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The Cornwall Revival of 1781: A Humble Attempt

1781 Cornwall Revival

John Erskine of Edinburgh

The Cornwall Revival of 1781 stands as a significant event in the history of religious revivalism in England. It was characterized by fervent prayer meetings, passionate preaching, and a renewed emphasis on personal conversion and holiness. This revival, though originating in the remote region of Cornwall, spread rapidly throughout England and had a lasting impact on the religious and social landscape of the nation. It was known as the “Revival of Prayer” because of its unique emphasis on prayer as the primary means of experiencing revival1.

Antecedents to Revival

To understand the context of the Cornwall Revival, it is essential to delve into the religious history of Cornwall. It is believed that Christianity arrived in England soon after Pentecost and thrived under Roman rule. However, invasions in the 4th and 5th centuries pushed Christianity to the extremities of the nation, including Cornwall2.

Early Christianity in Cornwall

Early in the 5th century, Celtic missionaries, many of whom were disciples of St. Patrick, travelled from Ireland to Cornwall, spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic communities2. One of the first missionaries to Cornwall was St. Gwinear, a pupil of St. Patrick, who is said to have landed in the Hayle area and become the first Cornish martyr2. Many Cornish towns are named after these early saints, including St. Piran, the patron saint of tinners and of Cornwall2.

St. Piran is believed to have arrived in Perranzabuloe in the 6th century, where his Oratory and Chapel are buried under the sand dunes2. Another notable figure was St. Petroc, who arrived at Trebetherick around 600 AD and founded Bodmin2. These Celtic Christians spread the Gospel throughout Cornwall, establishing a foundation of faith in the region.

Religious and Social Context in 17th Century Cornwall

By the 17th century, the religious landscape of Cornwall had undergone significant changes. The Reformation had arrived, but Cornwall, being one of the most remote areas of England, was slow to embrace the changes2. Many Cornish people clung to the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, leading to conflicts with the established Church of England2.

During this period, Puritanism began to gain influence in Cornwall2. Bishop Hall of Exeter, whose diocese included Cornwall, adopted a relatively tolerant approach towards Puritan ministers, allowing them some leeway in their practices2. However, under Charles I and Archbishop Laud, the Church of England became more Anglo-Catholic, and tolerance towards Puritanism decreased, contributing to the tensions that led to the Civil War2.

Another significant development in 17th-century Cornwall was the rise of Quakerism. In 1655, George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, travelled to Cornwall, preaching and establishing meetings2. Fox faced opposition and imprisonment, but his ministry left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of Cornwall2.

18th Century and the Rise of Methodism

In the 18th century, Cornwall remained a remote and challenging region. Roads were primitive, and the population was often perceived as “uncouth barbarians” by outsiders3. Despite these challenges, there were signs of religious life. Methodism, with its emphasis on personal experience and evangelism, began to take root among the miners and fishermen, thanks to the efforts of John Wesley and his fellow preachers4.

However, the quality of ministry in many churches was poor, and there was a growing sense of spiritual decline among some Christians2. The First Great Awakening, which had swept through Britain and its American colonies in the mid-18th century, had begun to wane5. This decline created a spiritual hunger and a desire for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit.

The Call for Revival

Concerned Christian leaders began calling for a renewed emphasis on prayer and spiritual awakening. One influential figure in this call for revival was John Erskine of Edinburgh5. He urged Christians to engage in “Concerts of Prayer,” monthly prayer meetings focused on revival. These prayer meetings began to multiply across Great Britain and America, setting the stage for the Cornwall Revival5.

Another significant influence was the treatise “A Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of God’s People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom” by Jonathan Edwards5. This work, reprinted in both England and Scotland, circulated widely and contributed to the growing emphasis on united prayer for revival.

The Spark of Revival

The Cornwall Revival began on Christmas morning, December 25, 1781, at St. Just Church in Cornwall5. A group of Christians gathered for prayer at 3 a.m., and the meeting continued until 9 a.m. They reconvened that evening, and the prayer meetings continued for several months1.

These meetings were not initially intended as evangelistic gatherings but rather as a focused time of prayer1. However, as the Christians prayed, they experienced a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit1. The Lord “stepped in and took over.” 1 This led to a renewed sense of God’s presence, a deep conviction of sin, and a passion for spiritual growth and outreach.

Leaders of the Revival

While the Cornwall Revival was sparked by a collective desire for prayer and spiritual renewal, several individuals played key roles in its leadership and spread.

