The Six Mile Water Revival of 1625
Antrim Castle on the Six Mile Water
Historical Context
The early 17th century in Ulster was a time of significant social and political upheaval. Following the Tudor conquest of Ireland, the English government embarked on a systematic effort to colonize Ulster, a predominantly Gaelic-speaking and Catholic region. This colonization, known as the Plantation of Ulster, aimed to establish English control and transform the region’s cultural and religious identity 1.
The Plantation brought an influx of Protestant settlers from England and Scotland, many of whom were described as the “dregs of society” 2. These settlers, often fleeing debt or seeking refuge from justice, brought with them a sense of lawlessness and disregard for religious matters 2. The state of religion in Ulster was dire, with churches in ruins, absentee clergy, and a population largely ignorant of Christian teachings 1.
It is a striking irony that a community initially characterized by such social and spiritual destitution would become the fertile ground for a profound religious awakening. This stark contrast underscores the transformative power of the Six Mile Water Revival and its ability to bring about radical change in individuals and society.
Amidst this social and spiritual decline, a group of Presbyterian ministers arrived from Scotland, seeking refuge from the religious persecution imposed by King James I 1. These ministers, including Robert Blair, George Dunbar, Josiah Welch, and John Livingstone, were nominally Anglican but held Presbyterian convictions 1. Their arrival marked a turning point in the religious landscape of Ulster.
The revival began in 1625 with the preaching of James Glendinning at Oldstone. Glendinning’s focus on the law, the wrath of God, and the terrors of sin had a profound effect in convicting people of their sins, and a general revival movement began there.
Main Leaders of the Revival
While the Six Mile Water Revival is often associated with the preaching of James Glendinning, the movement was significantly shaped by the collective efforts of these key figures:
| Leader | Role in the Revival | Key Contributions |
| James Glendinning | Initial catalyst | Glendinning’s fiery preaching on the law and the wrath of God served as the initial catalyst for the revival. His sermons, though lacking in theological depth, evoked a profound sense of conviction and fear of sin among the settlers 1. |
| Robert Blair | Organizer and theologian | A prominent figure in the early Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Blair played a crucial role in organizing the monthly meetings that became central to the revival’s spread 3. His leadership and theological guidance helped shape the movement’s direction. |
| John Livingstone | Evangelist | Known for his “gracious melting spirit” 4, Livingstone’s preaching had a profound impact on the people of Ulster. His sermon at Holywood is said to have resulted in 1,000 conversions 5. |
| Josiah Welch | Preacher and revivalist | Grandson of John Knox 7, Welch was a fervent preacher who contributed significantly to the revival’s momentum. His presence at the monthly meetings and his passionate delivery of sermons helped spread the revival’s influence. |
| George Dunbar | Minister and revivalist | Dunbar, who had been deposed from his ministry in Ayr, Scotland, found a receptive audience in Larne, where his ministry was “greatly blessed” 4. He joined the monthly meetings and played an active role in the revival’s expansion. |
| Edward Brice | Pioneer | The first Presbyterian minister in Ireland 6, Brice laid the groundwork for the growth of Presbyterianism in Ulster. |
These ministers, along with others like Robert Cunningham and John Ridge, formed a close-knit group that fostered the revival’s growth. Their dedication to prayer, their collaborative spirit, and their commitment to preaching the Word of God were instrumental in the movement’s success 1.
The monthly meetings, held at Antrim Castle, played a crucial role in the revival’s development. These meetings, which continued until at least 1634 1, provided a platform for the ministers to preach, pray, and discuss matters of faith and church governance. They also served as a gathering place for people from across the region, fostering a sense of community and shared religious experience.
Supernatural Manifestations
The Six Mile Water Revival was marked by numerous accounts of supernatural manifestations. These manifestations, while diverse in nature, served as outward signs of the profound spiritual transformation taking place within individuals and communities.
One of the most common manifestations was the phenomenon of people being “slain in the Spirit” 1. Many individuals, overwhelmed by the conviction of sin or the realization of God’s presence, would collapse or fall into a trance-like state. Some experienced physical convulsions or cried out during sermons. One observer noted, “I have seen them myself stricken and swoon with the word — yes, a dozen in one day carried out of doors as dead…the power of God smiting their hearts for sin” 1.
While some attributed these manifestations to the work of the Holy Spirit, others, including Robert Blair, believed them to be the work of Satan 1. The ministers exercised discernment in evaluating these manifestations, recognizing that not all were genuine expressions of spiritual experience.
Despite the controversies surrounding these manifestations, they undoubtedly played a role in drawing attention to the revival and intensifying the sense of spiritual awakening among the people.
Conversions
The Six Mile Water Revival resulted in a significant number of conversions. People from all walks of life, including those who had previously been indifferent or hostile to religion, experienced profound transformations in their hearts and lives.
The revival’s emphasis on the preaching of the law and the wrath of God, while initially terrifying to many, served as a crucial preparation for the acceptance of the Gospel 1. By exposing the depth of human sinfulness and the need for salvation, the ministers created a sense of urgency and desperation that made the message of forgiveness through Christ all the more powerful 4.
John Livingstone’s ministry was marked by numerous conversions. His sermon at Holywood is reported to have led to 1,000 people turning to Christ 5. The revival’s impact extended beyond individual conversions, as families and communities were transformed by the power of the Gospel.
This emphasis on the preaching of the Word of God, coupled with the fervent prayers of the ministers and the people, created an environment conducive to spiritual awakening and genuine conversion experiences.
