The District Meeting of 1835, which was held at Northallerton, accepted Mr. Spoor's pledge, and placed his name on the Connexional stations. Up to that time he had laboured as a hired local preacher; now he commenced his probation in the regular ministry. Strange to say that some in the meeting objected to his being received, and insisted that he should have more time to equip himself intellectually. But the venerable Hugh Bourne, who was present as the delegate of the General Committee, having been in the young man's company, and been deeply moved by his godly simplicity, his seraphic ardour, and his power in prayer, silenced all questions by saying, "What he is as a preacher I don't know! but he is famous at praying and soul-saving, and these are the chief things in a man entering our ministry."
That meeting stationed Mr. Spoor at Darlington. Several delegates wanted this young revivalist for their circuits, amongst whom were Mr. T. Dawson, from Ripon circuit, whose "clear and vigorous conception," whose power as a debater, and whose thorough knowledge of Connexional law and discipline, made him formidable either as antagonist or competitor; and Mr. W. Young, the Darlington delegate, greatly inferior to Mr. Dawson in intellect, but his equal in piety and practical wisdom. It seemed about a settled thing among the brethren that Mr. Dawson would succeed, and that Mr. Spoor would be "put down" for Ripon. In the midst of stationing the meeting broke up for dinner. Then occurred the following scene, which the Rev. Lister, who was a party to it, relates. Mr. L. says that he was lodging at the house of Mr. J. Wrigley, where Mr. Spoor was also staying. On this day the late Rev. W. Towler was engaged to dine at Mr. Wrigley's. On entering the room where Mr. Towler was sitting, Mr. Lister heard some one in agony pleading with God. He, asked what it was. "Oh," said Mr. Towler, "its Joseph Spoor, praying that you delegates may be guided in stationing, and that you may send him to his providential place." "His place," said Mr. Lister, "will be Ripon." "Yes," said Mr. Towler, "I believe it will." Shortly after Mr. Spoor came into the room, when Mr. Towler enquired, "Well, Joseph, where is the Lord going to send you?" Darlington was the confident reply. "Nay, nay, not at all likely," remarked Mr. Lister. "Yes," said Mr. Spoor, "the Lord and I have settled that; it's to be Darlington." In this he was clear and persistent. So when it came to the Darlington delegate to get a young preacher, he nominated Joseph Spoor, merely saying that the circuit he represented wanted him; and though counter claims were urged, yet by a large, majority of the votes of the assembly he was appointed for Darlington. He took the appointment as being direct from God, and certainly the presumption was supported by what followed.
In the midsummer of 1835 he removed to his new sphere of labour. In his diary he says: "I found the circuit very low in religion and congregations." In a note he further says: "But the Lord came among us, and many souls were converted. At the end of the first quarter we reported an increase of eighty members." In the power of God he went through the circuit, working with lion-like energy, and doing all his work with a holy vehemence. The Rev. Ralph Shields, one of Mr. Spoor's many sons in the gospel, and among the fruits of his Darlington labours, says: "Wherever he went God crowned his labours with marvellous success. Some of the country places, where the good cause had dragged a miserable existence for years, soon presented signs of prosperity and increase. A revival broke out, which spread through the entire circuit. The very name of Joseph Spoor had an effect almost magical. It only needed to be known that he was going to preach the gospel in order to ensure a large concourse of people."
Here are a few of the entries in his journal:
"July 7th. — Went to M — . This place is low. When I arrived several of the friends said that six or seven would be the utmost of my congregation. But I took the good old plan, characteristic of Primitive Methodism, of processioning the streets. So instead of six or seven people the house was full. The Word had free course and was glorified. I am resolved to stick to the good old plan. The people won't come to us, so I'll go to them.
"July 8th.- Went to B — A — . Found some warm-hearted Primitives here. In the public service the power of God came down upon us, and there was heard the shout of a king. One man danced all over the floor in Divine ecstacies. They said it was years since there had been so powerful a service.
