Thus, while there has been nothing like a general revival in Dunbar, that place has yet been visited by the Spirit of Clod and contains not a few newly-awakened and converted souls, who, full of zeal and the spirit of prayer, are a blessing to the country round, and carry, so to speak, a revival influence over a wide field of usefulness. The work of evangelisation in the neighbouring country is at present but well begun, and will, I hope, soon attain to greater dimensions. I hope and pray, also, that a great and general revival may soon visit us, and that the day of our small things may be succeeded by a great and glorious day but well begun, and will, I hope, soon attain to greater dimensions. I hope and pray, also, that a great and general revival may soon visit us, and that the day of our small things may be succeeded by a great and glorious day of the Lord's right hand.
BY THE REV. JAMES DODDS, DUNBAR.
IN February 1859, a Union prayer-meeting was commenced in Dunbar. A spirit of prayer, which had previously manifested itself among Christians in the town, was thereby greatly increased. Believers of all denominations joined together in earnestly praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the preaching of the Word, and for a revival of religion in the land. Prayer-meetings of a more private character were at the same time kept up, or newly instituted. Very soon nearly a dozen such meetings were held every week in Dunbar and its neighbourhood.
In November following, a blessed revival took place at Eyemouth. Tidings of this deep and genuine movement soon reached Dunbar ; and in a short time two fishermen from Eyemouth, who had taken a decided part in the revival services, arrived, and, along with the two coast missionaries, as well as other Christian friends, held in the town a series of meetings of a very awakening character. The statements they made, the hymns they sang, and the fervent prayers they offered up, made a very deep impression, and souls began to be moved by the Word and Spirit of God. The meetings were continued nightly for some time after these fishermen left ; and those that were anxious about salvation were regularly invited to stay behind for further instruction and direction. Very soon a considerable number of anxious persons, men and women, young and old, remained to the Second Meeting, after the general audience was dismissed. A band of converts gradually formed, and the work of the Lord, though not on a large scale, went on decidedly.
Sonic of the most remarkable converts were fishermen, who not long before had been regardless and hardened characters, addicted to drinking, swearing, and Sabbath-breaking, utter strangers to the house of God and the ordinances of religion. In a short time after their conversion, most of these men, to whose mouths oaths and cursings had been familiar, were enabled to pray in meetings held in their own houses, or even in the Union prayer-meeting. Their lives underwent a complete and blessed change. Their former evil ways and wicked words were entirely given up. It appeared that they were at length delivered from the yoke of sin, and made free and willing to serve the Lord.
In February last, a young woman, who had been closely connected with the Carrubber's Close mission, Edinburgh, came to reside for a few weeks near Dunbar; and she soon became extremely useful to many of her own sex, especially the young, in the town and neighbouring villages. With singular power and unction she dealt with the consciences of those whom she addressed, and, before long, a considerable number of young women were awakened through her instrumentality. Her visit to Dunbar was unexpected, but most providential. It was the means of producing a salutary excitement and has borne not a little precious fruit.
Not a few young women in this place have given themselves to Christ, and are endeavouring to make themselves useful to others. A Female Christian Association has been formed for prayer and spiritual usefulness. A young woman who had for some time been offended with her fellow-servant for attending revival prayer-meetings, at last began to attend them herself and came under the power of the truth. She was so changed in spirit and in character, that she seemed to have got the slut f her whom she had once mocked and despised. She is now forward in every good work, and ready to declare to others what the Lord hath done for her soul. She and her fellow- servant, now equally yoked, rejoice and work together.
The number of prayer-meetings in the town and its vicinity is at present larger than ever. A number of our converts, fishermen and others, are in the habit of going, on week-evenings, or on Sabbath evenings, to villages or farm-places, where they have got an invitation, or find an open door. At West Barns, where I have held a fortnightly service for several years past, they have rendered valuable assistance. Their prayers and their singing, so full of energy and unction, have deeply impressed the people and helped greatly to excite a revival feeling. In conversing and dealing with the anxious at the same meetings, they have also shown remarkable tact and wisdom.
From ‘Authentic Records of Revival, now in progress in the United Kingdom, published in 1860, re-printed and edited in 1980 by Richard Owen Roberts.