Some Interesting Watch Night Services

 Some interesting Watch Night Services:

01 -- THE WESLEYS -- DECEMBER 31, 1738 -- JANUARY 1, 1739

From hdm0427 -- "The Possibilities Of Prayer" by Edward McKendree Bounds

It might be in order to give an instance or two in the life of Rev John Wesley, showing some remarkable displays of spiritual power. Many times it is stated this noted man gathered his company together, and prayed all night, or till the mighty power of God came upon them. It was at a watch night service, at Fetter Lane, December 31, 1738, when Charles and John Wesley with Whitefield, sat up till after midnight singing and praying. This is the account:

About three o'clock in the morning, as we were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us, so that many cried out for exceeding joy, and many fell to the ground. As soon as we had recovered a little from that awe and amazement at the presence of his majesty, we broke out with one voice, "We praise thee, O God! We acknowledge thee to be the Lord!"

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02 -- FIRST METHODIST WATCH-NIGHT -- DECEMBER 31, 1740 -- JANUARY 1, 1741

From hdm2030 -- "Wesley And Early Methodism" by Angela Kirkham Davis

When and where was the first Methodist watch-night held?

On the last night of the year 1740, in Bristol, under the supervision of Mr. Wesley.

How is a watch-night conducted?

On the last night of every year this solemn service is held and continued until a little past twelve o'clock. It is usually commenced by singing and prayer, after which the time is occupied in preaching, singing, exhortation, and prayer; sometimes the Lord's Supper is administered, and, not infrequently, a part of the evening is devoted to love-feast exercises. A little before twelve o'clock all present are invited to kneel before God in silent prayer, and thus remain until the closing of the year, when the pastor, in vocal prayer, commends the congregation to the divine guidance and protection, and closes by singing, (usually the covenant hymn,) and the benediction. These meetings were originally held almost exclusively by the Methodists, but they have been introduced into some of the churches of other denominations.

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03 -- FRANCIS ASBURY -- DECEMBER 31, 1771 -- JANUARY 1, 1772

From hdm 1619 -- "Lost Chapters Recovered From The Early History Of American Methodism" by Joseph B. Wakeley

Mr. Asbury introduced all the peculiarities of Methodism. He held a "watch-night," New Year's eve, January 1, 1772, one of the first of a long series of watch-nights that have been held in America. It was a time of peculiar solemnity, and the power of God was felt by the people.

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04 -- FRANCIS ASBURY -- DECEMBER 31, 1775 -- JANUARY 1, 1776

From hdm0520 -- "Memoirs Of Mr. Wesley's Missionaries To America" compiled from authentic sources by Rev. P. P. Sandford

(From Asbury's Journal)

Monday 25. Being Christmas-day, I preached from 1 Tim. i, 15, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." My spirit was at liberty, and we were much blessed both in preaching and class-meeting. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me, both in soul and body, beyond my expectation. May I cheerfully do and suffer all his will, endure to the end, and be eternally saved!

Wednesday 27. We have awful reports of slaughter at Norfolk and the Great Bridge; but I am at a happy distance from them, and my soul keeps close to Jesus Christ. And as we know not what a day may bring forth, I can say with St. Paul, "For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.

Lord's day 31. Being the last day of the year, we held a watch-night at S. Y.'s chapel, beginning at six and ending at twelve o'clock. It was a profitable time, and we had much of the power of God.

Monday, January 1, 1776. I am now entering on a new year, and am of late constantly happy, feeling my heart much taken up with God, and hope thus to live and thus to die. Or if there should be any alteration, may it be for the better, and not for the worse! This is my earnest desire and prayer to God.