The South Salem, New York Revival (c1812-1815) under Azahel Nettleton

The Second Great Awakening, a period of religious revivalism in the United States from 1795 to the 1840s, saw widespread religious fervour and conversions¹. One notable event during this period was the South Salem, New York Revival under the ministry of Asahel Nettleton, taking place between c1812 and 1815.

This revival, though less widely known than some others of the era, had a significant impact on the local community and contributed to the broader religious landscape of the time. This article delves into the history of this revival, exploring its antecedents, key figures, reported supernatural events, and lasting impact.

Antecedents to the Revival

To understand the South Salem Revival, it’s crucial to consider the broader religious landscape of the early 19th century in America. While specific details about the social and religious climate of South Salem immediately preceding the revival are limited in available sources, the broader context of the Second Great Awakening provides valuable insights. This period was characterized by a decline in traditional religious adherence and a growing emphasis on personal experience and emotion in religious life³. Factors contributing to this shift included:

• Disestablishment of churches after the American Revolution: This led to increased religious competition and a decline in the authority of established denominations³.

• Growth of the frontier: As populations moved westward, traditional religious institutions struggled to keep pace, creating a spiritual vacuum that was often filled by more emotional and experiential forms of religion³.

• Rise of new religious movements: Groups like the Methodists and Baptists, with their emphasis on personal conversion and emotional preaching, gained popularity during this time⁴.

These factors created an environment ripe for religious revivalism, and South Salem, like many other communities in the region, experienced a surge in religious interest during this period.

Azahel Nettleton: The Catalyst for Revival

Asahel Nettleton (1783-1844) was a prominent Congregationalist evangelist during the Second Great Awakening⁵. Initially, he aspired to be a missionary, but poor health prevented him from traveling overseas⁶. This led him to focus his ministry on New England and New York, where he played a crucial role in shaping revivals, including the one in South Salem⁶.

Known for his theological orthodoxy and his emphasis on personal holiness, Nettleton played a crucial role in shaping the South Salem Revival⁷. His approach to revivalism, however, differed significantly from some of his contemporaries, most notably Charles Finney. While Finney employed “New Measures” such as altar calls and protracted meetings to encourage conversions, Nettleton believed that true revival was a sovereign work of God and avoided such manipulative techniques or emotional appeals².

He preferred to spend time in a community, studying its spiritual condition and preaching doctrinal sermons that emphasized the need for repentance and faith in Christ⁸. This difference in approach reflected a deeper theological divide between Nettleton’s Calvinistic emphasis on God’s sovereignty and Finney’s Arminian leanings towards human free will².

Nettleton’s ministry in South Salem began in the autumn of 1812 when he was invited to preach at the Presbyterian church⁹. The community was considered a “waste place” not open to spiritual revival¹⁰. However, his powerful preaching and emphasis on the need for repentance quickly took hold, and the community experienced a surge in religious interest⁹.

Nettleton’s Theology and Preaching

Nettleton’s sermons were characterized by their doctrinal depth and their focus on the practical application of theological truths to the lives of his listeners⁸. He emphasized the sovereignty of God in salvation, the sinfulness of humanity, and the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ¹¹. His preaching was described as “plain and simple” yet deeply convicting, urging his hearers to examine their hearts and turn to God for forgiveness⁶.

Some of the key themes that emerged in Nettleton’s sermons include:

• The danger of hypocrisy: He warned against making a superficial profession of faith without genuine repentance and a changed heart¹¹.

• The need for self-examination: He urged his listeners to honestly assess their spiritual condition and recognize their need for God’s grace¹¹.

• The reality of hell: He emphasized the eternal consequences of sin and the urgency of seeking salvation¹¹.

• The joy of salvation: He proclaimed the true happiness that comes from knowing God and experiencing his forgiveness¹¹.

These themes, rooted in his Calvinistic theology, resonated with many in South Salem and contributed to the revival’s impact.

The Revival Unfolds

Nettleton preached in South Salem for three weeks, and during that time, the community experienced a profound spiritual awakening⁹. While specific details about the events of the revival are scarce, contemporary accounts suggest that it was characterized by a deep conviction of sin and a widespread turning to Christ⁹. Nettleton’s sermons, known for their “great plainness and simplicity and discrimination, and much solemnity and affectionate earnestness,” had a profound impact on the community⁶.

One account describes the revival as follows:

“As this visiting preacher spoke, the congregation became aware that something unusual was happening. His probing questions seemed to penetrate each heart, peeling back layer after layer, showing the reality of their sin. Many in the congregation wondered how he knew them so well.

As he continued, he warned the audience of their desperate need for repentance and the danger of any delay. Many in the congregation were brought to a deep conviction of sin…. ⁷.

He emphasized the importance of seeking God’s face and relying on his power to bring about spiritual transformation. This emphasis on prayer and dependence on God distinguished his approach from those who sought to “work up” a revival through human techniques.

Supernatural Happenings

Available sources do not contain any accounts of supernatural happenings or unusual events during the South Salem Revival¹⁴. This is consistent with Nettleton’s emphasis on theological orthodoxy and his rejection of emotional excesses or sensationalism in revivalism⁷. He believed that true revival was characterized by genuine conviction of sin, sincere repentance, and a lasting transformation of life, rather than by outward displays or emotional excitement.

Lasting Impact

The South Salem Revival had a lasting impact on the community and contributed to the broader religious landscape of the time¹⁹. The revival spread to surrounding communities, demonstrating the power of Nettleton’s ministry and the widespread hunger for spiritual renewal during this period¹⁰. While specific details about the long-term effects are limited, it is likely that the revival led to:

• Increased church membership and religious participation: Revivals often resulted in a surge in church attendance and a renewed commitment to religious life²⁰.

• Strengthened moral values: The emphasis on repentance and personal holiness likely had a positive impact on the community’s moral climate²⁰.

• Greater social cohesion: Religious revivals often brought communities together, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose²⁰.

Nettleton’s ministry in South Salem also contributed to his growing reputation as a leading evangelist of the Second Great Awakening⁹. His success in this and other revivals solidified his influence and helped to shape the course of American religious history⁸. He is credited with re-establishing Calvinism as a vital force in American Protestantism and with promoting a form of revivalism that emphasized lasting fruit and genuine conversions⁵.

Timeline

While a precise timeline of the South Salem Revival is not available, the following provides a general overview of key dates and events:

Date	Event	People
1801	Asahel Nettleton experiences conversion during a revival in Killingworth, Connecticut.	Asahel Nettleton
1809	Nettleton graduates from Yale College.	Asahel Nettleton
1811	Nettleton is ordained as a Congregationalist minister.	Asahel Nettleton
1812 (Autumn)	Nettleton begins his ministry at the Presbyterian church in South Salem, New York.	Asahel Nettleton
1812-1815	Revival unfolds in South Salem and spreads to surrounding communities.	Asahel Nettleton, local pastors, and church members
Post-1815	Lasting impact on the community, including increased church membership, strengthened moral values, and greater social cohesion.

Conclusion

The South Salem, New York Revival under Azahel Nettleton’s ministry was a significant event during the Second Great Awakening. Nettleton’s distinct approach to revivalism, characterized by theological orthodoxy, an emphasis on personal holiness, and a rejection of manipulative techniques, had a profound impact on the community.

The revival contributed to the broader religious landscape of the time, leading to increased church membership, strengthened moral values, and greater social cohesion. Furthermore, it solidified Nettleton’s reputation as a leading evangelist of the era and contributed to his lasting legacy in American religious history.

 

Works cited

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