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 I ALUMNI LIBRARY, 
 
 I THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, 
 
 J PRiXCETON, N. J. ji 
 
 |j CV^^e, Divi:.on...r:... .".'.(.. .^ 
 
 ^: A7i.e^; Section.;......: 2 
 
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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 
 
 RELATING TO 
 
 REMARKABLE PERIODS 
 
 OF 
 
 THE SUCCESS 
 
 T H E G g::^^:^. 
 
 AND 
 
 . EMINENT INSTRUMENTS 
 
 EMPLOYED IN PROMOTING IT. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 JIATtH. XXirill. 19, 20. GO AND TEACH ALL NATIONS :—^-^A ND tO^ 
 1 AM WITH YOU ALWAY, EVEN TO THE END OF THE WORLD. 
 
 COMPILED 6Y 
 
 JOfe[N GILLIES, 
 
 ONE OF THE MINISTERS OF GLASGOW- 
 JN MAGNIS VOLVISSL. 
 
 VOL. IL 
 
 I 
 C L A S G O W, 
 
 PRINTED BT ROBERT AND ANDRJBW S'OULXii 
 M D C C L I V. 
 
^' 
 
 m 
 
THE 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 O F THE 
 
 SECOND VOLUME. 
 
 Pago 
 
 BOOK IV. In the Eighteenth Century. Of the Danifh Miffion^ries in the 
 
 Eaft- Indies, 1706, &c. Some Inftanccs of the Succefs of the Go/pel 
 
 in the Britifh Colonies in America from 170; to 1734, viz. at Taunton, 
 at "Windham in Conne£licut. at Freehold in New-Jerfey, and that re- 
 markable Revival at Northampton i734,&c.— TheSaltzburgersin Ger- 
 many forfake their Country for the Gofpel. Religious Society at Ox- 
 ford, Mr. John and Charles Wefley their Labours and Succefs. 
 
 Mr. Whitefield's Labours and Succefs. The extenfive Revival ia 
 
 the Britifti Colonies in America, which began chiefly in the Year 1740, 
 and continued in 1741, 1742, fpreading tlirough a great many Places. 
 
 ——Revival in Scotland 1742. Mr. Brainerd's Labours and Succefs a- 
 
 mongthe Indians in America 1 7 44, &c.— -Succefs of the Gofpel in Ire- 
 land, 1747, 5fc.— In Holland 1750, &c.— Endeavours to convert Jews 
 and Mahommedans. I 
 
 Chap. I. Of the DanidiMiflionaries in the Eaft- Indies, 1706, &c. t 
 
 ScQ. I. Abftraft of the Accounts of their Labours and Succefs, from the Propagar 
 
 tion of the Gofpel in the Eaft, Part I. printed 1709. Part II. printed 
 
 1710. Part III. printed 17 14, I 
 
 Extraft from the Account of the Religion of the Malabarians, printed 1 7 1 7. 6 
 Letters betwixt King George I. and the Miflionaries, 1717, 171 8. 7 
 
 SeCt, 2. In 1710, the Society at London, for promoting Chriftian Knowledge, un- 
 dertakes the Management of Charities put into their Hands, for fupport- 
 ing the Proteftant Miflion at Tranquebar, then maintained by the King 
 
 of Denmark. In 1728, there is a new MiiTion for the Convert 
 
 fion of the Heathens at Madrafs. — And at Cudulorc near Fort St. David. 
 In 1 740, the Number of thofc who had joined the Chriftian Con- 
 gregations, from the Beginning of the Miflion, amounts to S9S9> '^^ 
 
 which there remained aliyc 3 766. The Gofpel of St. Matthew in the 
 
 Malabarian Tongue. The New-Tcftamcnt and Pfjlltcr in Afabick,— 
 
 Sakzburgh and Georgia, '» 
 
 3 2 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CUAf' II. In New-England from 1709 to 1734. Page ly 
 iNTRODUCTios. The fad Decay of vital Religion in New-England af- 
 ter the Death of the finl Planters. The Complaints of their godly 
 
 Minifters on that Account. ly 
 
 Sf£t. f • Of the Keviyal in Malfachufeits in 1690, upon a foiemn renewing of Co- 
 venant with God, and one another: 3e 
 Of the Revival in Taunton in February 1707, which began with Meetings 
 for Prayer among the young Men, and Societies for Reformatioo, in 
 Iipitatlon of thofe at London. 
 Of old Mr. Stodd«rd?s five Harvefts at Northampton. 
 Of the Revival at Windham in ConncQicuc Coloijy in 1721, 
 Of the Awakening by the Earthquake Odlober 1727. 
 And the Revival at Freehold in New-Jerfey 1731, &c. 
 Sfft- 2, Of the remarkable Revival at Northampton in 17 Mi &c. which began 
 with fuch Things as Sabbath-Santlificalion, religious Mcctirgs among 
 the young People, and the preaching of Juflificatiun by Faith alone. 
 The Concern appears in other Towns and Villages of Jnlampfliirc. 
 And in fev«ral Towns in Conncffticut.^ 
 Chap. Ill . Ok the perfccuted£roteftantsatSaltal)Urgh in Gf rjnany 173 r, 1732. — 
 Great Numbers of them forfake their Hou(es, Lands and Relations, that 
 they might enjoy the Gofpel. 
 CflAFf IV- Of a religious Society of Students at Oxfojrd, which began about the End 
 of i72<). — Their careful Improvement of Time in Works of Piety 
 and Charit;. — Their Zeal and Succefs in preaching the Gofpel. 
 jBeft. }. Some PalTages of Mr. John Wcfley's Journals. 
 
 Preface to the firft Journal.—- Letter containing an Account of the Rife of 
 
 the Society in *Jxford, 
 la 173 J, he lets out for Georgia. 
 
 In 1736, he prtaches at Savannah. ^ — Converfes with the Indians, 
 in 17 i7. Religious DifcouiH: at a Vifiiation. — Negroes. — Young People- 
 Mr. Wcfley returns to England. 
 In 1738, he goes to Germany. — Returns to England. — Preaches frequent- 
 ly. — Nortnampton Narrative. 
 In 1739 .Field preaching. — Many wounded in Spirit. — Newgate. — Warning 
 againil relying on" bodily Effirt\s. — Nature of the DofVrincs preached. 
 — Prayer heard. — Grofs Sinners reformed. — Ignorance in Ibme Parts 
 of Wales. — Letter of Approbation from one formerly prejudiced. — . 
 Kingfwood. 
 In 1740, Some remarkable Inflances of the Power of the Word, and of 
 prayer. 
 
 In 1741, ConvcrfioB of an Atheift. -Comfortable Death of an eminent 
 
 Chriftian. 
 .Jq 1742, Account of Sarah Whilkin — JohnWooUey, a boy of thirteen. — 
 
 Of John "-Jelfon.— -Great Concern at Epworth. Of David Taylor. — 
 
 Death of Mrs. Wcfley — The Society at Briftol. — The Work at New- 
 ^aftle. — Of thofe who cried out. 
 
 In 1743, he preaches at Placey. — r-The Ifles of Scilly. Trezuthan-downs. 
 
 Grimlby. The Spen. 
 
 In 1744, Letter from the Soldiers at Lifle and Ghent. — Grols Sinners at 
 St. Juft reformed — Comfortable Deaths. Perfecution. — More Let- 
 ters from thfc Soldiers abroad. 
 
 In I74f. Awakening in Cornwall. Comfortable Deaths. — Public Affairs. 
 
 - — f.ef^ers from the Soldiers abroad. — More Scrioufneis than or4ipary 
 in Enjgl^nd. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CoKClvstOM.——— Letter from Dr. Doddridge to Mr. \Vefley. A Paf- 
 
 fagc from Mr. Wefley's Anfwer fo Mr. Church's fecond Letter. Na- 
 ture of the maiQ Doftrincs preached. The Fruits. PaS^ i oj 
 
 StCt. 2. Some taflages of Mr. Whitcfield's Journals. 106 
 
 In 1737, 1738, frou^ London to Gibraltar. From Gibij-altar to Savannah. 
 
 His Return to London. The "Work of God there. lt.6 
 
 In 1739, he preaches at Ne\¥gafe. To the Colliers of Kingfwood. — Of 
 
 Mr. Griffith Jones. Letter from Mr. J. Weflcy. Of Howcl Har- 
 ris Mr. 13enjamin Seward. Very large Congregations, Mr. Dc- 
 
 lamottc's Family. — The fuccelsful Miniftry of Meflrs, Tennent, 
 Mcflrs. Frecling Houfen, Crofs, &c. in America. xoj 
 la 17.10, his Succefs in America. At Charleftoun. Savannah. Phila- 
 delphia. Neftiamini. Nottingham. — Fog's Mannor. — Bafkinridge. 
 
 Borton, &c. 119 
 
 Seft. 3. A Hint of the Labours and Succefs of /everal in Wales. — And of the State 
 
 of Religion there in 1742. Ij4 
 
 Chap. V. Of that extraordinary Revival in the Britifh Colonies in .America, which 
 began chiefly in the Year 1740, and continued in I 741, 1742^ 
 • Spreading through a great many Plaies. ijj 
 
 Seft. I. Of the Revival in the Towns of Hopewell, Amwell, &c. in New Jerlcy. 
 
 1 — The Attention of the Hearers in general awakened. The People 
 
 of God enlivened Concern under a Sermon May 1739, alfo in 0£to- 
 
 ber 6th, and December 30th, — Vifiting and private Examination bleft 
 
 to feverals. Remarkable Seafbns of Divine influence. The Nature 
 
 of the Work, and good Fruits of it. /J7 
 
 left. 2. Of the Revival at Newaik and Elizabetbtoun in New- Jerfcy.-r-It began at 
 
 Newark, Auguft 1739. — But not at Elizabethtoun till near a Year after. 142 
 
 Scit. 3. A Revival in September 1739, at Harvard in Middlelex. The Concern 
 
 increales among the young People. — This a Mean to (lir up others. 
 
 Religious Converfaiion. Societies for Prayer, &c. 14$ 
 
 ^eft. 4. In March 1740, at New-London-Derry in Penfylvaijiia. Under the 
 
 Preaching ofa neighbouring Minifter from Lukexiii. 7. — And afterwards 
 
 when their own Minifter preached from Matth. vi. 33. Sermons on 
 
 Week-Days. The Experiences of a young Woman. And ofa man 
 
 aged fifty. And of two Sifters, aged (even and nine Years.- 
 
 Other Places in Penfylvania awakened. If^ 
 
 Scft. S' Of the remarkable Revival in the City of Bofton, which began loon after 
 
 Mr. Whitcfield's Arrival there September 1740. The Corurern 
 
 increafesgreatly after his Departure.— And much more upon Mr. Gilbert 
 Tennent's coming, December 13 th, 1740.—- =-Hi$ (earching Manner of 
 
 Preaching. After Mr. Tennent's Departure, was fuch a Time as the 
 
 Minifttrs of Bofton never knew .^or the Numbers that came to them in 
 
 Concern about their Souls, Boys and Girls, young Men and Women, 
 
 Indians and Negroes, Heads of Families, agtd Perlons. A Tafte for 
 
 evangelical experimental Writers revived — Frequent Sermons. — Meet- 
 ings for Prayer encreai'e. The oftner the Miiiifters preach they have 
 
 the more Pleafure in it. Strangers are ("urprized at the Change in the 
 
 Looks and Carrage of the People. The Work goes on till June 
 
 1742, when fome unhappy Imprudcncies of Mr. Davenport bring in a 
 difputatious and cenforious Spirit. — ^ — : — Mr Davcnpoit's RetraQations 
 afterwards. i(Jj 
 
 Scft. 6, A new Revival at Northampton Remarkable Kffe&s of a Sermon 
 
 at a private Houfe. And of Exl orta-ions to young Children. 'The 
 
 moft wonderful VV^ork amoogU Children thdt ever was, in NorthamptOM. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 - — ■Thofc Perfi>ns who were of Age under the former Revival, (eimec) 
 now to be almoft wholly paftovcr. — -Dilfcrcnce betwixt this and the for- 
 mer Work. Mr. i>uel and a Number of the zealous People of Suffield 
 
 come there. Mr. Butl prcaclies almoft every Day. -A pub- 
 lic Renewal of Covenant with God. I'age I 83 
 
 Scifl. 7. In the Beginning of the Year 1741, a Revival at Bridgewatcr in the Mafla- 
 chufctts. — One of tlicir Miniflcrs, Mr. Porter, benefited by hearing Mr. 
 Whitcfield. — Mr. Tennent prcaclies. —Religious Meetings. — The Sub- 
 jc(fts preached on. — Two young Men who had Iccn the Revival in Connec- 
 ticut. Itinerant Minifters employed. Happy Fruits of this Work, ipj 
 
 Seft. 8. On the 26th of Februar)' 1741, at Wrcntham in SutTolk in the MaiFa- 
 chufetts. — Under the Minillry of their ordinary Pallors, MefTrs. Mef- 
 
 fenger and Haven. — The Texts, Zecli.xii. 10. and Jer. xxvi. 13. 
 
 Great Attention. Many Tears. — Defire of Leftures. — Longing for 
 
 the Sabbath.— Frequent Preaching. Religious Meetings anti Confe- 
 rence. Some brought under Concern by hearing Sermon. Some by 
 
 hearing of others, fearing left thcnifelves Ihould be left. Some a long 
 
 time under Conviflions, A fecond Revival. — Diftrcfs for the Souls of 
 
 others. 200 
 
 £c^. 9. In March 1741, at Taunton in the County of Briftol, after Mr. Tenncnt's 
 
 Preaching there, His Text Matth. xi. 2 3. Increafe of religious 
 
 Conver/ation. Mr. Crocker their Mlnirter excited by the News of tlic 
 
 Revival in Conneflicut. — Good EileOs of Mr. Daniel Rogers' occafio- 
 ral Preaching from John v. 40. — And Mr. Wheclock's from Mark xvi. 
 rS, which was attended with great Power. Awful Solemnity in hear- 
 ing.- — A particular Inftance of one in great Diltrels. — -Rev. iii. 20. — 
 
 The Detection of JHypocrify from Job xxvii. 8. Wonderful Power 
 
 attending Mr. Wheelock'slaft Sermon on Hofeaxiii. 13. — Mr. Crocker 
 f reaches to the Negroes. — Young Children afflcled. — Difputes did Hurt. 
 
 People of all Charaflers wrought upon. Profligates, Formaiifts. 
 
 The good Fruits in their Lives. — Though fome made a Cry People 
 
 would be undone by Co many Meetings, God gave as great or greater 
 Plenty than ever. Miftakes rcititied and Objcflions anfwered. 2-10 
 
 %:(\, 10. On the 29th of March 1741, at Lyme in Connefticut, Weft Parifh. 
 
 Vi hile tlieir Minifter, Mr. Parlbns, narrates to his Congregation what he 
 had i'een and heard of the Revival in other Places, from Ifa. Ix. 8. — Mr. 
 
 Tennent preaches on Ezck. xxxvii. 9. and Luke xiii. 4. Remarkable 
 
 Power attending a Sermon of Mr. Parfonson Matth. xxiv. 37, 38, 39.3- 
 boutour Lord's coming to Judgment. — Miniftersfend for each other to 
 preach. A Concern among the Children in time of Sermon at New- 
 London. — Mr, Paifons' Itinerancy bleft in fcveral Places. And when 
 
 he returned to his own Charge, fome manifeft Tokens of the Prefcnce of 
 God accompanying every Sermon for a Time. The fincere Com- 
 plaints of lome were a Mean of awakening others. — Edifying Difcourlc 
 
 in the Streets, Fields, and private Houfes. Evidences of a Chriftian 
 
 Temper. A wonderful Day of Chrift's Power at a Communion.— The 
 
 M'ork chiefly among the Youth; but Ibme very old, two near feventy, 
 
 and one ninety-three. -Mr. Davenport bleft among the Indians. 
 
 Some Irregularities. Defence of the Work itlelf. 230 
 
 Sc^. II. On the firft of April 1741, in the Eaft Parifh of Lyme. By Means of 
 
 Mr. Tennent's Preaching. And Mr. Parfons'. -Crying out. 
 
 Strangers come to fee and hear. Neighbouring Minifters preach. — - 
 
 The greater Part who get Benefit do not cry out. An hundred Englifli 
 
 and thirteen Indians admitted into Church-Communion.—TriHrophant 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Death of a young Man. Mr. Davenport bltft to tlic Neantick Inctlaris 
 
 in this ParHh. Twenty or upwards of them hopefully converted. Page 2^3 
 
 Scft. 12. In thefamc Scafon (viz. Spring 1741) at Sutton in ihe County of Wor- 
 
 cefterin the MafTachufetts. Juft when their Minifler Mr. Hall had 
 
 Thoughts of leaving them through Defpair of Succefs. The occafional 
 
 Preaching of Mr. Edwards, Mr. Parkman and Mr. Prentice blefled to 
 them. — The Concern feited on People in the Houfc, in the High -way, in 
 the Woods, &c. while thinking on fpirltual Things. — Imprudent Con- 
 
 duftof one or two did Hurt. -On Mr. Daniel Rogers' coming, the 
 
 Work was confiderably revived. Not the Wifdom of M^ns Words. 
 
 — The liirc Proof of its being from God, in its Fruits. Perlbns of dif- 
 ferent Ages. , 2 J 8 
 Se£t. 13. In the Beginning of November 1741, at Halifax, in the County of Ply- 
 mouth. rln A\iguft they had kept a Day of Fading and Prayer for 
 
 alking the Influences of the Spirit. — Mr. Wheelock of Lebanon preach- 
 e;. at Bridgcwater. Religious Difcourfc. Meetings of young Chil- 
 dren. Remarkable Inftances of Perfbns under Concern. Some Ac- 
 count of the Death of Mr. Thomplbn aged (evcnty-eight. Of the Be- 
 haviour of another fick Perlbn who afterwards unexpeftcdly recovered. 26$ 
 ScGt, 14. On the twenty-third of November 1741, at Middlcborough, Eaft Pre- 
 
 clnft,- — Some Beginnings the Summer before. Impreflions had beca 
 
 made by the occafional Preaching of MefTrs. Tennent, Rogers, Moor- 
 head, and Shaw. But on November twenty-third, the x^wakcning 
 
 great. The Lamps of many went out. — Heart-affefting Cries and 
 
 ConfclTions. A remarkable Indance in the Head of a Club to his Com- 
 panions. — '■ for about eighteen Months the Place like a Heaven on 
 
 Earth. 272 
 
 Stft. IJ. On the twenty-fifth of November 1 741, at Portfmouth in New-Hamp- 
 
 Ihire. A polite Sort of People. Mcffrs. Whitefield's and Tcnnent's 
 
 Preaching blefled to them, November twenty-fifth, a monthly Fail 
 
 to feek Divine Influences. Different Exclamations, like what may be 
 
 expefted at the laft Day. A Circumftance that occafioned or hcightned 
 
 thefe. — The Concern of the Hearers did not always follow the moft pa- 
 
 thetical Difcourles. One who was prejudiced at fpeakingoiri, forced 
 
 to do it himftlf. — Some Apoftates, &c. but a confidcrable Number appear 
 
 real Converts.- — Reformation as to Curfing and Swearing. Sabbath- 
 
 Sanftification. Family- Worfliip.- — Charity. Reftitution. • 
 
 Pfalms and Hymns, inflead of carnal Mirth. The Work revived again 
 
 about a Year after. 2 x 
 
 Seft. l6. About the 10th of December 1741,-at New-London, North Parilh. 
 
 Mr. Jewet their Minifter had exchanged Pulpits with Mr. Grifwold of 
 
 Lyme.— -The Peoples Hearts wonderfully united after this to Mr. 
 
 Jewet, tho' before they were at the Point of Separating from him . a 85 
 
 Sefl. 17. About the Beginning of the Year 1742, at Wefterly and Charleftoun in 
 Rhodc-Ifland Colony.— ——Mr. Park's Miniftry for Ibme time unfuc- 
 
 ' cefsful. He preaches theDoftrines of Grace. Is afTifted by 
 
 Mr. Tennent.. ■ -And Mr. Davenport. And the People at 
 
 Stonington.- And Mr. Eells Minifter there. Family-Wor- 
 
 Ihip let up. ■■ ■ A Church gathered. — A Number of the Indians 
 ftirred up to feek after eternal Life. jSy 
 
 ^«£t. 18. On the laft Sabbath of January 1742, at Glocefter (firft Precind) in the 
 
 County of Eflex. Impreffions before by the Earthquake. 
 
 By the Account of the Work at Northampton, &c A Day of 
 
 Farting and Prayer for the Gift of the Holy Ghoft A religious 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Society of Negroes. Scores favingly wrought upon.<— — Legaliftj 
 
 or felf-iightcous convicted. Mourners comforted One itinerant 
 
 Preacher. Several fettled Mihiftcrs preached occafionally uhoft 
 
 Labours the Lord was pleafed to bleft. page 294 
 
 SeA. I5>. In February 1742, at Plymouth. Former Endeavours not bled with 
 
 Succefs. A Concern btgins gradually to appear under the Preaching 
 
 offome ftranger Minifters, andoftheir own Miniftcr Mr. Leonard.— 
 
 The Subjects he preached on.— ^ But the Concern greatcll of all in 
 
 February 1742, when Mr. Crofwel came. Strangers furprizcd at 
 
 the Reformation in the Place. A diftinft Society. 298 
 
 Seft. 20. About the fame Time (viz. Spring 1742) at Somers in the County of 
 
 Hamp(hire in the Maflachuletts. Rcftitution. Reconciliation. 
 
 — ' Various Impredions. A remarkable Inflance of a Child 
 
 ' nine Years of Age. Chriftians among them greatly quickened. 
 
 — They are almod in every refpefl a reformed People A 
 
 Day of Thankfgiving. 30I 
 
 Sefl. 2I« Extrafts of Attellatlons to the above remarkable Revival in New- Eng- 
 land, &c. 304 
 I. By fixty-eight Minifters at the Meeting in Bofton, July 7th, 1743. 304 
 IL By twelve in Conncftieut Colony, Norwich, June 23d, i 743. 3 1 1 
 in. By fixin the County of York, Scarborough, June 2jd, 1743. 31J 
 
 IV. Byicven in the County of HampOiirc, June 30th, 1743. 314 
 
 V. By eleven in the County of Fairfield, Woodbury, Oft. yth, 1743. 314 
 VL The Namesof twenty Miniftcrs who gave their f<ngle (two of them their 
 
 joint) Atteftations. 31/ 
 
 VIL Extradl of a Letter from Mr. Gjlbtrt Tennent containing Attedations 
 from (cveral Minifters; alio fome Account of the Revival io the Provin- 
 ces of Ncw-Jcrfey, New- York and Penlylvania, dated Philadelphia, Aug. 
 24th, 1744. 317 
 
 VIIL Mr. William Tennent's Ihort Account of Ibme Places inthc(c Provin- 
 ces, dated Od. jith, 1744. J2J 
 IX. Some Account of the Perfeverance of thcSubjefts of the above Revival 
 who lived in and about Boflon, in two Letters dated Sept. ;th, 1 751, and 
 January 22d, 1752. 32f- 
 Se^. 22. In J 743, the fame Work fpreads to Virginia. — The uncomnion Manner 
 
 in which it began. Mr. Robinfon's Preaching greatly bleft. And 
 
 Mr. Blair's. And Mr. Roan's. Oppofition. The Synod of New- 
 York applied to. — -Meflrs. Tennent and Finiey come.— —Then Meflrs. 
 
 William Tennent and Samuel Blair. The Lord's Supper given. 330 
 
 In 1747 Mr. Davies is fent to them. -Next Year hehasfeven Meettng- 
 
 houfes to officiate in. — Three of them in Hanover, the other four in the 
 Counties of Henrico, Caroline, Louifa, and Goochland. — Three hun- 
 dred Communicants. — A Number of Negroes. ^Their artlcfs Sim- 
 plicity, and paflionate Afpirations after Chrift. -Strange Hiftory of 
 
 Ifaac Oliver deaf and dumb from his Birth. 334 
 
 Itinerant Preaching had been bleft where fettled Pallors wanting. — Severals 
 had been awakened in Lunenburgh and Amelia under the Miniftry of Mr. 
 
 Robinfon. .And in Augufta under the Miniftry of Meflrs. Dean 
 
 and Byram. — And in Frederick County. And in Maryland. 
 
 And in Kent-County and Queen-Ann's under the Miniftry of 
 
 Mr Robinfon — -But efpecially in Somerfet-County in Maryland. 3^6 
 
 Chap. VI The Revival in Scotland 1742, &c. 339 
 
 Seit.i. Of the Work at Cambuflang. Care to dctcftlmpoftors. Thing* 
 
 previous to the Work, viz. Preaching on Regeneration : a weekly Le©- 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 ture. Meeting of the Societies for Prayer. February i 8th. 174a, 
 
 about fifty Pcrfons brought under great Concern. Numbers rcfbrt to 
 
 the Place. In a few Weeks the Number of the Awakened above three 
 
 jaundred. — The good Fruits; fuch as Reformation, Rcmorfc, Forgive- 
 ncfs, ReQitution, Family- V/orihip, Love to the Scriotures, &c.— — — 
 The Subjcfls of this Work of different Ages and Charaftcrs. Page 339 
 
 Attcftations by Minifters, Preachers, and Elders. 344 
 
 ^eft. s. Of the Work at Kilfyth, &c. Subjc^ls of Sermons previous to it 
 
 I Ncwsof the U'orkat Cambuflang. April i6th, Mr. Willifou preaches 
 
 on Pfal. xl. 2, 3. Next Sabbath, Mr. Robe on Gal. iv. 19. Sab- 
 bath, April a jth, one a^aLcncd. A religious Meeting of Children at 
 
 Kirkijitilloch. May iCth, an extraordinary Power attends the "Word. 3 JJ" 
 
 Extrafts of Letters from Mr. Robe to Mr, M'Laurin, giving an Account 
 
 of the Progrefs of tne Work. 3 J? 
 
 The Awakening in fevcral other Parifhcs, viz. Cumbernauld, St. Ninians, Gar- 
 
 gunnock, Calder, Campfic, Badernock, and Muthil. 3<Jy 
 
 Atteftation of the good Fruits at Kil()'th. 376 
 
 SeCt. 3, Other Places in Scotland that feltlcfs or more of a Revival about this Time. 
 
 —-Nig, Rofekcen, Nairn, Rofemarky, Crief, Monyvard, Auchter- 
 
 ardcr, -Edinburgh, Glafgow, Irvine, Coldinghame, — Killimuir- 
 
 Eafter, Logie, Alncfs, Kilearn, Cromarty, Kirkmichael, Avoh, Golfpy, 
 and RogarC. 3 78 
 
 Seft. 4. The Perlcvcrance of Numbers of the Subjefts of the aboTC Revival, atteQ- 
 cd, in 17 SI, by the following Minifters, — Mr. Robe, — Mr. Warden, — 
 
 Mr. Erfkine, — ^— Mr. Hally,— — Mr. Baine, Mi. M'Laurin, ■ 
 
 Mr. M'Culloch. 390 
 
 Stft. f. Of the Concert for Prayer, begun 1744. Renewed 1746, — A Propofal 
 
 of renewing it again, 1 7 j 4. 3 99 
 Chap. VII. Among the Indians in America in 1744, &c. 403 
 Seit. I. Of the Indian Boys at Stockbridgc, (formerly Houflatonnock) maintained 
 and inftrufted by the Charity of Mr. Ifaac HoUis (a Minifter near Lon- 
 don.) 403 
 SeCt. a. Of the blefled Influences of the Divine Spirit on divers Tribes of the Ame- 
 rican Indians in the End of 1743, and Beginning of 1744. Par 
 
 licularly the Narrangfets in Rhode-Ifland Colony, under the MiniQry 
 
 of Mr. Park. Though they could not read, they abound«d in gracious 
 
 Experiences. Warmly exhorted one another. Their outward 
 
 Change, as to Decency, fuitable to the inward. Oppofers fileneed.- — 
 
 The Commiffioners for the Indian Affairs willing to encourage a School 
 among them. 404 
 
 Soft. 3. Some Miniilers in the Britifti Plantations reprefent the miferable State of 
 the Indians npon the Borders of New-York, New-Jcrfey, and Penfylva- 
 nia, to the Society in Scotland for propagating Chriftian Knowledge. — • 
 
 The Society agree to lend two Mifiionatics to thcfe Indians. The 
 
 firft that undertakes it is Mr. Azariah Horton.^ A fliort Ac- 
 count of bis Labours and Succefs from Augull 1 741, to 2744, on Long- 
 Uand. 408 
 
 The next Mr. David Brainerd. A (hort NarratiT? of his Succefs from 
 
 April 1743, to November J 744, 409 
 
 At Kaunaumeek in Albany. 409 
 
 And Delaware River in Pcnfylvania. 4 1 1 
 
 And Sufquahannah. 413 
 
 Seft. 4. Some farther Hints of Mr. Erainerd's Labours among the Indians from 
 
 November 1744, to June 174J. in the Forks of Delaware, &<v 4^S 
 
 b 
 
CONTENTS. 
 Scdt. y. At Length thft Lord remarkably countenances his Labours amongft the Tii- 
 
 d'unsat Crofweekrungin New-Jcrfcy. -Some Hints of his Succcfs there 
 
 from June 174^,10 June 1746. — And of his Vilits to the Forks of De- * 
 lawarc and Sufquabannah. 439 
 
 Part 1. The Converfion of his Interpreter. Mr. William Tcnnent's Coun- 
 
 fcls bled to the Indians during Mr. Brainerd's Absence. 43* 
 
 Auguft 8th, The wonderful Power of God, when Mr. Brainerd fpoke particu- 
 larly to thofc under Concern. An old Conjurer awakened. Others 1 
 
 fall to the Ground, and cry for Mercy in their own Language. 42 j 
 
 Augurt i6ch, A Day of great Power. — God feem«d to work independently of 
 
 the Means. Auguft 26th, The Number of Indians ninety-five; al- 
 
 moft all of them affefted either with Joy in Chrift, or with deep Concern 
 
 to obtain an Intercft In him. Their Prayers for Mr. Brainerd when 
 
 going to preach to the Indians at SuHjuahannah. 434 
 
 Some of thofe at the Forks of Delaware Mockers of thofc who heard Mr. Brai- 
 nerd.^ The Idolatrous Sacrifice at Juncauta. The Powows or Con- 
 jurers. - 42 s 
 
 Mr. Brainerd's Remarks upon this Work of Grace amongft the Indians till 
 
 November 4th, i745'' 427 
 
 Part II. Lord's-day, December I jth, An uncommon Scafon of Grace. ^De- 
 cember 2 I ft, A Catechetical Ledure begun. December 2 2d, Several re- 
 markable Particulars. 43 • 
 
 Lord's-day, December 29th, Another extraordinary Time of Divine Power. 4j 3 
 
 March 9th, An Inftancc of fpiritual Joy. 43< 
 
 March 24th, The Number of Indians advanced to an Hundred and Thirty. 
 They begin their little Town. April 27th, Twenty-three Com- 
 municants, befides five or fix abfent at the Forks of Delaware. 437 
 
 A brief Account of the Converfion of the Powows, mentioned Auguft 8th, and 
 
 February ift, He dates another Conjurer to do his worft. 439 
 
 >.Ir. Brainerd's Remarks upon the whole. 442 
 
 SomePaflages relating to his lamented Death at Northampton in New-Eng- 
 land, Oilober 9th, 1747, in the 30th Year of his Age. 
 
 Late Accounts concerning the State of this Million. 
 Chat. VIII. In Ireland 1747, &c. 
 Chap. IX. In Holland i749,&c. 
 Chap. X. Of Endeavours to convert Jews and Mahommedans. 
 
ALTERATIONS. 
 
 VOLUME FIRST. 
 
 Page 170. A little below the middle, after thcfc words, The Caflle ofLocbwater, the enfy 
 Place of Strength in the -whole Country, infert, from -whence they -were delivered by an Ex- 
 change of Pfifoners on the -;ih of January, and -were fuffered to go to the Houfe of an Jrijh 
 Minijier, Denis Sheridan. Here, ire. 
 
 P. 188. Line 12. from the top, the following words, SanRifed to fucb a degree as to he lejft, 
 Ihould have been included in [ ] 
 
 VOLUME SECOND. 
 
 P. I. 
 
 /."^ C Which began chiefly in the") j, 
 > ^ < End of iyi9, and continti, 
 
 H^hieh began chiefly ia the 
 aad tontitmed im 
 
 he-> J, rmieh began 
 > J- C>74'. I742' 
 
 In title ot Book IV 
 
 and _ .J -/*^, ■ 
 
 P. 137. In title of Chap, y.j ""' Cf""" »'ore than two Tears, 
 
 P. j2. In the Notes, dele 1723. 
 
 P. 70. After Fulfilled in every true 
 Minijier of Chrifl ? 
 
 P. 73. Line 7. from the top, dfele thefe words, Was aflrong Afferter of the contrary DtBriiu. 
 
 P. 210. In title of Seft. 9. dele the DoHrines preached during this Revival at Taantoa. 
 
 P. 306. In the Italick, for the Teftimony, read ExtraB of the Teflimoay. 
 
 P. 453. After thcfc words, Cod now -wipid arwoy the Tears from his Efes^ dele a whole- lifte. 
 
 infert 
 
 \ [ Jo a certain degree confident -with the bifinitr 
 ' c fuperiarity of the Redeemer. ] 
 
 p^iitcliI'g:^ 
 
 \T:::';0LOGi-GiLli 
 
The Authors from whom this Volume is 
 colle&ed, (mojily verbatim) are : 
 
 1. Millar's Propagation of Chriftianity. 
 
 2. Prince's Chriflian Hiftory (including Edward's Narrative, &c.) 
 
 3. Willifon's Teftimony. 
 
 4. Account of the Proteftants of Saltzburgh^ 
 
 5. "Wefley's Journals. 
 
 6. • Anfwer to Church's fecond Letter. 
 
 7. Whitefield's Journals. 
 
 8. Glafgow Weekly Hiftory. 
 pi Rowland's Letter to Prince. 
 
 10. Two Letters in M.S. fromA.W.inBofton toaMinifter inGlafgow. 
 
 1 1 . Davies' Letter to Bellamy. 
 
 12. Narrative of the "Work at Cambuflang. 
 
 13. Robe's Narrative. 
 
 14. • Monthly Hiftory. 
 
 15. Preface to his Sermons. 
 
 16. Appendix to Pemberton's Sermon at Brainerd's Ordination. 
 
 17. Edwards' Life of Brainerd. 
 
 18. Abridgement of Brainerd's Journals. 
 
 19. Letters in M.S. from Azariah Horton and John Brainerd to the 
 
 Society in Scotland. 
 
 20. Letter from John Brainerd to his Friend in England. 
 
 21. Two Letters from a Minifter in Holland to a Minifter in Scotland. 
 
 22. Callenberg's ftiort Account of Endeavours to convert the Jews, &c. 
 
 N. B. In the Authors from whom this and the preceding Volume are colleftcd, there 
 are feveral fafts, circumftances, and exprcffions, which the Compiler has thought 
 propi;r to omit. He has alfo fbmetimes, inftcad of tranfcribing verbatim, chofirn the 
 way of Paraphrafc, without any addition, as to matter and fubriancc, to the Authors 
 extraded from; and Ibmctimcs the way of Abridgement. Of theft two lali, the 
 inAan CCS are not many. Sevcrals of them are included in [ ] * 
 
[ I 3 
 
 HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 Of the Danifh Miffionaries in the EaJ}- Indies, 1706, <bc. Sonte In' 
 
 fiances of the Succefs of the Gofpelin the Britijh Colonies in Am»ricd 
 from 1705 to 1734, fi'z. at Tannton, at Windham in Conne6iicut , at 
 Freehold in Ne-w-Jerfey, and that remarkable Revival at Northampton 
 
 1734. The Saltzbtirgers in Germany forfake their Country for the 
 
 Gofpel. Religious Society at Oxford Mr, John and Charles 
 
 Wefley their Labours and Succefs. Mr. White fie Id's Labours and 
 
 Succefs. The extenfive Revival in the Britifh Colonies in AynC' 
 
 rica, -which began chiefly in the End of 1729> (ind continued for more 
 than two years, fpreading and increafing greatly in various places. 
 
 • Revival in Scotland 1 742. Air. Brainerd's Labours and SuC' 
 
 cefs among the Indians in America 1744, <bc. Revival in Hoi' 
 
 land lys^} ^^• 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 Of the Danijh Mijjionaries in the Eafl-Indies 1706, ^c. 
 
 S E C T I O N 1. 
 
 AbftraSl of the Accounts of their Labours and Succefs , from the 
 Pamphlet, intitled. Propagation of the Gofpel in the Eafi, Part I, 
 
 printed I 709. Part IL printed x 7 1 o. Part HI. printed 1714. 
 
 ExtraSi from the Account of the Religion of the Malabarians, 
 
 printed lyij. Letters bstvjixt King George I, and the Mijfio- 
 
 naries 1717, 1718. 
 
