In my narrative, I have already mentioned Thomas Wilkerson; but I shall now write more fully of him. He was a man of fine sense and beautiful address, and appeared to be beloved by all who knew him. He was not a law-preacher, though argumentative in the treatment of a subject. Chiefly, however, his success was owing to his powers of persuasion. He was a son of consolation, whose speech distilled like the gentle dew. He was one of the sweet singers of Israel, and an incident in point here may be noticed. He was preaching at a great camp meeting at Union, on the west fork of Goose Creek, in Sumner County. His subject led him to speak of the day of judgment, and particularly of Christ's second advent surrounded by the angels of God. He had the feelings of his hearers wrought to the highest pitch, so that some almost thought they saw the Saviour coming to earth. Suddenly he stopped preaching, and lifting his eyes towards heaven, he sang that good old song:
The effect was wonderful. Many sprang to their feet, and clapped their hands, and shouted aloud, "Come, Lord Jesus, I am prepared to go with thee." Sinners were struck with horror, and cried mightily for mercy and salvation. It was, indeed, a time of great power and glory, in which many souls, precious and blood-bought, were translated from darkness to light, and brought to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ. I knew Thomas Wilkerson well. In the revival of 1800, he was a greatly honored instrument in the hands of God; and during the course of his ministry, he was very successful in winning souls. After traveling and preaching for a number of years, he married Mrs. Cobb, a wealthy and pious widow lady in East Tennessee.