Acts 2:1-4. When the day of Pentecost came. Pastel & pen. 26 May 2012.
Sudden irruptions of the Holy Spirit are often accompanied by what looks likes erratic behavior. The Apostles were accused of being drunk by those who witnessed Pentecost – Peter had to explain, “no, we’re not drunk. It’s only nine o’clock in the morning – people get drunk in the afternoon on this feast.” Judge O’Neall remembered the great revival of 1802, and passed a tentative judgment on the phenomenon accompanying it.
In 1802 was that great revival of religion, which may have been several times since equaled, but has certainly never been surpasses. It seemed as if the spirit of the living God was pervading the whole community, and that all were rising up and crying out, “men and brethren, what shall we do to be saved?”
That many extravagancies were enacted, and much which, to us of a more sober day, seems to be no work of the gentle spirit of Christian grace, was present is true. The falling of many, and the spasmodic action of others, called “the jerks” occurred under the preaching of the ministers, who then and there proclaimed their Master’s word.
Whether such things be or be not of the Spirit it is not for such an one as I to say. Still I would venture to suggest, that there is much more of human sympathy and terror than repentance in such scenes. But still many were truly converted, and became bright and shining lights in the Lord’s house.