Letter from Francis Asbury to Daniel Hitt (July 28, 1805)
“Brother Dougharty writes they serve God all manner of ways, jerking, dancing, etc.; yet the work goes on….”
Published Letter by Rev. Mr. Mc’Leain (May 7, 1805)
You have requested me to give you an account of those extraordinary exercises called the Jirks; with which request I now comply.
Newspaper Article from the Charleston Courier (October 14, 1805)
“The jerking convert…is seized with violent fits of jerking, which generally brings him to the ground, where he lies as if labouring under a slight convulsive fit; and when the spasm seems to abate, the person immediately begins shouting and praising God for effecting his conversion….”
Extracts from the Missionary Journal of John Lyle (October 27–November 3, 1805)
“Mr. McGready said sometime afterwards that we could not account for jerking &c. on any natural principle, that the jerks were designed to answer the end of miracles, in drawing the attention of mankind & convincing infidels of the power of God….”
Excerpt from Thomas Brown’s Account of the People Called Shakers (ca. 1805)
“People of every age, sex, sect, and condition appeared to be more or less affected with the disagreeable operations of these exercises, not only at their meetings, but in their daily employments….”