 [ From Millar's Propagation of Chriftianity, Vol. If. page 479, &c. ] 
 
 WE have diftinft accounts of the propagation of the gofpel a- 
 mong the Heathens in the Eaft-Indies, by the Danii'h Miffio- 
 naries; their zeal and piety deferves commendation, and may 
 be a pattern to thofe who (hall afterward travel in the like work; and 
 therefore, tho' the papers concerning this affair be in feveral hands, I 
 (hall here gire an abftraft of them. 
 
 ^ Thefirft account I have feen is in a pamphlet, intitled, The Propaga- 
 iion of the Gofpel in the Eaft, tranflated from the Dutch, and printed at 
 London in 1709, where we,find, that in the year 1705, Frederick IV, 
 king of Denmark, after he had confidered a motion made him by one 
 of his chaplains, refolved upon fending fome milRonaries to Tranque- 
 bar, fituate on the coaft of Goromandcl in the Eafl-Indies, to attempt 
 the converfion of the Malahar Heathens. la order to dus, he made ap- 
 VOL, II-. A 
 
2 Succefs of the CoJ^el in the Ea/i-Indtes Book IV. 
 
 plication to the profeffors of divinity in Hail% a moft llourifhing uni- 
 Tcrfity, to fupply his majelty with fuch perfons as fliould be thought fit 
 to undertake a defign of that importance. Mr. Bartholomew Ziegen- 
 balg, and Mr. Henry Plutfcho refolved to go upon fo difficult an er- 
 rand; for fo it might be looked upon, confidering how little had been 
 done hitherto by Proteftants, and what untrodden paths, and unknown 
 difficulties, they might be obliged to prefs through. The defign did not 
 end with thele two ; the Harveft being fo great, fofew hands could not 
 manage it. Three more miffionaries were fent after them, who ar- 
 rived at the Gape of Good-Hope, in April 1709. But the two al- 
 ready named embarked at Copenhagen, November 29th, 1705, and ar- 
 rived at the (aid Cape, the 23d of April following. Thence they de- 
 parted, with many fervent wifties of fuch as were friends to the defign, 
 and, after many hardlhlps, landed at Tranquebar in the Eaft-Indies, on 
 the 9th of July 1706. While they were aboard their ihip, they ap- 
 plied themfelves to tHe ftudy of the Portuguefe and Maiabarick langua- 
 ges, the former being of as extenfive ufe as the latter, in the Eaft-In- 
 dics. The miifionaries being arrived, by the help of a Malabar who had 
 ferved the Eaft-India company, and was Ikiiled in the European lan- 
 guages, they acquired fuch fivill, as to be able to preach both in the 
 jPortugucfe and Malabar tongues. One Modalipa, a Malabar gentle- 
 man, was their firfl convert from Paganifm, and after him, two others, 
 whom they took into their fervice, who were willing to be inftrudled 
 in the principles of ChrilHanity; and in a little time they baptized five 
 Heathens in the Dani/h church. By the way we may obfervc, that 
 Tranquebar'-', where the mifTionaries laboured, has been in the hands of 
 the Danes thefc-8o years, and is by them confiderably improved; it 
 v/as but a fmall village, but is now a populous tov/n, furrounded with 
 flrong walls, and provided with a good Fortaleza or citadel. There are 
 three ChriAian churches in it, a'DanKh church for the ufe of that na- 
 tion, the Jerufalem church, for the converted Malabarians; and ano- 
 ther belonging to the Papifts. There is bcfidcs, a large mofque built 
 by the Mahometans, and five huge pagods frequented by the Malabar 
 Heathens. Some of the adjacent towns andvillages, fifteen in number, 
 are fubjeft to the Dani.1i government. The largeft of thefe is Borejar, 
 containing almoft as many inhabitants as Tranquebar itfelf, and Tilliar, 
 a fine large town ; the reft of the villages are not fo populous. Thro' 
 »U thefe, the Danifh miffionaries preached the gofpel. 
 
 Another pamphlet, giving account of the progrefs of thefe mirtiona- 
 ries, is printed in the year 17 10. They gained "^ more and more ground 
 among the Heathens in Malabar ; God opened a door to fpeak the my- 
 fteries of Chrifl, though his fervants met with a deal ofoppofition. 
 However, their congregation was increafed to above one hundred; and 
 they had hopes, that there would be a confiderable addition in a fhort 
 lime. They tell us, that the Malabarians did not only refort from 
 very diftant places, to hear the word preached in their own language, 
 
 a 3cc Vol. I. Book iii. Chap. 4, Scft. ?. 1 c Propagation of the Gofpcl in the Eaft, 
 attheend. b Propagation of the Gof- j Part ii. p. 4. S:c. 
 
 pel in lhc£aft, I'artiii. page }. I 
 
chap. r. *'' ff)^ eighteenth Century. j 
 
 but had alfo many private conferences with the Chrlftian mlfflonaries, 
 upon the fubjoil: of the lalvation of their fouls". Mr. Zicgenbalg, who 
 is the greateft prolicient in the Malabar tongue, has fent over leveral 
 treatifes compofed by himfelf in that language, bearing the following 
 titles, Twenty-fix Sermons, preached at Jerufakm-church, upon ail the 
 articles of the Chrijlian Religion. A Draught of the Examination of 
 ' fuch as are to be baptized. A Book of Pfaims ufually Jung in our 
 churches. As for the out-fide of thefe books, they arc of a (juite dif- 
 ferent drefs from thefe in Europe; there is neither paper nor leather, 
 pen nor ink mace ufe of; the chara^ers, by the help of iron tools, are 
 imprcHed on a fort of leaves of a certain tree, much like a palm-tree j 
 at the end of every leaf a hole is made, and through the hole a fhing 
 is drawn, whereby they are kept together, but mult be untied whene- 
 ver the print of thefe characters is to be read. The miflionaries dc- 
 figned to folictt the king of Tanjour, for liberty to travel freely in his 
 dominions, and to preach the gofpel ofChrifl to fuch of the Heathens 
 as are willing to receive it'^; but were obliged to lay afide this dcfi^n, 
 being informed, that no fuch addrefs will be recei/ed, except it be ac- 
 companied with great gifts and prefents, which they are not able to of- 
 fer. But they entered on a journey to I\Iadrafs, January 7th, 17 10. 
 When Mr Ziegenbalg's congregation vere afraid of his leaving of 
 them, they entreated him with tears not to quit them, but to return 
 as Jbol^'as pOKiblc, which he promifed to do. Laft new-year's day, he 
 wro'C a pretty long letter to the Heathens in Malabar, laying down the 
 rr.o<t proper means for their real converlion to God, and inviting them 
 to efpoufe the intereft of their fouls, while it was brought fo near their 
 doors: he tranfcribed copies of this letter, and difperfed the fame a- 
 mong the Heathens, with the gofpel of St. Matthew; and afmalitrea- 
 tife, containing the Principles of Chriftianityy prefenting it even to the 
 Bramans, and talking with the Heathen about fhefe things, almoft e- 
 very hour. But I cannot enlarge on all the particulars. The fame 
 author alfo inform^ us*^, that their new planted congregation at Tran- 
 quebar was increafing under the gracious influence of God, though in 
 its very infancy furrounded with various' oppofitions and perfecutions, 
 the common attendants of the gofpel of Chrift. " Our whole congre- 
 gation (fays he) both of thefe who are adlually baptized, and the Cate- 
 chumens, is increafed to about an hundred and iixty perfons. CurMa- 
 labarick fchool is in very great forwardRefs, and provided with an able 
 mafter, who, before his converfion to Chriltianity, was one of the 
 rnoftable and famous poets and fchoolmafters at Tranquebar. His 
 converlion caufed a great alarm among the Heathens, who never ex- 
 pefted any fuch thing; but now all is quiet again. We have begun 
 to fet up fome manufaftories, which we hope, may prove in time, be- 
 neficial to the main work we are carrying on, if we are powerfully fup- 
 ported by our fuperiors. I do not queftion but hundreds of Heathens 
 would have been initiate into ChriAianity by this time, but thefe fup- 
 
 aSee a book, intitlcd, Thirty-four Confe- b Propagation of the Gofpel. &c. Part ii. 
 
 rcnccs between thcDanirti Miffioaarics and page 19. c Pronai^anon of the Gofpc! 
 
 the Malabirian Bramans. 
 
 A 2 
 
 in the £aft, Part ii. page %% 
 
4 Succefs of the Gofpel in the Eaft-Indlei Book IV, 
 
 ports being wanting, we endeavour the more to bring the few that are 
 entered into the lifts of our religion, to a more folid and experimental 
 taile thereof. But, above all things, I muft tell you, what taketh me 
 moft, is the edtication of the Malabar children here. They are of a 
 good proniifing temper, being not yet prepoffelTed with fo many head- 
 itrong prejudices againft Chriftianity. They are fooner wrought upon 
 into a fenfe of the fear of God. Certainly we look on our youth as a 
 flock and nurfery, from whence, in time, plentiful fupplies may be 
 drawn, for enriching our Malabarick church, with fuch members as may 
 prove a glory and ornament to the Chriftian religion. It is true, there 
 are but few of the grown Heathens, who are willing to be baptized in- 
 to the name of Chriil; and yet there is always a concourfe of people 
 attending our fermons, and other parts of divine fervice; and, doubt- 
 lefs, many return with flrong convictions left upon their minds: all 
 this gives me a fair profpecfl of gaining a larger door for the word in 
 procefs of time." He tells alfo, " That the Englifli at Fort St. David 
 have been very encouraging to this noble defign." He adds', " The 
 Roman-Catholick miffionaries have made a wonderful progrefs, and 
 continue to over-run the country; but fince their chief defign is to 
 make profelytes to a party, fuch as fall under their management are 
 left in the utmoft darknefs and ignorance, without receiving the lead 
 tincture of real inward piety and converfion." Our author met with a 
 Braman, who had been baptized four years before that by thefe Popiih 
 miilionaries, and yet knew nothing of Chriflianity, but that he was 
 fprinkled with water; yea, carried flill about with him the ufual badge 
 whereby thefe Pagan priefls diflinguilh themfelves from the common 
 people, which is a little Heathenifti idolet, faftncd before their breafls; 
 he alfo anointed his breaft and forehead after the way of thefe Pagan 
 priefts, with an ointment made of afhes and cow dung. This is the 
 forry converfion of Heathens by the Popiih milTionarjes. 
 
 In a third pamphlet, under the fame title, Propagation of the Gofpel 
 in the EaJ}, printed at London in 1714, we have a further account of 
 f;his good work. The miffionaries fet up a charity fchool for advancing 
 their defign ; they got a few Malabar boys, and laid the foundation of 
 the fchool, in 1706^'; to engage the Heathen as much as polliblc, they 
 jiot only inftruOed their children gratis, but alfo provided many of 
 them with food and raiment, as their exigence required. This, in the 
 very infancy of the defign, could not but leave a good irapreffion upon 
 the grown Heathens, who hardly ever before had feen any fuch thing 
 as love among Chriftians, except that love which they ufually place in 
 the riches and treafures of India. As this fort of love is too obvious, 
 from the conduft of Chrifiians in thefe parts, fo it has difgraced the beft 
 of religions to a prodigy, and rendered the name of a Chriftian fcanda- 
 lous to a proverb. The miffionaries ere£lcd one Malabar and one Por- 
 tuguefe fchool, fharing the management of thefe fchools betwixt them: 
 when the number of fcholars increafed, they were affiled by ufhers. 
 One of the mofi expenfive branches of the whole undertaking was, the 
 
 a Propagation of the Gofpel in tl)c Eall, Part ii. Page 32. b Propagation qf the Gofjxl 
 In tije Eaft, P^j t iii. Page i i , &?. 
 
chap. I. i>t the eig/.'trenfh Century. 5 
 
 tranfcribing of books for the ufe of their fchools; they fometlmes em- 
 ployed four, five or fix kaiiakappel or tranfcribers, as the exigence of 
 the work did require, and their circumllances allow: they negledled 
 not any opportunity of converfing with Heathens come to age, about 
 the ftate of their fouls, and the eternal truths of the Chrillian faith; 
 but found them bigottcd to their Pagan fuperilitions. Some attended 
 •out of curiofity, fome from a view to temporal intwell, and fome did 
 make q ftep toward Chriftianity, but were foon Ihaken, on the approach 
 of any filtering, and Aarted back to Paganifm. Some were highly 
 pleafed when they heard the miliionaries talk of the contempt o[ the 
 world, and of a reformation of manners; but a^ foon as they touched 
 the grand article of Jcfus Chriii, and upon baptilm, as thefirlt inlet to 
 afpiritual life, they fiinched from it, and faid, " They could be happy 
 without all this." As for the adult Heathens, who were willing to be 
 initiate by baptifm into .the ChrilHan faith, they arc carefully inftrufted 
 for fome months together, before that facrament is adminirtred to 
 them; that fo the milfionaries may difcover at leaft the operation of 
 the Spirit of God working within, and infpiring them with a hearty 
 defire to fubmitto the rules of thegofpel. W'e mull fupnofe the devil, 
 as the god of this world, has an extraordinary power in thefe vafl Pa- 
 gan dominions, benighted for fo many ages with Heathenilli darknefs, 
 fuperfiiition and idolatry; fo as they are thereby become a cage of un- 
 clean birds, and a receptacle of demons and wicked fpirits. This is per- 
 haps the reafon, that fome of the Catechumens are now and then 
 haunted by moH; terrible temptations, the enemy of fouls terrifying 
 them one time with diabolical vi'ions, and at another with frightful 
 fuggefiions offered to the mind from within; fo unwilling is he to 
 quit one of his wonted palaces. And this ufually befals them much a- 
 bout the time of their approaching baptifm. 
 
 The mifiionaKies erefted a church, and preached in it in Augufl 17c/', 
 in prefence of a numerous company of Heathens, Mahometans, and 
 (^hriftians, who had a fermon preached to them both in the Malabarick 
 and Portuguefe language. 
 
 Since an exaft knowledge of the Malabar divinity is necefiary to re- 
 fute and raze the foundation of their idolatrous worlhip, Mr. Ziegen- 
 balg purchafed a good many books wherein it is contained, and applied 
 himfelf to that fiudy. 
 
 But what tended in a fpecial manner to advance this good dcfign of 
 propagating ChrilHanity among the Heathen in that country was, the 
 printing of the IMalabar New Tcftament, which v.as begun Oftober 
 1708, and ended in March 171 1. About the latter end of that year 
 one thoufand two hundred and fifty copies of the New Teibmentin _ 
 Portuguefe were'printed off: the miffionarics fettled a corrcfpondence 
 with the corporation for propapating the eofpel in foreign parts, at 
 London, and the faid foclety did very charitably fend them a printing 
 prefs with all nccefHiry utenllls, fix hundred weight of types, one hun- 
 dred reams of paper, with other valuable contributions; and one Mr. 
 Jonas Finek, a native of Silefia, did go to the Eafi-Indies to be their 
 printer. With thjs alfiflance^ a good iriany little books were printed i^r- 
 
6 Succefs of the Ccfpel in the Eafl-Indles Book IV*. 
 
 theufeofthc Malabaric fchool, and the converted Heathens in thcfe 
 parts. The titles of thefe books are to be feen in the faid pamphlet\ 
 
 The pacquet of letters from thefe parts, in September 17 12, and in 
 January 17 13, gives account, that in the Malabarick and Portu«;«efe 
 churches, there were, in January 171 3, of perfons baprifed two hun- 
 dred and feven, and Catechumens prepared for baptiim twenty-fix. In 
 the five charity fchools were fevcnty-eight children, of which fifty-nine 
 were cloathed and maintained upon the public expence, and Ibme per- 
 fons employed in preparing food for thcra, and doing other fervices a- 
 bout the churches and fchools. The mililonaries hope, that in a little 
 time fome of the more advanced fcholars in the Malabarick fchool, will 
 be fir 10 be employed in the quality of fchool-mafters, catechifts, and 
 tranfcribers. 
 
 There is another pamphlet, giving an account of the religion, go- 
 vernment, and oeconomy of the Malabarians, fent by theDanifh milii- 
 onaries to their correfpondents in Europe,, tranfiated from High-Dutch 
 and printed at London in 1717. The whole is pleafing and edifying, 
 by way of queftion and anfwer. But I fhall only notice a few queries. 
 ^lejL 2. '' " Have you difcovered forae true workings of grace in the 
 fouls of thefe Catechumens? are you fure there is more in their con- 
 vcrfion than a bare external compliance with, and verbal confelGon of 
 the Chriftian doctrine? what proofs and indications have you of an in- 
 ward work of grace? yir.f. After the gofpel of Chrift has begun to be 
 preached to this Heathen world, many commotions have been obferved 
 •among Heathens, Mahometans, and Popifhly affe<Sl:cd Chriftians. Be- 
 fore we began to preach here, every one thought himfelf fafe in his 
 wonted way of religion, without any doubt about his future falvation; 
 but after we have begun to call in quefiion the goodnefs of their religi- 
 on, and alarmed them into fome doubts and apprehensions, many have 
 exclaimed againfl: us, and loaded our labour with lies and calumnies: 
 others have been fo far convinced, as to own, they ftand in need of a 
 thorough converfion.and been willing to difcourfe with us more at large 
 about their better concerns; but then they have fufFered themfelves to 
 be diverted from fo good a defign by the cunning of Satan. Others of 
 the Heathen have agreed with us in many points, and have approved of 
 whatever is written in the word of God concerning a holy and virtuous 
 life ; but then they have refufed the name of Chriftians, pretending, 
 they could be faved without all this. Some at laft have been intirely 
 convinced of the necefTity of believing on Chrift, and of being baptifed 
 in his holy name, and have fully complied with thefe terms. However, 
 before their admiflion to fo facred an ordinance, they have been faith- 
 fully inftrufted in the moft: neceflary articles of our religion, efpecially 
 about the nature of faith in Chrilt, and true repentance preceding it. 
 Whenever we found fo defirable a change in fome degree upon their 
 minds, attended with a hearty defire to be admitted to baptifm, we then 
 made no further delay in adminiftring it to them,for fear of giving their 
 friends occafion to obfi:ru(ft the defign, and by the craft of the devil, to 
 
 a Propagation of the Gofpel in the Eaft, Part iii. page ^jy, &c. b Of the Religi- 
 
 on, &c. of the Malabarians, page 46, &c. 
 
chap. I. in the eighteenth Century. y 
 
 make them return to Heathenifm, as it has happened to feme : yet none 
 have ever be«ii admitted to baptifm, without previous inllrudiicn in 
 
 the principles of the cstechiiin for two or three months together. 
 
 None of thefe Catechumens but has had his Ihare both of outward af- 
 fliilions and inward temptations, during that time wherein he was pre- 
 pared for baptifm. V\'"hen baptifcd, vi-^ mull leave them to the powerful 
 operaiion of the good Spirit of God, and thank the Lord for fo pro- 
 mi/ing a beginning he has hitherto granted to our weak endeavour?, in 
 refcuing fome from Heatheniia errors and fupcrftitions, particularly in 
 the midfl o^ fo many impediments that furround us on all hands. 
 ^eft. 3. * ^Vhat method do you obfervcin preaching and adminiflring 
 the facraments? Anf. When I firfl began to preach in Maiabarick, I 
 did always chufe fuch a fentenceof fcripture as treated upon an article 
 of faith, and this I explained in an eafy do6lrinal manner. According 
 to this method I preached twenty-iive fermons, and therein I opened, 
 as well as I could, the principal branches of our holy religion. After- 
 wards being ftraitnedin time, 1 could not fet down any lon(>er my fer- 
 mons at large, but was fain to preach without the help of fuch notes. 
 However, I did earneftly meditate upon every point I was to propofe, 
 
 that I might deliver it in a good connciftion, and with ail plainiiefs 
 
 expounding the text, and then applying it by way of inflruftion, cor- 
 reflion, confolation, &c. My fellow-labourer has hitherto preached on 
 the gofpels in the Portuguefe tongue, and in that language he catechifes 
 every week. In the adminiftration of the holy communion, w^e follow 
 the liturgy ofthe church of Denrnark ; everyone that intendsto receive 
 the facramer^t muft give notice of it- eight days before. During this 
 time he is every day catechifed one hour, admonifhed, and prepared for 
 receiving that ordinance. Baptifm is'likev.ife adminiilred conform to 
 that ritual." 
 
 The fourth volume of letters, concerning the propagation of Chri- 
 ftianity by the Danilh roiiiionaries, is not yet pub'iihcd, fo far as I 
 know. 1 write this in Augufi: 1723; but by feveral letters printed at 
 London in the year 1720, it appears, that the faid mifiionaries wrote to 
 our prefent fovereign king George, the following letter. 
 To the KING o/GREAT-BRITAIN. 
 
 '* IT is not unknown to your majefly, that God hath inclined the 
 heart of his Danifh majefty king Frederick the fourth, to begin the 
 propagation of thegofpel among the Heathen in the Eaft-Indies, with 
 the management whereof we, the unworthy fervants and difpenfers of 
 the word of God, are intruded ; and, according to the talents God has 
 been pleafed to bellow upon us from above, we endeavour with all di- 
 ligence and fidelity, both by preaching and writing, to promote the 
 converfion of the gentiles. There are many pious and learned gentle- 
 men in your majefty's kingdoms, who take great pleafure in this work, 
 and have fcconded it in the belt manner, both by their good advice and 
 afliAance; and your majelly having been gracioufly pleafed to permit 
 Bartholomew Ziegenbalg, one of the underwritten millionaries, when 
 at Londoa laft year, with all humility to give your majefly a. verbal 
 _ a Of the Religion of the Malubarians, i'agc ;o. 
 
t S'uccefs of the G of pel in the Eafl-lnclles Bodk IV* 
 
 account of the wholcundertaking, we cannot but entertain good hopes 
 from thence, that your majeily will receive with fome»l'atisfaclion, 
 from the inidft of the Heathen in this country, our joyful acknow- 
 ledgments for the favourable inclinations your majelty was pleafed to 
 exprcfs towards the work of converlion carried on among them. A- 
 mong all the crowned heads of the ProtelUnt powers, your majefly, 
 by means of the large cxtenfive commerce your fubjc<51:s are engaged 
 in with other nations, hath the falrell opportunity of publiihing the 
 gofpcl of Chrilt in divers languages, among thofe that do not believe 
 it, and thereby to promote the convnfion of the Heathen : and it is 
 not a fmail number of your majefty's fubjects, as well thofe of the 
 iirll: rank, as others in a lower llation, who heartily efpoufc the pro- 
 pagation of the gofpcl, and promoting Chriftian knowledge. Thefe 
 confiderations make us hope, that your majeliy being firmly feated on 
 your thronc,will be more at leifure to regard and lay to heart the fpread- 
 ing of the faving gofpel of Chrid in the Pagan world. This will be ac- 
 companied with a continual blciHng in this life, and an eternal reward 
 in that which is to come. K'i we dcHre hereby to return our moft humble 
 acknowledgments, for the great affiftance received from your majefty's 
 fubjects of Great-Britain, towards carrying on this work in the Hea- 
 then world ; fo we do further moH; humbly befcech your m'ajefty, to 
 have this mod; Chridian dcHgn in mofl: gracious remenibrance, and to 
 continue to favour both the mi/Tion, and us v/ho are engaged in it. 
 ^Ve wiih your majelly, and all the royal family of Great-Britain, a 
 plentiful cttufion of divine grace, and all temporal bleffings, with a 
 happy and profperous gov(?rument: and continue with the greateft 
 fnbmiiTion, occ." Written at Tranquebar in the Eaft-Indies, upon 
 the coaft of Goromandcl, January 2d, 1717. Bartholomew Ziegen- 
 BALG. John Ernes t Grundlkr. 
 
 To which letter, our fo'^ereign returned the following anfwer. " It 
 is a moll acceptable relation you have given us in a letter, dated the 
 2d of January of this prefent year, not only becaufe the work of con- 
 verlion to the Chriftian faith begun among the Heathens, does, by the 
 l^race of God, prol'peroully advance; but alfo, that in this our king- 
 dom is fliown fo much of laudable zeal, towards fupporting the pro- 
 pagation of the gofpel. W-^e wilh you health and Ibength long to dif- 
 charge your function, with a continued happy fuccefs : and as we fliall 
 be always very well pleafed to hear of the progrefs thereof, fo we Ihall, 
 at a proper feafon, be found ready to affilf you in what Ihall tend to 
 the promotion of this affair, and your encouragement. Given at our 
 palace at Hampton-court, Aug. 23. 1717, the fourth year of our reign. 
 We remain gracioully inclined to you, GEORGE R. 
 
 To this letter the faid millionaries made a fuitable return ; as follows. 
 To the KING c/ GREAT-BRITAIN, cbc. 
 
 ** YOURmajtfty'smoftgraciousletter of the Aug. 23, i7i7,cameto 
 «s on the 4th of May following. We received it with the greateft joy 
 imaginable, and were highly comforted and quickened in our zeal for 
 \)ii& ^lory of almighty God, when we read thcfc your majefty's moft 
 
chap. I. in the Hghteeylth Ce'ntUry. ^ 
 
 gracious cxpreflions : " As we lliallbe always well pleafed to hear of the' 
 happy fuccefs and progrefs of this work, lb we Ihall, at a proper feafon^ 
 be found ready to allilt you in what lliall tend to the promotion of this 
 affair, and your encouragement." Your majelly hereby moft gracioufly 
 allows us to make a further report of the Hate of our affairs, and we 
 thence conceive joyfu* hopes, that your majefty will add to the glori- 
 ous title of defender of the faith ; the iioble chara(^ter of its zealous 
 promoter, not only by fuppurting the reign of Jefus Chrift In your 
 own dominions, but alfo by promoting and extending it among the 
 heathens and infidels, in the moii lemote parts of the world. There- 
 fore, after having heartily thanked God almighty for inclining youi* 
 majefty's heart toward fo holy a defign, and with the profoundefl fub- 
 mllTion acknowledged your majefty's high favour. 'toward us your un- 
 worthy fervants; may it pleafe your majefty to accept of the following 
 account of the flate of that work in which we are employed. 'We the 
 mitnonaries, on our part are endeavouring, according to the menlure 
 of the grace God almighty has imparted to us, plentifully to fprend a-* 
 broad the feed of the word of Cod among the Heathens in their own 
 language, there being no other means for touching the hearts of* 
 Heathens, in order to their converfion. We alfo maintain Indians to! 
 alTill us as catechills, for which function we firit prepare them, by in- 
 truding them in the faving faith of Jefus Chrifl, and then fend them 
 to propagate it among the Heathens. To fuch places whither the in- 
 ftru(5lion of the^gofpel by word of mouth cannot reach, we fend our 
 printed Malabarian books, which are read in tbefe parts by many of 
 all forts and degrees. As we are perfedlly fenfible, that to promote 
 and perpetuate fuch an undertaking, a folid foundation mud be laid, by 
 tranflating the holy Scriptures, and publiihing other inflrudlive books 
 in the language of the country, we did a good while ago tiniili and 
 publKh a tranflation of the New Teitament, and are now labouring 
 with great application, in tranflating the Old Teftament into the Ma- 
 labarian and Portuguefe languages: befides, we compofe every year 
 fome books for in(fru>5ling of the Heathens, containing the fundamen- 
 tals of the Ghriftian religion ; for better publication of which, the print- 
 ing prefs we have received from our benefaftors in England, is of great 
 life to us. That our printing-prefs may always be provided with 2 
 fufficient quantity of letters, we entertain in the million perfons for 
 cutting moulds, and carting letters, as alfo for binding books, being 
 furnifhed every year with the ncceflTary tools and materials from En- 
 gland, by the laudable fociety for propagating Chriftian knowledge. 
 To fupply the want of paper, we have been at great expence in erect- 
 ing a paper mill here. And fo under the invocation of the name of 
 God, we plentifully difpenfc, both by word of mouth and writing, in 
 this Heathen country the gofpel; which makes a happy imprelTion on 
 the minds of many of the inhabitants. Some indeed, particularly their 
 Bramans or priefls, gainfay and feoff; others come to a fenfe of the 
 abominations of idolatry, and leave off worHiipping their idols j others 
 are brought to better principles,- and iliew in their difcourfe and writ- 
 ing, that they have got a greater light than their forefathers : others a- 
 
 voL. n. ^ B 
 
lo ' Succefs of the GoJ^elin the Eajl' Indies Book IV. 
 
 gain give full aflent to all the truths of Chriftianity, but out of a world- 
 ly conlidcration wave baptifm and the name of Chriftians. But fome 
 break thro' all difficulties, and, fubduing their reafon to the obedience 
 of faith, refolutely profefs Chriftianity; thefe are for fome time in- 
 ftrufled by us and our catechifts, and afterwards, when they give true 
 Hgns of repentance and convcrfion, are received into the bofoiTi of the 
 Chriftian church, by holy baptifm. Thefe who are become members 
 of our congregation, we are inftrufting with all diligence, that Jefus 
 Chrifl: may be formed within them ; our private exercifes with them 
 are daily catechifings, by fending our catechifts to their habitations, to 
 enquire into their way of life, to examine them upon the catechifm, 
 to pray with them, and to make a report to us the miffionaries, of what 
 paifes among them. To exercife them in praying, we have fet hours 
 thrice a week, in which prayers are read to them in private. "VVe give 
 free occafion to every one of them, to communicate to us their con- 
 cerns. Our public exercifes confift: in preaching to them, every Sun- 
 day in the morning, afermon in the Malabarian language, and another 
 in the Portuguefe; and in the afternoon we catechifc in both langua- 
 ges. Befides, we preach a fermon in the High Dutch for the Europe- 
 ans : every AVednefday we catechife at church in Portuguefe ; and every 
 Friday in Malabarian. As to the children of either fex that belong to 
 our congregation, we infl;ru(fk them all in our fchools, in the principles 
 of Chrillianity, reading, writing, and other ufeful knowledge; they 
 are maintained in every thing at our charge. We have credled a fe- 
 rainary for fuch as we defign for the fervice of the gofpel, to be fur- 
 tiiilied thence with proper catechifts, preceptors and clerks. Such boys 
 as want neceffary capacity, we put to learn handy-crafts. We have 
 alfo cftabliftied fchools, one in this town, and another in a populous 
 burrough not far off, where they are inftrudled by Chriftian tutors, and 
 have full allowance, except victuals and clothes, which their parents 
 find them. The Lord having fo bleffed our labours, that the new 
 congregation increafes every year ; the firft church which we built be- 
 came too narrow, upon which we found it neceffary to build one more 
 fpaciovis; and it pleafed God to furnifh us with means to finifh it in 
 two years time; and we are now conftantly preaching in it in three 
 languages, We have likewife, at the defire of the Englifh who live on 
 this coafl:, erefted two fchools, one at Fort St. George, and another at 
 Fort St. David. The prefent governor of Fort St. George is a fpecial 
 friend to the miffion, and has lately remitted to it a confiderable pre- 
 fent. The reft of our friends here have cheerfully fupplied our wants 
 this year. The Lord, whofe work it is, guide us for the future by 
 his Divine Providence, and ftir up in Europe many promoters among 
 pcrfons of all ranks, that, in thefe lafl: times, the falvation of the 
 Heathens may be fought with earneftnefs, and their converfion pro- 
 moted by the whole Chriftian church. That our moft merciful God I 
 may crown your majefty with all profperity, is the prayer of your raa- 
 jefty's &c." 
 
 Tranqucbar, Novcm- 7 Bartholomew ZiegenbalG^ 
 
 bcra^th, irr8. 5 John Ernest Grundler. 
 
 % 
 
chap. I . ^n the eighteenth Century. I j 
 
 Section II. 
 
 /// 1 7 ro, the Society at London for promoting Chrijlian Knowledge tin- 
 der takes the Management of Charities put into their Hands for ftp- 
 porting the Proteflant Miffion at Tranquebar then maintained by the 
 King of De}tmark. — In 1728, there is a new Miffion for the Conver- 
 fion of the Heathens at Madras. — And at Cudulore near Fort St. Da- 
 vid. In 1740, the Number of thofe who had joined the ChrijHan 
 
 Cojigregations from the Beginning of the MiJJi&n amounts to five thou- 
 fand, nine hundred, and fifty -nine, of which there then remained alive 
 three thoufand,feven hundred, and fixty-fix. The Gofpel of Mat- 
 thew in the Malabarian Tongue. The New-Tejiameni and P falter 
 
 in Arabick. Saltzburgh and Georgia. 
 
 [ From PaiscE's Chrinian Hiftory, N^ y5, &c. ] 
 THE fociety at London for promoting Chriftian knowledge did in 
 the year 17 10 undertake the management of fuch charities as were, or 
 (hould be put into their hands, for the fupport and enlargement of the 
 Proteftant miiTion, then maintained by ihe king of Denmark at Tran- 
 quebar in the Eall-Indies, for the converfion of the Heathen in thofe 
 parts. Accordingly they from tirhe to time alTifted the milTionaries with 
 money, a printing-prefs, paper, and other necefTaries, (as they were 
 enabled) 'till the year 1728 ; when, upon a propofal made by the re- 
 verend Mr. Schultze, one of the DaniOi milfionaries, to remove to Fort 
 St. George, and there begin a new miffion, for the converfion of the 
 Heathen at Madras, the fociety engaged for the fupport of the fame, 
 though at an expence that did then far exceed their ability, trufting to 
 the goodnefs and blefling of Almighty God : which expence has been 
 fince greatly increafed by the addition of two miniflcrs; and will be 
 more by fuch extraordinary charges as muft neceflarijy attend the en> 
 largement of the miffion to Cudulore near Fort St. David, (another 
 Englifli fettlement) which has been fince made by the fociety. How- 
 ever, the fociety chearfully rely upon the fame v/ife and gracious Pro- 
 vidence, which has hitherto wonderfully profpered this, and all other 
 their undertakings, to raife up fuch a true Chriitian fpirit, as will abun- 
 dantly fupply whatever money fliall be wanting to carry on fo pious 
 and glorious a defign, as that of enlarging the kingdom of Jcfus Chrift 
 upon earth. 
 
 In the months of June, July, Augurt, and September, 1742, the 
 fociety received feveral letters from their miffionaries and correfpon- 
 dents in Eaft-India ; and by that from Mr. Schultze, their miffionary 
 at Madras near Fort St. George, dated the 29th of January 1 74 r -2 , they 
 hear, " That by the Kent, captain Robfon, he had received their favour 
 of March 30th, 1 741 ; but as the fhip did not touch at Fort St. George, 
 none of the goods fent over to tlie miffion were then come to him." 
 He at the fame time informs them, " That the Englifh miffion there 
 was in much the fame ftate as the year before; and that the number of 
 children in the fchool, kept gratis, amounts to thirty. That fome of 
 
 B 2 
 
12 Succcfs of the G<ifpel in the Eajl-htdies Book IV. 
 
 the youths, who had been wholiy inftrucled in that fchool, were now 
 able to pel form the duty of fchool-niallers and catcchifls ; that three of 
 them continued with him, and were afliflant to him in one or other of 
 diefe refpects : and that a fourth was gone upon the like fervice to the 
 milfion at Tranquebar. That hcfides their miflion- fchool in the Maia- 
 barian tongue, they have begun to keep up a little Portuguefe one for 
 poor Protellant children that come from Palliacatte and Sadras. That 
 a certain native of Borear, near Tranquebar, together with his wife, 
 haviiig been converted to Chriflianity by the opporttmi ties they met with 
 at Fort St. George, and afterwards fo far inftrutfled as to be able to 
 teach, and do the duty of a CatcchiR, had been fome years M'ith them 
 in the miflion in that capacity; but having a mind to go and fee his ref- 
 lations at Tranquebar, asfoon as he came to Negapatnam, the Dutch 
 minifter there chofe him to the fame office among the black Chriftlans 
 in that town." He concludes with wifhes " That it may plea fe God to 
 continue his favours to the people in that country, and enable the fo- 
 ciety to be the inflruments thereof." 
 
 The rev. Mr. John Erneft Guifler, and Mr. John Zachary Kiernan- 
 der, mifTionaries at Cudulorenear Fort St. David's, by their joint letter 
 of September 8th, 1 741, fignify, *' That they had received, on the 24tW 
 of July, the fociety's favour of February 6th, 1741-2, but none of a 
 later date, either from England or Germany ; the latter fliips not being 
 then arrived. That they had now fent a journal of their proceedings 
 for the firft lix months of that year, together with the minutes of their 
 conferences for that time. In two other letters, both dated January 
 19th, 1741-2, they acquaint thefociety, *^ That the favour of theirs of 
 March 30th, 1741, was then come fafe to them. That they had now 
 conveyed to Madras the journal and conference-minutes for the latter 
 fix months of the years part ; and intended to fend duplicates together 
 with their money-accounts, b}'^ the fhip which is to be difpatched from 
 Fort St. David's." Alfo we find, '* That they apply themfelves clofely to 
 the work of their raiffion : that they have already made great proficien- 
 cy in the Malabarian language ; and are taking pains to perfect a gram- 
 mar and diclionary of it, upon a plan of Mr. Sartorius; nay, that Mr. 
 Guifler is already able to preach in it, and to hold frequent conferences 
 with the natives." 
 