"Spoke at W — A — . The Divine glory came rushing down among the people; they wept under the Word. In the prayer-meeting, the Divine power was upon us. Several were brought to the ground, and three found Jesus. Blessed be God for ever! There was rather a ludicrous scene just at the close of the meeting. A woman who that hour had tasted the love of God in her soul, cried out, in her simplicity and fulness of rapture, 'O, bless you, preacher.' 'No, no,' I shouted, 'bless the Lord, old mother.' 'Ah, well then,' she rejoined; 'I will bless you, bless you, but I praise God most,-I am happy. Glory be to God.' Another said: 'I have been praying all day for this meeting. I knew we should have a heavenly baptism.' This is the Lord's doing. My soul delights itself in the Lord. Glorious is the work of my God.
"July 16th.- I preached at J — C — . The place crowded. God turned the hearts of the people as the rivers of the south. One woman fell as I was preaching. In the prayer-meeting, too, others fell; and a goodly number found liberty, and many, some of them the vilest blackguards in the place, went home with the arrows of the Lord in them. This has been a night of the Son of Man. Some shouted, many mourned, while others danced for very joy. It was a strange but glorious scene.
"July 18th. — Held a fellowship meeting at the same place. There was great freedom in speaking. The power of God brought many to the ground. About fourteen were laid on the floor. Some were seeking mercy, others clean hearts. I was as happy as I could be in the body."
The following is an example of a Sabbath's work:
"July 19th. — Spoke at C — in the morning. The crowd was so great that I had to go to the door. I felt my Master and Helper near me in my work. The Word ran like fire. After dinner I went to B — A — , preached a short sermon, and then conducted a lovefeast. During the meeting the power of God came in an overwhelming manner upon us. The people fell in all directions. There was a strange mingling of cries, shouts, groans, and hallelujahs. I have seldom witnessed such a spectacle. It was the Lord's hand upon us. I got a pew cleared for mourners about four o'clock, and closed the speaking. Many obtained pardon, and some sanctification. In the evening I went to S — , I could scarcely get into the chapel for the pressure of the crowd. In prayer I had great power with God, and it is hardly an exaggeration to say that every bone in my body was shaken. The converting and sanctifying glory ran through the congregation. We could sing, and did sing -
Many will have to bless God, both in time and eternity, for this day."
These extracts might be multiplied to a very great length; but the best things "long drawn out" will induce weariness. Let it here be noted that a careful reading of these journals does not detect a sentence or a word of self-praise or self-congratulation, of vanity or egotism. In his greatest successes and achievements, Mr. Spoor seemed to be swallowed up in the "glory that excelleth." All is transparently artless and honest; and the impression is turned into conviction by other facts, that more is kept back than is set down, for most of his notable exploits are but barely and briefly referred to.
His comparative reticence, for example, concerning the great work at Southside, in the Darlington circuit, is a noticeable instance. This, in the hands of some men, would have been trumpeted from Dan to Beersheba. In that revival the most extraordinary scenes transpired, and the most extraordinary conversions took place. Centres of gambling were broken up, confirmed gamblers burnt their dice, cards, and "books of enchantment;" drunkards, hopeless, incurable sots, were freed from the dread tyranny of their fiery appetites; pugilists, practised and professional, and cock-fighters of degraded experience, turned from their brutalities. The face of the neighbourhood was transformed. An informant, most trustworthy, says "that most of the converts stood their ground, not a few are still alive until this day, and among them several local preachers." The same informant says that it is within his knowledge that out of a revival which then occurred at Evenwood, several local preachers still remain in the church; and of other places he speaks in the same way. A friend reports the substance of the experience of one of the Southside converts some time after, at a lovefeast at Toft Hill. As the meeting proceeded, a well-dressed man arose and said: "I bless God, with all my soul, that He ever sent Joseph Spoor into Southside. I was one of the greatest sinners alive. I dared do anything for the devil. As I was coming into the chapel, one of the friends expressed his surprise that I had come six miles to this meeting. Why, before I was converted, I many a time walked forty miles to Newcastle, to fight my game cocks, and, what's six miles for my Lord? I hadn't a whole garment of any kind; now, I've plenty of clothes, a comfortable home, and best of all I've got a bran new body and soul, and a glorious hope of heaven." When we remember the great and blessed revolution wrought in the man's spiritual nature, and in his life, we can forgive any little extravagance in his speech.
