After spending some time in private conferences with my people, I discoursed publicly among them from John v1-9. I was favoured with some special freedom and fervency in my discourse, and a powerful energy accompanied the Word. Many wept, and scarcely any appeared unconcerned in the whole assembly. The influence that seized the audience appeared gentle, and yet pungent and efficacious. It produced no boisterous commotions of the passions, but seemed deeply to affect the heart; and excited in the persons under conviction of their lost state heavy groans and tears; and in others who had obtained comfort a sweet and humbling melting. It seemed like the gentle but steady showers that effectually water the earth, without violently beating upon the surface.
The persons lately awakened were deeply distressed for their souls, and appeared earnestly solicitous to obtain an interest in Christ; and in some of them, after public worship was over, in anguish of spirit said, “They knew not what to do, nor how to get their wicked hearts changed.”
—David Brainerd “Journal part II”
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