“In Greenbriar, the first subjects of these strange exercises were two firm and steady professors of religion, men of firm nervous systems…. These strange appearances have crossed the Allegany [Mountains] and seem to be progressing pretty fast eastward….”
“You must not beleive all you here of the bodyly affections &c amongst us. Their is so much more than the truth said that I have determined to belive nothing I do not see….”
“I took the Jerks, & was the first person that had it in these parts. Sometimes I have had it in meditating on serious things when alone, sometimes by seeing the situation of the wicked, sometimes by reading, or hearing some striking expressions, sometimes in going about my common employment, & sometimes while in bed….”
“Soon after they began to sing several were taken with the Jerks, while sitting on their seats. Their heads, & shoulders were Jerked back & forth, with such increasing violence, that in a few seconds their hats, & bonnets, & even hankerchiefs which were tied close to their heads would fly off. Some would soon be Jerked flat on the floor, in a manner very mortifying to all delicate feelings….”
“The Jerks are making their apperance again and will spread generally with the lower class of people….”
“Brother Dougharty writes they serve God all manner of ways, jerking, dancing, etc.; yet the work goes on….”