 The rev. Meflieurs Dal, Bofle, Obuch, Wiedebrock, KohlhofT, Fabri- 
 fius, and Zeglin, Danlfh mi/Iionaries at Tranquebar, by their letter of 
 December 31ft, 1741, fignify, "That, by God's good providence, they 
 have found opportunities of making known the gofpel beyond the king- 
 dom of Tanjour, by putting into the hands of the chief officers of the 
 Mogul's army, the New-Teflament in Arabick, as well asfeveral little 
 treatifes in the Tamylian tongue. That the work of their mifTion at 
 home, and in the country around Tranquebar, goes on with extraordi» 
 nary fuccefs; fo that their congregation had in the year 1739 been en- 
 creafed with fevcn hundred and thirty-eight fouls. That the new build- 
 ings they had begun for the Malabarian fchools were almofl finifhed, 
 at an expcnce of eight thoufand three hundred and feventy-two dol- 
 lars J and that they had jufl printed a nc^ cprreft edition of the gofptJ 
 
€hap. I . in the tight eenth Century. 1 3 
 
 in the Tamalic language, together with a Grammar; to -which they 
 hoped ere long to add a new and complete Didtionary." 
 
 Along with this letter there came another from the fame miffiona- 
 ries, dated December 31ft, 1741, to acquaint the fociety with the ftate 
 of their million, and the Chriflian religion in thofe parts; which is as 
 follows, viz. " That their congregations were encreafed, the Portu- 
 guefe with fixteen, and the Malabarian of the town, with an hundred 
 and feventeen fouls; including feventeen that had been inftrufted and 
 chriftened on that fide of Cape Comorin, by Mr. Waithcr, one of their 
 brethren, on board the Danifh fhip, when he was going back for Eu-> 
 rope. That to the Malabarian congregation in the country an hundred 
 and three were added ; fo that the whole increafe for that year was 
 two hundred and thirty-fix fouls." Thefe new augmentations, added 
 to all former accounts from the beginning of the million, mai<e up a 
 number of five thoufand nine hundred and fifty-nine fouls; whereof 
 there remained alive three thoufand feven hundred and lixty-fix at 
 the end of the year 1740. The Malabarian fchool at prefent con- 
 fifls of eighty-two boys, and fifty-feven girls. The Portuguefe (be- 
 fides five boys and five girls from abroad) of fixteen bo3^s, and feven- 
 teen girls, maintained with all necefiTaries by benefactions from Europe, 
 making in all an hundred and feventy-two children. That the children 
 of the Malabarian fchool had taken polfeilion of the new buildings; 
 and that one great defign of this fchool was to be a feminary for mini- 
 flers, fchoolmallers, and catechills, among the natives, as thq mofl like- 
 ly means to propagate Chriftianity in thofe parts. That, by leave of 
 the college at Copenhagen they had, 28th December, ordained Diego, a 
 man of an excellent charafter, to be a prieft,. becaufe Aaron was now 
 infirm, and not able to perform the duties of a minifier to fo large a 
 congregation. That as to their printing this year, they had got a new 
 edition of a fmall treatife, called, The Way to Salvation, in the Malabar 
 tongue; which was all they could do, becaufe of a fcarcity of paper, 
 except lAvo or three flieets of the Portuguefe Bible. That the print- 
 ing of the Portuguefe Old Teflament was very earneflly defired by the 
 Dutch minillers at Batavia. That the Heidelberg Catechlfm in the Sin- 
 galean tongue had been printed at Ceylon; and the Gofpel according 
 to St. Matthew in the Malabarian, that language being ufed in the 
 North of Ceylon. That the Rev. Mr. Cramer, who aione knew the 
 Malabarian language, being dead ; and Mr. Wetfellus, who alone 
 knows the Singalean, being old, there is occafion for more miniffcrs in 
 that ifland. That the Rev. Mr. Aguiar, who had lived ten years as a 
 Proteftant milfionary at Collicatta in Bengal, was appointed a Portu- 
 guefe preacher at Columbo, and other places of Ceylon. That, at Ba- 
 tavia, there was a great want of Portuguefe and Malayan preachers, by 
 reafon feveral were lately deceafed. That Mr. Sichterman, the Dutch 
 direftor at Houghly in Bengal, greatly widilng a Proteftant mifiion 
 might be eftablifhed at Collicatta, had promifed to give any mifiiona- 
 ries all the liberty and encouragement In the Dutch territories that lay 
 in his power. They then give a brief account of fome troubles in the 
 kingdom of Tanjour j ajid that Mr. Obuch, in company v ith I\k. AVide:- 
 
14 Succefs of the Gofpei in the Eajl-Indies Book IV, 
 
 brock having travelled to Nagapatnam, and fetched a fmall compafs far- 
 ther into the country, preaching the gofpei, had got a hurt, but was 
 happily recovered ; though after a confinement of three quarters of a 
 year to his bed. They conclude with hearty prayers and wilhes to God 
 for the fociety, and a blefhng on all their defigns. 
 
 Other correfponding members have given their opinions, and advices 
 concerning the milhon, which have been taken into moft deliberate con- 
 iideration by the fociety ; after which, particular anfwers were (ent, (in 
 purfuance of their exprefs orders and direflions) toall thefe letters, by 
 the Heathcote, captain Jonathan Cape, now bound to Fort St. George, 
 together with the things delired by the milfionarics, and the ufual re- 
 mittances to them ; and, by the continued favour of the diredors of 
 the Ealt-India company, to fo Ghciflian and charitable a deflgn, all 
 thefe remittances in goods and money went freight-free; for which 
 the fociety delire thofe gentlemen to accept of their heartiefl thanks, 
 in public tellimony of their gratitude". 
 
 In the year 1720, the fociety extended their regard to the Greek 
 church in Paleilinc, vSyi ia, Mefopotamia, Arabia, and Egypt. To this 
 end they publifhcd propofals for printing here, with a new fet of types, 
 the New-Teflament and Pfalter in Arabick, and were enabled, by the 
 bleffrng of God, on the recommendation of the bifhops, joined to the 
 charity and zeal of their own menders, to procure an edition of above 
 lix thoufand Pfalters, and ten thoufand Telhments, as alfo of five thou- 
 fand Catechetical Inftructions, with an Abridgment of the Hiftory of 
 the Bible annexed in Arabick; at fo large an expence as the fum of 
 two thoufand nine hundred and feventy-fix Pounds, one Shilling and 
 Sixpence Halfpeny, to which his late majefty was a bountiful contri- 
 butor, by a gracious benefaction of five hundred Pounds ; five thou- 
 fand fix hundred and fixty-eight Pfalters, two thoufand fix hundred 
 and eighty-two New-Teflaments, and two thoufand two hundred and 
 twenty Catechetical Inltru6tions, with the Abridgement aforefaid, have 
 been already fent to thofe parts, or into Perfia, by means of their cor- 
 lefpondent in RulTia, which were mofl: thankfully received ; and the 
 reft are referved to be fent as occafion fhall offer. 
 
 In the beginning of the year 1732'', the fociety, when they heard the 
 melancholy account of the fufferings of the Proteflants in Saltzburg, 
 (having firfl: obtained hismajefly's leave) refolved upon doing all that 
 lay in their power to raife colleftions for their perfecuted brethren. To 
 this end, in June the fame year, they publifhed, Jn Account of the Suf- 
 ferings of the perfecuted Proteflants in the Archbifhoprick of Saltz- 
 burg, <bc. and afterwards publifhed, A further Account of their Suf- 
 fcringi, 6c. with an Extract of the Journals of M. Von Reeky the Com- 
 mijjary of the firjl Tranfport of Saltzburgers to Georgia; and of the 
 Minifters that accompanied them thither y 1733. Thefe accounts be- 
 
 [ From the London Evening Post, January 3d, 175:4. ] 
 
 a The Danish miilionaries in the fiaft In 
 t\cs write word, that fince their fettlcmcnt 
 at Tranqucbar, to the twenty- fcventh of 
 October 1752, they have converted to the 
 
 Chriftian faith five thoufand five hundred 
 and ninety-four perfbns in , Pagan dark- 
 nefs. 
 b See Chap, 3, of this book» 
 
■Chap. I. in the eighteenth Ctniury . \e 
 
 ing enforced by the generous example of many noblc.and honourable 
 perfons, as alio by liberal contributions, and earned exhortations from 
 the bilhops, and their clergy, had, through God's blelFing, lb good an 
 effcdl upon the minds of charitable and well-difpofed Chriflians of e- 
 very rank aud denomination, that the fociety (befides making many 
 large remittances to Germany) have been enabled to fend over toj:hc 
 Englifh colony in Georgia, in the years 1733, 1734, '^'TZSy ^nd 1741, 
 four tranfports, confining of more than two hundred Proteflant Emi-, 
 grants, chiefly Saltzbiu-gers ; who, with two milTionaries and a fchool- 
 mafter, are fettled by themfelves at Ebene/cr; where lands are alligned 
 to them by the truflees for eftablilhing the faid colony: and the focie- 
 ty are Informed by letters of the r5th of xMarch 1738-9, that they are 
 well pleafed with the healthinefs of the climate, and the fniitfulnefs of 
 their plantations. 
 
 The great expences of thefe tranfports, and the many extraordinary 
 charges that have been neceffary for the fupport and encouragement 
 of this infant fettlement, together with an hundred Pounds a-year as a 
 falary for their two milFionaries and fchoolmafter, have fo far reduced 
 the charities belonging to this branch of the fociety's dciigns, that they 
 have nothing left now to anfwer any future wants and contingencies, 
 excepting two thoufand five hundred Pounds, new South-Sea annui- 
 ties, which have been purchafed as a Handing fund for paying the aforc- 
 faid annual falary to the miffionaries and fchoolmalier, till fome certain 
 and fettled provifion can be made for them in Georgia ; but, for parti- 
 culars, the fociety refer themfelves to their books of receipts and dif- 
 burfements on this account, which may be infpefted gratis by any per- 
 fon calling on their fecretary, at their houfe in Bartlett's Buildings, Lon- 
 don; of which two extra6l?have been already publilhed, and difperfed 
 among the benefactors to this excellent charity, with the thanks of the 
 fociety, and their prayers that God would eternally reward fo great and 
 feafonable an inftance of Chriflian beneficence, as had been miniftred 
 on this occafion to perfecuted Proteftants, when driveri out of their 
 native country, under the moft pitiable circumftances of diftrcfs. 
 
 C H A P. II. 
 
 In New-England from 1705 to 1734. 
 
 IntroduSiion. The fad Decay of vital Religion in New-England af- 
 ter the Death ofthefirfl Planters. The Complaints of their go dlv 
 
 Minijlers on that Account. 
 
 [ From Prince's Chrifiian Pliftory, N° 12, 13, 14. ] 
 i-A/fR. Samuel Danforth, a pious and learned minifter in Rox- 
 IVx bury, in his fermon before the general court of the Maf- 
 fachufets colony on May nth, 1670, being the day of eledtion ofma- 
 giftrates hath the following words. " Whether we have not in a great 
 meafure forgot our errand into the wildernefs, is a folemn and ferious 
 enquiry. You have folemnly profelTed before God, angels and men;, 
 
1 6 Succ'efs ef tfje Gofpel in j^nie}-i(a Book IV< 
 
 that the cjCufe of your leaving your country, kindred and fathers 
 houfes, and traHfporting yourlelves with your wives, little ones and 
 fubftance over the vaft ocean into this howling wildernefs, was your 
 liberty to walk in the faith of the gofpel with all good con fcience, ac- 
 cording to tiie order of the gofpel, and your enjoyment of the pure 
 worihip of God according tohisinfUtution, without human mixtures 
 and impofitlons. Now let us confider whether our ancient and primi- 
 tive afiedions to the Lord Jefus his glorious gofpel remain. Let us 
 call to remembrance the former days, and confider, whether it was not 
 then better with us than it is now. In our firft and befl times the 
 kingdom of Heaven broke in upon us with a holy violence, and every 
 man prelfed into it. What mighty efficacy and power had the clear and 
 faithful difpenfation of the gofpel upon your hearts? how affeftion- 
 ately and zeafovifly did you entertain the kingdom of God ? how care- 
 ful were you, even all forts, young and old, high and low, to take hold 
 of the opportunities of your fpiritual good and edification ? ordering 
 yonr fecular affairs fo as not to interfere with your general calling. 
 How diligent and faithful in preparing your hearts for the reception of 
 the word ? laying apart all filthinefs and fuperfiuity of naughtinefs, 
 that you might receive with meek-iefs the engrafted word ; and purg- 
 ing out all malice, guile, hypocrify, envy, and all evil fpcaking; and, 
 as new-born babes, defiring the fincere milk of the word. How atten- 
 tive in hearing the everlafting gofpel.'' watching daily at the gates of 
 wifdom, and waiting at the ports of her doors; that ye might find e- 
 ternal life, and obtain favour of the Lord. Gleaning day by day in the 
 field of God's ordinances, and beating out what you had gleaned, by 
 repetition and conference. How painful in recollefting, repeating and 
 diicourfing what you heard ? whetting the word of God upon the 
 hearts of your children, fervants and neighbours. How fervent in pray- 
 er to God for his blelfing on the feed fown ? O what an eileem for 
 Chrift's faithful ambafi^adors In thofc days ? how precious were they 
 in your eyes? counting yourfelves happy in the enjoyment of a pious, 
 learned and orthodox miniftry. What ardent defires after communion 
 •^ith Chriftin his ordinances? what follicitude to feek the Lord after 
 the right order ? what fervent zeal againft all manner of heterodoxies ? 
 what holy endeavour to propagate religion to your children and po- 
 fterity ? charging them to know the God of their fathers and ferve him 
 with a perfeft heart; publicly afi'erting and maintaining their intereft 
 in the Lord and in his holy covenant, and zealoufly oppofing thofc 
 that denied the fame. Then had the churches reft and were edified ; 
 walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghoft. 
 O how your faith grew exceedingly ! you proceeded from faith to 
 faith, from a lefs to a greater degree, growing up in him who is your 
 head ; and receiving abundance of grace and of the gift of righteouf- 
 nefs. O how your love and charity towards each other abounded ! O 
 what comfort of love! what a holy fympathy! weeping with thofc 
 that wept, and rejoicing with thofe that rejoiced !" 
 
 But who is there left among you that faw thefe churches in their firfl 
 glory ? and how do you fee them now ? are they not in your eyes va. 
 
chap. 2 . /;; //•? eighteeftth Century, ty 
 
 coniparjfon *hrreof as nothing .^ is not the tempcf, cprnpleflicn and 
 countenance of the chiMxhes lirangely sltered ? doth not a caielcfs, re-' 
 miis, riat, drj', cold, dead frame of ipirit grow uponusfecretly, lirong-v 
 ly, prodigioufly ? they that have ordinances are as though tJiey had 
 none; they that hear the word as though they henrd it not; and they 
 that pray as though they prayed not; and ihr.y that recefve the facra- 
 mcnts as though they received them not; and chey that are cxercifed 
 in holy things, ufing therh by the by, as matters ofcuiTom and cere* 
 mony. Pride, contention, worldlinefs, covetoulhels, iuxury,drimken-> 
 nefs and uncleannefs breyk in Hke a liood upon us ; and good men 
 grov\' cofd in tlieir love to God, and one another." 
 
 2. The rev. Dr. Increafe Mather, in a treatife entitled, Pray for the 
 rifing Generation, printed in 1678, writes,as follows. " Prayer isneed--, 
 ful on this account, in that converfions are become rare in this age of 
 the world. They that have their thoughts exercifed in difeerhing things 
 of this nature, have had fad apprehenfions with reference unto this 
 matter; that the work of converfion hath been at a great ftand in the 
 world. In the lall age, in the days of our fathers, in other parts of the 
 world, fcarce a fermon preached but fome evidently converted, and 
 fometimes hundreds in a fermon. Which of us can fay we have (Qen. 
 the lik^? clear, found converfions are not frequent in fomc congrega- 
 tions. The body of the rifing generation is a, poor, perilhing, uncon- 
 verted, and (except the Lord pour down his Spirit) an undone gene- 
 ration. Many that are profane, drunkards, fwearers, lufcivious, fcoff^ 
 ers at the power of Godlinefs, defpifers of thofe that are good, difobc-* 
 dient. Others that are only civil, and outwardly conformed to good 
 order, by reafon of their education, but never knew what she new birth 
 means. 
 
 3. Mr. Samuel Torrey, paftor of the church at Weymouth, in his 
 fermon entitled, J Plea for the Life of dying Religion , from Dcut. 
 xxxii. 47. *' Becaufeitisyour life;" preached before the general court 
 of the Maffachufetts colony on May 16th, 16S3, being the day of their 
 election, fays: " That there hath been a vital decay, a decay upon the 
 very vitals of religion, by a deep declenfion in the life and power of 
 it; that there is already a great death upon religion, little ilnore left 
 than a name to livej that the things which remain, are ready to die} 
 and that we are in great danger of dying together with it: this is one 
 of the mofl awakening, and hi-imbling confiderations of our prefenC 
 ftate and condition. Oh! the many deadly fymptoms that are upon 
 our religion ! conlider we then how much it is dying, refpe<fi:ing the 
 very being of it, by the general failure of the work of converfion; 
 whereby only it is that religion is propagated, continued, and upheld 
 in being among any people. As converting-work doth ceafe, fo rcligi-' 
 on doth die away; though more infenfibly, yet moft irrecoverably. 
 How much religion is dying in the very hearts of fincere GhriftianS;, 
 by their declenfions in grace, holincfs, and the power of golinefs I how 
 much it is dying, refpefting the vifibie profefTion, and pra(fHce of it* 
 partly by the formality of churches; but more by the hypocrify, and 
 apoilacy of formal, hvpocritical orofefTors I how much it is dying uo- 
 
 VOL. IL * r. 
 
J 8 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 tier the prcvaiHng power of thofe fins and evils, which are utterly in- 
 conflftent with, and dellrn6Vive of the life of it ! thofe fins continuing, 
 and prevailing, religion cannot live, it muft needs die." 
 
 4. Dr. Incrc^fe Mather, in his book entitled, The Glory departing 
 from Ncvj-England : printed in 1702, writes as follows: " We are the 
 pofterity of the good old Puritan nonconformifts in England, who 
 -were a lirift and holy people. SiKh were .our fathers who followed the 
 Lord into this wildernefs. O New-England ! New-England ! look to 
 it, that the glory be not removed from thee ! for it begins to go ! O 
 tremble: for it is going, it is gradually departing! although there is 
 that of divine glory dill remaining, which we ought to be very thankful 
 for ; nevcrthelefs, much of it is gone. You that are aged perfons, and 
 can rcrncmbcr what New-England was fifty years ago, that faw thefe 
 churches in their firft glory, is there not a fad decay and diminution of 
 that glory! how is the gold become dim ! the moft fine gold changed } 
 Alas ! what a change is there in that which hath been our glory ! time 
 was, when thefe churches were beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerufa- 
 lem, terrible as an army with banners. AVhat a glorious prefence of 
 Chrift: was there in all his ordinances! many were converted, and wil- 
 lingly declared whatGod had done for their fouls: and there were ad- 
 ded to the churches daily fuch as fhould be faved. But, are not found 
 converfions become rare in this day 2nd in many congregations? look 
 into pulpits, and fee if there is fuch a glory there as once there was: 
 New-England has had teachers eminent for learning, and no lefs emi- 
 nent for holinefs, and all miniilerial accomplifhments. When will Bof- 
 ton fee a Cotton and a Norton again ? when will New-England fee a 
 Hooker, a Shepherd, a Mitchel? not to mention others. No little part of 
 the glory was laid in the duft, when thefe eminent fervants of Chrift 
 were laid in their graves. Look into our civil ftate; does Chrift reign 
 there as once he did ? how many churches, how many towns are there 
 in Ncw-Engl nd that we may figh over them and fay,— the glory is 
 gone ! how many are there among us, whofe fathers, in coming into 
 this wildernefs, dcfigned nothing but religion, but they are for another 
 intereft ! There is fad caufe to fear that greater dcparturci^of the glory 
 are haftning upon us. For ift, thofe fins which have provoked the 
 Lord to remove his glory, are not reformed; our iniquities teftify a- 
 gainft us, and onr backflidings are many. That there is a general de- 
 fedion in New-England from primitive purity and piety in many re- 
 fpc(fts, is fo plain it cannot be denied. 2dly, There are miniftcrs who 
 are not like their predecefTors, nor principled nor fpirited as they were. 
 3dly, The providence of God is threatning to pull down the wall 
 which has been a defence to thefe churches. 4thly, That which fome 
 have thought was the fpccial defign of providence in bringing choice 
 people into this part of the world feems to be now over. It has been by 
 wife and good men conjeftwred that the Lord's more peculiar defign 
 was that the world minht fee a fpecimen of what ihall be over all the 
 earth in the glorious times expefted." 
 
 5. Dr. Increafe Mather, ki a preface to a courfe of fermons on 
 . Early Piety by ferae minifters of Bofton, printed 172 1, writes, *' I am 
 
chap. 2. i>t the eighteenth Century. 19 
 
 now in the eighty-third year of my age : and having had an opportu- 
 nity to converfe with the firft planters of this country, and having been 
 for fixty five years a preacher of the gofpel; I cannot but be in the 
 difpofition of thofe aacient men who had feen the foundation of the 
 firft houfe, and wept with a loud voice to fee what a change the work 
 of the temple had upon it. I wiih it were no other than the weakncfs 
 of Horace's old man, the Laudator Temporis A£}iy when I complain 
 there is a grievous decay of piety in the land, and a leaving the firft 
 love, and that the beauties of holinefs, are not to be feen as once they 
 were ; and the very interefl: of New-England feems to be changed from 
 a religious to a worldly one. Oh! that my head were waters, and 
 mine eyes a fountain of tears." And, in a fermon in the aforementi- 
 oned book, on Early Piety ^ he further writes, " The childrcu. of New- 
 England are or once were for the moft part the children of godly men. 
 What did our forefathers come into this wilderncfs for ? not to gain 
 eftates, as men do now, but for religion, and that they might leave 
 their children in a hopeful way of being truly religious. There was 
 a famous man that preached before one of the greateft aflemblies that 
 ever was preached unto, feventy years ago ; and he told them, I have 
 lived in a country feven years, and all that time I never heard one pro- 
 fane oath, and all that time I never did fee a man drunk in that land. 
 AVhere was that country? It was New-England! but ah degenerate 
 New-England, what art thou come to at this day? how are thofc fins 
 become common in thee, that once were not fo much as heard of ia 
 this land I" 
 
 6. Laflly, There is the following remarkable pafTage in a fermon of 
 the late Dr. Cotton Mather, at the public lefture in Bofton, printed in 
 1706, intitled. The Good old Way -, " It is confefTed by all, who know 
 any thing of the matter; and. Oh! why not with rivers of tears be- 
 wailed ! tiiat there is a general, and an horrible decay of Chrifdanity, 
 among the profelTors of it. The glorious and heavenly religion of 
 our precious Chrifl, generally appears with quite another face, in the 
 lives of Chriflians at this day, than what it had in the lives of the faints, 
 into whofe hands it was firfi: of all delivered. The modern Chriflianity 
 is, too generally, but a very fhadow of the ancient ! ah ! fmful nation, 
 ah ! children that are corrupters ; what have your hands done, to defile, 
 and to deface, a jewel, which, reftored unto its native lultre, would 
 outfhine the fun in the firmament ! fo notorious is this decay of Chrif- 
 tianity, that whole books are written to inquire into it. The complaints 
 of the corruptions that are b^'-ome epidemical in the lives of Chriftians, 
 and little flaort of unive- e every where, every day wounding our 
 
 ears. At lafi: they are <. . lo far, that one of the Englifh bifliops has 
 let fall this mournful pafla^e ; [Were a wife man to chufe his religion, 
 by the lives of them who profefs it, perhaps Chriflianity would be the 
 laft religion he would chufe.] And, fadder jjet ! there has been a fet 
 of Proteftants in the befl ifland under heaven: Proteftants, who have 
 made a profeffion of more than ordinary purity ; there was a time 
 when their behaviour did much anfwer their profeffion; but I have 
 lately rea4 another, infulting over them, That thefe aJfo have of later 
 
 G 2 
 
lo ^uccefi of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 time aimoft wholly lort the repyiatjon which rnankinfJ once allo;vpd 
 unto them. In thefe deplorable circumllances of Chjilliunity, what 
 fhail be done? it is now part mere conje(^ture with me; I am no\y got 
 up unto an abfolute certainty; that we are entred into that agp, where- 
 in the piimirive O.riftiar.ity ihall be revived nnco aflonilhment; the 
 enemies of it ihall fee it anj be grieved, they il^all gn^lli their teeth, 
 aad melt away." 
 
 Section I. 
 
 Of the Revival in Ma/Jachu/ltts in 1680, upon a Solemn renewing of 
 
 Covenant -with God, and oae another. 'Of the Revival in Taunton^ 
 
 in Feb. 1 705, which began "xith Meetings for Prayer among the 
 young Men, and Societies for Reformation in imitation of ihofn at 
 
 London. ^Of Old- Mr. Stoddard's five liarvtfis at Northampton. 
 
 Of the Revival at Windham in Connetlicut Colony in 1721. 
 
 Of the Aiuakcfiing by the Earthquake OEl. 1727. And the Revi- 
 
 val at Freehold in New Jerfey 1731, «S:c. 
 
 [ From Princes Chrjftian Hiftory, N ° i^, ly, 17, 90, 91, 100. ] 
 I . I N 1 679, the Malfaqhufetts government called a fynpd of all the 
 churches in that colony to confider and anfwer thefe two mort impor- 
 tant queltions. " i. What were the evils that have provoked the 
 Lord to bring his judgments on New-England? 2. What is to be 
 done that fo thefe evils may be reforpned ?" And among their anfwers 
 to the fecond queftion, the fynod advifed the fevcral churches to an 
 cxprefs and folemn renewal of covenant with God and one another: 
 with which many complied, and thereupon there vv^as a confiderable 
 revival of religion among them, 4"d Dr. Cotton Mather tells us (in 
 his Church Hijlary of New-England Book v.) that " Very remarkable 
 was the blelfing of God on the churches, which did not fo deep [as 
 fom'e other?] not only by a great advancement of holinefs in the peq- 
 ple; but alfo by a great addition of converts to their holy fellowfliip. 
 And many thoafand fpecStators will teftify that they never faw the fpe- 
 cial prefence of the great God our Saviour more notably djfcqvered than 
 in the foleranity of thefe opportunities." Dr. Cotton Mather likewife 
 adds, that " The Maflachufetts colony was not alone in fyeh e(fays of 
 reformation; but the colonies of Plymouth and Connecticut, &c." And 
 yet fadiy goes on in the following words, " Our manifold indifpofiti— 
 ons to recover the dying power of godlinefs were punilhed with fuc- 
 celhve calamities; under all of which the .ipoftacies from that godli- 
 nc(s have rather increafed than abatec^. Altho' there has been a glo- ' 
 rious profcfllon of religion made by the body of this people unto this 
 day, yea and alrho' there be thoufands, who, by keeping their hearts 
 with all diligence, and by ordering their converfations aright, juflify 
 their profedion ; yet the number of them that fo ftriftly walk with God,. 
 has been w^ofully decaying. The old fpirit of New-England has bee^ 
 fen/ibly going out of the world, as the old faints in whom it was, have 
 gone: and inflead thereof, the fpirit of the world, with a lamentable 
 jaegledl of ftri(5t pifity, htjjs crept iij upon the rifing generation." Thus 
 
chap. 2.. pt the eighteenth Century. %i 
 
 a^ss that revjyal of religipn in Ncvv-Eng^anicl about the year 1680, foon 
 pal's'd away. . 
 
 2. A fccond inflance of Ibmc revival of religion in this country was 
 abqut the year 1 705 ; which I find in a book printed at London in 1 70^, 
 intitled, A Help to National Reformation ; and in three manufcript let- 
 ters of the rev. Mr. Samuel Danforth of Taunton, a worthy Ion of th<; 
 rev. Mr. Danforth of Roxbury before mentioned. l"hc paffagcs in the 
 (aid printed books are as follow, " A rev. divine of New-Englanc*!, ia 
 his letter dated from Bofton the 23d of November X705, fays thus; 
 *' Our focieties for the fupprefllon of dilbrders, increaic and profpei in 
 this town; there are two more fuch focieties added unto the former j 
 there are alfo religious focieties without number in this country that 
 meet^t proper times, to pray together, and repeat fermons, and forward 
 pneanothcrin the fear of God. In fome towns of this country the mir 
 pilfers, who furniit\ themfelves with a fociety for the fupprellion of dif- 
 orders, hardly find any notorious diforders to be fupprelfed : but then 
 jheir focieties are helpful unto them in doing abundance of good for 
 the advancement of ferious religion in the neighbourhood, and to 
 make their miniftry much more profitable in the weekly exercife of it." 
 A gentleman writes from New-England, in his letter of the 20th of 
 November 1705, ** To gratify your deiires to know v/hat progrefs we 
 make here in our focieties, I add a line or two to certify, That in Bof- 
 ton the focieties for fupprefCng diforders (of which mention was madc 
 in my former letters) are upheld, and two other focieties of the hmt: 
 nature eredtcd. All which are fpirited to be aftivc, according to their 
 abilities and influence, to promote virtue, and difcountcnancc and fup- 
 prefs vice. And not only in Bofton are fuch good things done, and 
 doing, but in many places in the province belides. Omitting msny 
 other things that might be enumerated as to other places, I ihall fum 
 up in Ihort, an account of what hath been dene in a town called 
 Taunton, through the rich mercy of God. The rev. Mr. Danforth 
 miniffer there, having feen fome printed accounts of the methods for 
 reformation in Old England, in imitation thereof (after earneft prayers 
 to God for fuccefs) obtained of feveral inhabitants of the place (that 
 were noted for fobriety and zeal againft fin) to meet with him once in 
 fach month, to cqnfult what might be done to promote a reformation 
 of difprdprs there. And after a day improved in falling and prayer 
 togefher;^ they firfl: attempted to reduce the heads of families to let up 
 family worQiip; and God gave them great fuccefs; fo that moA: of 
 the families in the largp towns hearkned to their exhortations and re- 
 proofs; and fet upon the pradlice of family prayer morning and even- 
 ing every day. Having heard and read fome accounts of the religious 
 focieties of young men in London, they were encouraged to endeavour 
 the like among them. And beyond their expedfation, God working 
 with them, prevailed with the greatefl part ofHhe youth, to form them-? 
 felves into focieties for religious exercift's, figning fome good rules to 
 be obferved by th^^m- therein, much like the orders of the focieties of 
 jroung men in London. The good effect whereof was the putting ai^ 
 pnd to and utter banifliment of their for^ne? diforderly and piofane 
 meetings to drink, &c. ". 
 
2 2 Sticcejs of the Gcfpcl in Anerica Book IV. 
 
 The three manufcript letters from the faid Mr. Danforth of Taun- 
 ton are thcfc: Taunton, Feb. 2oth, 1704-5. " Sir, We are much encou- 
 raged by an unufual and amazing imprefTion made by God's Spirit on 
 all forts among us, efpccially on the young men and women. It is al- 
 moft incredible how many villt me with difcovcries of the extreme dif- 
 trefs of mind they arc in about their fpiritual condition. And the young 
 men, indead of their merry meetings, are now forming themlelves in- 
 to regular meetings for prayer, repetition of fermons, iigning the fame 
 orders, which I obtained fome yea. s ago a copy of from the young men's 
 meeting in the I^Jorth of Bollon. Some awful deaths and amazing pro- 
 vidences have concurred with the word preached to this good cffefV. 
 The profmelt among us feemed ftartled at the fudden change upon the 
 riiing generation. Wt need much prayer, that thefe drivings of the 
 Spirit may have a faving iifue and effeiH:. Our family-meeting? are more 
 and more frequented ; and two more letting up at two remote corners 
 of our large town', where we defpaired of feeing any. Our lad fociety, 
 which was yeflerday, had almofl nothing to do, only to exprefs their 
 joy to each other, that the dilorderly concourfe of youth was now o- 
 ver. We are, both church and all inhabitants, to renew the covenant 
 for reformation this week, which this people made with God the laft 
 Philip Indian war. We agreed to turn our next fociety-mceting into 
 a fart alfo, for fpecial reafons: one of which was, that we find prayer 
 our bed weapon to reform vice; and the devil's kingdom cannot dand 
 before it : alfo, as worldly men, when they find the world comes hover- 
 ing in upon them, will pull the harder for it, which (hould make us 
 pray more earnedly and fervently; having had encouragement fo far, 
 that when we can do nothing elfe but dretch our withered hands in 
 God's work, yet even doing of that fhaii not be in vain. Some remark- 
 ablcs in the progrefs of our reformation-work I (hall not commit to wri- 
 ting at prcfent, but, if common fame do not bring them to you, diall 
 referve them to be dilcovered by word of mouth. The Lord be with 
 you all. Amen." Yours entirely, S. D. 
 
 March ^th, 1704-5. — " Sir, It was a mod comfortable day the firft 
 of March, when we renewed the reformation-covenant, of which I 
 fuppofe you have a copy by you already; only we added an engage- 
 ment to reform idlenefs, unnecedary frequenting houfes of public en- 
 tertainment, irreverent behaviour in public wordiip, negleft of family- 
 prayer, promife-breaking, and walking with danderers and reproach- 
 ers of others ; and that we diould all in our families be fubjeft to good 
 orders and government. It was read to the brethren and liders in the 
 Jorenoon, they danding up as an outward fign of their inward confent, 
 to the red of the inhabitants: in the afternoon, they danding up alfo 
 when it was read, and then every one that dood up brought his name 
 ready writ in a paper and put it into the box, that it might be put on 
 church record. The forenoon text was Hebrews xii. 4, about redding* 
 and driving againd fin, the common enemy of us all. The afternoon 
 text was 2 Chron. xxix. 10. We gave liberty to all men and women 
 from fixteen years old and upwards to a6l with us; and had three 
 hundred names given in to lift under Chrid, againd the fins of the 
 
chap. 2. in the eighteenth Century. 2:5 
 
 times. The whole a^lcd with fuch gravity, and tears of good affefti- 
 on, as would a^cft an heart of flone; parents weeping for joy, feeing 
 their children gi\'e their names to Chriih And wc had feveral children 
 of the church in neighbouring towns, who came and joined with us m 
 it. VV^e have a hundred more that will yet bind themfelves in the co- 
 venant, that were then detained from meeting. Let God have the glory. 
 Yefterday fourteen were propounded to the church: fomc for full com- 
 munion, others for baptifm ; being adult perfons. All this calls for 
 prayer and humble walking with Cod, and hope in his mercy." S. D. 
 Taunton, March 20th, 1704-5. ''Sir, I have now yours,and have fcnt 
 you two letters this week. I have little to add,and no time to enlarge ; but 
 my time is fpcnt in daily difcourfe with the young people viHting me 
 with their doubts, fears, and agonies. Religion llouriilies to amaze- 
 ment and admirarion ; that fo we Hiould be at once touched with foul- 
 afflidtion, and this in all corners of the place ; and that our late conver- 
 fions fhould be attended with more than ufual degrees of horror, and 
 Satan permitted to wrefHe with them by extraordinary temptations, and 
 alfaults, arrd hours of darknefs. But, I hope, the deeper the wound, 
 the more found may be the cure: and I have little time to think of 
 worldly matters; fcarce time to ftudy fermons, as I ulcd to do; but 
 find God c.;n blcfs mean preparations, whenever he pleafes: that fuch 
 (hall be mofl cried up and commended, which I have had fcarce time to 
 methodize. I think fometimes that the time of the pouring out of the 
 Spirit upon all fleih :riay be at the door. Let us be earnell in prayer, 
 thatChrilVs kingdom may come; and that being an inftrumentof good 
 toothers, I may not be myfclf a cail-away." Yours, S. D. 
 
 3. We ihall next give thofe particular inftances of the revival of religi- 
 on at Northampton,. in the days of the late Mr. Solomon Stoddard, as 
 Mr. Edwards gives them in the two following paragraphs, written in 
 1736. " I am the third minilter that has been fettled in this town : Mr. 
 Eleazer Mather, who was the iirfl:, was ordained in July, 1669. He 
 was one whofe heart was much in his work ; abundant in labours for the 
 good of precious fouls : he had tlit- high efteem and great love of his peo- 
 ple, and was ble/Fed with no fmall fuccefs. Mr. Stoddard, who fucceed- 
 ed him, came firil: to the town the November after his death, but was 
 notordained 'till September i ith, 1672, and dicdFebruary i ith, 1728-9. 
 So th-'.t he continued in the work of the minillry here, from his firfl: 
 coming to town, near fixty years. And as he was eminent for his gifts 
 and grace, fo he was bleffed, from the beginning, with extraordinary 
 fuccefs in his miniftry, in the converfion of many fouls. He had five har- 
 vefts, as he called them : the firft was about the year 1 679 ; the fecond 
 about 1683; the third about 1696; the fourth about 17 12; the fifth 
 and laft about 1 7 18. Some of thefc times were much more remarkable 
 than others, and the in-gathering of fouls more plentiful. Thofe that 
 were about 1683, and 1696, and 17 12, were much greater than either 
 the firfl or the lafl; but in each of them, I have heard my grandfather 
 fay, the bigger part of the young people in the town feemcd to be main- 
 ly concerned for the'fr eternal falvation. 
 