  • John Erskine: Although not directly involved in the Cornwall Revival, Erskine’s emphasis on “Concerts of Prayer” laid the groundwork for the revival’s emphasis on united prayer5.
  • John Wesley: The founder of Methodism, Wesley visited Cornwall in 1784 and observed the impact of the revival. He wrote in his journal, “This country is all on fire and the flame is spreading from village to village.” 1 Wesley’s influence and network of Methodist societies helped to spread the revival throughout England4.
  • Local Leaders: While no specific individuals are named as primary leaders of the Cornwall Revival, it is clear that local pastors and lay Christians played a crucial role in organizing and sustaining the prayer meetings and spreading the revival to neighboring communities1.

Supernatural Happenings

The Cornwall Revival was marked by reports of supernatural events and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. These included:

  • Intense experiences of God’s presence: Participants in the prayer meetings described a profound sense of God’s presence and power1.
  • Conviction of sin: Many people experienced a deep awareness of their sinfulness and need for forgiveness1.
  • Involuntary prostrations: Some individuals were physically overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit and fell to the ground1. This phenomenon, known as “prostration,” has been reported in other revivals throughout history, including the First Great Awakening and the revivals led by Jonathan Edwards6.
  • Dreams and visions: Some people were drawn to the revival through dreams or visions they had experienced1.

These supernatural events contributed to the sense of awe and wonder that surrounded the revival and helped to draw people to faith in Christ.

Lasting Impact and Spread

The Cornwall Revival had a profound impact on Cornwall and beyond. It led to:

  • Church growth: Churches throughout England experienced significant growth in membership as a result of the revival1. This growth was particularly notable among Methodist and nonconformist churches. The chapel originally built by George Whitefield in Tottenham Court Road in London was enlarged to seat 5,000 people to accommodate the growing number of attendees, becoming the largest church building in the world at that time5.

Social Impact of the Revival

The Cornwall Revival not only impacted the religious landscape but also had a significant social impact. The revival contributed to a climate of social reform in England. Leaders like William Wilberforce and William Buxton were inspired to work for the abolition of slavery5. Others, like John Howard and Elizabeth Fry, led efforts for prison reform, and Florence Nightingale pioneered modern nursing5.

The revival also sparked a renewed interest in missions, leading to the formation of several missionary societies, including the Baptist Missionary Society (1792), the London Missionary Society (1795), and the Church Mission Society (1799)1.

Geographic Spread of the Revival

The revival spread rapidly from Cornwall to other parts of England, including Northampton, Leicester, Bedford, Oxford, Yorkshire, Leeds, and Sheffield1. It also spread to Scotland and Wales, where similar “Concerts of Prayer” were held1. Eventually, news of the revival reached the United States, where ministers began their own “Concerts of Prayer” in 17951. This laid the groundwork for the Second Great Awakening in America, which began in the 1790s1.

Notable Cornish Christians

Throughout its history, Cornwall has been home to many notable Christians who have contributed to the religious life of the region and beyond. Some of these figures include:

  • Medieval Period:
    • Constantine: A reputed King of Cornwall venerated as a saint7.
    • Corentin: Missionary to Brittany7.
    • John of Cornwall: Medieval scholar7.
    • Petroc: A patron saint of Cornwall and Devon7.
    • Piran: A patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners7.
    • Michael Tregury: Archbishop of Dublin and chaplain to Henry VI7.
    • John Trevisa: Clergyman and scholar7.
    • Thomas Vyvyan: Prior of Bodmin and bishop of Megara7.
  • Modern Period (post-Reformation):
    • Thomas Ball Barratt: Norwegian pastor and Pentecostal pioneer7.
    • William Borlase: Clergyman, antiquary, and naturalist7.
    • William Trewartha Bray: Bible Christian preacher7.
    • William Carvosso: Wesleyan Methodist7.
    • Jack Clemo: Blind poet and author7.
    • John William Colenso: Bishop of Natal and Zulu advocate7.
    • William Colenso: Missionary, botanist, and politician7.
    • Blessed John Cornelius: Catholic priest and Jesuit martyr7.
    • Gilbert Hunter Doble: Anglican clergyman and scholar7.
    • Samuel Drew: Methodist theologian7.
    • George Grenfell: Missionary7.
    • Venerable John Hambley: Catholic martyr7.
    • Thomas Haweis: Church of England minister and evangelical leader7.
    • Silas Hocking: Author and preacher7.
    • Joseph Hull: Rector and controversial New England emigrant7.
    • Joseph Hunkin: Bishop of Truro7.
    • S. Lach-Szyrma: Clergyman and scholar7.
    • George Martin: Anglican priest known as “the modern St Anthony.” 7
    • Henry Martyn: Anglican missionary to India7.
    • William O’Bryan: Founder of the Bible Christian denomination7.
    • John Pendarves: Puritan minister and controversialist7.
    • Catherine Payton Phillips: Quaker minister7.
    • Colin Podmore: Ecclesiastical historian and Anglican official7.
    • Sam Pollard: Missionary and inventor of the Pollard script7.
    • Gerald Priestland: Writer and broadcaster7.
    • Paul Robins: Bible Christian minister who emigrated to Canada7.
    • John Rogers: Biblical scholar, clergyman, geologist, and botanist7.
    • Robert Terrill Rundle: Wesleyan Methodist missionary to Canada7.
    • Richard Rutt: Anglican bishop and Cornish bard7.
    • Samuel Prideaux Tregelles: Biblical scholar7.
    • Jonathan Trelawny: Anglican bishop and antagonist of James II7.
    • Bernard Walke: Anglo-Catholic priest and author7.
    • John Whitaker: Clergyman and scholar7.

