to which 500 sat down, after which several spoke of the blessing they received at the last Year's tent meetings conducted by Capt. Myers. Several addresses and cases of interest were met with.
Except on two occasions, the week-night attendance was about 400, many walking four and five miles to hear the word, and on Sundays the tent was crowded, especially in the evening. Many had to stand outside and there were many who came from distances of from eight to ten miles; these solemn seasons will not soon be forgotten. Besides the evening service, during the week there was a prayer meeting at from one to two o'clock and on Sunday morning at seven o'clock. To these meetings I believe we owe much of the power of God made manifest from night to night. There was marked power with each speaker, but with the addresses of Rev. D. J. Wilson and S. A. Blackwood, Esq., there was unusual unction. Many who had been in bondage for years were set at liberty; others who had been anxious since last year were saved; whilst some were shown their need and their remedy at once, and left rejoicing in Christ.
In many of the villages around the Lord is working. In one, by a dear mother and daughter; both had been stirred up at last year's tent meetings to do something for Christ; they hold cottage meetings and God is with them. In another a young lady has opened a room on Sunday evenings and I have spoken to many who date their conversions under God to her preaching.
At Shere I was privileged to speak in the schoolroom. The clergyman, Rev. Mr Adams, conducted the meeting, and I gave the address. Notwithstanding there being a club festivity that night in the village, the room was quite full, some standing. From the way the two clergymen there enter into the work, one does not wonder that God has blessed them much. There also a young lady has laboured with success. My visit to that place was especially cheering to my own soul. How it makes one long for the day to dawn, when in every city, town, village and hamlet there may be such open doors amongst godly clergymen and devoted ministers. It is true we are many of us very rough and rude instruments, but a rough man may sometimes give a good push and a rude hammer will give a very harsh blow. Such are some of us, but if the Master will use us as well without the ugly corners, may He knock them off; if not He must knock away at sin and Satan until He comes who will give to every man according as his work shall be.
"The Revival," June 25th, 1863.
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