Filey

H.B. Kendall in his book The Origin and History of the Primitive Presbyterian Church (1905) tells the story of the revival in the town of Filey a fishing village in East Riding. This town was particulary well known for its evil ways and wickedness. Numerous attempts had been made by evangelists to penetrate the town, but nothing had worked. John Oxtoby took it as a challenge, and he said, "What will the people say about praying and believing? . . . Let me go." According to Paul Cook, "When he reached Muston Hill and viewed Filey in the distance, he fell upon his knees in a dry ditch and began to agonize with God. A miller passing that way thought he heard two men arguing. But it was only one man praying. He was engaging in 'the argument of faith' with his God. Eventually God gave Oxtoby the assurance that his prayers were answered. He 'rose in faith' and exclaimed, 'It is done, Lord! Filey is taken! Filey is taken!' So he descended into the town: and it was taken!" Indeed, a great revival occurred in the town, and it was taken by prayer.