These individuals, with their diverse backgrounds and contributions, illustrate the richness and complexity of Cornish Christianity.

Timeline of the Cornwall Revival

Date Event People
December 25, 1781 Revival begins with prayer meetings at St. Just Church in Cornwall. Local Christians
1782 Prayer meetings continue and spread to other towns in Cornwall.
1784 John Wesley visits Cornwall and observes the impact of the revival. John Wesley
1790s Revival spreads throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.
1792 Baptist Missionary Society founded. William Carey, Andrew Fuller, John Sutcliffe
1795 Ministers in the United States begin “Concerts of Prayer,” inspired by the Cornwall Revival.
1795 London Missionary Society founded.
1799 Church Mission Society founded.

Conclusion

The Cornwall Revival of 1781 testifies to the power of prayer and the transforming potential of Christian revivals. It was a grassroots movement that began with a small group of Christians seeking a deeper experience of God. Through their fervent prayers and passionate witness, the revival spread throughout England and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy of spiritual renewal, social reform, and missionary zeal.

The Cornwall Revival was unique in several ways. First, it was characterized by a strong emphasis on prayer as the primary means of experiencing revival. This focus on prayer distinguished it from other revivals of the time and contributed to its grassroots nature. Second, the revival emerged from a seemingly unlikely location—Cornwall, a remote and often overlooked region.

This suggests that revival can spring forth from unexpected places and that God can use even the most marginalized communities to spark spiritual awakening. Finally, the Cornwall Revival had a lasting impact on social reform and missions, inspiring individuals and organizations to work for the betterment of society and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

The Cornwall Revival is a reminder that God can use ordinary people and unexpected circumstances to bring about extraordinary spiritual and social transformation. Its legacy continues to inspire Christians today to seek a deeper experience of God, to work for justice and compassion, and to share the Gospel with the world.

Works cited

  1. 1781 – Cornwall’s Christmas Prayer Revival – BEAUTIFUL FEET, accessed on January 25, 2025, https://romans1015.com/christmas-prayer-revival/
  2. Revival Cornwall – UK Wells, accessed on January 25, 2025, https://ukwells.org/revivalists/revival-cornwall
  3. Society, Religion and Politics in the Nineteenth Century – Wilcuma, accessed on January 25, 2025, https://www.wilcuma.org.uk/the-history-of-cornwall-after-1066/society-religion-and-politics-in-the-nineteenth-century/
  4. Cornwall – England’s Christian Heritage, accessed on January 25, 2025, https://englandschristianheritage.org.uk/cornwall/
  5. Prayer Revival 1780 – Revival Library, accessed on January 25, 2025, https://revival-library.org/histories/1781-prayer-revival-in-england/
  6. Supernatural Manifestations in Revival History | Ephesians Four Network of Churches & Ministers, accessed on January 25, 2025, https://www.ephesiansfour.net/supernatural-manifestations-in-revival-history/
  7. List of Cornish Christians – Wikipedia, accessed on January 25, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Cornish_Christians

This document was drafted by Tony Cauchi and refined in collaboration with AI research. It has been thoroughly edited to ensure accuracy and readability.