But perhaps nowhere in the circuit were such wonders achieved as at Cockfield, a mining village in a wild moorland district in the county of Durham, north of Raby Castle. The state of this place, Primitive Methodistically, and indeed religiously, at the time we speak of, is thus described by the Rev. R. Shields: "Cockfield was low in religious feeling and in morals. Our society only existed, — it could not be said to live. There were a few members, but they were in a low state of grace; and the good old leader, Mr. J. Raine, was much distressed. A few people came from the country, but when all were assembled they never exceeded eight or nine. Mr. Young, of Ingleton, had often tried to get it taken off the plan, but that was overruled by his brethren." This was its state when the Rev. Joseph Spoor visited it. How he "stormed" the place shall now be narrated. Coming from Southside he entered the place at the "high end." He accosted the first person he met who proved to be a member, and asked directions to Mr. Raine's house. "Are you the new preacher?" inquired the man. On being answered in the affirmative, he urged him to go with him to tea, saying that there would be very few at the meeting. Mr. Spoor cried out in true North-country style, "Will there not? Glory to God, the place will be full." Again he shouted, "Glory to God." Our friend was somewhat frightened and made off, leaving the preacher to find his road as best he might. At length he reached the house of Mr. Raine, who was a faithful, conscientious man always at his post, and doing his duty, though somewhat apt to despond, and of an unenterprising nature. Some minutes before service-time he set off to open the doors and prepare the chapel for the service, remarking, as he went out, to Mr. Spoor, that he need not hurry, as there would be very few present. Instead of being discouraged with this, Mr. Spoor shouted, "I tell you the chapel will be full; glory be to God!" Mr. Raine went his way, thinking the preacher very "odd." As soon as Mr. Raine was gone, Mr. Spoor took his hat under his arm, putting on a black velvet cap which he used at open-air services, and taking out his hymn-book, he started from the door, singing down the street, frequently kneeling to pray, with not a soul to aid him, exhorting the people and announcing the service. Presently coming to a part of the village, by a brewery, where a number of men were collected for sport, gambling, annoying passers-by, he sang right into their midst, and kneeling down, prayed as they had never heard any one pray before. When he rose from his knees, he cried out, suiting voice, metaphor, and expression to the exigency, "There's going to be a grand sale to-night at the Primitive Methodist chapel. We are going to sell the devil up, and leave him neither stick nor stool; and I am the auctioneer. The sale will commence as soon as I arrive at the chapel. You are all invited come every one of you." He then sang away to the chapel, with a crowd following. There was a strange earnestness and heavenliness in the man's appearance and manner, and his unheard-of announcement attracted the mass of the people. As he had said the meeting-place was packed. He prayed and preached like an inspired man, as he undoubtedly was. The arm of the Lord was bared, and His power seen in the conversion of many. The number converted to God that night was never precisely known. Surely the Lord routed the foe, and He gave His servant to put his foot upon the necks of His enemies. "This," says the Rev. R. Shields, "was the turning of the tide of affairs at that village. Afterwards, it only needed to be announced that Mr. Spoor was going to be there to ensure a crowded house."
The good work did not go on without persecution, hindrance, and annoyance. Here is an instance which might have had a fearfully tragic side, but as it happened it turned out somewhat ludicrous and comic. The place of meeting was a loft, to which access was obtained by a narrow flight of steps. The height of the ceiling from the floor was about six feet six inches; the place was long and narrow. In the tenement under lived an old preacher, whose wife if not strong-minded was strong-tempered, and in excess of temper would at times resort to extreme and violent measures. Now, in preaching, when in states of great excitement, Mr. Spoor was not at all studied in his gestures; no elocutionary art could bind him. He would leap, or jump out of the pulpit, or gesticulate extremely, yielding without restraint to the mighty working of his emotions. In one of his leaps and with a swing of his arm, he dealt a blow on the face of old Martin, the local preacher just named, who lived below, so that the blood streamed from his nose. On going down stairs, his wife seeing his face bleeding, shouted out in passionate inquiry who had done it. On being told it was Mr. Spoor, she seemed taken possession of by a malignant fiend, for she rushed to the place where the powder was kept which was used by her husband and son in blasting coal, and seizing the bag, containing eight or ten pounds of powder, was in the act of hurling it on the fire, when the quick arm of her son diverted the course of the deadly agent from the fire, or the next instant the whole building and every soul in it would probably have been destroyed, or seriously injured. Defeated providentially in this mad act of revenge, she seized a formidable "besom handle," and waited till Mr. Spoor came out of the service. When he was hemmed in by the crowd and hindered by the steps from escaping, this raging and fiery termagant belaboured the poor preacher with her besom handle, crying out, "What did you knock my husband for? you wanted to kill him." The person supplying the fact says, "he could well afford to bear it, because that night many souls were converted to God."
