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AUGUST
 

8, 1700 --England. The new meeting-house built by the congregation of Matthew Henry first opens today.

8, 1745 --New Jersey. David Brainerd writes, "In the afternoon, I preached to the women and children. I discoursed upon Luke 14:16-35 --There Was much visible concern among them, while I was discoursing publicly: but afterwards, when I spoke to one and another more particularly whom I perceived under much concern, the power of God seemed to descend upon the assembly, 'like a mighty rushing wind,' and with an astonishing energy bore down all before it. I stood amazed at the influence which seized the audience almost universally; and could compare it to nothing more aptly than the irresistible force of a mighty torrent or swelling deluge that with its insupportable weight and pressure, bears down and sweeps before it whatever comes in its way.
     “Almost all persons of all ages were bowed down with concern together and scarcely one was able to withstand the shock of this surprising operation. Old men and women who had been drunken wretches for many years, and some little children, not more than six or seven years of age appeared in distress for their souls, as well as persons of middle age. It was apparent that these children, some of them at least were not merely frightened with seeing the general concern, but were made sensible of their danger, the badness of their hearts, and their misery without Christ, as some of them expressed it. The most stubborn hearts were now obliged to bow. A principal man among the Indians, who before was most secure and self-righteous, and thought his state good because he knew more than the generality of the Indians, had formerly done, and who with a great degree of confidence the day before told me, he 'had been a Christian more than ten years,' was now brought under solemn concern for his soul, and wept bitterly. Another man, advanced in years, who had been a murderer, a conjurer, and a notorious drunkard was likewise brought now to cry for mercy with many tears and to complain much that he could be no more concerned when he saw his danger so very great.
     "They were almost universally praying and crying for mercy, in every part of the house, and many out of doors; and numbers could neither go nor stand. Their concern was so great, each one for himself, that none seemed to take any notice of those about them, but each prayed freely for himself . . ..
     "This concern in general was most rational and just. Those who had been awakened any considerable time, complained more especially of the badness of their hearts; and those who were newly awakened, of the badness of their lives and actions; and all were afraid of the anger of God, and of everlasting misery as the dessert of their sins. Some of the white people who came out of curiosity to hear what 'this babbler would say' to the poor, ignorant Indians, were much awakened, and some appeared to be wounded with a view of their perishing state. Those who had lately obtained relief were filled with comfort at this season. They appeared calm and composed and seemed to rejoice in Christ Jesus. Some of them took their distressed friends by the hand telling them of the goodness of Christ and the comfort that is to be enjoyed in Him; and thence invited them to come and give up their hearts to Him. I could observe some of them in the most honest and unaffected manner without any design of being taken notice of, lifting up their eyes to Heaven as if crying for mercy while they saw the distress of the poor souls around them . . .. A young Indian woman who I believe never knew before that she had a soul, nor ever thought of any such thing, hearing that there was something strange among the Indians, came, it seems, to see what was the matter. In her way to the Indians, she called at my lodgings, and when I told her that I designed presently to preach to the Indians, laughed, and seemed to mock; but went, however, to them. I had not proceeded far in my public discourse before she felt effectually that she had a soul, and before I concluded my discourse, was so convinced of her sin and misery, and so distressed with concern for her soul's salvation, that she seemed like one pierced through with a dart, and cried out incessantly. She could neither go nor stand, nor sit on her seat without being held up. After public service was over, she lay flat on the ground, praying earnestly, and would take no notice of, nor give any answer to any who spake to her. I hearkened to hear what she said and perceived the burden of her prayer to be, 'Have mercy on me and help me to give you my heart.' Thus she continued praying incessantly for many hours together. This was indeed a surprising day of God's power and seemed enough to convince an atheist of the Truth, importance and power of God's Word."

8, 1756 --France. An assembly of Huguenots meet in Lower Languedoc to ordain three young men to the ministry who have arrived from Lausanne, Switzerland where they have been educated. Between ten and twelve thousand people are present from the surrounding countryside. They are singing a Psalm when a detachment of soldiers approaches. The singing ceases and the pastors present urge patience and submission.
     The soldiers fire into the crowd, every shot telling. The crowd flees in every direction leaving the "brave" soldiers the masters of the field. A long trail of blood remains to mark the site on which the prayer meeting was held.

8, 1789 --Virginia. The General Committee of Virginia Baptists send a letter to President George Washington expressing fears liberty of conscience is not adequately provided for in the national constitution as it is being presented to the states for ratification. The letter is addressed by John Leland. Mr. Washington will reply he will do all in his power to guarantee complete liberty of conscience, and Article One will be introduced in the "Bill of Rights."
    This same committee adopts a resolution drafted by Mr. John Leland calling slavery "a violent deprivation of the rights of nature, and inconsistent with a republican government."
    
 

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