Protected by giants
by Thomas Ray
Richard Majors was born in Pennsylvania in 1722. At an early age he came under a deep conviction of sin. In an attempt to silence his conscience, he increased his pursuit of worldly pleasures. However, this only intensified his feelings of sinfulness. He then turned to skepticism to quiet his guilty conscience, but, skepticism plunged him into darkness and despair and intensified his sense of alienation from God.
He finally found forgiveness and reconciliation with God at the cross. His study of the Scriptures convinced him that believer’s baptism by immersion was the only true baptism. Acting upon that conviction, he was baptized by Baptist Pastor Isaac Steele of New Jersey in 1764.
In 1766, Majors moved to Virginia, and he soon discovered his neighbors were living in spiritual darkness. Since there was no Baptist preacher in his area, and believing he was not qualified to preach, he purchased some printed sermons and invited his neighbors to his home to listen to their message. The readings were highly successful. Some of his neighbors were so affected by the sermons they decided to buy copies for their personal enlightenment. However, they soon determined the printed sermons did not compare in content or quality with the sermons read by Richard Majors. It was obvious that Majors was sharing his own thoughts on the Scriptures.
In 1768, Majors was ordained as the pastor of Little River Church in Louden County. Through Majors untiring labors, in just two years the church was the largest in the Association. During the early years of his ministry he was subjected to intense persecution. On one occasion the enemies of the Baptist convinced the Davis brothers, known as the giants, to attend one of his meetings and give him a thorough thrashing. The Davises, however, decided that before they attacked Majors, they would listen to what he had to say. His sermon so impressed the brothers, they became devoted to Majors and warned that if anyone attempted to do him bodily harm, they would suffer the consequences.
While Majors was preaching at Bull Run, VA, the authorities issued a warrant for his arrest. A mob armed with clubs was determined that Majors would be arrested and thrown in jail. As the mob approached, the Davis brothers threatened to do bodily harm to anyone who attempted to serve the warrant or lay a hand on the preacher. The leaders of the mob, fearing the Davis brothers’ wrath, decided to retire. However, a particularly dangerous situation occurred when the husband of a woman Majors baptized threatened to kill him. He attended one of Majors’ meetings with the intent to shoot and kill the preacher as soon as he said something the man found objectionable. However, God had other plans. The man was so overcome with conviction that he could not remain on his feet. He was later baptized by the man he intended to murder.
Richard Majors was known for his loving and affectionate spirit, and he was renowned for his consistent and untiring labors. The law of love ruled his heart; his reproaches and warnings were always given in love. Much of his success as a minister can be attributed to his love and compassion for his fellow man. He traveled extensively and frequently preaching the gospel of love and forgiveness. He endured the severest hardships without complaint.
In the later part of his life, Majors was so honored and esteemed that he became concerned that perhaps he was not being faithful in preaching the Word of God. He often thought about the Scripture, “Woe unto you when all men speak well of you.” Unable to shake off these impressions, he accidently heard a man accuse him of the most vile and immoral crimes. At first he was extremely agitated, but he soon realized this was proof that he had not compromised the Word. About 10 years before his death, his health began to fail, however he remained faithful to the Lord, and at his death he was greatly lamented by the people he loved and who loved him.