Another device of the enemy, which but for its frustration might have resulted in consequences most disastrous, may be here mentioned. When Mr. Spoor was preaching, owing to the crowd, a prop had to be put up under the beam in the dwelling of old Martin. Some of the reckless young men of the village agreed to go into old Martin's dwelling, and, when the service was at its height, to remove the piece of timber, and rush out, and let the people fall through. With this mischievous purpose they repaired to the house, but found the door locked. They then agree to tarry till the preaching was over, and when the old woman came from the prayer-meeting, they would push her aside, run in, knock the prop down, and make their escape. Thus they confederated, within hearing of the voices in the chapel, and making themselves merry over the shouts and joyful exclamations of God's people. One of them, a tall young man, full six feet high and of noble physique, the ringleader of the gang, suggested that it would increase their fun if they were to go into the meeting while they had to wait. To this they agreed; so they slunk into a corner near the door. Mr. Spoor that night, utterly unconscious of this confederacy, was in all his glory. His spirit was fervent, his language strong, and his imagery bold and striking, and the influence accompanying his words, powerful. One after another of the congregation fell to the floor in distress of soul, and many were struggling into liberty. The young men, who when they came in began to look about and smile, soon felt uncomfortable, and looked as if they would like very much to be out, till at last the leader of this band of persecutors was smitten down by the Spirit of God in the very midst of his companions, and shouted out in an agony of distress. Soon his co-conspirators fell all around crying for mercy, as the chief of sinners. To use the homely words of one who was there, and whose brother was the ringleader of the persecutors, "There was no chapel prop drawn that night, but many props were drawn from the devil's kingdom."
The young man mentioned became a burning and a shining light; his wife and he lived for awhile in the true enjoyment of God's love. But if his career was bright it was brief. The hand of the Lord was laid upon him, he suffered long and greatly. Mr. Spoor frequently visited him and rejoiced with him. His end was not merely peace, it was triumph. It is devoutly to be desired that their son will copy his father's latter life, and, like him, have an abundant entrance into life eternal.
On another occasion Mr. Spoor broke up a band of the sons of Belial, who had combined to interrupt the worship of God. With this intent they sat together at the door of the meeting-house. The Divine afflatus, or, as he called it, "the glory," filled Mr. S. that night in large measure. He threw of his coat, as was his wont at such times, and preached with extraordinary power. In the sermon he related with point and effect the history of a Christian slave, who had suffered much for the sake of his religion. When he finished, the people began to fall down in spiritual anguish, and cry to God for salvation. In his raptures Mr. Spoor vaulted from the pulpit, and made a series of leaps towards the place where the persecutors were seated. His last leap brought him into their very midst, when he dropped on his knees, and commenced a mighty intercession for their conversion. One by one these stout-hearted sinners were prostrated around him, seeking mercy, and He who is "able to save to the uttermost" heard and answered the cries of these persecutors, and they stood up and sang the "new song" put into their mouths, the song of salvation. It was a sight moving to a degree.
Another remarkable instance of conversion may be given here, though this relates only to one person. An old lady, for many years a devout follower of Christ, was very anxious that her nephew should be converted. This young man was a tall athletic fellow, a splendid specimen of man physically. He was also much superior to the general run of the villagers in intelligence, but proud and self-opinonated. "He trusted in himself that he was righteous, and despised others." He was also fierce-tempered and implacable, and a bitter enemy to Methodism. His aunt had often begged of him to accompany her to hear Mr. Spoor, but he always scornfully refused. At length by her importunities she wearied him, and he, with a malignant scowl, at last said he would go, uttering at the same time a terrible threat against the preacher, for he went purposing to inflict bodily injury upon him. He sat close to the pulpit waiting for an opportunity to carry out his vengeful purpose. Mr. Spoor seemed struck with his appearance, and was deeply solicitous to catch him in "the gospel net," little suspecting the tempest of rage beneath his calm-looking countenance. The burning words of the preacher and the Divine power accompanying them destroyed his persecuting intent, disarmed him, and then laid him low as a penitent, seeking for mercy. His cries were piercing and bitter, his pride, vain glory, self-righteousness, were all gone. He was humble as a little child. He soon realised the transforming power of the Holy Ghost, and obtained the righteousness that is by faith. The proofs of his conversion were indubitable. He was bold
These revivals moved and altered the moral aspect of the country-side. Places which had borne a bad pre-eminence for the worst vices became noted for the religiousness and virtue of the population. Strong societies were organised, an able body of local preachers grew up, and several excellent men were added to the ranks of the regular ministry.