Initial Effects of the Revival
The Six Mile Water Revival had a profound impact on the local community and religious landscape. It brought about a marked change in the moral and social climate of Ulster. The previously rampant lawlessness and disregard for religious matters were replaced by a growing sense of piety and moral responsibility 7.
The revival also led to a significant increase in church attendance. People flocked to hear the Word of God preached, and prayer meetings and religious gatherings became commonplace. The monthly meetings, held at Antrim Castle, attracted large crowds and served as a focal point for the revival’s spread 1.
Furthermore, the revival fostered a spirit of unity and cooperation among the Presbyterian ministers 1. Their collaborative efforts in organizing the monthly meetings and their shared commitment to spreading the Gospel laid the foundation for the future development of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Lasting Impact of the Revival
The Six Mile Water Revival left an enduring legacy on Irish history and religious culture. Its impact extended beyond the immediate effects, shaping the development of Presbyterianism in Ireland and influencing subsequent religious movements.
The revival played a crucial role in establishing Presbyterianism as a major force in Irish religious life. The growth of Presbyterian congregations, the establishment of presbyteries, and the development of a distinct Presbyterian identity can all be traced back to the Six Mile Water Revival.
The revival also had a significant impact on the social and political landscape of Ulster. The emphasis on personal piety, moral responsibility, and religious education contributed to the development of a strong Protestant work ethic and a commitment to social reform.
The monthly meetings, which were essentially early Presbytery meetings 1, proved to be vital in the long term for the continuing faith of the people of Ulster. When persecution later arose and removed their leaders, the people were able to continue in small groups, teaching and encouraging one another 1.
Furthermore, the revival’s legacy extended beyond the shores of Ireland. The experiences of the Six Mile Water Revival influenced religious movements in Scotland and America, contributing to the growth of evangelicalism and the spread of Presbyterianism in the New World 8. The Six Mile Water Revival shares important similarities with the Cane Ridge Revival of 1801 in Kentucky, particularly in its combination of Arminian teachings with Presbyterianism to create a unique frontier faith 9.
Chronological Timeline
| Date | Event | Key Figures |
| 1607 | Flight of the Earls | |
| 1609 | Plantation of Ulster begins | |
| 1613 | Edward Brice becomes first Presbyterian minister in Ireland | Edward Brice |
| 1615 | Robert Cunningham appointed to Holywood | Robert Cunningham |
| 1619 | John Ridge becomes vicar of Antrim | John Ridge |
| 1623 | Robert Blair arrives in Bangor | Robert Blair |
| 1625 | Six Mile Water Revival begins at Oldstone | James Glendinning |
| 1626 | Monthly meetings begin at Antrim Castle | Robert Blair, Josiah Welch, John Livingstone |
| 1630 | John Livingstone arrives in Killinchy | John Livingstone |
| 1634 | Monthly meetings continue | |
| 1636 | “Eagle Wing” sails for America with Presbyterian settlers | John Livingstone |
Main Takeaways
The Six Mile Water Revival stands as evidence of the transforming power of Christian revivals. Its significance lies not only in the immediate impact on the lives of individuals and communities but also in its lasting legacy on Irish religious culture and the development of Presbyterianism.
The revival highlights the importance of:
- Fervent preaching: The passionate sermons of the ministers, particularly Glendinning’s emphasis on the law and sin, served as a catalyst for the revival. His message, though theologically limited, resonated with the settlers and awakened them to their need for God.
- United prayer: The dedication to prayer by both ministers and the people created an atmosphere conducive to spiritual awakening. The ministers often spent hours together in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing on their ministry.
- Collaborative ministry: The close-knit group of ministers who fostered the revival demonstrated the power of collaborative efforts in spreading the Gospel. Their monthly meetings provided a platform for fellowship, discussion, and mutual support 1.
- Discernment: The ministers’ careful evaluation of supernatural manifestations highlights the need for discernment in religious experiences. While some manifestations were genuine expressions of spiritual conviction, others were recognized as counterfeit and potentially harmful.
The Six Mile Water Revival serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the enduring power of the Gospel to transform individuals, communities, and nations.
Works cited
- Six Mile Water Revival – UK Wells, accessed on December 31, 2024, https://ukwells.org/revivalists/six-mile-water-revival
- Edward Brice | The Learning Guild, accessed on December 31, 2024, https://www.learningguild.com/contributors/4009/edward-brice/
- Timeline for Presbyterianism in Ireland – Presbyterian Historical …, accessed on December 31, 2024, https://presbyterianhistoryireland.com/history/timeline-for-presbyterianism-in-ireland/
- The Ulster Revival 1623, accessed on December 31, 2024, https://revival-library.org/histories/1623-ulster-revival/
- Livingston, John | Dictionary of Irish Biography, accessed on December 31, 2024, https://www.dib.ie/biography/livingston-john-a4853
- Edward Brice – Wikipedia, accessed on December 31, 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Brice
- The Sixmilewater Revival of 1625-30 – from “the scum of both nations” to spiritual salvation, accessed on December 31, 2024, http://clydesburn.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-sixmilewater-revival-of-1625-30.html
- Touched by the Fire: Presbyterians and Revival – Whitworth Digital Commons, accessed on December 31, 2024, https://digitalcommons.whitworth.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1001&context=theologyfaculty
- The Six Mile Water Revival of 1625: Ulster Presbyterianism as Background for the Last Will and Testament | Stone-Campbell Journal, accessed on December 31, 2024, http://www.stone-campbelljournal.com/the_journal/research/volume-7-issue-2/70204/
Authors note
This document was drafted by Tony Cauchi and refined in collaboration with AI research. It has been thoroughly edited to ensure accuracy and readability.