 4. There was alfo a remarkable inftance of the revival of reli^iion in 
 
24 SuccffsoftheCoJf>elinJ;nencit Book ^V. 
 
 the year 1721, nt ^\ indliam in Connecfticut colony. The aiccount ?s 
 contained in a Preface to a Sermon preached by Mr, Adams of New- 
 London on n day of ihanklgiving at U indham for the late remarkable 
 fuccefs of the gofpcl among them*, in which Preface, it is faid, " It 
 Teems to be fomcthing nccclfary that fome account ihould be given of 
 theoccafion of the enfuing dilcourfe, and it may, through the blelfrng 
 of God, be ufcful unto many, when they fhall hear of the grace of God 
 unto others, and how he hath been mercifully plcafcd to vifit his 
 people. 
 
 Windham is a town of about fome thirty years ftanding, where the 
 rev. Mr. Samuel Whiting hath been improved in the work of the mi- 
 niftry even from the beginning. God hath been pleafed to make him a 
 very rich blelTmg among them, anddoubtlefs many will have reafbn to 
 blcfs God for ever in that their lot hath been call to dwell under hismi- 
 niftry. Not only hath he fccn the town fiouriiliing to that degree in 
 this Ihort fpace of time, as that two other focieties are already fprung 
 out therefrom, but he hath had the comfort to obferve that many liv- 
 ing and ferious Chriftians have been born there. But of late there has 
 been a greater ftirring than ordinary among the dry bones; many have 
 been awakened to confider and enquire with a great deal of earneftnefs, 
 " What they (hould do to be faved ? " Perfons of all ages and fome of 
 whom there was but little expeflation, have come together to feek the 
 Lord their God; fo that within the compafsof about half a year, there 
 have been fourfcore perfons joined to their communion, and more are 
 flill dropping in. Could their reverend paflor have been prevailed upon fo 
 far to have gratified the public, we might have been entertained with 
 the knowledge of many particulars, which ought not to be forgotten, 
 while the Holy Spirit, like the " wind that bloweth where it lifteth," 
 hath been dividing to every one fevcrally as he will, in this day of their 
 vifitation ; but at prcfcnt wc mufl be content with this fhort and im- 
 perfedl account. 
 
 In the mean time it is furprJfing to fee what an happy alteration there 
 is made when God is pleafed to blefs t' ? difpenfation of the gofpel, and 
 the inftitutions of his houfe, and confirm his word in the mouths of his 
 fervants. Now, the eyes of the blind are opened, the ears of the 
 deaf unftopped, the dumb are taught to fpeak, and they that were fpi- 
 ritually dead are raifcd unto life. To behold obOinate finners that 
 went on frowardly in the ways of their own heart, yielding themfelves 
 iintoGod, fuch as were carelefsand unconcerned about their own fouls, 
 now brought to the lafl: diftrefs and concern about what they fliall do 
 to efcape from the wrath that is to come, and fuch as were fond of 
 their feveral vicious courfcs now quitting them with Hiame and indig- 
 nation, that they may endeavour for the future to lead their lives, not 
 •'according to the lufts of men, but the will of God. Shall it not from 
 this time be faid, What liath God wrought ? " Surely it is the work of 
 him that at firfl: " commanded the light to fhine out of darknefs, and 
 caUed the things that were not as though they were." Now, the woyk 
 
 a Prince's Chriftian Hiftory, N ° 17. 
 
chap. 2 . ^ "■ ift f he eighteenth Ceiititry. iq 
 
 grows eafy and cldighlfiil in the hand of the Lord's fcrVa ft ts, their for- 
 mer fighs occafioncd by their unfuccelsful endeavours are changed intd 
 praifcs, and they slmoft forget their other Ibrrows and burdens that 
 are upon them, for joy that people are '* born unto the Lord." Now 
 they that have happily " elcaped out of the fnare of the fowler," ad- 
 mire the wonders of free grace which rcmembrcd and " villted them in 
 " their low ellate," they arc brought forth into the light of life, and 
 having their doubts and fears gradually dilfipatcd, they go on rejoicing 
 for the confolation. Their fellow Chrifliansi who were In Chrill before 
 them, receive th?m with open arms, and m'any thankfgivings s'rc oiier- 
 ed up unto the Lord. Now things put on the fame face of gladnefs 
 and delight, as once they did at Samaria, when Chrid was prcachtd with 
 fuccefs, Afts viii. 8. " And tliere was great joy in that city." 
 
 It was upon this occafion that a day of thankfgiving was appointee! 
 and obferved by that diPtinguilhed people, wlien the following difcourfe 
 was delivered, and is now by their prei'ilng and repeated inftanccs pub- 
 lilhed to the world : if it may be any way fervlccable to influence them 
 to *' ftand faff in the Lord," or flir up any to mind the things that 
 " belong unio their peace," there will be the lefs occafion to apolcrize 
 for the defects and imperfedtions that may attend it. 
 
 But, oh ! that the fame good Ipirit from on high were poured out up-i 
 on the red: of the country j for what pity is it that this fingle lieece on= 
 ly fliould be wet with the dew of heaven, while the reft of the ground 
 round about remains, (comparatively) dry. And may we not fay with 
 the Pfalmifl, "It is time for thee, Lord, to work," when biquity gets 
 head and ferious i-eligion is lb fadly decaying throughout the land, in- 
 fomuch that there is fcarce a fuiiicient number rifing up to make good 
 the ground of them that are dropping off the ftage continually ; eipe- 
 cially Vv'hen we confider alfo how much fliort they come of their good 
 fplrit, and we are almofl at a lofs to find Chriftians among ChriiHans. 
 It is true God is calling Idudly to us by variety of providences, the 
 means of grace are yet in our hands, and the ordinances are among as; 
 but "where is the Goei of the ordinances? and where are all the wonders 
 which our fathers told us of, when the ai-m of the Lord was powerfully 
 revealed, and people more generally believed the report of the gofpcl." 
 May the Lord pieafc to revive his own work, and help us to rcrncmber^ 
 hold fall, and repent, and do our firii works,- may bis good Spirit be 
 poured out more plentifully upoii bothminiflers and people, that the 
 one may preach morepb.inly, boldly, and with an uncommon concern 
 for the glory of God, and the good of immortal fouls, and the other 
 tnay Attend with more earnefinefs and care to the " things -that are 
 fpoken, left at any time they let them llipj" and may that good fp'irh 
 of piety and devotion which fometimes, through the bielling of God, 
 and the influence of his grace, begins to kindle in this or that place, 
 fprcad like a flame throughout the land, *' to purge away our drofs, and 
 raife up a feed which ihall be accounted to the Lord for a generation." 
 
 For this let every one that is godly pray unto him day and night, fince 
 with him is therefi'dne of the Spirit; and he delights to be fUrrcd up by 
 »he prayers of his people; let us take with u>^wo:ds, and cry in th'^ 
 
 VOL. n. j> ^ 
 
26 Succefs of the Ccfpelhu America Book IV. 
 
 language of the prophet, \h. li. 9. " Awake, awake, put on flierigth, 
 O arm of the Lord, awake as in the antient (Jpys, in the generations of 
 old." Who can tell but that as he hath begun to pour out of his good 
 Spirit, fo he may pleafe to pcrfeift the good work, and caufe the good 
 favour of his knowledge to fprcad far and wide ? Let us, as they that 
 wl'.h well to the caufe of I'erious and praftical religion, feeing the times 
 are drawing nearer, wait upon the Lord, till he Ihall appear for our 
 help, bringing falvation, when all difficulties (hall be removed, the 
 mountains be levelled and made a plain ; and whatfoever letteth, fliall 
 be for ever taken away; when he that hath laid the foundation fnall 
 bring forth the headftone with ihouting, while the ftanders-by are pre- 
 pared with joyful acclamations to cry, Grace, Grace unto it. 
 
 Nc-cj'Londony Sept. iith, lyii. E.Adams. 
 
 In the application of the fermon Mr. Adams fays, page 24. "I 
 would now take leave to apply myfelfmore particularly to the people 
 in this place; a good work hath been of late wrought among you, 
 nuny have been awakned, convinced and (as we ought charitably t'o 
 hope)eire(5lua!ly brought home to God ; the neighbourhood hath rung 
 ,of it,and it hath been told for a memorial of divine grace; good people 
 every where have rejoiced upon the hearing of it and glorihed God in 
 you ;. Satan hath been alarmed and enraged (as we may we]l think) to 
 fee fuch an encroachment made upon his kingdom, to behold fuch large 
 wafteand fpoil made of his goods : this is doubtlcfs, the finger of God : 
 to him the praife of it is intirely due, and you have well done tofct a- 
 part this time for your public thankful acknowledgment of this and o- 
 .ther mercies. Suffer me therefore to apply myfelf particula^Fi,.!. To 
 them who have happily been wrought upon in this day o( m^Ce 3ir\<\ 
 pouring out of the Spirit. 2. l^o them who have been pafTe^J&^^er and 
 f'ufFered to remain lliil in their former hardnefs and fecurit3r.. 3. To 
 all the godly and Chriftian people in tliis 'pjace. [ Under thislaft head 
 he fays, ] 1. Be the more confirmed in your way by allthegre'Jt things 
 wliich the Lord hath been doing among you of 'late. I trufl that you 
 -are already well rooted and eflabliHied in tHe faith, fo that nothing 
 will eafily move you from your fledfaftnefs:" yet now through the 
 mercy of God you have an abundant confiriTiation of your faith : you 
 fee what great virtue and efiicacy there rs in the Chiiflian do(5lrine, that 
 it muft needs be the word of God feeing it produccth fuch great and 
 good and mar('ellous effects. You have a fenfible and convincing proof 
 before your eyes that there is fomething in religion, and have no fur- 
 ther need of miracles to confirm it. When you fee the doflrine of 
 Chriif triumphing remarkably over the ignorance, the miftakcs, the 
 carelefnefs and the wickednefs of men, you have reafon to draw that 
 conclufion which fometimes Jacob did ; furely the Lord is in this place; 
 furely , his word is good ; the ways of the Lord are right, and the juft 
 fliail walk in them. Let nothing for the future fliake your fledfaftnefs, 
 and be not at all moved by the confidence of foolifh men (if you fliould 
 be atfavilted by them) to divert you from that Chriftian courfe where- 
 in you have been educated; and take that counfel, in i Pet. i. 13, 
 " Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be fobcr, and hope to 
 
chap. 2. in the eighteenth Century, 27 
 
 the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation 
 of Jcfus Chriit." [ And thus he concludes ] Let us all give thanks unto 
 him whofc racrcv endureth for ever, who hath ridden forth profpc- 
 roully upon the word of truth and hath made fo many people willing 
 in the da}^ of his power. May he flill go on to fubdue the people under 
 him, that the hearts of the fathers may be brought down into the chil- 
 dren, that we may (till fee the good of his ehofen, and rejoice with the 
 gladnefs of his inheritance. And, oh! that the Lord would arifc and 
 have mercy upon Zion, that the time to f^ivour it, the let time may 
 come, that the whole earth may be filled with the knowledge of,the 
 glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the fea. 
 
 5. The ncxtlndance of religious concern we meet witli^ is in the 
 year 1727, after the earthquake, of which Mr. Prince fays ^ " Jn the 
 night after the Lord's-day 06lober'29th, 1727, there t\as a general and 
 .amazing earthquake throughout New-England, and the neighbouring 
 provinces; which with feveral repeated ihocks afterwards in diveis 
 parts of the land, was a means of awakning many to ferious thoughts 
 of God and eternity, and ol" reviving religion among us ; which v, e liiali 
 give in the words of Dr. Sewall, and the rev. Mr. Prince, Webb and 
 Cooper of Bofton, in their preface to the 3d edition of Mr. Edward's 
 narrative. Mentioning fonie remarkable eliulions of the Spirit ofChrilc 
 in other ages and parts of the world; they go on as follows. 
 - " Nor have we in thefe remote corners of the earth, ^here Satan 
 had his feat from time immemorial, bcrn left without a vmnefs of the 
 divine power and grace. Yea, we need look no higher than our own 
 ^times, to find abundant occafion to celebrate the wonderful works of 
 God. Thus when God arofe and Ihook the earth, his loud call to us 
 in that amazing providence was followed, fo far as man can judge, ^^ith 
 the (ViU voice of his Spirit, in v.'hich he was prefent to awaken many 
 and bring them to fay trembling, what muft we do to be faved ? yea, 
 as we hope, to turn not a few from fin to God in a thorough ccnver- 
 fion. But when the bitternefs of death was pafi:, much the gre.'iter part 
 of thofe whom God's terrors allrightcd, ga^'e fad occafion to remember 
 thofe words, Pfalm Ixxviii. 34, 36. " Vv hen he Hew them, then they 
 fought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. And 
 they remembred that God was thdr rock, and the high God their re- 
 deemer. Nevcrthelefs, they did flatter him with their mouths, and they 
 lied unto him with their tongues." And there hasfince been great^rea- 
 fon to complain of our fpeedy return to our former fins, notwith- 
 ftanding fome hopes given of a more general reformation." 
 
 And in the account of the revival at Boflon ^ it is farther faid con- 
 cerning this earthquake, " But after all our endeavours both our (ecu- 
 rityand degeneracy fcemcd in general to grow, 'till the night after th« 
 Lord's-day Oftobcr 29th, 1727, when the glorious God arofe and fear- 
 fully fhook the earth through all thefe countries. By terrible things in 
 righteoufnefs he began to anfwer us, as the God of bur falvation. On 
 the next morning a very full aflembly met at the North Church for the 
 proper cxercifes on fo extraordinary an occafion. At five in the eve- 
 
 a Prince's Chriftun Hiitory. N » if. b Prince's Chtiftianiliftory. N ^ ico. 
 
 D 3 
 
iH Sua^r/s of the GoTpel in y^/nerlca Book IV. 
 
 niiig a Growde*.! concouiTc aireniblcd ai the Old Gl)ui'ch: and muhiy 
 tudes unable to get in, immediately flowed to the South, and in a few 
 rninutes filled that alio. At lieutenant-governor Dummcr's motion, 
 who was then our commander, the Thurfday of the fame week wa§ 
 kept as a day of c^traoidinary faAing and prayer in all the churches in 
 Boilon; not mecrly to intreat for I'paring mercy, but alfo to implore 
 the grace and fpirit of God to come down and help us to a fincere re- 
 pentance and returning to hira. And as the houfes of public worfhip 
 were greatly crqwded, the people were v^jry attentive. The minlfters 
 endeavoured to fet in with this extraordinary and awakning work of 
 God in nature, and to preach his word in the mod awakning manner j 
 to ihow the people the vaft dilference between conviction and conver- 
 fion, between a forced refor:Tiati>)n either in acts of piety, juflicc, cha- 
 rity, orfobriety, by thcmeer power of fear, and a genuine change of 
 fhe very frame and relifh of the heart by the fupernatural eilicacy of 
 the holy Spirit; to lead them on fo true converuon and unfeigned faith 
 in Chrill, and to guard them againft deceiving tbemfelves. In all our 
 congregatioi"»5, many feemed to be awakened and reformed; and pror 
 felling repentance of their lins and faith in Ch'iii, entered into folemn 
 covenant with God, and caiue into full communion with our feveral 
 churches. In ours, within eight months after,, were about eighty added 
 to our communicants. But then comparatively few of thefc applied to 
 me to difcourfe about their fouls till they came to offer thcmfelves to 
 the commuiion, or afterwards; the moll of thofe who came to me 
 feemed to have paffed through their convicFio;is before their coming to 
 cpnverfe with me about approaching to the Lord's table : though I doubt 
 not but confiderable nunibers were at that time favingly converted. 
 
 6. Lafily, There was a confiderable revival in fhe end of .1730, and 
 the three following years at Freehold in the province of New-Jerfey, 
 under the miniftry of xMr. John Tennant, and his brother Mr. William, 
 M'ho fuccceded him. Of which* take the following account from a 
 letter to the Rev. Mr. Prince at Bofton". 
 
 , Gclobcrgth, 1744..—;?. Z). .S", " I defire to notice thankfully the latp 
 rich difplay of our glorious Emmanuel's grace, in fubduing, by his 
 n-ord and fpirit, multitudes of finners tohimfelf. Moft gladly there- 
 fore do I comply with yourrequeft. But I muft: be general, having 
 
 never mcTde any memorandums in writing; yet I truft 1 Ihall be flri(5tr 
 ly true; for the Lord hates a falfe witnefs. 
 
 The fettling ofthis place with a gofpel-miniftry was owing, under God, 
 to the agency of fome Scots people, that came to it : among whom there 
 was none fo painful in this bleifed undertaking as one Walter Ker, who, 
 jn the year 1685, for his faithful and confcientious adherence to God 
 and his truth, as profelTcd by the church of Scotland, was theVe apprc;- 
 bendcd, and fent into this country, under a fentcnce of perpetual ba^ 
 niilirnent. By which it appears that the devil and his inftruments, loft 
 .their aim in fending him from home ; where 'tis ui:}likely he could ever 
 h^ve been fo ferviceable to Chrift's kingdom, as he has been here, He 
 
 a Prince's Chriftian Hiftory, N© 90, pi. 
 
chap. 2. in fhe eighteenth Century. 29 
 
 is yet alive; and, blefled be God, he is Ilourilhing in his old age, bciiiir 
 in his 88th year. 
 
 But, to return, the public means of grace difpenfed here, were at fir/?- 
 for a feafon, too much like a mifcarrying womb and dry breafts ; To 
 that the major part of the congregation could not be faid to have fb 
 much as a name to live. Family prayer was unpraclifcd by all, a very 
 few excepted; ignorance fo overlhadowed their minds, that the doc- 
 trine of the new-birth, when clearly explained, and powerfully prclieJ 
 upon them, as abfolutely neceflary to falvation (by that faithful preach- 
 er of God's word, Mr. Theodorus Jacobus Frclinghoufa, a Dutch mi- 
 nifler, and fome other EnglKhi minillcrs, who were occallonally here) 
 was made a common game of; fo that not only the preachers but pro- 
 feffors of that truth were called in derifion new-born, and looked up-, 
 on as holders forth of fome new and falfe doctrine. 
 
 And indeed their practice was as bad as their principles, viz. loofe 
 and profane. In the year 1729, their minifter removed from them, 
 and they were fo grievoufly divided among themfelves, that it appeared 
 improbable, they would ever agree in the fettlemcnt of another. In 
 this miferable condition they lay; and few among them had either eyes 
 to fee, or hearts to bewail their woful wretched circumflanccs. Thus 
 they fcemed to be cart out as the prophet Ezekiel reprefents it, in the 
 1 6th chapter of his book, and the 5th verfe. But the Lord, who is rich 
 in mercy, of his unexpected and immcrited love, palfed by them lying 
 in their blood, 'and faid unto many of them fmcq that day, live ; and 
 live they fhall to all eternity. 
 
 About this time my dear brother John (who is now with Chrif|) wa-? 
 licenfed as a candidate for the facred miniflry : a youth whom the Au- 
 thor of every good gift had uncommonly furniQiied for that important 
 trufl. To him application was* made by fome of the congregation, in- 
 trearing that he would fupply them for a time: to which (with the 
 leave of the prcibytery) he confcnted. But ere he went, he often 
 told me, that he was heartily forry he had engaged to go among them; ' 
 for it fcemed to him, that they were a people whom God had given up 
 for their abitfe of the gofpel. But the Lord's thoughts are not our 
 thoughts; for when he had preached four or five Sabbaths in the place, 
 (which was the whole time he tarried among them at Jirfl) the Lord fo 
 bleffed his labours, engaging people to attend to the things which were 
 fpoken, and flirring them up to fearch the fcriptures, whether thefc 
 things were fo, and withal enabling hi.m to preach to them with fuch 
 uncommon freedom and earneftnefs ; that he told me he was fully pcr- 
 fuaded Chrifl: Jefushad a large Harvefl to bring home there; fo that, 
 though they were a poor broken people, yet if they called him, he 
 •would fettle among them, albeit he fhould be put to beg his bread bv 
 fo doing. April the 15th, 1730, the congregation unanimoufly called 
 him; which he accepting of, was ordained the 19th of November fol- 
 lowing, and continued with them until April 23d, 1732, and was tlieu 
 f canflated to glory. 
 
 During his fhort time, his labours were greatly bleffed; fo that the 
 ^lace of public worlhip was ufxially crouded v/jth people of all ranks. 
 
50 S-uccep cf the Go/pel in America Book I \'. 
 
 and they fccmcd to hear generally as for their lives; yea, fuch as were 
 wont to gX) to thofe places for their uivcriion, viz. to hear news or 
 fpeak to their tradcfmen, &-c. even on the Lords-day, as they theni- 
 fclvcs have lincc conleJrcd, were taken in the golpel net: a folemn awe 
 of God's majclly pollelfed many, lb that they behaved themfelves as at 
 his bar while in his houfe. Many tears were ufually fned, when he 
 preached, and fometimes the body of the congregation was moved or 
 iHcv-'tcd. I can fay, and let the Lord alone have the glory of it, that I 
 have (tx'o both miniller and people wet with their tears as with a bedew- 
 ing rain. 1: was no uncommon thing to fee pt-rlbns in the time of hear- 
 ing, fohbingas if their hearts would break, but without any public out- 
 cry ; i\n<\ fome have been carried out of the aifembly (being overcome) 
 as if they had bceji dead. Religion was then the general fubjcct of dif- 
 Lourfe, though they did not all approve of the power of it: the Holy 
 IVible was (earched by people on both fides of the queftion, and know- 
 ledge fmpri/.ing'.y encreafed : the terror of God fell generally upon the 
 inhabitants of this ,pljce ; ^o that wickednefs, as afliamcd in a great mea- 
 fure, hid itfelf. Some of the jolly companions of both fexes were con- 
 Ihained, by their confciences, to meet together, the men by them- 
 felves, and the women by themfelves, to confefs privately their abomi- 
 nations before God, and beg the pardon of them. 
 
 Before my brother's death, by reafon of his bodily weaknefs, I 
 prcachcYl here abo\it Hx months. In which time, many came enquir- 
 ing, what they (hould do to be faved ? and fome to tell what the 1-ord 
 had done 'or their fouls." But the blelTing on his labours, to the con- 
 vi;5Vion and converfion of foids, was more difcernible fome months af- 
 ter his death, than any time in his life ; almofl in every neighbourhood, 
 I cannot lay in every houfe, there were fin-fick fouls, longing for and 
 leeking after the dear Phyfician, Jefus Chrill ; feveral of whom I no- 
 wife doubt have fmce that time lincerely clofed with him, and are heal- 
 ed : glory, glory to his holy name be given for ever and ever, Amen ! 
 
 Sometime after my brother's deceafe, the congregation called me to 
 labour among them flatedly ; which I accepted, and v/as oi'dained Octo- 
 ber the 25th, 1733. Thus my Lord fent me to reap that on which I 
 had beflov.'cd but little labour: may this confideration be blelfed to 
 make me thankful and humble while I live. 
 
 I mufl further declare, to the honour of God, that he has not yet left 
 us, although awfnlly provoked by our crying crimes; but ever lincc that 
 more remarkable out-pouring of his Spirit, has continued to blcfs his 
 own ordinances, to the conviction, converfion, and confolation of pre- 
 cibus fouls : fo that every year, fome, more or lefs, have been in a judg- 
 ment of charity added (favingly) to his mydical body : to his holy name 
 be all the glory! In the mean time, I would have it obferved, that 
 two or three years laft pafl: have afforded fewer inftances of this kind 
 than formerly. However, through grace, fome have been lately awa- 
 kened, who are even now feeking Jefus forrowing. 
 
 What thenumber is of thofe who have tafted the fweet fruits of the 
 
 Redeemer's purchafc in a faving manner,'in this congregation, I cannot 
 
 ■ tell : it is my comfort that the Lord will reckon them ; for he knows 
 
ClVap. 2. in the eighteenth Century. 4^1 
 
 who arc his; and indeed none but the omnlfclcnt Cod is eqnal to the 
 difficult province of dcterniming certainly concerning the internal fbtc? 
 of men. Yet I maybe bold to-l"ay, tiiat to all cppcarance, both old and 
 young, males and females, have been renewed ; though none fo youn:', 
 as 1 have heard of in fomc other places. Some Negroes, I' trull, art- 
 made free in Chrift; and more fecm to beunteignediy feeking after it. 
 But after all that the Lord has been plcafed to do among us, I am per 
 fuaded that the greater number by tar, are yet in the gall of bittcrnei^ 
 and bond of iniquity. This makes me fometimcs ready to Vviih, that i 
 had in the wildci ncfs the lodging place of a wayfaring man, that f might 
 leave my people, and go from them; or rather thiat my head were wa- 
 ters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and 
 Might for them ! 
 
 Such^as have been converted were every of ihem prepared for it by a 
 fiiarp law-work of convifrion, in difcovering to them in a htart-a heft- 
 ing manner, their flnfulnefs both by nature and practice, as well as thtii" 
 liablenefs to damnation for their original and aftual tranrgreffons, 
 Keither could they fee any v/ay in themfelvcs by which they could e- 
 fcape the divine vengeance; for that their whole life paft was not only 
 a con tinued"a61: of rebellion againll; God, but their prefent endeavours 
 to better it-, fuch as prayeiS, &c. were fo impcrfeci, that they could net 
 endure them, and much lefs they concluded, v. ould a holy God. They 
 all confelled the juftice of (iod in their eternalptrdition ; and thus have 
 been fhut up to the bleiled necellity of fceking relief by faith in Chrilt 
 alone. 
 
 It would be endlefs to mention the evils they complained of, viz. ig- 
 norance, unbelief, hardnefs of heart, hatred againrtGod, his laws, and 
 people, worldlinefs, wandiings of -heart in duty, pride, fenfualitv, 
 lloth, &CC. AV ith what grief, Ihame, and felf-loathing have I heard them 
 bewail their lofs of time and neglect of the greaLgofpel falvation ! Thofe 
 that were coinmunicants before their awakening, have with trci-nblirip; 
 declared that their unworthy partaking grieved them more than an\ 
 thing ever they did ; for hereby they had, as it were, m\irde:ed th 
 Lord. It is almolt incredible to rebtc the indignation that fuch ::■ 
 wakened finners exprcfled againll themfelves, on the account of their 
 finfulnefs. They looked upon themfelves to be mere monllets of na- 
 ture, and that none were worfe, if any fo bad, Others lignilied that 
 "they could not find their pit^lures out of hell, and that they were jull 
 companions for the damned, and none elfe. Let it be here noted, that 
 fome who have exprclfed themfelves in the manner I have mentioned., 
 were before taken for believers both by themfelves' and others, beinv 
 fober and regular in their walk. / 
 
 The forrows of the convinced, were no^all alike, cither in degree 
 or continuance. Some have not thoiight it poifible, for them to bc- 
 faved, if God would vindicate the honour of his juflice: but theic 
 thoughts continued not long at a time,bleired be God. Others though r 
 it was pofRblc, but not very probable, becaufe of their vlienefs. 'f ht 
 greatelt degree of hope which any had, under a co;iviction that iffucJ 
 well, .was a may-be; *' Peradventure or may be God will havfe nvercy 
 
3i Sttccefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 on me," faid the finner. Some in coming to Jefus have been much 
 rent withblal'phemous and other horrible temptations, which have turn- 
 fj their moillurc into the drought of Summer; who now through 
 pure grace fcrveGod, without fuch diilracftions, in gladnefs and lingle- 
 j-cfs ofneart. The convidionof fomehasb^en inltanraneous, by the 
 Holy Spirit's applying the law to the conlcience, and diicovering to the 
 eye of the underilancung, as it were, all their heart-deceits very fpeedi- 
 ly; by which they have been ftabbed as with a fword. But the con- 
 ^iclion of others, has been in a more progreilive way. They have 
 had difcovercd to them one abomination after another in life ; and from, 
 thence were led to behold the fountain of all corruption in the heart j 
 ^nd thus they were conllrained to defpair of life by the law, and con- 
 fcquently to llee to Jefus as the only door of hope, and fo relt entirely 
 on his merit for falvation. 
 
 After the aforefaid forrowful exercifes, fuch as were reconciled to 
 God, have been blclfcd with the Spirit of adoption, enabling them to 
 cry, Abba Father. But fome have had greater degrees of confolation 
 than others, in proportion to the clcarnefs of the evidences of their 
 ibnlhip. The Lord has drawn fome out of the horrible pit of diflrefs 
 and darknefs, and brought them into the light of his countenance. He 
 has filled their hearts with joy, and their mouths with praifes; yea^ 
 given them the full allurance of faith. Others have been brought to 
 peace in believing; but have not hadTo great a plcrophory of joy : yet 
 they go on in a religious courfe trufting in the Lord. The way they 
 have been comforted is either by the application of fome particular pro- 
 jKife of Scripture, or by a foul-affefting view of the way of falvation by 
 Chrift, as free without money and without price: they were enabled 
 to behold the valuable mercies of the covenant of grace, freely tendered 
 to the vilell tranfgrelfors, that were poor in their own eyes, fin-iick, 
 \veary, and wounded, together with the ability and willingnefs of the 
 Lord Jefus to relieve them from all the evils they either feared or felt. 
 With this way of falvation their fouls were well pleafed, and thereupon 
 have ventured their cafe into his hands, expelling help from him only; 
 who. has given them both peace and reft:, yea filled fome of them with 
 joy unfpeakable and full of glory. I remember not of any vthat re- 
 ceived their firft comforts otherwife. Some few have retained their 
 confidence in God ever iincc, without any conllderable queflionings 
 of their flate, altho' they have not always- tailed the comforts of it. 
 But the mofl by far have queflioned all, and doubted it was a delufion. 
 This I fuppofe is generally owing to the remains of corruption, which 
 blot the evidences of grace in good men, fo that they can hardly read 
 them ; and particularly to the awful fin of unbelief; together with 
 the prevalence of a legal fplrit. But however drftrefiing it is to them 
 to feel their imperfe<51:ions, it helps to perfuade me that they are rege- 
 nerate ; elfe it would not be fo; fin would not be their chief burden 
 in a general way. However our Lord who comforts thofe that are 
 call: down, even the wonderful counfellor teaches them, that he not 
 only faves thofe who have been finners before converfion, but even 
 fuch as after it find a law in their members Nyarring againll the iaw of 
 
chap. 2- in the eighteenth Century. ^3 
 
 their minids, which too often caufes them to do the things they -would 
 not; and he enable? them torellectupon. what they have and do daily ex- 
 perience, and compare it with the evidences ol' grace in the word of 
 God. The bleifed God does likewife give them rcnev.ed taftes of his 
 love, even after mifteps; and thus ,they are efiablilhcd in faith and 
 hope, fo that they have a prevailing pcrfuafion of their interefl: in Chrill ; 
 except it be in times of defertion and temptation, with which fome 
 are more exercifed than others, for reafons befl known to a (bvereign 
 Cod. ' ^ 
 
 Doubtlefs, Sir, you will dcfire to know what cffefts this work pro- 
 duces on the minds and manners of its fubjedis? I anfwer. They are 
 not only made to knovv'^, but heartily to approve of the great doctrines 
 of the gofpel, which they were before either ignorant of or averfe to, 
 (at leafl fome of them ;) fo that they do harmonize fweetly in exalting 
 free, fpecial, and fovereign grace through the redeemer Jefus Chrift; 
 being willing to glory only in tije Lord, who has loved them and given 
 himfelf for them, an offering and a facriiice of a fweet fmelling favour. 
 I cannot cxprefs with what fatisfaftion I have heard fome fpeak of the 
 new covenant method of falvation. They have fpoken with fuch af- 
 fection and clearnefs, as I have thought was fufficient to convince an 
 , Atheift, that the Lord was their teacher. The alteration in fome from 
 almofi grofs ignorance, to fuch clear gofpel light, and in others from 
 fuch corrupt principles, as the Papifts and Quakers hold, to the believing 
 acknowledgement of the truth, none but he that made the underftand- 
 ing could effeft. They approve of the law of God after the inward 
 man, as holy, jufr, and good, and prize it above gold. They judge it 
 their duty as well as privilege to wait on God in all the ordinances of 
 his inftitution, altho' they expe£l to merit nothing thereby. A reve- 
 rence for God's commanding authority, arid gratitude for his love, 
 confpire to incite and conftrain them to a willing, unfeigned, univerfal, 
 and unfainting obedience to his laws: yet they declare that in every 
 thing they come fadly fhort of what they ought to do, and bitterly be- 
 wail their defers. But, bleffcd be God, are not difcouraged in their 
 endeavours to reach forward, if by any means they may apprehend 
 that for which they arc apprehended of God : and in all things they 
 acknowledge that they ought to look to Jefus as the author and finiflier 
 of faith, whofe alone it is to work all good in them, and for them, to 
 whom be glory for ever. They are not unmoleiled in their way by 
 enemies, both from within and from without. Yet they profefs that 
 the comforts which they receive do more than compenfate all their 
 labour, were there no good to be expefted hereafter. They have not 
 all made alike proficiency in the Ghriftian courfe ; neither are they all 
 equal in religious endeavours, nor any at all times alike lively. They 
 are fometimes obftrufted in their religious progrefs by coldnefs and 
 deadnefs; but this the bleifed Jefus removes at times, by the influence 
 of his Holy Spirit; then, O then, their hearts are enlarged, and they 
 run the fweet ways of God's commandments with alacrity and delight ! 
 They love all fuch, as they have reafon to think from their principles, 
 experience, and pfadice, are truly godly, though they differ from them. 
 VOL. n. E 
 
34 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 in fentlment In lelFer things, and look on them to be the excellent of 
 the earth. They rejoice in Zion's profperity, glorifying God on that 
 account, and feel a fympathy in her forrows. They do prefer one a- 
 nother before themfelves in love, except under temptation, which they 
 are ready to confefs and bewail when they are themfelves, generally ac- 
 counting that they are the meanefl; of the family of God, and unwor- 
 thy of the blelling; yea, the mofl fo of any living, all- things confi- 
 dered. 
 
 In a word, the faplefs formalifl is become fpiritual in his converfati- 
 on ; the proud and haughty are made humble and affable; the wanton 
 and vilc,fober and temperate; the fwearer honours that venerable Name 
 he was wont to profane, and bleffes inflead of curling; the Sabbath- 
 breaker is brought to be a ftridt obferver of holy time; the worldling 
 now feeks treafures in the heavens; the extortioner now deals juftly; 
 and the formerly malicious forgive injuries; the prayerlefs are earnefl: 
 and incefl'ant in a£ls of devotion; and the fneaking felf-feeker endea- 
 vours the advancement of God's glory, and the falvation of immortal 
 fouls. 
 
 Through God's mercy we have been quite free froni enthufiafm ; our 
 people have followed the holy law of God, the lure word of prophecy, and 
 not the impulfes of their own minds. There have not been, that I know 
 of, among us any vifions, except fuch as are by faith; namely, clear 
 and aifefting views of the new and living way to the Father, through 
 his dear Son Jefus Ghrift : nor any revelations but what have been long 
 fmce written in the facred volume. It may not be amifs to inform you, 
 that many who have been avv'akcned, and fccmcd for a time to fet out 
 for Zion, are turned back. Yea, of thofc who have been efleemed con- 
 verts, fome have made fhipwreck of faith and a good confcience ; though 
 glory to God there have not been many fuch ; yet fome of them who 
 have thus awfully apoftatized, were highly efleemed in the church. By 
 this our good and gracious God has given check to too high an efteeni 
 of our own judgmen t concerning the fpiritual ftates of 6thers, ( an evil 
 which is too common among yovmg converts) and awfully warned all 
 that think they fland to take heed lefl: they fall. Many, I have caufe to 
 fear, have been hardened in their impieties and imreafonablc prejudices 
 againfl vital religion, by the backflidings of fome profcfTors. Wo to 
 the world, bccaufe of offences ! But in the mean time, blcffed be God, 
 wifdom is, and will be, juflified of her children. This, Sir, is as par- 
 ticular an account as I can at prefent give of the Lord's work in this 
 place. If my Lord will accept it as a teflimony for him, it will be a 
 greater honour than ever I defer ved. I need your prayers, and earneflly 
 defire them: O beg of God, that I may be faithful to the death, and 
 wife to win fouls. I am, with all due refpe6ls,your's in the dearefl jefus. 
 
 Freehold, O^ober gth, 1744. William Tennent. 
 
 Attestation to the preceding Account . 
 
 •' We the fubfcribers, ruling-elders, and deacons of the Prefbyterian 
 congregation of Freehold, having had perfect knowledge of the circum- 
 ftance of this place, fome of us from the firfl: fettling of it, and others 
 of a long time, do give our teftimony to the truth in general of the 
 
Chap.~2. in the eighteenth Century. ^'i 
 
 above letter of our rev. paflor. May the Lord make the fame of ufc 
 for the carrying on his glorious work begun in thcfc lands ; and make 
 the name of the deareft: Jefus glorious from the rifing to the fetting fun." 
 
 Freehold in New- J erfeyy OSiober nth, 1744.- — "Walter Ker. 
 
 Robert Cuming. David Rhe. John Henderson. AVilliam Ker. 
 Samuel Ker. 
 
 Section II. 
 
 Of the remarkable Revival at Northampton in 1734, ^c. Which be- 
 
 gan with fuch Things as Sabbath-SanSlificaticn, religious Aleetings 
 among the young People, and the Preaching of Jujlification by Faith 
 
 alone. The Concern appears in other Toxuns and Villages of Hamp- 
 
 J]j{re. ^ind in fever al Towns in Conne6iicut. 
 
 THE next revival that -followed that in Freehpld was that remarkable 
 one in Northampton 1734, &c. which we fliall relate from the follow- 
 ing pafTages of Mr. Edwards' Narrative, in Prince's ChrijHan Hijlery. 
 
 r From Prince's Chriflian Hiftory, N° ly, 16. ] 
 Juft after my grandfather's death, it feemed to be a time of extraor- 
 dinary dulnefs in religion. Licentioufnefs for fome years greatly pre- 
 vailed among the youth of the town : they were many of them very 
 much addicted to night-walking, and frequenting the tavern, and lewd 
 prailices, wherein fome b)^ their example exceedingly corrupted others. 
 It was their manner very frequently to get together, in conventions of 
 both fexes, for mirth and jollity, which they called frolicks; and tUey 
 would often fpend the greater part of the night in them, without regard 
 to any order in the families they belonged to : and indeed family-go- 
 vernment did too much fail in the town. It was become very cufloma- 
 ry with many of our young people to be indecent in their carriage at 
 meeting ; which doubtlefs would not have prevailed to fuch a degree, 
 had it not been that my grandfather, through his great age, ( though he 
 retained his powers furprizingly to the lafl) was not fo able to obferve 
 them. There had alfo long prevailed in the town a fpirit of contention 
 between two parties, into which they had for many ye-irs been divided, 
 by which was maintained a jealoufy one of the other, and they were 
 prepared to oppofe one another in all public affairs. But in two or three 
 years after Mr. Stoddard's death, there began to be a fenllble amend- 
 ment of thefe evils ; the young people (hewed more of a difpofition to 
 hearken to counfel, and by degrees left off their frolicking, and grew 
 obfervably more decent in their attendance on the public worfliip, and 
 there were more that manifefted a religious concern thap there ufed 
 to be. 
 
 At the latter end of the year 1733, there appeared a very unufual 
 flexiblenefs, and yielding to advice, in our young people. It had been 
 too long their manner to make the evening after the Sabbath '^, and af- 
 ter our public ledlure, to be efpecially the times of their mirth and com- 
 
 a It muft be noted, that it has never been our manner to obferve the evening that fo!'. 
 lows the Sabbath, but that which precedes it, as part 0/ holy time. 
 
 E Z 
 
36 Succcp of the Go/pel in the America Book IV. 
 
 pany-keeping. But a fcrmon was now preached on the Sabbath before 
 the Icfture, to (liewthe evil tendency of the pras^tice, and to perfuade 
 to reform it; and it was urged on heads of families, that it (hould be a 
 thing agreed upon among them to govern their families, and keep their 
 children at home, at thelc times; and withal it was more privately mo- 
 ved, that they Ihould meet together the next day in their feveral neigh- 
 bourhoods, to know each other's minds, which v/as accordingly done, 
 and the motion complied with throughout the town. But parents found 
 little or no occcfion for the exercife of government in the cafe: the 
 young people declared themfelves convinced by what they had heard 
 from the pulpit, and were willing of themfelves to comply with the 
 counfel that had been given; and it v/as irr^nediatcly, and, I fuj^pofe, 
 almofl univerfally complied vi'ith ; and there was a thorough reformati- 
 on of thefe dlforders thenceforward, which has continued ever fince. 
 
 Prcfently after this, there began to appear a remarkable religious 
 concern at a little village, belonging to the congregation, called Paf- 
 comrauck, where a few families were fettled, at about three miles dif- 
 tance from the main body of the town. At this place, a number of per- 
 fons feemed to be favingly wrought upon. In the April follov>'ing, 
 anno 1734, there happened a very fudden and awful death-of a young 
 man, in the bloom of his youth; who being violently feized with a 
 pleurify, and taken immediately very delirious, died in about two 
 days; which (together with what was preached publicly on that occa- 
 llon) much affe£led many young people. This was followed with ano- 
 ther death of a young married woman, who had been confiderably ex- 
 ercifed in mind, about the falvation of her foul, before (lie was ill, and 
 was in great diftr-efs, in thf beginning of her illnefs ; but feemed to have 
 fatisfying evidences of God's faving mercy to her, before her death ; fo 
 that fhe died very full of comfort, in a moll earnell: and moving man- 
 ner warning, and counfelling others. This feemed much to contribute 
 to the folemnizing of the fpirits of many young perfons : and there be- 
 gan evidently to appear more of a religious concern on people's minds. 
 In the fall of the year, I propofed it to the young people, that they 
 fliould agree among themfelves to fpend the evenings after le<fl:ures in 
 focial religion, and to that end divide themfelves into feveral compa- 
 nies to meet in various parts of the town ; which was accordingly, done, 
 and thofe meetings have been fince continued, and the example imita-- 
 ted by elder people. This was followed with the death of an elderly 
 pcrfon, wbich was attended with many unufualcircumftances, by which 
 many were much moved and afFefted. About this time, many who 
 looked on themfelves as in a Chrirtlefs condition, feemed to be awa- 
 kened, with fear that God was about to withdraw from the land, and 
 that we fliould be given up to Heterodoxy, and corrupt principles ; and 
 that then their opportunity for obtaining falvation would be pafl; 
 and many who were brought a little to doubt about the truth of the 
 do61:rines they had hitherto been taught, feemed to liave a kind of a, 
 trembling fear with their doubts, left they Hiould be led into by-paths, 
 to their eternal undoing: and they feemed with much concern and en- 
 gagednefs of mind, to enquire what was indeed the way in which they 
 
chap. 2. in the eighteenth Century . 37 
 
 rauft come to be accepted with God. There were then fome things faid 
 publicly on that occafion, concerning jullification by faith alone. Al- 
 though great fault was found with meddling with the controverfy ia 
 the pulpit, by fuch a perfon, and at that time, and though it was ridi- 
 culed by many elfewhere ; yet it proved a word fpokcnin leafon here; 
 and was moft evidently attended with a very remarkable blelFing of 
 Heaven to the fouls of the people in this town. They received thence 
 a general fatlsfadlion with rcfpeft to the main thing in queftion, M'hich 
 they had been in trembling doubts and concern about ; and their minds 
 were engaged the more earneflly to feek that they might come to be 
 accepted of God, and faved in the way of the gofpel, which had been 
 made evident to them to be the true and only way. And then it was, 
 in the latter part of December, that the Spirit of God began extraor- 
 dinarily to fet in, and wonderfully to work amongfl: us; and there 
 were, very fuddenly, one after another, five or fix perfons, who vv^ere 
 to all appearance favingly converted, and fome of them wrought upon 
 in a very remarkable manner. 
 
 Particularly, I was furprized with the relation of a young woman, 
 who had been one of the greatefl: company-keepers in the whole town: 
 when (he came to me, I had never heard that (he was become in any 
 wife ferious, but by the converfation I then had with her, it appeared to 
 me, that what (he gave an account of, was a glorious work of God's in- 
 finite power and fovereign grace; and that God had given her a new 
 heart, truly broken and fancttfied. I could not then doubt of it, and 
 have feen much in my acquaintance with her fince to confirm it. 
 Though the work was glorious, yet I was filled with concern sbout 
 the efFecl it might have upon others: I was ready to conclude (though 
 too raihly) that fome would be hardned by it, in careleffnefs and looi'e- 
 nefs of life; and would take occafion from it to open their mouths, 
 in reproaches of religion. But the event was the reverfe, to a wonder- 
 ful degree; God made it, I fuppofe, the greatefc occafion of awaken- 
 ing to others, of any thing that ever came to pafs in the town. I have 
 had abundant opportunity to know the effefl it had, by my private 
 converfation with many. The news of it fecmcd to be almoft like a 
 lla(h of lightning, upon the hearts of young people, all over the town, 
 and upon many others. Thpfe perfons amongft us, w^ho ufed to be far- 
 theft from ferioufnefs, and that I mofi: feared would make an ill im- 
 provement of it, feemed greatly to be awakened with it; many went 
 to talk with her, concerning what (he had met with; and what appear- 
 ed in her feemed to be to the fatisfaftion of all that did fo. 
 
 Prefently upon this, a great and earneft concern about the great 
 things of religion, and the eternal world, became univerfal in all parts 
 of the town, and among perfons of all ages; the noife among the dry 
 bones waxed louder and louder: ail other talk but about fpiritual and 
 eternal things, was foon thrown by; all the converfation in all com- 
 panies, and upon all occafions, was upon thefe things only, imlefs fo 
 much as was neceffary for people, carrying on their ordinary fecular bu- 
 finefs. Other difcourfe than of the things of religion, would Scarcely 
 be tolerated in any company. The minds of people were wonderfully 
 
38 Succefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 taken off from the world ; it was treated amongfl: us as a thing of very 
 little confeqiience : they fccmed to follow their worldly bufinefs, more 
 as a part of their duty, than from any difpofition they had to it; the 
 temptation now fecmed to lie on that hand, to neglecl worldly affairs 
 too much, and to fpend too much lime in the immediate exercife of re- 
 ligion: which thing was exceedingly mifreprefcnted by reports that 
 were fprcad in difrant parts of the land, as though the people here had 
 wholly thrown by all worldly bufinefs, and betook themfelves entirely 
 to reading and praying, and fuch like religious exercifes. But although 
 people did oot ordinarily ncglecl their worldly bullnefs; yet there 
 then was the rcverfe of what commonly is: religion was with all forts 
 the great concern, and the world was a thing only by the by. The on- 
 ly ihing in their view was to get the kingdom of Heaven, and every 
 one appeared preffmg into it: the engagcdnefs of their hearts in this 
 great concern could not be hid, it appeared in their very countenan- 
 ces. It then was a dreadful thing amongft us to lie out of Ghrift, in 
 danger every day of dropping into hell; and what perfons minds were 
 intent upon was to efcape for their lives, and to liy from the wrath to 
 come. All would eagerly lay hold of opportunities for their fouls; 
 and were wont very often to meet together in private houfes for religi- 
 ous purpofes: and fuch meetings when appointed were wont greatly 
 to be thronged. 
 
 There was fcarcely a fingle perfon in the town, either old or yoimg, 
 that was left unconcerned about the great things of the eternal world. 
 Thofe that were wont to be thevaineft, andlooleff, and thofe that had 
 been mod: difpofed to think, and fpeak (lightly of vital and experi- 
 mental religion, were now generally fubjeft to great awakenings. And 
 the work of converfion was carried on in a mofl aftonilhing manner, 
 and increafcd more and more ; fouls did as it were come by flocks to 
 Jefus Ghriflr. From day to day, for many months together, might be 
 feen evident inftances of fmners brought out of darknefs into marvel- 
 lous light, and delivered out of an horrible pit, and from the miry clay, 
 and fet upon a rock, with a new fong of praife to God in their mouths. 
 
 This work of God, as it was carried on, and the number of true 
 faints multiplied, foon made a glorious alteration in the town; fo that 
 in the fprinp and fummer following, in the year 1735, the town feem- 
 (?d to be fuil of the prefence of God : it never was fo full of love, nor 
 fo full of joy, and yet fo full of diftrefs, as it was then. There were 
 remarkable tokens of God's prefence in almofl every houfe. It was a 
 time of joy in families on the account of falvation's being brought un- 
 to them; parents rejoicing over their children as new born, and huf- 
 bands over their wives, and wives over their hufbands. The geingsof 
 God were then (ten in his fanftuary; God's day was a delight, and his 
 tabernacles were amiable. Our public affemblies were then beautiful ; 
 the congregation was alive in God's fervice, every one earneftly intent 
 on the public worftiip, every hearer eager to drink in the words of the 
 minifter as they came from his mouth; the affembly in general were 
 from time to time, in tears while the word was preached ; fome weep- 
 ing v/ith forrow and diftrefs, others with joy and love, others with pi- 
 
chap. 2. xV; the eighteenth Century. ^q 
 
 ty and concern for the fouls of their neighbours. Our public praifes 
 were then greatly cnliverKcd ; God was then ferved in mir Pfalmody, 
 in fome meafure, in the beauty of holinefs. It has been obfervabje, that 
 there has been fcarce any part of divine worlblp, wherein good men a- 
 mongfl: ushavehad grace fo drawn forth, and their hearts lb lifted up 
 in the ways of God, as in finging his praifes: our congregation excei- 
 •/ -led all that ever I knew, in the external part of the duty, before. But 
 now they were evidently wont to fing with unufual elevation of heart 
 and voice, which made theduty plcafant indeed. 
 
 In all companies on other days, on whatever occaflons pcrfons met 
 together, Chrill was to be heard of and fccn in the midit of them. Our 
 young people, when they met, were wont tofpend the time in talking 
 of the excellency and dying love of Jefus Chrill:, the glorioulnefs of 
 the way of lalvation, the wonderful, free,, and fovereign grace of God, 
 his glorious work in the converfion of a foul, the trvUh and certainty 
 of the great things of God's word, the fwcetnefs of the views of his per- 
 feflions, &c. And even at weddings, which formerly were meei ly oc- 
 cafions of mirth and jollity, there was now ne difcourfe of any thing 
 but the things of religion, and no appearance of any but fpiritual 
 mirth. Thofe among us that had been formerly converted, were great- 
 ly enlivened and renewed vv^ith frefu and extraordinary incomes of the 
 Spirit of God; though fome much more than others, according to the 
 meafure of the gift of Chiiil : many that before had laboured under dif- 
 ficulties about their own flate, had now their doubts removed by more 
 fa tisfying experience, and more clear difcoverics of God's love. 
 
 When this work firft appeared, and was fo extraordinarily carried 
 on amongfl us in the winter, others round about us feemcd not to know 
 what to make of it; and there were many that fcofied at and ridiculed 
 it; and fome compared what w-e called converfion, to certain diftem- 
 pers. But it was very obfervable of many, that occafionally came a- 
 mongrt us from abroad, with difregardful hearts, that what they faw 
 here cured them of fuch a temper of mind: Grangers were generally 
 furprized to find things fo much beyond what they had heard, and were 
 wont to tell others, that the (late of the town could not be conceived 
 of by thofe that had not feen it. The notice that was taken of it by 
 the people that came to town on occafion of the court that fit here in 
 the beginning of March, was very obfervable. And thofe that came 
 from the neighbourhood to our public lectures, were for themoft part 
 remarkably alfecfted. Many that came to town, on one occafion or o- 
 ther, had their confciences fmitten and awakened, and went home with 
 wounded hearts, and with thofe imprefTioos that never wore off 'tillr 
 they had hopefully a faving iffue; and thofe that before had ferious 
 thoughts, had their awakenings and conviftions greatly increafed. And 
 there were many inftances of perfons that came from abroad, on vifits, 
 or on bufinefs, that had not been long hgi-e before, to all appearance^ 
 they were favingly wrought upon, and partook of that (hower of di- 
 vine bleffing that God rained down here, and went home rejoicing: 'till 
 at length the fame work began evidently tQ appear and prevail.ia feve- 
 ral other towns in the county. 
 
40 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 In the month of March, the people in South-Hadley began to be fei- 
 zed with deep concern about the things of religion ; which very Toon 
 became univerfal: and the work of God has been very wonderful there ; 
 not much, if any thing, Ihort of what it has been here, in proportion 
 to the bignefs of the place. About the fame time, it began to break forth 
 in the well part of Suffield, (where it has alfo been very great) and itf 
 foon fpread into all parts of the town. It next appeared at Sunderland, 
 and foon overfpread the town ; and I believe was, for a feafon, not lefs 
 remarkable than it was here. About the fame time, it began to appear 
 in a part of Deerfield, called Green-River; and afterwards filled the 
 town, and there has been a glarioiis work there. It began alfo to be 
 manifeft, in the fouth part of Hatfield, in a place called the Hill, and 
 after that the whole town, in the fecond week in April, feemed to be 
 feized, as it were at once, w^ith concern about the things of religion ; 
 and the work of God has been great there. There* has been alfo a 
 very general awakening at Weft-S'pringfield and Long-Meadow. And 
 in Enfield, there was for a time no fmall concern amongft ipme 
 that before had been very loofe perfons. About the fame time that this 
 appeared at Enfield, Mr. Bull of Weftfield informed me, that there had 
 been a great alteration there, and that more had been done in one week 
 there than in feven years before. Something of this work likewife ap- 
 peared in the firll: precinfl in Springfield, principally in the North and 
 South extremes of the parifli. And in Hadley old town, there gradu- 
 ally appeared fo much of a w^ork of God on fouls, as at another time 
 would have been thought worthy of much notice. For a fliort time 
 there was alfo a very great and general concern, of the like nature, at 
 Northfield. And wherever this concern appeared, it feemed not to be 
 in vain ; but in every place God brought faving blellings with him, and 
 his word attended with his Spirit (as we have all reafon to think) re- 
 turned not void. It might well be faid at that time in all parts of the 
 county, " Who are thefe that fly as a cloud, and as doves to their win- 
 dows?" As what other towns heard of and found in this, was a great 
 means of awakening them, fo our hearing of fuch a fwift and extraor- 
 dinary propagation, and extent of this work, did doubtlefs for a time 
 ferve to uphold the work amongfl: us. The continual news kept alive 
 the talk of religion, and did greatly quicken and rejoice the hearts of 
 God's people, and much awakened thofe that looked on themfelves as 
 flill left behind, and made them the more earneft that they alfo might 
 iharein the great bleffing that others had obtained. 
 
 This remarkable pouring out of the Spirit of God, which thus ex- 
 tended from one end to the other of this county, was not confined to 
 it, but many places in Connecticut, have partook in the fame mercy: 
 as for inflance, the firfl: parid^ in Windfor, under the pafloral care of 
 Mr. Marfh was thus blefied about the fame time, as we in Northamp- 
 ton, while we had no knowledge of each other's circumftances : there 
 has been a very great ingathering of fouls to Chrifl in that place. And 
 fomething confiderable of the fame work began afterwards in Eaft- 
 "VVindfor, my honoured father's parifli, which has, in times paft, been 
 a place favoured with mercies of this nature above moft, there having 
 
(Ihap. 2. /'•/ tf^c ngl'tccnt/j Cctituty. ^j 
 
 been four or five fcnfons of" the pouring out of" the Spirit to the gene- 
 ral awaUeniag of the people there lince my lather's fcttlement amongfl 
 them. There was alio the lall Spring and Summer a wonderful work 
 of God carried on at Coventry, under the miniltry of Mr, Meacham: 
 I had opportimity to converic with lome of (Coventry people, who 
 gn've me a very remarkahh' ;H-e(Uuu of the flirpii/.ing ehange that ap- 
 peared iu the moll rude and vicious perfons there. The like v.as all'o 
 very great at thcfame time in n part of Lebanon, called the Crank', where 
 Mr. Wheelock, a young gentleman is lately lettled : and there has been 
 much t)f the fame at Durham, under the jniniffry of Mr. Ghauncy; 
 and, to appearance, no fmall ingathering of I'ouls there. And likewife 
 amongll many of the young people in the firll precinct in Stratford, 
 under the miniiby of Mr, CJoukl; wlicre the w<uk was much promot- 
 ed by the remaricable converfion of a young woman that had been a 
 great company-keeper as it was here. Something of this work appear- 
 ed in feveral other towns in thole parts, as I was informed when I was 
 there, the lafl Fall. And we have Jfince been acquainted with fojue* 
 thing very remarkable of this nature at another parifli in Stratford, cal- 
 led Ripton, imder the pafloral care of Mr. Mills. And there was aeon- 
 iiderable revival of religion lall Summer at New-Haven old town, as I 
 was f)ncc and again informed by Mr. Noyes, the miniller there, and 
 by others : and, by a letter which I very lately received from Air. Koyes, 
 and alfo by information we have had otherwife, this Houriihing of re- 
 ligion (till continues, and has lately much increafed : JMr, Noyes writes, 
 that many this Simnner have been added to the church, and particular- 
 ly mentions feveral young perfons that belong to the principal fami- 
 lies of that town. There has been a degree of the fame work at a part 
 of (iuilford ; and very coniiderable at ^lansfield, under the miniltry of 
 Mr, Elea/cr \\ iUiams; and an unufual religious concern at Tolland; 
 and fomething of it at Hebron and Holton. There was alfo no fmall 
 e/fullon of the Spirit of Ciod in tlie North parilh in Prefton, in theca- 
 Itern p;u-t of Connet^ticut, which I was informed of, and law fome- 
 thing of it, when I was the lall Autumn at the houlc, and in the con- 
 gregation of Mr. Lord, the miniltcr there, who, with Mr. Owen of 
 C;roton, came up hither in May the lalt year, on pur pole to fee the 
 work of God here ; and, having heard various and contraditftory ac- 
 counts of it, were careful when tiiey were here to intorn\ and fatisfy 
 themfelvcs; and to that end particularly converfcd with many of our 
 people; v.'hich they declared to be entirely to their liitisfadion, and 
 that the one half had not been told them, nor could be told them, 
 Mr. Lord told me, that when he got home, he informed his congre- 
 gation of what he had feen, and that they were greatly affcx^ted with 
 it, and that it proved the begimiing of the fame work among them, 
 which prevailed till there was a general awakening, and mr^nv inftanccs 
 of perfons, who feemed to be remarkably converted. I alio' have late- 
 ly heard that there has been fomething of the lame work at AV'ood- 
 bury. 
 
 I'his (ecms to have been a very extraordinary difpenfation of pro\i' 
 VOL. IL y ' ' 
 
j\x Succefs of the Gojpel in America Book IV* 
 
 dencc : God has in many refpedls gone out of, and much beyond his u- 
 fual and ordinary way. The work in this town, and fome others about 
 tis, has been extraordinary on account of the univerfality of it, alfeft- 
 ing all forts, fober and vicious, high and low, rich and poor, wife and 
 unwife; it reached the mod confiderable families and perfons, to all 
 appearance, as much as others. In former ftirrings of this nature, the 
 bulk of the young people have been greatly affe(5Ved ; but old men, and 
 little children have been fo now. Many of the lafl: have, of their own 
 accord, formed themfelves into religious focieties, in different parts of 
 the town: a loofe carelefs perfon could fcarcely find a companion in 
 the whole neighbourhood ; and if there was any one that feemed to re- 
 main fenfelefs or unconcerned, it would be fpoken oi as a ftrange 
 thing. 
 
 This difpenfation has alfo appeared very extraordinary in the num- 
 bers of thofe on whom we have reafon to hope it has had a faving ef- 
 icSt : we have about fix hundred and twenty communicants, which in- 
 clude almoft all our adult perfons. The church was very large before ; 
 but perfons never thronged into it, as they did in the late extraordi- 
 nary time : our facraments arc eight weeks afunder, and I received in- 
 to our communion about an hundred before one facrament, and four- 
 fcore of them at one time, whofe appearance, when they prefented 
 themfelves together to make an open explicit profellion of ChrifHani- 
 ty, was very aifcfting to the congregation : I took in near fixty before 
 the next facrament-day: but it mult be noted, that it is not thecuftom 
 here, as it is in many other churches in this country, to make a credible 
 relation of their inward experiences, the ground of admiflion to the 
 Lord's fupper. I am far from pretending to be able to determine how 
 many have lately been the fubjedts of fuch mercy; but if I may be al- 
 lowed to declare any thing that appears to me probable in a thing of 
 this nature, I hope that more than three hundred fouls were favingly 
 brought home to Chrift, in this town, in the fpace of half a year, (how 
 many more I don't guefs) and about the fame number of males as fe- 
 males. Thofe of our young people, that are on other accounts moft 
 confiderable, are moftly, as I hope, truly pious, and leading perfons in 
 ways of religion. Thofe that were formerly loofer young perfons, 
 are generally, to all appearance, become true lovers of God and Chrift, 
 and fpiritual in their difpofition. And I hope that by far the greater 
 part of perfons in this town, above fixteen years of age, are fuch as 
 have the faving knowledge of Jefus Ghrill; and fo by what I heard I 
 fuppofe it is in fome other places, particularly at Sunderland and 
 South Hadley. 
 
 This has alfo appeared to be a very extraordinary difpenfation, in 
 that the Spirit of God has fo much extended not only his awakening, 
 but regenerating influences, both to elderly perfons, and alfo thofe 
 that are very young. It has been a thing heretofore rarely to be heard 
 of, that any were converted paft middle age. But now we have the 
 fame ground to think, that many fuch have in this time been changed, 
 as that others have been fo in more early years. I fuppofe there were 
 wpwards of fifty perfons in this town above forty years of age, and 
 
Chap. 2. in t^e eighteenth Century. 43 
 
 more than twenty of them above fifty, and about ten of them above 
 fixty, and two of them above feventy years of age. 
 
 It has heretofore been looked on as a ftrange thing, when any have 
 feemed to be favingly wrought upon, and remarkably changed in their 
 childhood ; but now, I fuppofc, near thirty were, to appearance, fo 
 wrought upon between ten and fourteen years of age, and two be- 
 tween nine and ten, and one of about four years of age ; and becaufe 
 I fuppofe this lail will be mofl difficultly believed, I will hereafter give 
 a particular account of it. The influences of God's Spirit have alfo 
 been very remarkable on children in fome other places, particularly at 
 Sunderland and South Hadley, and the Weft part of Suffiqid. There 
 are feveral families in this town that are hopefully pious; yea, there 
 are feveral numerous families, in which, I think, we havereafon to hope 
 that all the children are truly godly, and mod of them lately become 
 fo; and ther* are very few houfes in the v/hole town, into which fal- 
 vation has not lately come, in one or more inftances. There are fe- 
 veral Negroes, that from what was feen in them then, and what is dif- 
 cernible in them flnce, appear to have been truly born again in the late 
 remarkable feafon. 
 
 God has alfo feemed to have gone out of his ufual way, in the quick- 
 nefs of his work, and the fwift progrefs his Spirit has made in his opera- 
 tions on the hearts of many : 'tis wonderful that perfons flaould be fo 
 fuddenly, and yet fo greatly changed : many have been taken from a 
 loofe and carelefs way of living, and feized with flrong convidlians of 
 their guilt and mifery, and in a very little time old things have palfed 
 away, and all things have become new with them. God's work has al- 
 fo appeared very extraordinary, in the degrees of the influences of his 
 Spirit, both in the degree of faving light, and love, and joy, that many 
 have experienced. It has alfo been very extraordinary in the extent of 
 it, and its being fo fwiftly propagated from town to town. In former 
 times of the pouring out of the Spirit of God on this town, tho' in 
 fome of them it was very remarkable, yet it reached no further than 
 this town, the neighbouring towns all around continued unmoved. 
 
 The work of God's Spirit feemed to be at its greateft: height in this 
 town, in the former part of the Spring, in March and April; at which 
 time God's work, in the converlion of fouls, was carried on amongft us 
 in fo wonderful a manner, that fo far as I, by looking back, can judge 
 from the particular acquaintance I have had with fouls in this work, it 
 appears to me probable, to have been at the rate, at leafl, of four per- 
 fons in a day, or near thirty in a week, take one with another, for five 
 or fix weeks together; when God in fo remarkable a manner took the 
 work into his own hands, there was as much done in a day or two, as 
 at ordinary times, with all endeavours that men can ufe, and with fuch 
 a blefTmg as we commonly have, is done in a year." 
 ^ This is the rev. Mr. Edwards' general account of the wonderful re- 
 vival of religion, not only at Northampton, but alfo in other towns 
 both of the county of Harapfliire, and of Conne<flicut colony, in the 
 years 1734, 1735, and 1736. To which we fhall fubjoin the follow- 
 iflg atteftation ; and for particular inftances of the powerful influence 
 
 F ?• 
 
44 ^urcrjs -jf thf Ojlptl in Ccrnwny Book H'. 
 
 of the divine Spirit, refer thofc, who ddlrc to read them, to that re- 
 iTiarkable Narrutive. 
 
 To the rei\ Benjamin Colman, D. D. Pajior of a Church in Rofhn. 
 
 WeJlfic!d,Ofl'jb. 11//;, 1738.- -"Sir, In your letter of AugiiH lyth, 
 von inforin \is, that the rev. l")r. \V:ittsund Di. ("".uyfe deflrc that loine 
 otlicr minilters, who were eye and ear-witneifes to ibmc of thwlt ini- 
 iTieroiis coiwerrions in the other towns about Northampton, would at' 
 teil unto what the rev. Mr. F-dwards has written of therw. We take 
 this opportunity to allure you,- that the account Mr. Kdwards hasgi- 
 ven in his Narrative of onr fcveral towns or parilhcs is true ; and tliat 
 jnuch more of the like nature might have hien added with refpe(^t to 
 Tome of them." We are, Reverend Sir, your brethren and fervants, , 
 
 W ii^LiAM "Williams pallor ol llathekl, KiiivKLZKK Pkvotion of 
 Sullield, Stephi.k Williams of LongriMeadow; Peter Rkvsoi.ds of 
 Kn Held, N e h e m 1 a h B e l l of W elliield , S a m u e l Ho? k i s s of W . Spring- 
 held. 
 
 C H A P. III. 
 
 Of the perfecuted Protefhmts at Saltzhuri; in Germany 1731, 1732.— 
 Great Numbers of the?r. frfake their H'^ufes, Lands ^ and Relations, 
 that they might enjoy the GoJ'pel. 
 
 i[ A genera] account of" them from Mv. Wiilifon's tcrtimony, pagr py. } 
 IN or about the vears 1732, <S:c. the Lord was pleafed to pt)ur out his 
 Spirit upon the people of Salczburg, who were living in Popilh dark- 
 nefs, in a molt uncommon manner; fo that above twenty thoufand of 
 them, merely by reading the l^ible, which they made a /hift to get in 
 their own language, were determined to throw oiV Popery, and embrace 
 the rcfonncd religion ; yea, gnd to become fo very zealous for the trutlj 
 and goi'pel of Jefus C.hrii}, as to be willing to fuH'cr the lofs of all things 
 \\\ the world, and actually to forfake their houfes, lands, goods, and 
 relations, that they might enjoy the pure preaching of the gofpel. And 
 with w hat earnelhiefs and tears in their eyes did they btleech Pro^ 
 teltant mjnifters to prench to them, in the places where they (when ba- 
 wiflied from their native country) came in different bodies ! for it pica- 
 fed the Lord to Air up ProteAant princes and ilates to receive them, and 
 provide for them '\\\ many dili'erent places, 
 
 r A more pnrticulir account from the Papers puhliflird by the fccicty in T.omlon for pro- 
 motii),!:; Chriltian knowledge. —From Letter I. dated at Kaiiirbcycrn.- ] 
 
 On the - day of December, 173 i, late at night, when the city agates 
 were ihut, abputeight hundred Proteltant exiles of Salt/burg, of both 
 fexes, arrived here, under the guidance of a Jiavarian melfengt r. I'hey 
 had been drii'cn out of their nali\e country for the lake of religion, 
 and forced to leave their all behind them: and a report was fpread, that 
 thry \)zA themfelves cxprefly defired to be conducted hither- but upon 
 enquiry, they folemnly protefted that they had not known whither 
 f:))ey were to go, and that all they dellred was to be admitted into 
 
chap. 3. »« thr eighteenth Century. 45 
 
 Tome ProtcAant t(nvn, for the fpuitual comfort of their fouls. After 
 the arrival of thcfc poor people, (who were very meanly cloathcd, and 
 were for the moll part labourit^g people and lervants, and had brought 
 a few children with them) they patiently waited without the city-gates 
 for admillion ; (which they had earnelUy Ibllicitcd hy ah(nit forty of 
 their deputies, who arrived juit before the gates were iliut) linging with 
 grest devotion Luther's hymn : " God is our refuge in dilirt fs, i^c." iUit 
 orders were loon given for their reception ; and fome of them had 
 lodgings alligned them in public Proteltant inns, whilit a great nvmi- 
 ber were readily received into private houfes, not without many tears. 
 And thus they were as hofpitably entertained, as the linallnefs of the 
 town would ;idmit of, and provided both with ipiritual and temporal 
 food, 'till the ^oth of December. 
 
 'J'heir behaviour among us, both in word and deed, was fuch as became 
 true ChrilHans. They were modcli:, humble, peaceable, contented w ith, 
 and thankful for whatever was given them; and exprelled the greateil 
 delight in praying, finging of pfalms, and reading good books. 
 
 As they had been expelled their country on a ludden, and not per- 
 mitted to furniih themfelvcs with necellarics for their journey, our 
 Protellant fellow-citizens have teililied their charity to them, not on- 
 ly by furnilhing them w ith ufeful books, but likewiic w ith better cloath- 
 ing for this cold feaibn, and with food, and Ibme money. Several of 
 tlian have likewife been taken into fervice in the town; fome of their 
 children put out to apprenticelliips and to fchool; and their lick and 
 weak providtd for in the hofpital. But w hen the Roman-C^atholic mem- 
 bers of our magiltracy had complained in form of the Hay of thele poor 
 people, and other eircumllances had Intervened, which rtndered their 
 further entertainment here very difficult; (cfpecially ilnce nineteen 
 thoufand more were to make their pilgrimage through thele parts) we 
 came, after mature deliberation, to this unanimous relbhition, viz. 
 That all thole that could not be provided for here, llioukl be fent 
 through three ditferent roads, to Memmingen, Auglburg, and Kemp- 
 ten, under the conduct of fome of our Protellant citizens, the better 
 to facilitate their paliage, and to prevent all manner of diiorders. On 
 the day of their departure, after they had heard the morning fermon, 
 and had taken necelHiry refrelhment, they repaired to our Trinity- 
 phurch at noon, where they heard a farewcl-dH'courfe, with many tears, 
 and an hearty atfeftion to the word of Cod; and concluded all with 
 the hymn, *' God is our refuge in diftrels:" which was iVuig only by 
 themfelves. After this, the deputies led them, two by two, between 
 the mayor and aldermen, on one llde of the church-door, and the mi- 
 nillers on the other ; and being difmiifed by the citizens w ith innume- 
 rable bleffings, they took their feveral roads, towards the cities above- 
 mentioned, Ijkc fo many flocks of iheep, with great patience and hu- 
 piility, 
 
 [ Fiom Letter ][. dated at Augsburg. ] 
 
 On the 30th of December 1731, the Proteftantmagiftracy at Augf- 
 burg, having had notice given them juft before morning-fer\ice, by the 
 magjAracy and miniilry at Kaytfbeycrn, that eight hundred exiles ot 
 
4^ Sttccpfs of the Gefpclin Germany Book W, 
 
 Saltzbnrg were arrived at Kauffbeyern, and that a certain number of 
 them intended to march thither, earneftly defiring, for the fake of 
 Chrift, that they would receive them : the fame was immediately com- 
 municated by the minifters of this city, to the congregation at the ca- 
 thedral church of St. Anne. And when they were ordered into their 
 alilgned quarters, they immediately lifted up their hands to Heaven, 
 and gave thanks to God, in the bell manner they were able. 
 
 On New-years-day after morning-fervice, the Proteftant fenate or- 
 dered the two fenitir reftors of the Auguflin confeflion to preach to 
 thefe poor exiles in two different places without the city, they not be- 
 ing yet admitted into it, and this was done accordingly, at three in the 
 afternoon, in the prelence of a great multitude of people, by Mr. 
 Urlfperger, in the hofpital, and by Mr. Weidner, in Mr. Schawers's 
 garden, in the following manner: the fervice began with finging the 
 firll eight verfes of the hymn, " Commit thy ways and goings;" then 
 followed a prayer fuited to the circumflances of the exiles; and then 
 a difcourfe upon the name of Jefus, mentioned in the gofpel for the 
 day, with a particular application on this extraordinary occafion, to 
 fliew ho^v this holy name ought to influence the conduft, both of the 
 Augiburgers and the exiles. The next day, being the 2d of January, 
 the whole company of thefe exiles met again according to order in the 
 hofpital, where the fame redlor, who had exhorted them the day be- 
 fore, endeavoured to edify them with another difcour(e upon the hif- 
 tory of the Ethiopian eunuch, Afts viii. He thence (hewed them, what 
 delight God takes in thofc that feek after the true religion; what that 
 religion is; by what means we may learn it, and be confirmed in it; 
 and how great a change it produces in the mind; concluding with a 
 particular application to the exiles: and it is not to be exprcffed, what 
 efie*^ tiiis difcourfe had upon the auditory; with what devotion and 
 attention thefe pilgvims received it; and what plenty of tears it drew 
 from their eyes, as well as from thofe of the other part of the audience. 
 Nay, many of the Papifts themfelves, who were prefent both within, 
 and without doors, were fo wrought upon by almightyGod, that they 
 not only difcovered their concern in their countenances, but aftually 
 offered to embrace the Protelhnt religion. Particular care was taken 
 not to ufe the Icaft cxpreffion which might be olfenfive to the Roman 
 Catholicks, neither were they once mentioned, it being more proper at 
 this time, only to prefs the truth of the gofpel home to every one's 
 confciencc. And one very affe^ling circumftance was this, that when- 
 ever the reftor went with the Proteftant burgomafler to the hofpital, 
 which is about half a mile out of town, they found feveral hundreds of 
 people before the place, who, as well as thofe within the hofpital, were 
 finging hymns of praifc and thankfgiving. After this fecond difcourfe, 
 feveral good books, with a conliderable fum of money, were diftribu- 
 ted among the exiles: and as every one was defirous to have one of 
 thofe people home with him, many had not the patience to wait till 
 they fhould have the liberty to take them into their fervice ; but car- 
 ried fome of them into the city in coaches, and others in diiguife, bd» ^ 
 fore thev were permitted to pafs through the gates. 
 
chap. 3. »« the HghHenth Century. 4/ 
 
 They are generally of good courage; and, notwithftanding all the 
 milcry they had gone through, of aehearful temper. I'liere appears fa 
 much honefty and fidelity in their very counterjances, that one may aN 
 moll affirm, they are without guile. They are, for the moft part, of a 
 ftrong and robull conftitution, and from twenty to thirty-iix years of 
 age ; fome few only are from forty to fixty. 
 
