Gibson, W

Transcription of journal extracts published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine.

EXTRACTS FROM W. GIBSON’S JOURNAL, 1827

DARLASTON: CIRCUIT,

Jury 7, arrived at my new station, Darlaston, O may heaven smile upon the labours of me and my colleagues. Amen.

Sunday, 8, spoke at halfpast ten at the opening of the New School Room, Tipton; felt the Lord was my helper. Heard brother Nelson at halfpast two. My soul was blessed under the sound of the gospel. Spoke at Wednesbury at six in the evening; felt it very good. Praise the Lord. 

9, spoke at Daisy Bank, had a shaking time; the presence and power of God was felt. 

10, spoke at Hortley Heath; had a powerful time: thank God. 

16, spoke at Lye Waste out of doors; the word had free course. Held a prayer meeting after in the house, and the Lord came down into our midst in the power of his Spirit, in a most wonderful manner. 

20, spoke at Delph; alarge company; the Lord was my helper. The word had good effect; many wept.- 30, Went with brother Paddison to hold a lovefeast at Bilston Row. The people got much into the Lord; there was great liberty in speaking, some were seeking the Lord but did not get liberty. Held a watch-night at the same place, and while brother Paddison was speaking, one woman was made happy, and another fell down under the mighty power of God. This was a most glorious time. To God be all the glory. 

31, spoke at Darlaston in the open air, felt the Lord was with me; the word seemed to have free course among the people. After preaching went into the room to hold a prayer meeting. The power of God came down; one young woman fell down insensible under the mighty power of God; and another man (a back-slider) began to cry out for mercy, and was made happy. Glory be to God, I believe these are only the preludes of a better work. 

Aug. 2, spoke in the open air at Wednesbury. When I had about half done, a man came riding among the congregation. But, through the interference of a kind friend, the man was prevented from getting among the people much. After he was gone I began again, and finished without interruption. The word seemed to take effect, many were in tears; the Lord save them.

On Sunday, Sep. 2, i was appointed for a camp meeting at Brown Hills; a small village in Staffordshire, where the Lord is and has been doing wonders for us. About twelve-months or a little more since, we had no society there; but to the joy of my soul, I found a flourishing society of about forty members! most of whom I believe are able to give a reason of the hope that is in them. Me and many of my respected brethren (the local preachers) hastened to the field. The preachers and prayer-leaders laboured with all their might. The word had free course. The people were surprised at the things spoken, and said, “How can these things be.”

At six o’clock we met again to hold a lovefeast; the place was crowded to excess. The people spoke with great liberty; and sounder experience I know not that I ever heard. The people began to rise into faith, and into God. The presence and power of God came down; the heavens opened to prayer; God began to work; the powers of darkness began to tremble; sinners were affected, and the cry was extorted, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” Two were enabled to rejoice in the God of their salvation; and how many were in distress I cannot tell, I was informed that three more found the Lord the week following. Praise the Lord, this must surely be the good old way. To God:be all the glory.

9, Renewed tickets at Prince’s End. The people seemed to renew their covenant with the Lord. At three and six spoke at Wednesbury; felt the Lord a present help in time of need. After preaching at night renewed tickets; and such a sensible feeling of the power of God I scarcely ever felt. 

10, Spoke at Daisy Bank. Had good liberty.

12, spoke at Deepfield. The glory of God seemed to fill the place. 16, spoke at Swan Village at halfpast two and six. This has been a blessed day to my soul. Praise God. His presence makes, my paradise. 

20, spoke again at Brown Hills; found the people alive to God; and we found the Lord to be a present help in time of need. I felt a growing into faith while speaking; the power of God came down; the praying souls engaged with the Lord in prayer. Sinners began to cry aloud for mercy; two were made happy in the pardoning love of Jesus; and several others were seeking the Lord, and one was made happy the night following. Praise God; this does me good; to him be all the glory; for

“He is bringing to his fold
Rich and poor, young and. old.”

The house in this place is become far too small, But, thank God, an old man has opened his heart for the reception of Jesus; and has given them a piece of ground to build a chapel on. The old man is drawing on to the advanced age of fourscore; and has recently been stirred up to seek the salvation of his soul. Glory be to God for ever. Praying that prosperity may attend Zion.

I remain your servant in the bonds of the gospel,

W. GIBSON.

Family

I have not been able to identify W. Gibson in online records. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Circuits

• 1827 Darlaston
• 1828 Chester
• 1829 disappears

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1828/153

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers