The People, Words and Effects of the Great Awakening

The Great Awakening was an event that occurred in the early 18th century characterized by fervent and enthusiastic worship in a series of revivals that spread throughout the American colonies. This event was noted for the growth of the Christian church and the promotion of traditional Puritan views on the issues of election and salvation. The success of the Great Awakening rests in the pluralistic, ecumenical, and sociological efforts of men from various theological backgrounds, yet espousing a unified message of repentance, forgiveness, and hope for the masses. Research available on this period ranges from 18th century newspapers and letters to current literary criticism of discourse of the period. However, the resources selected for this review can be placed into three categories: 1) ministers 2) sermons and correspondence and 3) historic, sociological, and religious significance.

Ministers

The ministers of the Great Awakening certainly account for the tremendous success that the movement attained. George Whitefield is the primary figure in this group of men. In John Gillies introduction to Memoirs of Rev. George Whitefield, he states of Whitefield that “no individual . . . has so identified himself with the growth and spread of practical religion, in England and America” (iii). In this text as well as in Frank Lambert’ s “ ‘Pedlar in Divinity’: George Whitefield and the Great Awakening, 1737-1745,” George Whitefield is recognized as the catalyst behind the success of the movement. Lambert argues that Whitefield’s success was anchored in his ability to market the revival. He gives an account of the cartons full of literature that Whitefield brings to the colonies with hopes of elevating the movement to great le...

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...nted; and the Danger of

Persecution Considered.” Sermon. Philadelphia. 3rd Wednesday in May 1759.

Tracy, Joseph. The Great Awakening: A History of the Revival of Religion in the time of Edwards and Whitefield. 1841. New York: Arno & NY Times, 1969.

Westerkamp, Marilyn. Triumph of the Laity: Scots-Irish Piety and the Great Awakening, 1625-1760. New York: Oxford UP, 1988.

Whitefield, George. Appendix. “Sermons and Some Miscellaneous Writings.” Memoirs

of Rev. George Whitefield. Middleton: Hunt, 1837.

---. “An Answer to the First Part of an Anonymous Pamphlet, Entitled, Observations upon the Conduct and Behavior of a Certain Sect Usually Distinguished by the Name of Methodists. In a letter to the Right Reverend the Bishop of London, an the Other the Right Reverend the Bishops concerned in the Publication thereof.” Rogers and Fowle, 1744.