 On the 3d of January, and following days, our Proteftants began to* 
 take them into their fervices, and by the 8th, one hundred and iixty 
 were provided for: fome merchants took two, or more; other tradef- 
 men one, or more, for their fcrvants: and fome working people, who 
 had no children, took in fome Sahxburg girls of about hxteen years of 
 age, and entertained them as their own. Thofe who were taken by 
 mailers in low circumftances, werecloathedat the expence of twocon- 
 fiderablefamilies; and the others, at that of their feveral mailers. The 
 Proteftant orphan -houfe alone, confiding in God, took in thirty; and 
 foon after experienced his paternal providence, which inclined the 
 hearts of feveral people to contribute a weekly fum towards their fup- 
 port. And the refl are lodged up and down, till they either can get into 
 fervices, or remove next fpring into other places. As to the collection 
 made for them, the fame has been (notwithllanding the many great cx- 
 pences of thele times) very confiderable, amounting to about lix thou- 
 sand florins, which was given with ail the chcarfulnefs imaginable; but 
 it was not then diftributcd, becaufe the greater part of them were pro- 
 vided for already. And concerning this colleftion, we cannot but ob- 
 ferve, that all the children of our Protellant orphan-houfe, who had fa- 
 yed any pence, or farthings, readily contributed towards it; and one 
 of them, in particular, gave his all, v/hich made up two florins: '^o that 
 we may with truth aifert, that all degrees of people amougfl us, have 
 ftrove to oiu-doone another in this charity. 
 
 Thefe people behave themfelves not only very thankfully, content- 
 edly, meekly, and patiently; but when they have an occalion of men- 
 tioning their affllidlions, they do it without the leaf! bitternefs or raur- 
 iTjuring againft their former fupcriors: and they incelTantly pray, with 
 naany tears, for their relations left behind them; as not knowing what 
 
 fufferings they may have yet to undergo. And thus much from the 
 
 city of Auglburg. 
 
 As to thofe that were fent from Kauffbeyern to Mcmmingen, we 
 have not had fuch a particular account as from AugPjurg : but thus 
 much we can affirm, that they have been there received as brethren and 
 fifters, and carefully provided for. The greateft part of thofe who are 
 yet come, are, as has been obferved, poor labouring people and fervants; 
 but thofe that are to follow, are fome of them of better condition, and 
 have fome fubflance ; and fome are flill in prifon, where they content 
 thcmfelves with bread and water, and with praying, and finging pfalms 
 or hymns. 
 
 The exiles, who went to Ulm, have likesvife found the way prepar- 
 ed by God for their maintenance. Their number confifled of two hun- 
 dred and fixty perfons, among whom were about twenty women. At 
 their arrival, they were conducted (amidfl: a great concourfe of people> 
 
~-\S Succifs of thr Cofpi'lin Germatiy Book IV. 
 
 from the Danube gate to the town-houfe, linging all the way the two 
 liymns which begin th\i.s; *' God is our refuge in dillrefs," and, " He 
 th;it con rides in his (^rcntor." .And hereby we lee that pall'age of David, 
 rCjJnis viii, 2. '* Out of the mouths of babes, c^c. thou hafl perfected 
 prjilt," literally fulfilled; for many thoufands of people were excited 
 by the exiles to join with theni in praiiing God. I'hey were immedi- 
 ately ordered out of the cold into a warm room, every one being de- 
 iiroustogivc them fome refrelhment: and after the magillrate had ta- 
 ken a fuifieient account of them, they were quartered in the feveral inns 
 of the town, which were hardly big enough to contain the great con- 
 courle of other protellants, w)io Hocked thither; who all joined with 
 one accord in prailcs and thanklgivings to (iod, and continued their e- 
 jaculations till late at night: and would to God this weit more fre- 
 quently praclilcd by all perfons, and at all times. The next day, the 
 rector Frick preached a lermon upontheie words, " The Lord fpakc to 
 Abraham, &-c." Cien. xii, i, 2, 3. and as this difcouri'e was chieHy ap- 
 plied in all its parts to thofe Saltzburgers, it is impoflible to cxprels 
 with what attention they heard the word of God. They flood like 
 people, who have had no food for a great while, and are therefore 
 waiting with greater eagernefs to receive fome, tofatisfy their hunger. 
 Afrer lermon, one half of them were examined by Dr. Frick, rector, 
 the. other half by Mr. Prof Allgower, aboxit the fundamental truths 
 ot the Protellant religion ; of which fome of them could give a pretty 
 clear and fati.sfiicStory account: but of their knowledge, which we find 
 In every particular conformable to the doftrine of the gofpel, more 
 lliall be laid hereafter. 
 
 Keing averfe to nothing more than idlenefs, and ready to undertake 
 the hardelt labonr, many have already foimd a fubllUcnce, as we hope 
 the rell very Ihortly will. " For the word of the Lord is true, and 
 ail his works are faitliful ; and he has promifed, that they that feek 
 him, Diall want no manner of thing that is good," Pfal. xxxiv. 10. 
 
 .Many of them are defcended of Proteflant parents, who having been 
 connived at for many years, brought the Bible and other good books 
 privately Into the country, and read them to others in fecret; and this 
 has had fuch a blellbd elicit upon them, that they were not only con- 
 firmed in the truth tliemfelves, but many others have likewife, through 
 the divine allKlance, been converted. Particular care is now taken to 
 inflruft tJufe people regularly, in every cit^"- where they refide. 
 
 Hut what is the real caufe of their being expelled the country .' From 
 their Co)ifi(/io?i of Faith it is evident, that no erroneous, heretical, or 
 feditious doctrine, has been the caufe of it; and that confequently the 
 acciifations about the Holy Trinity, and that of not fuffering their chil- 
 dren to be baptized, with which they have been afperfed, are ground- 
 kfs. Much Ids are they perfecuted as murderers, thieves, or workers 
 <')f iniquity, or I'uch as meddle with other peoples affairs, 'or deny to 
 give the magiitratehis due: they are cleared from all fuch enormities, 
 by the palfport, which every man received from the archbilhop of Saltz- 
 burg himfclf : and for this reafon, orders have been given, even In fome 
 Ronvn-Catholic countries, particularly in Bavaria, to provide for them 
 
chap. 3. <*« the eighteenth Century. 4p 
 
 as innocent people, and to furnilh them with fome little travelling ex- 
 pences for their fupport. So that we may juftly fay of thele men, as 
 Pilate did of our bleifed Lord, that, (as touching fuch crimes as arc pu- 
 nifhable by the magilh-ate) "we find no fault in them." In fhort,5io o- 
 ther caufe can be ailedged, but their confellion of the Proteltant reli- 
 gion, which is not tolerated in the territory of Saltzburg. And that 
 this is the true caufe, is manifeft, not only from tlie many kinds of fuf- 
 ferings thefe poor people have endured, (ail which were deligned to 
 make them quit the Proteilant religion) but alfo from the public a<9:s 
 of the Imperial diet. •• 
 
 At firft, all pains were taken to dilTuade them from the Protertant 
 religion, by arguments from worldly intereft; and when that would 
 not do, their books, which they had been many years collefling, were 
 feized in feveral places; and after they were deprived of the word of 
 God, their enemies proceeded to more violent means, to make them 
 change their minds. Many were apprehended, particularly thofe who 
 were fufpe£led to be their leaders, and font in fetters, dreffed, in deri- 
 fion, with white caps, which hung down to their breafts, into the deep- 
 eft dungeons of Saltzburg; and others have been lent away, their re* 
 lations not knowing whither. And when this would not do, the Pa- 
 pifts threatned them with beheading, drowning, the gallies, and the like j 
 and to all this, thefe poor people made only the following reply, 'Mn 
 God's name, in God's name." And, at laft, whea it was found, that 
 they could not be brought by any of thefe violent means, to love their 
 lives and fortunes more than God and his truth; then they were on a 
 fudden ordered to leave the country : and thefe orders were immediate- 
 ly executed with all imaginable rigour : fome were taken from the field, 
 others were dragged naked but of their beds; all in general had a fud- 
 den fummonsto depart, and none, or very few, were permitted fo much 
 as to fell their goods, or to take any thing neceflary with them : that 
 many have been obliged to leave their wives and their fubftance behind 
 them, and to go away deprived of all they had in the world. This, 
 and much more, appears by the complaints that have been laid before 
 the Evangelic Body at Ratilbon, and by the Imperial mandates ilTued 
 thereupon : and what increafed their calamity was this, that they were 
 forced to begin their journey in the depth of Winter, when the cold is 
 moft fevere. The firft eight hundred fpent five whole weeks in their 
 journey, and that in the moft bitter cold and moft ftormy weather; 
 and were a fortnight in wandring over mountains and hills, not know- 
 ing whither they went. This fatigued and emacerated them fo much, 
 that they were almoft ftarved, having been in want of bread for three 
 days together. This is the cafe of thefe poor exiles, whofe number, as 
 we hear from Auglburg, (where above fix hundred are arrived alrea- 
 dy) will be confiderably augmented by thofe that are yet to come. 
 
 ^ [ From Letter III. dated at Augsbiirp. ] 
 
 Whereas, January 25th, 1732, there arrived in our neighbourhrjod 
 five hundred more exiles of Saltzburg, befidcs their women and chil- 
 dren; one of our Proteftant aldermen was immediately fent to meet 
 VOL. IL G 
 
5° Succrfs of tJjt Gofpd in Germany Book IV*. 
 
 them at a village called Hausflcttcn, read their authentic paiTports, and 
 regirtred them, and then provided a good dinner for the whole com- 
 pany. After which, they were divided into parties, fo that an himdred 
 in one place, eighty in another, fixty in a third place, and fifty in a 
 fourth, might be quartered for this firfl day without the city; and 
 ■when they were fafely arrived in their lodgings, they fung hymns, and 
 prayed with great devotion and affeftion of heart. There were with 
 them three waggons full of women, new-born children, lick and old 
 people, who were taken into the hofpital. It was a fignal mercy, that 
 they did not all fall fick, and pcrilh with cold ; confidering they came 
 in a fevcre froil, being poor, and many of them very bare : and indeed 
 fome did fall lick, by the many hard/hips they endured ; amongil whom 
 an old man is lince dead, who being alked, whether he was not forry 
 for having left his native country ? anfwered, No : but I die with joy, 
 and hope of a better life. 
 
 Certainly God hath fome particular defign in this flupcndous work, 
 which is brought about not by the hand of men, but of God himfelf; 
 that in fuch a fmall track of land as Saltzburg, Vv^hich is furrounded e- 
 very where with Popifii countries, fuch a great multitude of people 
 fliould take up a refolution, rather to forfake their native country, 
 then- friends, and their fubltance, than to live any longer in darknefs, 
 coPitriry to God and his word. As foon as the city-gates were opened 
 on Saturdajv a great number of Proteftants went with all manner of 
 pravilions unto the poor exiles. The rev. Mr. Urlfpcrgcr, rector of 
 the miniftry,vifited them the fame evening in all their quarters, ftrength- 
 ened them, and comforted them very much. . 
 
 . Wednefday morning, all the exiles marched in good order into 
 Shooters-field, finging as they went along Luther's hymn: '' Our God 
 is a Ib'ong tower, &c." accompanied with many thoufands of Protef- 
 tants and Papills, Here the citizens had liberty to pick out fuch as they 
 liked for their fervice, to the number of three hundred perlons. As for 
 thofe that were fick, or had fick children, they remained in their quar- 
 ters; but ten men who had recovered their health in the hofpital, and 
 were deiirous to fcrve the farmers in the Protciiant villages, joined 
 themfelves to thofe thati;vcre to go away: but before thty went,, the 
 lev. ]\Ir. Kildebrand, early in the morning, vvi';x^i: a pious difoourfe to 
 them, upon the cxxvi Pfalm. Afterwards, the gofpel was again preach- 
 ed unto thefe poor people in the open fields, in feveral places, by the 
 two fenior rectors of the miniftry, Mr. Urlfperger, and Mr. VVeidner, 
 and fix other minifters, v/ho having fervently exhorted them to be 
 ftedfaft in the true fnith, and fincere godlinefs, committed them unto 
 the grace of God, in the prefence of a great multitude of people, 
 high and low, Proteltants, Papifls, Jews, and others. Such a remark- 
 able publication of the gofpel, and attended with fuch fenfible impref- 
 fions, hath not been known at Augsburg fince the time that the Augu- 
 Ain ConfefTion was firft prefented to the emperor Charles V. in the 
 year 1530, in this place. A great bitternefs of mind had Ihewn itfelf 
 at firfl among the Papifts; but having obferved nothing amifs, and 
 hearing the exiles exhorted unto patience and Itedfaftnefs, feme went 
 
chap. 3. in the eighteenth Century. rj 
 
 away afliamed, and others with a fecret inclination to turn to the truth 
 of the gofpel; infomuch that there appears a great difpofition among 
 the Popifh inhabitants, to embrace the Proteflant faith. 
 
 As they went along, they, with hearts full of thankfulnefs, blefTcd 
 once more all their kind ben efaftors, and fung their hymn, " An exile 
 in diftrels I am," &c. Many thoufaad fpedtators returned bleffing« and 
 thanks for the awakenings the Lord was pleafed to give them by their 
 means, Mr. Urlfperger went fomcwhat beyond the territory of Augf- 
 burg ; and as the firll troop pafTed by him, he took his leave, and blef- 
 fcu them once more: and returning homewards, he met the fecond 
 troop, and committing them alfo to the grace of God, he diftributed 
 fome books, as Arndt's True Chrijiiamty, Sec. amonglt them; and fo 
 haflening to Shooters-field, he found the lafl: ready to march, and made 
 a farewel difcourfe unto them; every one of whom offering his hand 
 to him and his colleague, they fet forward in the name of the Lord. 
 
 Thefe people are very fincere and religious; they arc content with 
 mean diet and clothes, and a great deal of hard labour, which they 
 perform diligently : and, as they ai-e very attentive in hearing the word 
 of God, it is not to be doubted but his blelTiqg will attend it. In their 
 journey, the Papiils in fome places infulted them, and threw dirt at 
 them, which they bore with great refignation, and returned only with 
 blelfings on their enemies. But they were received at Nordlingen and 
 Haarburg with great chearfulnefs ; infomuch, that even the Jews at 
 Haarburg offered them lodgings. 
 
 And here we may again obfervc, that feveral Jews have been fen^ 
 fibly affe(fled with the perfecution of thefe people : a Jew at Batzheim, 
 not far from Ulm, feeing two hundred of them together, and hearing 
 the caufe of their wandring about, ftood aflonifhed for fome time, and 
 at laft broke out into this exclamation; " Sure God defigns to do 
 Ibme great work. [See the Account of their Sufferings, and the far. 
 thcr Account,] 
 
^i Succefs of the Go/pel in England Book IV. 
 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 Of a religious Society of Students at Oxford^ ivhich began about the End 
 
 of 1729. Their careful Improvement of Time in Works of Piety 
 
 and Charity. Their Zeal and Succefs in Preaching the Cofpel. 
 
 [ Introduflibn fromMR. Wjllison's Teftimo'ny. ] 
 
 At that time, the Lord was plcafed to raife up and qualify a number 
 of ftudents at the college of Oxford, in cur neighbour nation of Eng- 
 land, to beinftruments of much good, although not altogether purged 
 from the corruptions of that land. They joined in a religious fociety, 
 wherein they agreed upon certain methods and rules for fpending their 
 time in fafting, praying, communicating, vifiting the lick and the pri- 
 foners, inftruding the ignorant, &c. and hence they were called me- 
 thodifts. And being afterwards ordained to the miniltry, they preached 
 with great warmth, chufing fubjefts very much negleded in that church, 
 fuch as the doflrines of juftification by faith in the righteoufnefs of 
 Chrift, of original fin, of the neceflity of regeneration, &c. They ufed 
 alfo a good deal of freedom in fpeaking againft the loofe and negligent 
 clergy, for which they were at length denied the ufe of churches ; where- 
 upon they went and preached in the fields, and houfes, collefting money 
 for ereding fchools, hofpitals, and other pious ufes, travelling to ma- 
 ny places, and preaching every day, and feveral times in one day, having 
 many thoufands to hear them, in London, Briftol, Glocefier, through 
 "Wales, and very many places in England. Many of their hearerswere 
 brought under great imprelTions, lliedding tears, and crying out, 
 " What (hall we do to be faved ?" and great changes were made upon 
 very profligate perfons,and upon fevcrals who went to fcoffand ridicule 
 them. Alfo many of the clergy were quickened to theif work by thenj,- 
 
 S E C T I O N I. 
 
 [ From Mr. John Wesley's Journals. ] 
 
 'Preface to the firf} Journal. Letter containing an Account of the 
 
 Rife of the Society in Oxford. 
 
 It was in purfuance of an advice given by bifhop Taylor, in his Rtiles 
 for Holy Living and Dying, that about fifteen years ago*, I began to 
 take a more exact account than I had done before, of the manner 
 wherein I fpent my time, writing down how I had employed every 
 hour. This I continued to do, wherever I was, till the time of my 
 leaving England. The variety of fcenes which I then palfed through, 
 induced me to tranfcribe from time to time, the more material parts of 
 my diary, adding here and there fuch little refleftionsas occurred tomy 
 mind. Of this journal thus occafionally compiled, the following is a 
 fhort extraft: it not being my defign to relate all thofe particulars, 
 which I wrote for ray own ufe only; and which would anfwer no va- 
 
 a 1723. 
 
chap. 4. ift the eighteenth Century. ^3 
 
 luable end to others, however important they were to mc. Indeed I 
 had no defign or defire to trouble the world with any of ray little af- 
 fairs, as cannot but appear to every impartial mind, from my having 
 been fo long as one that heareth not, notwithiknding the loud and 
 frequent calls I have had, to anfwer for myfelf. Neither fliould I have 
 done it now, had not captain Williams's affidavit, publifhed as foon as 
 he had left England, laid an obligation upon me, to do what in me lies, 
 in obedience to that command of God, let not the good which is in you 
 be evil-fpoken of. With this view I do at length give an anfwer to e- 
 very man that aflceth me a reafon of the hope which is in me, that in 
 all thcfe things I have a confcience void of oHence, towards God and to- 
 wards man. I have prefixed hereto a letter wrote feveral years fince, 
 containing a pbin account, of the rife of that Uttle fociety in Oxford, 
 which has been fo varioufly reprefented. Part of this was pubhflied in 
 1733, but without my confent or knowledge. It now ftands as it was 
 wrote, without any addition, diminution, or amendment: it being 
 my only concern herein, nakedly to declare the thing as it is. Perhaps 
 my employments of another kind may not allow me to give any fur- 
 ther anfwer to them who fay all manner of evil of me falfely, and feem 
 to think that they do God fervice. Suffice it, that both they and I Ihall 
 fhortly give an account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the 
 dead. 
 
 Oxofi, 0£fober iSth, 1730. — " Sir, The occafion of my giving you 
 this trouble is of a very extraordinary nature. On Sunday lail I was 
 informed (as no doubt you will be ere long) that my brother and I had 
 killed your fon: that the rigorous fafting which he had impofed upon 
 himfelf, by our advice, had increafed his illnefs, and haftened his death. 
 Now though, confidering it in myfelf, it is a very fmall thing with me 
 to be judged by man's judgment; yet as the being thought guilty offo 
 mifchievous an imprudence might make me lefs able to do the work I 
 came into the world for, I am obliged to clear myfelf of it, by obferving 
 to you, as I have done to others, that your fon left off fafting about a 
 year and a half fince, and that it is not yet half a year fince 1 began to 
 praftife it. 
 
 I muft not let this opportunity flip of doing my part towards giving 
 you a jufter notion of fome other particulars relating both to him and 
 myfelf, which have been indufirioufly mifreprefented to you. In March 
 laft he received a letter from you, which being not able to read, he dc - 
 fired me to read to him; feveral of the expreflions whereof I perfectly 
 remember, and fhall do, 'till I too am called hence. I then determined, 
 that if God was pleafed to take away your fon before m€, I would juf- 
 tify him and myfelf, which I now do with all plainnefs and fimplicity, 
 as both my character and caufe requires. In one practice for which you 
 blamed your fon, I am only concerned as a friend, not as a partner, 
 That therefore I fhall confider firlt : your own account of it was in ef- 
 fcft this, * He frequently went into poor people's houfesin the villages 
 
 * about Holt, called their children together, and infiru(5led them in 
 ' their duty to God, their neighbour, and themfelves. He likewife ex- 
 
 * plained to them the neceffity Qf private as well as public pr?yer, ind 
 
54 S-uccefs ofibeGofpeliti England Book IV. 
 
 * provided ibcm with fuch forms as -were bell fuited to their ieveral 
 
 * capacities: and being well apprized how much the fuccefs of his en- 
 ' deavours depended on their ^jood-will towards him, to win upon their 
 ' all'e(ftion5, he fometimes diltributed among tliem a little of that mo- 
 
 * ney, which he had faved from gaming, and the other fafhionable ex- 
 ' peaces of the place.' This is the iirfl charge againfl: him ; upon which 
 all that I ihall obferve is, that I will refer it to your own judgment, 
 whether it be fitter to have a place in the catalogue of his faults, or of 
 thofe virtues, for which he is now numbered among the fonsof God. 
 If all the pcrfons concerned in * tliat ridiculous fociety, whofe follies 
 ' you have fo often heard repeated,' could but give liich a proof of their 
 defervingthe glorious title " which was once beftowed upon them, they 
 would be contented that their lives too Ihould be counted madnefs, 
 and their end thought to be without honour. But the truth is, their 
 title to holincfs (rands upon much lefs ilable foundations; as you will 
 calily perceive when you know the ground of this wonderful outcry, 
 which itleems England is not wide enough to contain 
 
 In November, 1729, at which time I came to refide at Oxford, your 
 fon, my brother, myfelf, and one more, agreed to fpend three or four 
 evenings in a week together. Our defign was to read over the claflicks, 
 which we had before read in private, on common nights, and on Sun- 
 day fome book in divinity. In the Summer following Mr. M. told me 
 he had called at the goal, to fee a man who was condemned for killing 
 his wife; and that, from the talk he had with one of the debtors, he 
 verily believed it would do much good, if any one would be at the 
 pains of now and then fpeaking with them. This he fo frequently re- 
 peated, that on Auguft 24th, 1730, my brother and I walked with him 
 to the caftle. We were fo well fatisfied with our converfation there, 
 that we agreed to go thither once or twice a-week; which we had not 
 done long, before he dcfircd me to go with him to fee a poor woman 
 in the town, who was fick. In this employment too when we came to 
 reflei5t upon it, we believed it would be worth while to fpend an hour 
 or two in a week, provided the miniller of the parifh, in which any fuch 
 perfon was, was not againfl; it. But that we might not depend wholly 
 on our own judgments, I w rote an account to my father of our whole 
 defign; withal begging that he, who had lived feventy years in the 
 world, and feen as much of it as mod private men have ever done, would 
 advife us whether we had yet gone too far, and whether we fhould now 
 iland flijl, or go forward. 
 
 Part of his anfwer, dated September 21ft, 1730, was this. " And 
 now as to your own defigns and employments, wh^t can I fay lefs of 
 them than valdeprobo ^: and that I have the higheft reafon to blefs God, 
 that he has given me two fons together at Oxford, to whom he has gi- 
 ven grace and courage to turn the war againft the world and the devil, 
 vvhich is the beft way to conquer them. They have but one more ene- 
 my to combat with, the Herti ; which if they take care to fubdue by fad- 
 ing and prayer, there will be no more for them to do but to proceed 
 fleadily in the fame courfe, and expert the crown which fadeth not a- 
 a Tlic Holy Club. b J greatly approve 
 
Ch^p.'4' *" ^^'^ eighteenth Ccntwy. t^e; 
 
 way. You have rcafon to bids God, as I do, that you have fo fait a 
 friend as Mr. M — , ^who, I fee, in the raoft difficult iervice is ready to 
 break the ice for you. You do not know of how much good that poor 
 wretch who killed his wife has been the providential occalion. I think 
 I mufi: adopt Mr, M — to be my fon, together with you and your bro- 
 ther Charles; and when I have fuch a ternion to profecutc that war, 
 wherein I am now miks enitritus, I fhall not be ailiamed, when they 
 fpeak with their enemies in the gate. 
 
 I am afraid left the main objection you make againft your going on 
 in the bvrfinefs with the pnloners, may fecretly proceed from Hclh and 
 blood. For who can harm you if you are followers of that which is 16 
 good, and which will be one of the marks by which the Shepherd of 
 Ifrael will know his ihecp at the la ft day ? Though if it were poflible 
 for you to futfer a little in the caufe, you would have a confelT'or's re- 
 ward. • You own none but fuch as are out of their fenfcs would be pre- 
 judiced againft your afting in this manner; but fay, Thefe are they 
 that need a phylician. But what if they will not accept of one who 
 will bis welcome to the poor prifoners? Go on then, in God's name, 
 in the path to which your Saviour has direftcd you, and that track where- 
 in your father has gone before you 1 for when I was an under-graduate 
 at Oxford, I vifited thofe in thecaftle there, and reflect on it with great 
 fatisfaftion to this day. Walk as prudently as you can, though not 
 fearfully, and my heart and prayers are with you. Your iirll regular 
 ftep is to confult with him (if any fuch there be) who has a ju.ifdiftion 
 over the prifoners; and the next is, to obtain the direction and appro- 
 bation of your bilhop. This is Monday morning, at which time I Ihall 
 never forget you. If it be poiTible, I ihould be glad to fee you all three 
 herein the fine end of the Summer: but if I cannot have thatfatisfi^c- 
 tion, I am fure I can reach you every day, though you were beyond 
 the Indies. Accordingly, to film who is every where, I now heartily 
 commit you, as being Your moft aliedfionate and joyful Father." 
 
 In purfuance of thefe diredions, I immediately went to Mr. Gerard, 
 the bilhop of Oxford's chaplain, who was likewiie the perfon that took 
 care of the prifoners when any were condemned to die ; (at other times 
 they were left to their own care.) I propofed to him our defign of fer- 
 ving thena as far as we could, and my own intention to preach there 
 once a-month, if the bilhop approved of it. He much commended oui 
 defign, andfaid he would anfwer for the bifliop's approbation, to whom 
 he would take the firft opportunity of mentioning it. It was not long 
 before he informed he had done fo, and that his lordlhip not only gave 
 his permillion, but was greatly plealed with the undertaking, and hoped 
 it would have the defired juccefs. Soon after a gentleman of Merton- 
 college, who was one of our little company, which now conflfted of 
 five perfons, acquainted us, that he had been much rallied the day be 
 fore for being a member of the holy club ; and that it was become a com- 
 mon topick of mirth at his college, where they had found out leveral of 
 our cuftoms, to which we were ourfelves utter ftrangers. Upon th! 
 I confulted my father again, in whofe anfwer were thefe worda: 
 
 December i.— " This day I received both yours; and this evening in 
 
^ Succefs of the Go/pel in England Book IV. 
 
 our courfe of our reading, I thought I found an anfwer that would be 
 more proper than any I myfelf could dictate ; though lince it will not 
 be eaiily tranflated, I fend it in the original : 2 Cor. vii. 4. noxxrl ^.0; xati- 
 
 •^BO-if vTip ii/ji'jv' ^txKApuy.ai rr :tapp.K\riire4, vrt;>rtpt(j-trrjoiu.xi t« ;^apa . What WOUld 
 
 you be ? Would you be angels ? I queftion whether a mortal can arrive 
 to a greater degree of perfeftion than fleadily to do good, and for that 
 very reafon patiently and meekly to fuffer evil. For my part, on the 
 prcfcntvicw of your aftions and defigns, my daily prayers are, that 
 God would keep you humble ; and then I am fure that if you continue 
 to fuffer for righteoufnefsfake, though it be but in a lower degree, the 
 Spirit of God and of Glory fhall in fome good meafure reft upon you. 
 Be never weary of well-doing : never look back, for yoii )tnow the 
 prize and the crown are before you : though I can fcarce think fo mean- 
 ly of you, as that you would be difcouraged with the crackling of thorns 
 under a pot. Be not high-minded, but fear: preferve an equal temper 
 of mind under whatever treatment you meet with from a not veryjuft 
 or well-natured world. Bear no more fail than is necellary, but fteer 
 fleady. The lefs you value yourfelves for thefe unfafhionable duties, 
 (as there is no fuch thing as works of fupererogation) the rnore all good 
 and wife men will value you, if they fee your aftions are of a piece ; or, 
 which is infinitely more, He by whom aiftions and intentions are weigh- 
 ed, will both accept, efteem, and reward you. 
 
 Upon this encouragement we ftill continued to fit together as ufual ; 
 and to confirm one another as well as we could in our refolutions, to 
 communicate as often as wehad opportunity (which ishereoncea-week^) 
 and do what fervice we could to our acquaintance, the prifoners, and 
 two or three poor families in the town. But the outcry daily increafing^ 
 that we might fnew what ground there was for it, we propofed to our 
 friends, or opponents, as we had opportunity, thefe, or the like quef- 
 tions': 
 
 I. Whether it does not concern all men of all conditions, to imitate 
 him as much as they can, *' who went about doing good ?" Whether all 
 Chriftiansare not concerned in that command, " While we have time, 
 let us do good to all men ?" Whether we fhall not be more happy here- 
 after, the more good we do now ? Whether we can be happy at all here- 
 after, unlefs we have, according to our power, *' fed the hungry, cloath- 
 ed the naked, vifited thofe that are fick, and in prifon," and made all 
 thefe aftions fubfervient to a higher purpofe, even the faving of fouls 
 from death ? Whether it be not our bounden duty always to remember 
 that he did more for us than we can do for him ; who afTures us, " Inaf- 
 much as ye have done It unto one of the leaft of thefe my brethren, ye 
 have done it unto me ?" 
 
 II. Whether upon thefe confiderations we may not try to do good 
 to our acquaintance ? Particularly, whether we may not try to con- 
 vince them of the necelTity of being Chriftians ? Whether of the con^ 
 fequent necefTity of being fcholars? Whether of the neceffity of me- 
 thod and induftry in order to either learning or virtue ? Whether we 
 may not try to perfuade them to confirm and increafe their induftry, by 
 
 ;* Great is my glorying of you. I am filled with comfort. I am exceeding joyful. 
 
chap. 4* »« '^<? eighteenth Cenfuryi 57 
 
 communicating as often as they can ? whether we may not mention 
 to them the authors whom we conceive to have wrote bcft on tl rfe 
 fubjefts ? whether we may not afTift them as we are able from tiivit to 
 time, to form refolutions upon what they read in thofe authors, and 
 to execute them with fteadinefs and perfeverancc ? 
 
 III. Whether, upon the confiderations above-mentioned, we may 
 not try to do good to thofe that are hungry, naked, or iick ? in par- 
 ticular, whether if we know any neceilitou;; family, we may not give 
 them a little food, deaths, or phyfick, as they w ant ? "Whether we may 
 not give them, if they can read, a Bible, Common-Prayer book, or 
 "Whole Duty of Man ? Whether we may not now and tl en enquire 
 how they haveufed them ; explain what they do not underlland, and 
 enforce what they do? Whether we may rot enforce upon them 
 more efpecially the neceffity of private prayer, and of frequenting the 
 church and facrament ? Whether we may not contribute what little 
 we are. able toward having their children cloathed and taught to re^id? 
 "Whether we inay not take care that ihey be taught their Catechifm, 
 and fhort prayers for morning and evening ? 
 
 IV. Laftly, Whether upon the confiderations abbvemention'd we 
 may not try to do good to thofe that are in prifon ? In particular, whe- 
 ther we may notreleafe fuch well-difpofcd perfons as remain in prifon 
 for fmall fums.' Whether we may not lend fmaller fums to thofe that 
 are of any trade, that they may procure themfelves tools and materials 
 to work with ? Whether we may not give to them who appear to 
 ■want it moft, a little money, or cloaths, or phyfick ? Whether we 
 may not fupply as many as are ferious enough to read, with a Bible, 
 and whole Duty of man ? Wliether wemay not, as we have oppor- 
 tunity, explain and enforce thefe upon them, efpecially with refpeft 
 to publick and private prayer, and the blefied facrament ? 
 
 I do not repiember that we met with any perfon who anfwered any 
 of thefe queftions in the negative, or who even doubted, whether it 
 were not lawful to apply to this ufe that time and money, which we 
 fliould elfe have fpent in other diverfions ; but feverai we met with who 
 increafed our little ftock of money for the prifoners and the poor, by 
 fubfcribing fomething quarterly to it ; fo that the more perfons we pro- 
 pofed our defigns to, the more were we confirmed in the belief of their 
 innocency, and the'more determined to purfue them in fpight of the ri- 
 dicule, which increafed fafl: upon us during the Winter. However, in 
 SpringI thought it would not be improper to defire farther infirufticna 
 from thofe, who were wifer and better than ourfelves; and accordingly 
 (on May 18. 1731)1 wrote a particular account of all our proceedings to 
 a clergyman of known wifdom and integrity. After having informed 
 him of all the branches of our defign as clearly and fimply as I could, I 
 next acquainted him with the fuccefs it had met with in the following 
 
 V'ords: " Almoft as foon as we had made our firrt attempts this 
 
 •way, fome of the men of wit in Chrift-Church entered the llils againft 
 us, and between mirth and anger made a pretty many reflections upon 
 the facramentarians, as they were pleas'd to call us. Soon after their 
 allies at Merton ehang'd our title, and did u« the honovg: of fliling ua 
 VOL. II. H 
 
5? S'uccefs of f he Cofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 The Holy Club. But moft of them being perfons of well-known charac- 
 ters, they had not the good fortune to gain any profelites from the 
 facrament, 'till a gentleman, eminent for learning, and well efteem'd 
 for piety, joined them, told his nephew, that if he dared to go to the 
 weekly communion any longer, he would immediately turn him out 
 of doors. That argument indeed had no fuccefs ; the young gentle- 
 man communicated next week ; upon which his uncle having again 
 tried to convince *him that he was in the wrong way, by (Making him 
 by the throat to no purpofe, changed his method, and by mildnefs 
 prevailed upon him to abfent from it the Sunday following, as he has 
 done five Sundays in fix ever fince." This much delighted our" gay 
 opponents, who increafed their number apace, efpecially when (hortly 
 after one of the feniors of the college having been with the doftor, 
 upon his return from him, fent for two young gentlemen feverally, 
 who had communicated weekly for fome time ; and was fo fuccefsful 
 in his exhortations, that for the future they promis'd to do it, only 
 three times a year. About this time there was a meeting (as one 
 who was prefent at it informed your fon) of feveral of the officers and 
 feniors of the college, wherein it was confulted what would be the 
 fpeedieft way to (lop the progrefs of enthufiafm in it. The refult we 
 
 know not, only it was foon publickly reported, that Dr. and 
 
 the cenfors were going to blow up the Godly Club. This was now our 
 common title, though we were fometimes dignified with thatof theEn- 
 thufiafts, or the Reformed Club." 
 
 Part of the anfwer I received was as follows : " Good Sir, A pretty 
 while after the date yours came to my hand. I waved my anfwer 'till I 
 had an opportunity of confulting your father, who upon all accounts 
 is a more proper judge of the affair than I am. But I could never find 
 a fit occafion for it. As to my own fenfe of the matter, I confefs, I can- 
 not but heartily approve that ferious and religious turn, of mind that 
 prompts you and your afTociates to thofe pious and charitable offices; 
 and can have no notion of that man's religion or concern for the ho- 
 nour of the univerfity, that oppofes you as far as your defign refpefts 
 the colleges. I fliould be loth to fend a fon of mine to any feminary, 
 where his converfing with virtuous young men, whofe profeft defign 
 ofmeeting together at proper times, was to affifl each other informing 
 good refolutions, and encouraging one another to execute them with 
 conftancy and Iteadinefs, was inconfifient with any received maxims or 
 rules of life among the members. Asto the other branch of your defign, 
 as the town is divided into parifhes, each of which has its proper incum- 
 bent, and as there is probably an ecclefiaftic, who has the fpiritual charge 
 of the prifoners, prudence may direft you to confult them : for though 
 I dare not fay you would be too officious, fhould you of your own 
 meer motion feek out the perfons that want your infiruftions and cha- 
 ritable contributions, yet fliould you have the concurrence of their pro- 
 per paftor, your good offices would be more regular, and lefs liable to 
 cenfure." 
 
