1805-1809, Books, Essays & Treatises, Other Bodily Exercises & General References, Presbyterians
“I presume not to condemn the persons thus influenced [by the jerks], nor to detract from the sincerity of their devotion; but my wish is to remove the delusion of supposing it to be a bodily disease, and leave the intrinsic merits of the subject to Him, who “searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men….”
1805-1809, Christians/Disciples of Christ, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Laughing Exercise, Union Presbyterian Seminary
“In my serious reflections and enquiries after the salvation of my soul, the various noise and exercise of the people would oftentimes stagger me. I was sometimes rather doubtful, and almost led to believe that it was all enthusiasm and strong delusion….”
1805-1809, Diaries & Journals, Handley Regional Library
“During the sermon I saw a young girl doing the strange movement that the English call the jerks…..”
1805-1809, Dancing Exercise, Falling Exercise, Magazines & Newspapers, Methodists, Running Exercise
“When any ask me to explain all these antics or exercises, I say I do not explain what I do not understand. Many who had these exercises did not understand them—would not account for them. I am not called to analyze or methodize the jerks: have no tools for that work….”
1805-1809, Diaries & Journals, Duke University, Methodists
“Dr. Hambleton had the Jurks five time[s] in meeting….”