But nowhere was the change more marked than at Cockfield. Before this it was the rendezvous of the worst sinners for miles round; its notoriety was most unenviable. If in any of the villages about the report was spread that the "Cockfielders were come," people began to look after their poultry, to make their property secure, and the constables were on the alert, for they were sure not to depart till some depredation was committed, or some uproar created. Now, however, better things were said of Cockfield. A great number of the converts have long ago gone to "the land of pure delight," after living here in all the bliss of faith and love, and then "shuffled off this mortal coil," and rose, to their home and their God. The promoter of this great work is also gone to meet, to recognise, and rejoice with them, before Him in whose Name it was all done. Many no doubt fell from their steadfastness, and were robbed of their spiritual wealth. But a host remain to this day, scattered up and down these kingdoms, and some are living in Canada and Australia.
For nearly nine months of the twelve he was at Darlington, his beloved sister Jane, now Mrs. R. Cook, of Ballast Hill, Newcastle, was his companion and colleague in the ministry, as a hired local preacher. There are several entries in his journal expressive of joy in having her with him in this sublime work, and his satisfaction in hearing her preach on several occasions, and the many blessed seasons they had together in private and public worship. He glowingly speaks of one occasion when the glory of the Lord was revealed to them while she was preaching, and six souls were saved.
A letter which he sent to Miss Spoor, upon her entering the work of the ministry, shows how artless, honest, and devoted he was, and how solicitous for his sister's well-being:
"My dear Jane, —
"Having left your home to commence the greatest work in the universe, I give you in this letter the benefit of my experience in the form of advice. You are in the line of the wisest and holiest men who have lived on the earth, who have delighted to proclaim God's will to the people, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs have engaged in this grand work; yea, Christ Himself was the greatest of preachers. I want you to have exalted views of your work. Having set your hand to the plough, go right on in your work, courting no one's smile, fearing no one's frown. Your object must not be to fill people's heads with knowledge that puffeth up, nor to lull them with soft and sweet sounds, but to lead them to Christ for salvation. Jane, preach Christ; never tire of lifting Him up. Make the people feel that though they are sinners, yet the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin. Throw all your might into the work.
"Allow me to give you some counsel which I have found useful myself. (1) Rise early, if health and convenience permit. Spend some time in prayer, and read a portion of God's Word on your knees. Get an early baptism of the Holy Ghost; then study till breakfast. (2) Take your breakfast, and mind you take what is set before you without remark or grumbling. Some of our preachers have blocked up their way by making people get things for them they could not afford. Have that godliness with contentment which is always great gain. If you can, pray with the family at each meal. (3) Spend your forenoon in reading and study, and then visit and pray with as many families as you can, but do not extend your voice. Spare your strength for the public service. (4) Never be late to your appointments or any duty. It is unseemly and very hurtful to see a preacher rush heated and hasty into the pulpit. Many err on this point. (5) Let your sermons be short. Let the people neither say, 'You have been too short nor too long.' Hold prayer-meetings after preaching. (6) In leading lovefeasts, bring the meeting into a spiritual channel, and set the example by keeping to the point. (7) Make yourself at home in every family were you come; this is the way to do them good. (8) Keep your superintendent well informed upon the state of the circuit, and seek his counsel in all cases of discipline. (9) Did I not know you, and had I not such confidence in you as I have, I would advise you to be careful in your behaviour with the other sex, but I know you will not err on this matter. I now commend you to God, and fervently pray that you may be a burning and shining light."
The constant and severe demand made upon Miss Spoor's physical resource was too much for her health, so she was compelled to relinquish the work of the ministry. On her return to Newcastle she continued for several years a local preacher, and has been all along a useful class leader.
It only remains to be said that this work in Darlington yielded
nearly three hundred to the membership of the circuit.