 Your fon was now at Holt ; however, we continued to meet at our 
 i^fualtioies, though our little aifairs went on but heavily without him. 
 
chap. 4. i» the eighteenth Century. 5^ 
 
 But at our return from Lincolnlhire, in September laft, we had the 
 pleafure of feeing him again; when, though he could not be fo aftivc 
 with us as formerly, yet we were exceeding glad to fpend what time 
 we could in talking and reading with him. It was a little before this 
 time my brother and I were at London, when going into a bookfeller's 
 ]hop(Mr. Rivington's in St. Paul's churcli-yard) after fome other con- 
 verfation he afked us whether we lived in town ; and upon our anfwer- 
 ing, " No, at Oxford:" Then gentlemen, faid he, let me earneftly re- 
 commend to your acquaintance a friend I have there, Mr. Clayton of 
 Brazen-Nofe. Of this, having fmall leifure for contra<5ling new acquaint- 
 ance, we took no notice for the prefent. But in the Spring following 
 (April 20th,) Mr. Clayton meeting me in the flreet, and giving Mr. 
 Rivington's iervice, I defired his company to my room, and then com- 
 menced our acquaintance. At the iirft opportunity I acquainted him 
 with our whole defign, which he immediately and heartily clofed with j 
 
 and not long after, Mr. M having then left Oxford, we fixed two 
 
 evenings in a week to meet on, partly to talk upon that fubjeft, and 
 partly to read fomething in praflical divinity. 
 
 The two points, whereunto by the bleffing of God, and your fon's 
 help, we had before attained, we endeavoured to hold faft : I mean, the 
 doing what good we can, and in order thereto communicating as often 
 ai we have opportunity. To thefe, by the advice of Mr. Clayton, we 
 have added a third, the obferving the fafts of the church ; the general 
 negleft of which we can by no means apprehend to be a lawful excufe 
 for neglecting them. And in the refolution to adhere to thefe, and all 
 things elfe which we are convinced God requires at our hands, we truft 
 we fliall preferve, 'till he calls us to give an account of our fteward/bip. 
 As for the names of Methodifts, Supererogation-men, and fo on, with 
 which fome of our neighbours are pleafed to compliment us, we do not 
 conceive ourfelvesto be under any obligation to regard them, much lefs 
 to take them for arguments. To the law and to the teftimony we ap- 
 peal, whereby we ought, to be judged. If by thefe it can beproved we 
 are in an error, we will immediately and gladly retract it: if not, we 
 have not fo learned Chrilt, as to renounce any part of his fervice, though 
 men (hould fay all manner of evil againfi: us, with more judgment, and 
 as little truth as hitherto. We do indeed ufe all the lawful means we 
 know, to prevent the good which is in us from being evil-fpoken of; 
 but if the negleft of known duties be the one condition of fecuring our 
 reputation, why fare it well : — We know whom we have believed, and 
 what we thus lay out he will pay us again. Your fon already (lands be- 
 fore the judgment-feat of him who judges righteous judgment; at the 
 brightnefs of whofe prefence the clouds remove ; his eyes are open, and 
 he fees clearly whether it was " Blind zeal and a thorough miftake of 
 true religion, that hurried him on in the error of his way," or whether 
 he adled like a faithful and wife fervant, who from ajuft fcnfe that his 
 time was fhort, made hafte to finiOi his work before his Lord's coming, 
 that when laid in the ballance he might not be found wanting. 
 
 I have now largely and plainly laid before you the real ground of all 
 the flrange outcry you have heard ; and am not without hope that by 
 
 H 2 
 
(5o Succefs of the Gcfpel in America Book IV. 
 
 this fairer reprcfen ration of it than you probably ever received before, 
 both you and the clergyman you formerly mentioned may have a more 
 favourable opinion of a good caufe, though under an ill name. Whether 
 you have or no, I ihall ever acknowledge my beft fervices to be due to 
 yourfelf and your family, both for the generous aililbnce you have gi- 
 ven my father, and for the invaluable advantages your fon has (under 
 God) beftowed on, Sir, Your, &c, 
 
 1735- 
 J/efets put for Georgia. 
 
 Tuefday, Oft. 14. Mr. Benjamin Ingham, of Queen's-college, Ox- 
 ford, W;. Charles Delamotte, fon of a merchant in London, who had 
 offered himfelf fomedays before, my brother Charles Wefley, and my- 
 felf, i^ook boat for Gravefend, in order to embark for Georgia. In the 
 afternoon we found the Simmons off Gravefend, and immediately went 
 on boarjJ. Wednefday and Thurfday we fpent with one or two of 
 oui ^'iends; partly on board, and partly on fhore, in exhorting one a- 
 nother to " fhake ofi" every weight, and to run with patience the race 
 fet before us." 
 
 1736- 
 
 He preaches at Savannah.-' Converfes with the Indians. 
 
 Sunday, March 7. I entered upon my miniftry at Savannah, by 
 preaching on the Epiftle for the day, being the xiji. of the Firft of Co- 
 rinthians. • In thefecond leffon, Luke xviii. was our Lord's prediction 
 of the treatment which he himfelf (and confequently his followers) was 
 to meet with from the world; and his gracious promife to thofe whq 
 are content, A^z/^i nudum Chriftum fequi : " Verily I fay unto you, 
 there is no man that hath left houfe, or friends, or brethren, or wife, or 
 children, for the kingdom of God's fake, which (hall not receive manir 
 fold more in this prefent time, and in the world to come everlafling 
 life." Yet notwithflanding thefe plain declarations of our Lord, notr 
 withftandingmy own repeated experience, notwithHanding the experir 
 encc of all the fincere followers of Chrift, whom I have ever talked with, 
 read or heard of; nay, and the reafon of the thing, evincing to a de- 
 monftrarlon, that all who love not the light mufthate him, who is con- 
 nually labouring, to pour it in upon them : I do here bear witnefs a- 
 gainft myfelf, that when I faw the number of people crowding into the 
 church, the deep attention with which they received the word, and the 
 ferioufncfs that afterwards fat on all their faces: I could fcarce refrain 
 from giving the lie to experience, and reafon, and fcripture, all toge- 
 ther, "v I could hardly believe that the greater, the far greater part of 
 this attentive, ferious people, would hereafter trample under foot that 
 word, and fay all manner of evil falfly of him that fpake it. O who can 
 believe, what their heart abhors .-' Jefus, Mafler, have mercy on us I 
 Let us love thy crofs ! Then fhall we believe, " If we fuffer with thee, 
 tve ihall alfo reign with thee ! " 
 
 Not finding as yet any door open, for the purfuing our main defign, 
 
chap. 4. »« fke eighteenth Century, 61 
 
 we confidered, in what manner we might be moft ufeful to the little 
 flock at Savannah. And we agreed, ifl-, To advife the more feriousa- 
 mong them, to form themfelves into a Ibrt of little fociety, and to meet 
 once or r^vice a week, in order to reprove, inftruift and exhort one ano- 
 ther, 2. To feleftout 01 thcie a fm:.'ller number for a more intimate 
 Muicn wi'Ji each other, which might be forwarded, partly by our con- 
 verfung finply v/ith each, and partly by inviting them all together to 
 our houfe, and this accordingly we determined to, do every Sunday in 
 the afternoon. 
 
 WedneUay, June 30. I hoped a door was opened, forgoing up im- 
 mediately to the Choflaws, the leaft polifhcd, i. e. the leaft corrupted 
 of all the Indian nations. But upon my informing Mr. Oglethorpe of 
 our defign, he ooje^ted, not only the danger of being intercepted, or 
 killed by the French there ; but much more, the inexpediency of leaving 
 Savannah deftitute of a minifter. Thefe objedlions I related to our 
 brethren in the evening, who were all of opinion, " We ought not to 
 go yet." 
 
 Thurfday, July i . The Indians had an audience, and another on Sa- 
 turday, when Chicali, their head man, dined with Mr. Oglethorpe. Af- 
 ter dinner^ I aiked the grey-headed old man, " What he thought he was 
 inade for ? " He faid, " He that is above knows what he made us for, 
 ^\''e know nothing. We are in the dark. But white men know much. 
 And yet white men build great houfes, as if they were to live for even 
 But whit^ men can't live for ever. In a little time white men will be 
 dull as well as I." I told him, " If red men will learn the good book, 
 they may know as much as white men. But neither we nor you can 
 ■underftand that book, unlefswe are taught by him that is above: and 
 he v/dl not teach, unlefs you avoid what you already know is not 
 good." He anfwcred, " I believe that; he will not teach us while our 
 hearts are not white. And our men do what they know is not good. 
 They kill their ov/n children. And our women do what they know is 
 not good, They kill the child before it is born. Therefore he that is 
 above, does not fend us the good book." 
 
 1737. 
 
 Religious Difcourfe at a Vifitation. Negroes. Toung People. 
 
 Mr. Wejley returns to England. 
 
 Friday, April 22. It being the time of their annual vifitation, I had 
 the pleafure of meeting with the clergy of South-Carolina : among 
 whom in the afternoon there was fuch a converfation for feveral hours 
 on " Chrifl our righteoufnefs," as I had not heard at any vifitation in 
 England, or hardly on any other occafion. 
 
 Saturday 23. Mentioning to Mr. Thompfon, minifier of St. Bartho- 
 lomew's, nearPonpon, my being difappointed of a pafiage home by wa- 
 ter, he offered me one of his horfes, ifl would go by land, which I glad- 
 ly accepted of. He went with me twenty miles, and fent his ferva'nt to 
 guide me the other twenty to his houfe. Finding a young ncgroe 
 Jhere, who feemcd more fenfible than the reft, I aiked her bow long fhe 
 
62 Succefs of the Co/pel in /America Book IV, 
 
 had been in Carolina ? She faid, two or three years; but that fhe was 
 born in Barbadoes, and had lived there in a minifter's family from a 
 child. I aflced, Whether (lie went to church there ? She faid, Yes, 
 every Sunday, — to carry my miftrefs's children. I afked what fhe had 
 learned at church? She faid, " Nothing: I heard a deal; but did not 
 tinderftand it." But what did your mafter teach you at home ? No- 
 thing. Nor your miftref^? No. I afked, "But don't you know, that 
 your hands and feet, and this you call your body, will turn to duft in 
 a little time? She anfwered, Yes. But there is fomething in you that 
 ■will not turn to dull, and this is what they call your foul. Indeed, you 
 can't fee your foul, though it is within you, as you can't fee the wind, 
 though it is all about you. But if you had not a foul in you, you 
 could no more fee, or hear, or feel, than this table can. AVhat do you 
 think will become of your foul, when your body turns to duii ? " I 
 don't know." AVhy, it will go out of your body, and go up there, a- 
 bove the Iky, and live always. Gocf lives there. Do you know who 
 God is ? No. You can't fee him any more than you can fee your own 
 foul. It is he that made you and me, and all men and women, and all 
 beafls and birds, and all the world. It is he that makes the fun fhine, 
 and rain fall, and corn and fruits to grow out of the ground. He 
 makes all thefe for us. But what do you think he made us, what did 
 he make yow and. me for? " I can't tell." He made you to live with 
 
 himfelf above the fky. And fo you will, in a little time, if you 
 
 .ire good, when your body dies, your foul will go up, and want no- 
 thing, and have whatever you can deflre. No one will beat or hurt you 
 there. You will never be fkk. You will never be forry any more, nor 
 afraid of any thing. I can't tell you, I don't know how happy you will 
 be ; for you will be with God. The attention with which this poor crea- 
 ture liflened to inftruclion is inexpreffible. The next day fhe remem- 
 bered all, readily anfwer'd every queflion ; and faid, " She would alk 
 him that made her, to fhew her how to be good." 
 
 Sunday 24. I preached twice at Ponpon-chapel, on the 13th chap- 
 ter of the I ft epilile to the Corinthians. O how will even thefe men of 
 Carolina, who come eight, ten, or twelve miles to hear the gofpel, rife 
 in judgment againft thofe who hear it not, when it is preached at their 
 own doors ! 
 
 Wednefday 27. I came to Mr. Belinger's plantation at Chulifinny, 
 where the rain kept me till Friday. Here I met with an half Indian, 
 (one that had an Indian mother, and a Spanifti father) and feveral ne- 
 groes, who were very defaous of inllruftion. One of them faid, " When 
 I was at Afliley-Ferrey, I went to church every Sunday. But here we 
 are buried in the woods. Though if there was any church within five 
 or fix miles, I am fo lame, I can't walk, but I would crawl thither." 
 Mr. Belinger fent a negroe-lad with me to Purryfburg, or rather to the 
 poor remains of it. O how hath God ftretched over this place ** the i 
 lines of confufion, and the ftones of emptinefs ! " Alas for thofe whofe i 
 lives were here vilely caft away. This lad too I found both very defi- 1 
 rous and very capable of inftruftion. And perhaps one of the eafiefl 
 and fliorteft ways, to inftrmSl the American negroes in Chriflianity, ; 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century, ^^ 
 
 would be firfl: to enquire after and find out, fome of the moft ferious 
 of the planters. Then having inquired of them, which of their flaves 
 were belt inclined, and tinderflood Englifli, to go to them from plan- 
 tation to plantation, flaying as long as appeared neceffary at each. 
 Three or four gentlemen in Carolina I have been with, that would be 
 fincerely glad of fuch an aififtant ; who might purfue his work with no 
 more hindrances tlian muft every where attend the preaching of the 
 gofpel. 
 
 May 29. Being Whitfunday, four of our fcholars, after having been 
 inftrufted daily for feveral weeks, were at their earneft and repeated de- 
 lire, admitted to the Lord's table. I trufl: their zeal hath flirred up 
 many to remember their Creator in the days of their youth, and to re- 
 deem the time, even in the midflof an evil and adulterous generation. 
 Indeed about this time, we obferved the Spirit of God to move upon 
 the minds of many of the children. They began more carefully to at- 
 tend to the things that were fpoken both at home and at church, and a 
 remarkable ferioufnefs appeared in their whole behaviour and conver(a- 
 tion. 
 
 Oflober the 7th, I confulted my friends, whether God did not call 
 me, to return to England ? the reafon for which I left it had now no 
 force ; there being no polfibility as yet of inftru(5ling the Indians. And 
 as to Savannah, having never engaged myfelf, either by word or letter, 
 to flay there a day longer than I fhould judge convenient, nor even ta- 
 ken charge of the people any otherwife, than as in my pafTage to the 
 Heathens, I looked upon myfelf to be fully difcharged therefrom, by 
 the vacating of that defign. Befides, there was a probability of doing 
 more fervice to that unhappy people, in England than I could do in 
 Georgia, by reprefenting without fear or favour, to the truftees, the real 
 Hate the colony was in. - ' 
 
 Friday, December 2. I left Georgia, after having preached the gof- 
 pel there (not as I ought, but as I was able) one year, and nearly nine 
 months. 
 
 ^738- 
 He vi/its Hernhuth in Germany — The Confiitution of the Church there, 
 
 as it -was in the Tear 1733 ^^ returns to England Preaches 
 
 frequently Northampton Narrative. 
 
 Wednefday, June 7. I determined, if God fhould permit, to retire ' 
 for a fhort time into Germany. I had fully propofed before I left Georgia 
 fo to do, if it fhould pleafe God to bring me back to Europe. I hoped 
 the converfing with thofe holy men% who were themfelves living wit- 
 nefTesofthe full power of faith, and yet able to bear with thofe that are 
 weak, would be a means, under God, of fo eflabliftiing my foul, that I 
 might go on from faith to faith, and from flrength to ftrength. 
 
 Tuefday Auguft i , I came to Hernhuth, about thirty Englifh miles 
 
 a This was the opinion Mr. Wefley had formed of them, fiom thofe Jie had alrcad/ 
 convcrfcd with in the fhip «i his pafTage 10 Amfnca. 
 
64 Succefs of the Go/pel in Germany Book IV". 
 
 from Drefden. It lies in Upper Lufatia,on the border of Bohemia, and 
 contains about an hundred iioufes, built on a riling ground. 
 
 On Friday and Saturday (and fo every day in the following week) I 
 bad much converfation with the mofV experi- jed of the brethren, con* 
 ccrning the great work which God had wrought in their Ibuls, purify- 
 ing them by faith: and with Martin Dober, and the other teachers and 
 ciders of the church, concerning the difcipline ufca therein. 
 
 The fermon which Ghriftian David preached, concerninq; the ground 
 of our faith, made fuch an impreflion upon me, that when I vent home, 
 I could not but writedown thefubftance ofit, [part of ] v. Inch follows : 
 
 " The word of reconciliation which the apoftles prenched, as the 
 foundation of all they taught, was, that we are recon'. iled 10 fJv)J, not 
 by our own works, nor by our own righteoufncfs, but wholly and fole- 
 ly by the blood of Ghrifi:. But you will fay, muft I not grIeVe snd mourn 
 for my fins ? muft I not humble myfelf before God ? is not this i aft and 
 right ? and mufl I not firfl do this before I can expeft HrviJ o be re- 
 conciled to me ? I anfwer, it is juft and right. You mufl: be nuinbied be- 
 fore God. You mufl: have a broken and contrite heart. But then ob- 
 ferve, this is not your own work. Do you grieve that you are a finner? 
 this is the work of the Holy Ghofl. Are you contrite? are you hum- 
 bled before God.' do you indeed mourn, and is your heart broken 
 within you? all this worketh the felf-fame Spirit. Obferve again, this 
 is not the foundation. It is not this by which you are jullified. This is 
 not the righteoufncfs, this is no part of the righteoufnefs by which you 
 are reconciled unto God. You grieve for your fins. You are deeply 
 humble. Your heart is broken. Well. But all this is nothing to your 
 jufUfication. Underfiand this well. To think you muft be more con- 
 trite, more humble, more grieved, more fenfible of the weight of fin, 
 before you can be juftiried ; is, to lay your contrition, your grief, your 
 humiliation for the foundation of your being juflified; at lealt for a part 
 of the foundation. The foundation is, not your contrition (though that 
 is not your own) not your righteoufnefs, notning of your own : no- 
 thing that is wrought in you by the Holy Gholl; but it is ibmething 
 without you, viz. the righteoufnefs and the blood of Ghrifi. For this 
 is the word, " To him thatbelieveth on God that juflifieth the ungodly, 
 his faith is counted for righteoufnefs." See ye not, that the foundation 
 is nothing in us ? There is no connexion between God and the ungod- 
 ly. There is no tie to unite them. They are altogerher feparate from 
 each other. They have nothing in common. There is nothing lefs or 
 more in the ungodly, to join them to God. Works, righteoufnefs, con- 
 trition ? No. Ungodlinefs only. This then do, if yon v ill lay a right 
 foundation. Go ftreight to Chrifl: with all your ungodlinefs. Tell him, 
 ihou whofe eyes are as a fiame of fire fearching my heart, feeft that I 
 am ungodly. I plead nothing elfe. I do not fay, I am humble or con- 
 trite; but I am ungodly. Therefore bring m.e to him that juflifieth the 
 ungodly. Let thy blood be the propitiation for me. For there is no- 
 thing in me but ungodlinefs. Here is a myftery. Here che wife men 
 of the world are loft, are taken ia their own craftinefs. This the leara- 
 
chap. 4. '*'' ff^^ eighteenth Century. 6^ 
 
 cd of the world cannot comprehend. This is the word of recon- 
 ciliation which we preach. This is the foundation which never can 
 be moved. By faith we are built upon this foundation : and this 
 faith alfo is the gift of God. It is his free gift, which he now and ever 
 giveth to every one that is willing to receive it. And when they have 
 received this gift of God, then their hearts will melt for forrow that they 
 have offended him. But this gift of God hves in the heart, not in the 
 head. The faith of the head, learned from men or books, [if aloncj isno« 
 thing worth. It brings neither remiffion of tins, nor peace with GoJ. La- 
 bour then to believe with your whole heart. So fliall you have redemp- 
 tion through the blood of Chrift, So (hall you be cieanfed from all fin. 
 So fhall ye go oa from fljength to flrength, being renewed day by day 
 in righteoiifnefs and all true holinefs," 
 
 Here Mr. Wesley tnftrti an Ext rati of the Conftitution of the Church 
 of the Moravian Brethren at Hernhuth, laid before the Theologi- 
 cal Order at li/'irtemberg^ in the Tear 1733. {^Part of -which fol* 
 lows. 2 
 
 I. THEY have a fenior, or eldeft, who Is to affifl the church by 
 his counfel and prayers. Of him it is required, that he be well ex- 
 perienced in the things of God/ and witnefTed to by all for holi- 
 nefs of converfation. 2, They have deacons, or helpers, who are 
 to take care that outward things be done decently and in order ; 
 and to fee that every member of the church grows in grace, and 
 walks fuitably to his holy calling. 3. The paftor, or teacher, is to be 
 an overfeer of the whole ilock, and every perfon therein ; to baptize 
 the children ; diligently to form their minds, and bring them up in the 
 nurture and admonition of the Lord : when he finds in them a fincere 
 Jove of the crofs, then to receive them into the church : to adminifter 
 the fupper of the Lord : to join in marriage thofe who are already mar- 
 ried to Chrifl : to reprove, admonifh, quicken, comfort, as need re- 
 quires: to declare the whole counfel of God : taking heed at all times, 
 to fpeak as the oracles of God, and agreeably to the analogy of faith : 
 to bury thofe who have died in the Lord, and to keep that fafe which 
 is committed to his charge, even the pure doftrine and apollolical dif- 
 clpline which we have received from our fore-fathers. - 4. We have 
 alfo another fort of deacons, who take care that nothing be wanting to 
 the Orphan-houfe, the poor, thefick, and the Grangers. Others again 
 there are, who are peculiarly to take care of the fick ; and others of the 
 poor. And two of thefe are intruded with the public Ilock, and keep 
 accounts of all that is received or expended. 5. There are women who 
 perform each of the above-mentioned offices among thofe of their own 
 fex : for none of the men converfe with them, belide the eldefl, the 
 teacher, and one, or fometimes two of the deacons. 6. Toward'^ ma- 
 giftrates, whether of a fuperior or inferior rank, we bear the greateft 
 reverence. We cliearfullyfubmit to their laws; and even when many 
 of us have been fpoiled of their goods, driven out of th?ir houfcsy and 
 VOL. II. I 
 
C6 Succefs cf the Go/pel in Germany Book IV. 
 
 everyway oppreil by them, yet they refifted them not, neither opening 
 their mouths, nor lifting up their hand againft them. In all thingswhich 
 do not immediately concern the inward, fpiritual kingdom of Chrifl, 
 we fimply, and without contradicting, obey the higher powers. But, 
 with regard to confcience,the liberty of this we cannot fufFer to be any 
 way limited or infringed. And to this head we refer whatever direft- 
 ly and in itfclf tends to hinder the falvation of fouls: or, whatfoever 
 things Chrift and his holy apoftles (who we know meddled not with out- 
 ward worldly things) took charge of, and performed, as neceffary for 
 the conflituting and well-ordering of his church. In thefe things we 
 acknowledge no head but Chrift; and ax'e determined, God being our 
 helper, to give up not only our goods (as we did before) but life itfelf, 
 rather than this liberty which God hath given us. 7. As it behoves all 
 Chriftians not to be flothful in bufinefs, but diligently to attend the 
 works of their calling ; there are perfons chofen by the church, to fu- 
 perintend all thofe who are employed in outward bufinefs. And by 
 this means alfo, many tnings are prevented which might otherwife be an 
 occafion of oiTence. 8. V\^e have alfo cenfors and monitors. In thofe 
 experience and perfpicacity ; in thefe wifdom and modedy are chiefly 
 required. The cenfors fignify what they obferve (and they obfcrve the 
 fmalleft things) either to the deacons or monitors. Some monitors 
 there are, whom all know to be fuch ; others who are fecretly appoint- 
 • cd ; and who, if need require, may freely admonifh in the love of 
 Chrift, even the rulers of the church. 9. The church is fo divided, 
 that iirft the hu (bands, then the wives, then the widows, then the maids, 
 then the young men, then the boys, then the girls, and laftly, the little 
 children, are in fo many diftin6l clafTes : each of which is daily vifited, 
 the married men by a married man, the wives by a wife, and fo of the 
 reft^. Thefe larger are alfo (now) divided into near ninety fmallerclaf- 
 fes or bands, over each of which one prefides v/ho is of the greateft ex- 
 perience. All thefe leaders meet the fenior every week, and lay open to 
 him and to the Lord, whatfoever hinders or furthers the work of God, 
 in the fouls committed to tiieir charge. 10. In the year 1727, four 
 and twenty men, and as many women agreed, that each of them would 
 fpend an hour in every day, in praying to God for his bleffmg on his 
 people; and, for this purpofc, both the men and women chofe a place, 
 where any of their own fex who were in diftrefs might be prefent with 1 
 them. The fame number of unmarried women, of unmarried men, of 
 boys, and of girls, were afterwards, at their defire, added to them ; 
 who pour out their fouls before God, not only for their own bre- 
 thren, but alfo for other churches and perfons, that have defired 
 to be mentioned in their prayers. And this has never ceafcd day 
 or night, fince its firft beginning. 11. And as the members of the 
 church are divided, according to their refpedtive ftates and fexes; fo 
 they are alfo, with regard to their proficiency in the knowledge of God. 
 Some are dead, fome quickened by the Spirit of God : of thefe, fome 
 
 a This work all the married brethren and fiAers, as well as the unmarried, perform in 
 their turns. 
 
chap. 4. it the eighteenth Century. 67 
 
 again are untraceable, fome diligent, fome zealous, burning with their 
 firll love; fome babes, and fome young men. Thofe who are ftill dead, 
 are vifited every day. And of the babes in Chrill efpecial care is taken 
 alfo, that they may be daily infpefted and aflifted to grow in grace, and 
 in the knowledge of our Lord Jefus. 1 2. In the Orphan-houfe, about 
 feventy children arc brought up, feparate according to their fex. Bcfide 
 which, feveral experienced perfons are appointed to confult with the 
 parents, touching the education of the other children. In teaching them 
 Chriftianity, we make ufe of Luther's Gatechifm, and fludy the amend- 
 ing their wills as well as underflanding; finding by experience, that 
 •when their will is moved, they often learn more in a few hours, than 
 otherwife in many months. Our little children we inftruft chieliy by 
 hymns; whereby we find the moft important truths moit fuccefsfully 
 infmuated into their minds. 1 3 . We highly reverence marriage, but nei- 
 ther our young men nor women enter into it till they afl'uredly know 
 they are married to Ghrifl. When any know it is the will of God, that they 
 ihould change their flate, both the man and woman are placed for a time 
 with fome married perfons, who inftru6l them how to behave, fo that 
 their married life may be pleafing to God. Then their deiign is laid be- 
 fore the whole church, and after about fourteen days, they are foJemnly 
 joined, tho' not otherwife habited, than they are at other times. If 
 they make any entertainment (which is not always) they invite only a 
 few intimate friends, by whofe faithful admonitions they may be the 
 better prepared to bear their crofs, and fight the good fight of faith. 
 If any woman is with child, not only efpecial mention is made of her 
 in the public prayers, but ilie is alfo exhorted in private, wholly to give 
 herfelf up into the hands of her faithful Creator. As foon as a child is 
 born, prayer is made for it, and if it may be, it is baptized in the prc- 
 fence of the whole church. Before it is weaned, it is brought into the 
 affembly on the Lord's days. * #*****<).*#*** **** 
 15. Once or twice a month, either ^t Bertholdfdorf, or if it maybe, at 
 Hernhuth, all the church receives the Lord's fupper. It cannot be ex- 
 preft how greatly the power of God is then prefent among us. The fe- 
 niors firft receive; then the reft in order, without any regard had to 
 worldly dignity, in this, any more than in any other of the folemn of- 
 fices of religion. After receiving all the men (and fo the women) meet 
 together, to renew their covenant with God, to feek his face, and ex- 
 hort one another to the patience of hope and the labour of love. * # * 
 17. At eight in the morning, and in the evening we meet to pray 
 to and praife God, and to read and hear the holy fcriptures : the 
 time we ufually fpend in fleep, is from eleven at night 'till four 
 in the morning. So that allowing three hours a day for taking the 
 food both of our bodies and fouls, there remain fixteen for work. 
 And this fpace thofe who are in health fpend therein, with all diligence 
 and faithfulnefs. 18. Tw^o men keep watch every night in the flreets, 
 as do two women, in the women's apartment : that they may pour out 
 their fouls for thofe that fleep ; and by their hymns raife the hearts of 
 any who are awake to God. 19. For the further ftirring up the gift 
 
 I z 
 
68 Succefs of the Co/pel in Germany Book IV. 
 
 whichis in us, fometimes we have public, fometimes private love-feafts: 
 at wjiich we take a moderate rcfrerament, with gladncfs and finglenefs 
 ot heart, and the voice of praife and thankfgiving. 20. If any man a» 
 mong lis. having been o^tcn admoniftned, and long forborn, pcriifts in 
 walking unworthy of his holy calling, he is no longer admitted to the 
 Lord's fupper. If he Itill coniinues in his fault, hating to be reformed, 
 the laft Hep is, publicly, and often in the midft of many prayers and 
 tears, to cafl: him out of our congregation. But great is our joy, if he 
 then fee the error of his ways, fo that we may receive him among us a- 
 gain. 21. Mod of our brethren and fillers, have in fome part of their 
 life, experienced I)oly mourning and forrow of heart; and have after- 
 wards been alfured, that there was no more condemnation for them, be- 
 ing pa (Ted from death unto life. They are therefore far fi om fearing to 
 die, or defiring to live on earth; knowing that to them to die is gain, 
 and being confident that they are the care of him, whofe are the ilFues 
 of life and death. Wherefore they depart as out of one chamber into 
 another, 4nd after the foul has left its habitation, their remains are 
 depofitefl in the earth, appointed for that purpofe. And the furvivors 
 are greatly comforted, and rejoice over them, with a joy the world 
 Jcnoweth not of*. 
 
 a That other friends of religion as well 
 BSMr. W'efley, thought favourably ofthere 
 people at the firft, and judged their mini- 
 ilrations in foiije inflanccs to be fubfcrvient 
 to the uiccei's of the gofpel,will appear from 
 the two following pafl'iges. 
 
 I. [ From Mr. VV^illison's Tejiimony, 
 
 '744- 1 
 " Near to the fame tiitie(viz. of theSaltz- 
 burgers) or about the year 17 J J or 1736, the 
 Lord poured out his Spirit on many in Mo- 
 ravia, another country' in Germany, to en- 
 lighten them i;i thcl^nowjedgeof Jefus Chrift, 
 and inrpire them with extraordinary zeal 
 to propagate it to others; in fo much, that 
 count Zinzendorf. bilhop of the Moravian 
 church, hath fent forth his miHionaries to 
 preach the gofpel, not onl}' in Germany and 
 other parts of Europe, but in many places 
 of the Hcatnen world, where they call the 
 Indians, the Negroes, Hottentots and Grocn- 
 landers, to the knowledge of a crucified 
 Chrift ; and we are told of the great fucccis 
 of their minitlry : and the count himfcif tra- 
 vels and preaches in very many d liferent and 
 remote places ; tho' it is matter of rt gret to 
 hear that thofe zealous preachers of Chrift 
 are tainted with fcveral errors; and fo in- 
 deed were fcveral of our reformers at the 
 firft. May the Lord purge them from all er- 
 ror whatfoever." 
 
 2. [ Fri/m Mr. Robe's Monthly Hijiory, 
 February, 1744- ] 
 I'rom two Letters of fome Negroes in the A- 
 incrican Uland of St. Thomas, belonging 
 to the kingofDcnmark,which arc brought 
 to the Communion of the Gofpel of our 
 
 blelTed Lord and Saviour, and baptized by 
 the Miniftry of fome Moravian Brethren. 
 From Letter firft, from the -whole Congregation 
 to the Kii.g of Denmark. 
 " Moft graciousking, wcarenowin hope, 
 your royal majclty, will give order, that 
 the doftrine of our Lord Jefus may be ftill 
 propafiatcd among us. V/c ftand hitherto 
 fall after the good pleafurc of God, whereas 
 we are very much opprcfted of all. They 
 come to beat and cut ns when we learn 
 fomcthing about our Saviour; they burn 
 our books, and rcjtft our baptifm, they mif- 
 call the brethren for bcafts, faying a Negroc 
 ought not to be baptized, and a baptized 
 Negroe be like a piece of burrt wood in 
 hell. For three months ago they have 
 brought our brethren efpecially Mr. Martin 
 (whom the Lord hath blcllcd to us all, and 
 who of twenty brethren that died, alone is 
 left) and his brethren into the caftle, and 
 have a mind to drive them out of the land. 
 They all pretend youV majefty's order, fay- 
 ing you have prohibited the Negroes to come 
 to the knowledge of the Saviour, and that 
 you would foon drive Mr. Martin from us. 
 But we don't believe that, and have there- 
 fore lent two brethren to you, in order fo 
 get notice thereabout, viz. Jens Bafmgand 
 Apdries, deacons of the congregation of Ne- 
 groes, praying you'll give us leave to come 
 to know the Saviour, ar.d to ftay with the 
 congregation of the brethren, becaufc we 
 will go along with them to the Saviour. 
 We will be obedient toourmaftcri in all 
 things, and only direft our fouls towards 
 Heaven to the Lord Jefus ; for we flole be- 
 
chap. 4. »*» tbe eighteenth Century. 69 
 
 Sunday, September 17. I began again to declare in my own country 
 the glad tidings of falvation, preaching three times, and afterwards ex- 
 pounding the holy fcripture to a large company in the Minories. On 
 Monday I rejoiced to meet with our little fociety, which nowconfifted 
 of thirty-two perfons. The next day I went to the condemned felons 
 in Newgate", and offered them free falvation. In the evening I went to 
 a fociety in Bear-Yard, and preached repentance and remiifion of fins. 
 The next evening at a fociety in Alderfgate-ftreet. Some contradicted 
 at firft ; but not long : fo that nothing but love appeared at our parting. 
 On Monday 9. I fet out for Oxford. In walking I read the truly fur- 
 prizing Narrative of the converfions lately wrought in and about the 
 town of Northampton in New-England, Surely this is the Lord's do- 
 ing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. 
 
 1739. 
 
 Field Preaching. Many luounded in Spirit. Neiugate. Warn- 
 ing againft relying on bodily Effects. Nature of the Doctrines 
 
 preached. Prayer heard. Crcfs Sinners reformed. Igno- 
 rance in fome Parts of Wales. Letter of Approbation from one foir- 
 
 merly prejudiced. Kingsivood. 
 
 Thurfday, March 29. I left London, and in the evening expounded 
 to a fmall company at Bafingftoke. Saturday 31. In the evening I 
 
 fore from our maftcrs, wcran awaj to Porto 
 Rico, have been lazy, and have cheated our 
 maftcrs; but now it is quite othcrwife with 
 us, as our maftcrs ihemfelves know very 
 well. Many Negroes (before) have fuffered, 
 with the utmort courage, their hands and 
 feet to be cut offfor their misbehaviours and 
 crimes. Now we will fain lay down our 
 life for the Saviour's fake and his church, 
 if ourmafters will kill us as they fay. The 
 Lord blefsourmoft gracious king athoufand 
 times. Written at St. Thomas, Feb. ijth, 
 1739, in name of above fix hundred and fifty 
 Negroes, difcipjcs of Jefus Chrift, which Mr. 
 Martin tcachcth, olpecially them whom he 
 hath baptized. 
 
 Peter. Abrahaip. Madlena. Matfatine. 
 
 Mungo. AnJries. .Rebecca. Anna-Maria. 
 
 FnmLnier [tconi. from a Ncgroe Woman 
 
 to th: Queen of Denmark. 
 " In Pope I worshipped one lord Mau af- 
 ter the luanner of my anceftors ; —I neither 
 knewnor loved him. — Now 1 hear that it is 
 the Lord Jifus who givcih me fal-. ation: 
 him, my foul lovcth, and now when i ha\ c 
 a mind to W(.' ihlp and Jov.; him with all 
 my heart, the blanks [thus they call 'he 
 white people or pretended Ciiriltiansj will 
 not permit it. Forr.-e,iy we Itoie away from 
 our mafters, ian away fr-'..T them to i'orto 
 Rico to the Spaniards: for thefe and other 
 -wickednelfes we got our defcrveJ ftripes, 
 biif no>v we faip wjll do it no more, and 
 
 yet we arc fo badly iifcd of the blanks. 
 Whereas the blanks will not love our Lord 
 Jefus, yet they may do fo, but me and two 
 hundred and fifty Negroc women they fhal! 
 not hinder it. Remember moft gracious 
 queen the fighs ot the poor Ncgroe women 
 whofe fouls I bind on your motherly heart. 
 I am ready for the fake of Jefus to let them 
 cafl my head under belly, and fuficr all 
 things for his names fake." 
 
