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History of the Jerks: Bodily Exercises and the Great Revival (1803–1967)
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Published Letter by Rev. Mr. Mc’Leain (May 7, 1805)

Published Letter by Rev. Mr. Mc’Leain (May 7, 1805)

1802-1804, Presbyterians, University of Michigan

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)

Newspaper Article from the Charleston Courier (October 14, 1805)

1802-1804, American Antiquarian Society, Anonymous/Unknown, Barking Exercise, Dancing Exercise, Magazines & Newspapers, Other/Unknown

“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)

Extracts from the Missionary Journal of John Lyle (October 27–November 3, 1805)

1805-1809, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Kentucky Historical Society, Other Bodily Exercises & General References, Presbyterians

“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….”

Extracts from the Published Missionary Journal of John Lyle (November 2–3, 1805)

Extracts from the Published Missionary Journal of John Lyle (November 2–3, 1805)

1805-1809, Dancing Exercise, Diaries & Journals, Presbyterians, Union Presbyterian Seminary

“The jerks were by far the most violent and shocking I had ever seen. The heads of the jerking patients flew, with wonderous quickness, from side to side, in various directions, and their necks doubled like a flail in the hands of a thresher….”

Published Letter by Jacob Gruber (ca. 1806)

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….”

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