1838 AMHERST REVIVAL. Important Two Page Unpublished First-Hand Letter on the Work of God

A wonderful, 2 page letter written during the height of the 1838 revival at Amherst and just before the outbreak of revival at the College. The story of the revival is fascinating. It seems that many of the students had been gathering for prayer for the purpose of seeking a revival at the school. Several students, determined to make light of their efforts, regularly disrupted the prayer meetings. Just before the revival, the young hooligans rigged the prayer room with fuses and powder and during the prayer meeting ignited it. The explosion was largely harmless, but caused quite the commotion. It served only to sharpen the resolve of those praying and a revival, in which many students were converted, soon ensued. 

The present letter, dated Amherst College, April 5, 1838, was sent to Benjamin A Cook of Sag Harbor by student, Franklin Tuthill. 

Extracts:

"I hear that a dear friend has turned from death unto life! What should I think of? Excuse me dear friend & may God forgive that I never spoke to you of the worth of your soul. I have been too unfaithful to God. Though I long have professed to love the Redeemer, I have acted more like the guilty rebel than the child of God. May God grant that all who have lately found him to be precious to their souls forever set such an example. You cannot imagine my joy upon hearing of the conversion of yourself and your sisters. You mentioned there are also 9 other boys your own age who hope they have been the fruits of the revival.

The work of God is fast progressing all around us. There is a very powerful revival in the village of Amherst. Some students in the college seem to be awakened and are having regular prayer meetings. But sinners are now more bold than ever. We earnestly hope there will be a revival in the College this term. Pray for me, I entreat you . . ." etc.