 Anna Van Popo. 
 [ But alas! how promifing focver the firft 
 zeal of the Moravians was; whatever good 
 any of their miffionaries have been mado 
 the inftruments of; and whatever may flill 
 be faid in favours of many of their people, 
 as diftinguilliedfrom their leaders; notwith- 
 ftanding of all this, it is certain that very 
 dreadful errors and corruptions have broke 
 out among them. Againft which both Mr, 
 Wefley and Mr. Whitefield, as well as fc- 
 verai others, have given a public tcftimony. 
 Mr. Wefley fo early as 1744, in his fourth 
 Journal, and Mr. Whitefield in his Ex- 
 poftulatory Letter. See alfo the Account 
 of .\ndrew Frey, who was for fpRic time a 
 mciiiber of their community. May the Lord 
 yet enlighten and purify them, i)y his Holy 
 Spirit for Clirjft's fake, and make them ob- 
 fcrve his blcffed word as the only rule. And 
 may he prevent their doing farther hurt ta 
 the glorious caufe which they feem, in fome 
 , of the abpre in^anccs, to have been zealous 
 
70 Succefs of the Gofpelin England Book IV* 
 
 reached Briftol, and met Miv. Whitefield there. I could fcarce reconcile 
 myfelf at firft to this ftrange way of preaching in the fields, of which 
 he fet me an example on Sunday : having been all my life (till very late- 
 ly) fo tenacious of every pioint relating to decency and order, that I 
 ftiould have thought the faving of fouls almoft a fin, if it had not beea 
 in a church. .■■ 
 
 Briftol, April i. In the evening (Mr. Whitefield being gone) I be- 
 gun expounding our Lord's fermon on the mount (one pretty remark- 
 able precedent of field-preaching, I fuppofe there were churches at that 
 time alfo) to a little fociety which was accuftomcd to meet once or twice 
 a week in Nicholas-ftreet. 
 
 Monday 2. At four in the afternoon, I fubmitted to be more vile, 
 and proclaimed in the highways the glad tidings of falvation, fpeaking 
 from a little eminence in a ground adjoining to the city, to about three 
 thoufand people. The fcripture on which I fpoke was this, (Is it pof- 
 lible, anyone fhould be ignorant, that it is fulfilled in every true mi- 
 nifter of Chrifl: ? ) " The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, becaufe he hath 
 anointed me to preach the Gofpel to the poor. He hath fent me to heal 
 the broken-hearted ; to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery 
 of fight to the blind : to fet at liberty them that are bruifed, to proclaim 
 the acceptable year of the Lord." 
 
 Tuefday 17. At five in the afternoon, I was at a little fociety in the 
 Back-lane. The room in which we were was propped beneath; but 
 the weight of people made the floor give way, fo that in the beginning 
 of the expounding the pofl which propped it fell down with a great 
 noife. But the floor funk no further, fo that after a little furprize at 
 firfl they quietly attended to the things that were fpoken. Thence I 
 went to Baldwin-flreet, and expounded as it came in courfe the iv. chap, 
 of the A(fts. We then called upon God, to confirm his word. Imme- 
 diately one that flood by (to our no fmall furprize) cried out aloud, 
 with the utmoft vehemence, even as in the agonies of death. But we 
 continued in prayer, till a new fong was put in her mouth, a thankfgiv- 
 ing unto our God. Soon after, two other perfons (well known in this 
 place, as labouring to live in all good confcience towards all men) were 
 feized with flrong pain, and conftrained to roar for the difquietnefs of 
 their heart. But it was not long before they likewife burfl forth into 
 praife to God their Saviour. The laft who called upon God as out of 
 
 the belly of hell, was I E , a ftrangcr in Briftol. And in a fhort 
 
 fpace he alfo was overwhelmed with joy and love, knowing that God 
 had healed his backflidings. 
 
 Saturday 2 1 . At Weavers-hall a young man was fuddenly feized with 
 a violent trembling all over ; and, in a few minutes, the forrows of his 
 heart being enlarged, funk down to the ground. But we ceafed not 
 calling upon God, till he raifed him up full of peace and joy in the Holy 
 Ghofl. 
 
 Thurfday 25. While I was preaching at Newgate on thefe words, 
 
 to promote. O that they would rightly con- | t» that man by whom the offence comcth." 
 fidcr that fcripture, Matth. xviii. 7. "It I The Lord grant thtm repentance, that they 
 tnuft needs be that offences come; but wa j may not lye under fuch condcnanation. ] 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. y i 
 
 " He that believethhathevcrlafting life;" I xVasInfenfibly led, without any 
 previous defign, to declare flrcngly and explicitly, That God willeth 
 all men to be thus faved ; and to pray that " If this were not the truth 
 of God, he would not fuffcr the blind to go out of the way; but if it 
 were, he would bear witncfs to his word." Immediately one and ano- 
 ther and another funk to the earth ; they dropped on every fide as 
 thunderftruck. One of thrrn cried aloud. We befought God in her 
 behalf, and he turned her heavinefs into joy. A fecond being in the fame 
 agony, we called upon God for her alfo ; and he fpoke peace unto her 
 foul. In the evening I was again prefl: in fpirit to declare, that Chrift 
 gave himfelf a ranfom for all. And almofl before we called upon him, 
 to fet to his feal, be anfwered ; one was fo wounded by the fword of the 
 Spirit, that you would have imagined flie could not live a moment. 
 But immediately his abundant kindnefs was fliewed, and fhe loudly 
 fang of his righteoufnefs. 
 
 Monday 29. We underflood that many were offended at the cries of 
 thofe on whom the power of God came : among.whom was a phyfi- 
 cian, who was much afraid, there might be fraud or impofturc in the 
 cafe. To-day one whom he had knoM'n many years, was the firft (while 
 I was preaching in Newgate) who broke out into ftrong cries and tears. 
 He could hardly believe his ov/n eyes and cars. He went and flood 
 clofe to her, and obferved every fymptom, 'till great drops of fweat 
 ran down her face, and all her bones Ihook. He then knew not what 
 to think, being clearly convinced, it was not fraud, nor yet any natural 
 diforder. But when both her foul and body were healed in a moment, 
 he acknowledged the finger of God. 
 
 Tuefday, May i. Many were offended again, and indeed, much 
 more than before. For at Baldwin-ftreet my voice could fcarce be 
 heard, amidft the groanings of fome, and the cries of others, calling a- 
 loud to him that is mighty to fave. I defired all that werefincere of 
 heart, to befeech with me the Prince exalted for us, that he would pro- 
 claim deliverance to the captives. And he foon fhewed that he heard 
 our voice. Many of thofe who had been long in darknefs, faw the 
 dawn of a great light : and ten perfons (I afterwards found) then be- 
 gan to fay in faith, " My Lord and my God ! 
 
 Tuefday 15. As I was expounding in the Back-lane, on the righte- 
 oufnefs of the Scribes and Pharifees, many who had before been righ- 
 teous in their own eyes, abhorred themfelves as in dull and afiies. 
 But two, who feemed to be more deeply convinced than the reft, did 
 not long forrow as men without hope ; but found in that hour, that 
 they had an Advocate with the Father, Jefus Chrift the righteous : as 
 did three others in Gloucefter-lane the evening before, and three at 
 Baldwin-ftreet this evening. About ten, two who, after having feen a 
 great light, had again [falfly] reafoned themfelves into darknefs, came 
 to us, heavy 'laden. We cried to God, and they were again filled with 
 peace and joy in believing. 
 
 ^ Wednesday 16. While I was declaring at Baptift-mills, *' He was 
 wounded for our tranfgreffions," a middle-aged man began violently 
 beating his breaft, and crying to him by whofe ftripcs we are healed . 
 
72 Suc<:efs of the Cofpel in England Book IV, 
 
 During our prayer, God put a new fong in his mouth. Some mockecf, 
 others owned the hand of God; particularly a woman of Bap rlt-mills, 
 who was now convinced of her own want of an advocate with God, 
 and went home full of anguifli, but was in a few hours filled with Joy, 
 knowing he had blotted out all her tranfgreflicms. 
 
 During this whole time, I was almort continually aflced, either by 
 thofe who pvirpofely came to Briftol, to enquire concerning this ftrange 
 ■work, or by my old or new correfpundcnts, " How can thefe things 
 be ? " And innumerable cautions were given me (generally grounded 
 on grofs mifreprefentations of things) *' Mot to regard viflons or dreams, 
 or to fancy people had remiilion of fins, becaufe of their cries or tears, 
 or bare outward profcflions." To one who had many times wrote to 
 me on this head, ray anfwer was [in part] as follows: " The ques- 
 tion between us turns chiefly, if not wholly on matter of fa6t. You 
 deny, that God does now work thefe e^Fe(fls: at leal!:, that he works 
 them in this manner. I affirm both ; becaufe I have heard thefe things 
 with my own ears, and feen them with my eyes. I have feen (as far as 
 a thing of this kind can be feen) very many perfons changed in a mo- 
 ment, from fhe fpirit of fear, horror, delpair, to the fpirit of love, joy 
 and peace ; and from finful delire till then reigning over them, to a pure 
 defire of doing the will of God. Thefe are matters of fa£t, whereof 
 I have been, and almoft daily am, an eye or ear-witnefs. What I have 
 to fay, touching vifions or dreams is this: I know feveral perfons in 
 whom this great change was wrought, in a dream, or during a ftrong 
 reprefentation to the eye of their mind, of Chrift either on the crofs or 
 in glory. This is the faft; let any judge of it as they pleafe. And that 
 fuch a change was then wrought, appears (not from their fhedding tears 
 only, or falling into fits, or crying out : thefe are not the fruits, as you 
 feem to fuppofe, whereby I judge) but from the whole tenor of their 
 life, 'till then many ways wicked ; from that time, holy, juft and good. 
 I will (hew you him that was a lion 'till then, and is now a lamb; him 
 that was a drunkard, and is now exemplarily fober : the whoremonger 
 that was, who now abhors the very garment fpotted by the flelh. If 
 it be not fo, I am found a falfe witnefs before God. 
 
 [As to the efFedls on their bodies, which accompanied the con- 
 cern that was upon their minds; many afcribcd thefe to other cau- ' 
 fes, faying,] " The people fainted away, only becaufe of the heat 
 and clofenefs of the rooms." And others were fure, " It was all a 
 cheat: they might help it if they would. Elfe why were thefe things 
 only in their private focieties ? Why were they not done in the face of 
 the fun?" To-day, Monday 21. [This objeflion was removed.] For 
 while I was inforcing thefe words, *' fee ftill and know that I am God," 
 he began to make bare his arm, not in a clofe room, neither in private, 
 but in the open air, and before more than two thoufand witnefTes. One 
 and another, and another, was flruck to the earth, exceedingly trem- 
 bling at the prefence of his power. Others cried, with a loud and bit- 
 ter cry, " What muft we do to be favcd ? " And in lefs than an hour, 
 feven perfons, wholly unknown to me till that time, were rejoicing 
 and finging, and with all their might giving thanks to the God of their 
 
chap. 4. *» t^'e eighteenth Century. 7^ 
 
 falvation. In the evening, I was interrupted at Nicholas-ftreet, almoft 
 as foon as I had begun to fpeak, by the cries of one who was piicked 
 at the heart, and ftrongly groaned for pardon and peace, "i et I went 
 on to declare what God had ah-endy done, in proof of that important 
 truth, " that he is not willing any fhould perilh, but thot al.! fnc\ild 
 come to repentance." /Vnother perfon dropped down, clofe to one 
 who was a ftrong aflertcr of the contrary doctrine. Whik he i^ood 
 aftonilhed at the light, a little boy near him was feized in the lame man- 
 ner. A young man who Itood behind, fixed his>yes on liim, and funk 
 down himlelf as one dead. Mean while m.any others began to cry 
 out to the Saviour, that he would come and help them. \'/e con- 
 tinued in prayer; and, before ten, the greater part found refl tc) 
 their fouls. I was called from fupper to one vvho feeling in herfelf 
 fuch a conviftion as flie never had known before, had run out of 
 the fociety in all hafte, that fhe might not expofe herfelf. But the hand 
 of God followed her ftill, fo that after going a few fteps, flic was forced 
 to be carried home, and when flie was there, grew worfe and worfe. 
 She was in a violent agony when we came. We called upon God, and 
 her foul found rell. About twelve I was greatly importuned to go and 
 vifit one perfon more. She had only one ftruggle after I came, and 
 was then filled with peace and joy. I think twenty-nine, in all, had 
 their heavinefs turned into joy this day. 
 
 Monday 28. I began preaching at Weaver's-ball, at eleven in the 
 forenoon ; where two perfona were enabled to cry out in faith, " My 
 Lord and my God ! " As were feven, during the fermon in the after- 
 noon, before feverai thoufand witnelFes ; and ten in the evening atBald- 
 win-ftreet; of whom two were children. 
 
 Tuefday 29. I was unknowingly engaged in converfation with a fa- 
 mous infidel, a confirmer of the unfaithful in thefe parts. He appear- 
 ed a little furprized, and faid, " He would pray to God to fnew him 
 the true way of worlhipping him." 
 
 Friday, June 22. I called on one who did run well, till he was hin- 
 dred by forae of thofe called French Prophets, " Wo unto the pro- 
 phets, faith the Lord, who prophefy in my name, and I have not fent 
 tliem." At Weavers-hall, I endeavoured to point them out, and ear- 
 neftly exhorted all that followed after holinefs, to avoid, as fire', all 
 who do not fpeak according to the law and the teltimony. In the af- 
 ternoon I preached at the Fifli-ponds, but had no life or fpirit in me; 
 and was much in doubt, whether God would not lay me afide, and 
 fend other labourers into his harveft. I came to the fociety full of this 
 thought; and began, in much weaknefs, to explain, " Beloved, believe 
 not every fpirit, but try the fpirits, whether they be of God." I told 
 them, " They were not to judge of the fpirit, whereby any one fpoke, 
 cither by appearances, or by common report, or by their own inward 
 feelings. No nor by any dreams, vifions or revelations, fuppofed to 
 be made to their fouls, any more than by their tears, or any involun- 
 tary effefts wrought upon their bodies." I warned them, all thefe 
 were in themfelves, of a doubtful, difputable nature: they might be 
 from God; and they might not; and were therefore not fimpiy to be 
 VOL. IJ. K 
 
74 Succefs of the Cofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 relied on (any more than fimply to be condemned) but to be tried by a 
 farther rule, to be brought to the only certain teft, the law and the tef- 
 timony." While I was fpeaking, one before me dropt down as dead, 
 and prcfently a fecond and a third. Five others funk down in half an 
 hour, mofl: of whom were in violent agonies. " The pains as of hell 
 came about them ; the fnares of death overtook them." In their trouble 
 we called upon the Lord, and he gave us an anfwer of peace. One in- 
 deed continued an hour in ftrong pain ; and one or two more for three 
 days. But the reft were greatly comforted in that hour, and went away 
 rejoicing and prailing God. 
 
 Saturday 23. I fpoke fcverally with thofe who had been fo troubled 
 the night before. Some of them, I found, were only convinced of 
 fin ; others had indeed found reft to their fouls. This evening ano- 
 ther was feized with ftrong pangs. But in a ftiort time her foul alfo 
 was delivered. 
 
 Saturday 30. At Weaver's-hall, feven or eight perfons were con- 
 ftrained to roar aloud, while the fword of the Spirit was dividing afun- 
 der their fouls and fpirits, and joints and marrow. But they were all 
 relieved upon prayer, and fang praifes unto our God, and unto the 
 Lamb that liveth for ever and ever. 
 
 I gave a particular account, from time to time of the manner where- 
 in God here carried on his work to thofe whom I believed to defire the 
 increafe of his kingdom, with whom I had an opportunity of corre- 
 fponding. Part of the anfwer, which I received (fome time after) from 
 
 one of thefe I cannot but here fubjoin. ** I defire to blefs the Lord, 
 
 for the good and great news your letter bears, about the Lord's turn- 
 ing many fouls from darknefs to light, and from the power of Satan 
 unto God; and that fuch a great and efte^lual door is opened among 
 yovi, as the many adverfaries cannot fhut. O may " He that hath the 
 keys of the houfe of David, that openeth and no man ftiutteth, 
 and (hutteth and no man openeth," fet the door of faith more 
 and more open among you, 'till his houfe be filled, and till he gather 
 together the outcafts of Ifrael. And may that prayer for the adverfa- 
 ries be heard, " Fill their faces with fliame, that they may feek thy 
 name, O Lord." As to the outward manner you fpeak of, wherein 
 moft of them were affefted, who were cut to the heart by the fword of 
 the Spirit, no wonder that this was at firft furprizing to you, fmce they 
 are indeed fo very rare, that have been thus pricked and wounded. Yet 
 fome of the inftances you give, feem to be exemplified, in the outward 
 manner wherein Paul and the Jailor were at firft affefted : as alfo Pe- 
 ter's hearers, A<fls ii. The laft inftance you gave, of fome ftruggling 
 as in the agonies of death, and in fuch a manner as that four or five 
 ftrong men can hardly reftrain a weak woman from hurting herfelf or 
 others : this is to me fomewhat more inexplicable : if it do not referable 
 the child fpoke of, Mark ix. 26. and Luke ix. 42. of whom it is faid, 
 that " while he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down and tare 
 him." Or what infiuence fudden and ftiarp awakenings may have up- 
 on the body I pretend not to explain. But I make no queftion Satan, 
 fo. far as He gets power, may exert himfelf on fuch occafions, partly to 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century, 7 - 
 
 hinder the good work in the perfons who are thus touched with the 
 fliarp arrows of conviftion, and partly to difparage the work of God, 
 
 as if it tended to lead people to diftradlion. However, the merciful 
 
 iflue of thefe conflifts in the converfion of the perfons thus affefted, is 
 the main thing. When they are brought, by the faving arm of God, 
 to receive Chrift Jefus, to have joy and peace in believing, and then to 
 walk in him, and give evidence that the work is a faving work at length, 
 whether more quickly or gradually accompliftied, there is great mat- 
 ter of praife. ^All the outward appearances of peoples being af- 
 fected among us, may be reduced to thefe two forts; one is, hearing 
 with a clofe, filent attention, with gravity and greedinefs, difcovered 
 by fixt looks, weeping eyes, and forrowful or joyful countenances : an- 
 other fort is, when they lift up their voice aloud, fome more depref- 
 fedly, and others more highly; and, at times, the whole multitude in 
 a flood of tears, all as it were crying out at once, 'till their voice be 
 ready to drown the minifter's, that he can fcarce be heard for the weep- 
 ing noife that furrounds him*. — The influence on fome of thefe, like 
 a land-flood, dries up ; we hear of no change wrought. But in others, 
 it appears in the fruits of righteoufnefs, and the tracft of a holy con- 
 verfation. May the Lord ftrengthen you to go on in his work ! And 
 in praying for the coming of his kingdom with you and us, and I hope 
 you (hall not be forgotten among us, in our joint applications to the 
 throne of grace. I am. Reverend Dear Sir, 
 
 Your very afFeftionate Brother and Servant In Chrifl:, 
 
 Ralph Ersktse. 
 
 Sunday, July i. At Hannam, and at Rofe-Grecn, I explained the 
 latter part of the vii. of Luke : that verfe efpecially, " When they 
 had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both." A young wo- 
 man funk down at Rofe-Green, in a violent agony both of body 
 and mind: as did five or fix perfons in the evening at the New- 
 Room, at whofe cries many were greatly offended. The fame offence 
 was given in the morning by one at Weavers-hall, and by eight 
 or nine others, at Gloucefter-lane in the evening. The firfi: that was 
 
 deeply touched was L W -, whofe mother had been not a little 
 
 difpleafed a day or two before, when (he was told how her daughter 
 had expofed herfelf before all the congregation : the mother herfelf was 
 the next who dropped down ; but went home with her daughter, full 
 of joy, as did mofl: of thofe that had been in pain. 
 
 Saturday 7. I had an opportunity to talk with Mr. Whitefield of 
 thofe outward figns, which had fo often accompanied the inward work 
 of God. I found his objeftions were chiefly grounded on grofs mifre- 
 prcfentations of matter of fa6t. But the next day he had an opportu- 
 nity of informing himfelf better. For no fooner had he begun (in the 
 application of his fermon) to invite all finners to believe in Chiift, than 
 four perfons funk down clofe to him, almoft in the fame moment. 
 One of them lay without either fenfe or motion. A fecond trembled 
 
 a The Compiler is credibly informed, that many years ago there was uncommo« 
 concern 4t fome communions, where MelT. E.and R, Erskine, and their brethren, affiftcd. 
 
 K 2. 
 
•J 6 Succefs of the Go/pel in England , Book IV. 
 
 exceedingly. The third had ftrong convulfions all over his body, but 
 made no uoife, unlefs by groans. The fourth, equally convulfed, cal- 
 led upon God, with Itrong cries and tears. From this time, I trufl:,we 
 ihall all fufier God to carry on his own work in the way that pleafeth 
 him. 
 
 Thurfday 13. I went to a gentleman who is much troubled with 
 what they call lownefs of fpirits. Many fuch I have been with before ; 
 but, in feveral of them, it was no bodily dillemper. They wanted fome- 
 thing," they knew not what, and were therefore heavy, uneafy, and dif- 
 fatisfied with every thing. The plain truth is, they wanted God, they 
 wanted Chrift, they wanted faith. And C}od convinced them of their 
 went, in a way their phyficians no more underflood than themfelves. 
 Accordingly nothing availed till the Great Fhyfician came: for, in 
 fpite of all natural means, he who made them for himfelf, would not 
 fufTer them to refl, till they refted in him. 
 
 Monday, Auguft 27. For two hours I took up my crofs, in arguing 
 with a zealous man, and labouring to convince him, " That I was not 
 an enemy to the church of England." He allowed, " I taught no other 
 doftrines than thofe of the church ; " but could not forgive my teaching 
 them out of the church-walls. He allowed too (which none indeed can de- 
 ny, who has either any regard to truth or fenfe of fliame) that " by this 
 teaching, many fouls, who till that time were peridiing for lack of 
 knowledge, have been, and are brought from darknefs to light, and 
 from the power of Satan unto God." But he added, "No one can 
 tell what may be hereafter ; and therefore, I fay, thefe things ought 
 not to be fuffered." Indeed the report now current in Briftol was, 
 *' That I was a Papift, if not a Jefuit." Some added, " That I was 
 born and bred at Rome;" which many cordially believed. O when 
 will ye underftand, that the preaching juftification by faith alone, the 
 allowing no meritorious caufe of juflification, but the death and the 
 righteoufnefs of Chrift, and no conditional or inftrumental caufe, but 
 faith, is overturning Popery from the foundation ? When will ye un- 
 derftand, that the moft deftruftive of all thofe errors, which Rome, the 
 mother of abominations hath brought forth (compared to which tran- 
 fubftantiation and an hundred more, are trifles light as air) is, " That 
 we are juftified by works," (or to exprefs the fame thing a little more 
 decentl}^) by faith and works. Now, do I preach this? I did for 
 ten years: I was (fundamentally) a Papift, and knew it not. But I do 
 nov/ teftify to all (and it is the very point for afterting which I have to 
 this day been called in queftion) that " no good works can be done be- 
 fore juftification, none which have not in them the nature of iin." 
 
 Monday September 3. I talked largely with my mother, who told 
 me, that 'till a fhort time fince, ftie had fcarce heard fuch a thing men- 
 tioned, as the having forgivfenefs of fins now, or God's Spirit bearing 
 witnefs with our fpirit: much lefs did flie imagine, that this was the 
 common privilege of all true believers. " Therefore (faid fliq) I never 
 durft afk for it myfelf. But two or three weeks ago, while my fon Hall 
 was pronouncing thofe words, in delivering the cup to me, "The blood 
 of our Lord Jefus Chrift, which W3$ given for thee;" the words ftruck 
 
chap. 4. »« '^^ eighteenth Century. yj 
 
 through my heart, and I knew God for Chrift's fake. had forgiven me ' 
 all my fins." I alked, whether her father (Dr. Annefly) had not the fame 
 faith? and, whether (he had not heard him preach it to others? fne 
 anfwered, " He had it himfelf, and declared a little before his death, that 
 for more than forty years, he had no darknefs, no fear, no doubt at all, 
 of his being accepted in the beloved. But that neverthelefs, ihe did not 
 remember to have heard him preach, no not once, explicitly upon it: 
 yhence fhe fuppofed he alfo looked upon it as the peculiar bleffing of 
 a few, not as promifed to all the people of God." 
 
 Thurfday 13. A ferious clergyman delired to know, in what points 
 we differed from the church of England ? I anfwered, " To the bcil of 
 my knowledge, in none : the doctrines wc preach, are the do<Jtrincs of 
 the church of England: indeed the fundamental doftrines of the church, 
 clearly laid down, both in her prayers, articles, and homilies." He afk- 
 cd, in what points then do you differ from the other clergy of the church 
 of England ? I anfwered, " In none from that part of the clergy who 
 adhere to the doflrines of the church ; but from that part of the clergy 
 who diffent from the church (though they own it not) I differ in the 
 points following: Firft, They fpeak of julfification, either as the fame 
 thing with fanftification, or as fomething confequent upon it. I believe 
 juftification to be wholly diflinft from fanftification, and necelTarily 
 antecedent to it. Secondly, They fpeak of our own holinefs or good 
 works, as the caufe of our juflification ; or., that for the fake of which, 
 on account of which we are juftified before God. I believe, neither our 
 , own holinefs nor good works, are any part of the caufe of our juftifi- 
 cation; but that the death and righteoufnefs of Chrif]-, are the whole 
 and fole caufe of it ; or that for the fake of which, on account of which, 
 we are juftified before God. Thirdly, They fpeak of good works, as 
 a condition of jufiification, necelfarily previous to it. I believe no good 
 work can be previous to juftification, nor confequently a condition of 
 it: but that wc are juftified, (being 'till that hour ungodly, and there- 
 fore incapable of doing any good work) by faith alone, faith without 
 works, faith (tho' producing all, yet) including no good work. Fourthly, 
 They fpeak offandlification (or holinefs) as if it were an outward thing, 
 as if itconfifled chiefiy, if not wholly, in thefe two points, i. The do- 
 ing no harm, 2 . The doing good (as it is called) i. e. the ufing the means 
 of grace, and helping our neighbour. I believe it to be, an inward thing, 
 namely, " The life of God in the foul of man; a participation of the 
 divine nature; the mind that was in Chrift; or the renewal of our 
 heart, after the image of him that created us." LafVly, They fpeak of 
 the new birth, as an outward thing, as if it were no more than baptifm ; 
 or, at moft, a change from outward wickednefs to outward goodlinefs; 
 from vicious to (what is called) a virtuous life. I believe it to be an in- 
 ward thing; a change from inward wickednefs to inward goodnefsj 
 an entire change of our inmoft nature from the image of the devi), 
 (wherein we are born) to the image of God: a change from the love 
 of the creature to the love of the Creator, from earthly and fenfual, 
 Jo heavenly and holy afieftions : in a word, a change from the tempers 
 of the fpirits of dgrknefs, tp thoie of the gngels of God in Heaven, 
 
78 tiuccrfi of the Gofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 Tucfday, i3. A young woman came to us at Ulington, in fuch an 
 agony as 1 have fcldom feen. Her forrow and fear were too big for 
 utterance ; fo that after a few words, her ftrength as well as her heart 
 failing, (he funk down to the ground. Only her fighs and groans (hewed 
 ^i\c was yet alive. We cried unto God in her behalf. We claimed the 
 promifes made to the weary and heavy-laden : and he did notcaft out 
 
 our prayer. At Mr. B 's at lix, I was enabled earneftly to call all 
 
 the weary and heavy-laden : and at Mr. G 's at eight, when many 
 
 roared aloud \ fome of whom utterly refufed to be comforted, 'till they 
 fhould feel their fouls at reft in the blood of the Lamb, and have his 
 love (hed abroad in their hearts. 
 
 Friday 28. I met with a fre(h proof, that " whatfoever ye fliall aflc, 
 believing, ye fhall receive." A middle-aged woman defired me to return 
 thanks for her to God, who as many witnefles then prefent teftified, 
 was a day or two before really diftraded, and as fuch tied down in her 
 bed. But upon prayer made for her, (he was inftantiy relieved, and re- 
 itored to a found mind. 
 
 Wcdnefday, Oftober 10. Finding many to be in heavinefs, whom I 
 had left full of peace and joy, I exhorted them at Baptift-Mills, to 
 " look unto Jefus, the author and finifher of our faith." VV^e poured 
 out our complaint before him in the evening, and found that' he was 
 again with us of a truth. Thurfday 11. We were comforted by the 
 coming in of one, who was a notorious drunkard and common fwear- 
 er. But he is wa(l\ed, and old things are pafled away. " Such power 
 betongeth unto God." In the evening our Lord rofe on many who 
 were wounded, " with healing in his wings :" and others who 'till then 
 were carelefs and at eafc, felt the two-edged fword that cometh out of 
 his mouth. 
 
 Saturday 20. I returned to Briftol. I have feen no part of England 
 fo pleafant for fixty or feventy miles together, as thofe parts of Wales 
 I have been in. And moft of the inhabitants are indeed ripe for the 
 gofpel. I mean (if the exprefTion appear ftrange) they are earneftly 
 delirous of being inftrufted in it: and as utterly ignorant of it they 
 are, as any Greek or Gherikee Indian. I do not mean they are igno- 
 rant of the name of Chrift. Many of them can fay both the Lord's 
 Prayer and the Belief. Nay, and fome, all the Catechifm : but take 
 them out of the road of what they have learned by rote, and they 
 know no more (nine in ten of thofe with whom I converfed) either of 
 gofpel-falvation, or of that faith, whereby alone we can be faved, than 
 Chicali or Tomo Ghachi. Now, what fpirit is he of, who had rather 
 thefe poor creatures fhould perifh for lack of knowledge, than that they 
 fhould be faved, even by the exhortations of Howell Harris or an itine- 
 rant preacher ? 
 
 About this time I received a letter from the author of thofe reflec- 
 tions, which I mentioned July 31. An cxtraft of which I have fub- 
 joined. — Rev. Sir, As I wrote the rules and confiderations, [in N ° 25. 
 of Country Common-Senfe\ with an eye to Mr. Whitefield, yourfelf and 
 your oppofers, from a fincere defire to do fome fervice to Chriftianity 
 according to the imperfect notions I had at that time of the real merits 
 
chap. 4. in ^^i^ eight ecnih Century. ^p 
 
 of the caufe : I at the fame time refolved, to talo; any opportunity that 
 /hould offer for my better information. On this principle it was, that 
 I made one of your audience, October 2 3, at Bradford. And becaufe 
 I thought I could form tne bcfl judgment of you and your doftrines 
 from your lermon, 1 refoived to hear that firft : which was the reafon, 
 that akno' by accident, I was at the fame houle, and walked two miles 
 with you, 10 the place you preached at, I fpoke little or nothing to 
 you. I mult confefs, Sir, that the difcourfe you made that day, where- 
 in you prcil your hearers in the clofefl manner, and with the authority 
 of a true minilter of the gofpel, not to ftop at faith only, but to add 
 to it all virtues, and to Ihew forth their faith, by every kind of good 
 works, convinced me of the great wrong done you by a public re- 
 port, common in peoples mouths, that you preach faith with- 
 out works. For that is the only ground of prejvidice which any true 
 Chriftian can have: and is the fenfe in which your advcrfaries v/ould 
 take the words, when they cenfure them. For that we are juftified by 
 faith only, is the doctrine of Jefus Chrift, the dofVrine of his apoftles 
 and the doftrine of the church of England. I am afhamed that after hav- 
 ing lived twenty-nine years fince my baptifm into this faith. — I fhould 
 fpeak of it in the lame, unfaithful, I may fay,faire manner I have done in 
 the paper above-mentionad ! What mere darknefs is man, when truth 
 hideth her face from hi^ ! Man is by nature a finner, the child of the 
 devil, under God's wrath, in a Itate of damnation. The Son of God 
 took pity on this our mifery : he made himfelf man, he made himfelf 
 fin for us; that is, he hath borne the punifhment of our lin, the chaf- 
 tifement of our peace was upon him, and by his flripes we are healed. 
 To receive this boundlefs mercy, this ineflimable benefit, we mufthave 
 
 faith in our benefactor, and through him in God. But then, true 
 
 faith is not a lifelefs principle, as your adverfaries feem to underftand 
 it. They and you mean quite another thing by faith. They mean, 
 a bare believing, that Jefus is the Chrift. You mean a living, growing, 
 purifying principle, which is the root both of inward and outward ho- 
 linefs ; both of purity and good works : without which no man can 
 have faith, at leait no other than a dead faith. This faith, Sir, you 
 explained in your fermon at Bradford, Sunday, Oft. 28. to near ten 
 thoufand people, who all flood to hear you, with awful filence and 
 great attention. I have llnce reflefted how much good the clergy 
 might do, if inftead of fhunning, they would come to hear and converfe 
 with you; and in their churches and pariflies, would farther inforcc 
 thofe catholic do6trines which you preach : and which I am glad to fee 
 have fuch a furprizing good eft'eft, on great numbers of fouls. I think 
 indeed too many clergymen are culpable, in that they do not inform 
 themfelves better of Mr. W — d, yourfelf, and your doftrines, from your 
 own mouths : I am perfuaded, if they did this with a Chriftian fpirit, 
 the differences between you would foon be at an end. Nay, I think, 
 thofe whofe flocks refort fo much to hear you, ought to do it, out of 
 their pafloral duty to them : that if you preach good doftrine, they 
 may edify them, on the impreffions fo vifibly made by your fermons, or 
 
8o Sttccefs of the Gofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 if evil, they may reclaim them from error. 1 (hall conclude this let- 
 ter with putting you in mind, in all fermons, writings, and practice, 
 nakedly to follow the naked Jefus: I mean, to preach the pure doc- 
 trine of the gofpel without refpeft of perfons or things. Many preach- 
 ers, many reformers, many millionaries, have fnllen by nor obferving 
 this; by not having continually in mind, " Whoever fhall break the 
 Icall of thefe commandments, and teach men fo, he mail be called the 
 leaft in the kingdom of heaven," 
 
 Tuefday, November 27. I writ Mr. D. (according to his requeft) 
 a Ihort account of what had been done in Kingfuood, and of our pre- 
 lent imdertaking there. The accoimt was as follows. ** few peribns 
 have lived long in the wefl: of England, who have not heard of the 
 Colliers of Kingfwood, a people famous from the beginning hitherto, 
 for neither fearing God, nor regarding man : fo ignorant of the things 
 of God that they fcemed but one remove from the bcafls that perilh ; 
 and therefore utterly without defire of inlUu6lion, as well as without 
 the means of it. Many lail Winter ufed tauntingly to fay of Mr. 
 Whitefield, if he will convert Heathens, why does not he go to the 
 Colliers of Kingfwood? In Spring he did fo. When he was called a- 
 way, others went into the highways and hedges, to compel them to 
 come in. And, by the grace of God, their labour was not in vain. 
 The fcene is already changed. Kingfwood does not now, as a year 
 ago, refound with curling and blaiphemy. It is no more filled with 
 drunkennefs and tmcleannefs, and the idle diverfions that naturally 
 lead thereto. It is no longer full of wars and fightings, of clamour and 
 bitternefs, of wrath and envyings. Peace and love arc there. Great 
 numbers of people are mild, gentle, and eafy to be intreated. They 
 do not cry, neither ftrive, and hardly is their voice heard in the flrcets : 
 or indeed in their own Wood, unlefs when they are at their ufual 
 evening-diverfion, finging praife imto God their Saviour. That their 
 children too might know the things which make for their peace, it 
 was fome time fince propofed to build a houfe in Kingfwood: and 
 after many forefeen and unforefeen difficulties, in June lalt the foun- 
 dation was laid. The ground made choice of was, in the middle of 
 the wood, between the London and Bath roads, not far from that cal- 
 led Two-Mile Hill, about three meafured miles from Briftol. Here a 
 large room was begun for the fchool, having four fmall rooms at ei- 
 ther end, for the fchool-maflers, (and perhaps, if it fhould pleafe God, 
 fome poor children) to lodge in. Two perfons are ready to teach, fo 
 foon as the houf(^ is fit to receive them, the fliell of which is nearly 
 finifhed : fo that ft is hoped the whole will be compleated in Spring, 
 or early is the Summer. 
 
 Wednefday, November 28. "We left Tiverton, and the next day 
 reached Briftol. On Friday many of us joined in prayer, for one that 
 ■was grXevoufly tormented. She raged more and more for about two 
 hours, and then our Lord gave her reft. Five were in the fame agony 
 in the evening. I ordered them to be removed to the door, that their 
 cfics might neither drown my voice, nor interrupt the attention of 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth' Century, 81 
 
 the congregation. But after fermon, they were brought Into the room 
 ngain, where a few of us continued in prayer to God (being very un* 
 willing to go till we had an anfwcr of peace) till nine the next mor- 
 ning. Before that time, three of them fang praife to God. And the 
 others were eafed, tho' not fetat liberty. 
 
 Tuefday, December 4. 1 was violently attacked by fome, who were 
 exceeding angry at thofe who cried out fo, being fiu-e (they faid) " It 
 was all a cheat, and that any one might help crying out, if he would." 
 j. Bl. was one of thofe who were fure of this. About eight, the next 
 morning, while he was alone in his chamber, at private prayer, ^o 
 horrible a dread overwhelmed him, that he began crying out wirii all 
 his might. All the family was alarmed. Several of them came van- 
 ning up into his chamber ; but he cried out fo much the more, till hi3 
 breath was utterly fpent. God then rebuked the adverfary ; and he 13 
 now lefs wife in his own conceit. 
 
 1740. 
 Some remarkable Inflances of the Poiver of the JVord, and of Prayer. 
 
 "Wednefday, March 5. AVe came to Briftol. Here conviftions fmk 
 deeper and deeper^ Love and joy are more calm, even and fteady. 
 Wednefday 12. I found a little time (having been much importuned) 
 to fpend with the foldier in Bridewell, who was under fentence of death. 
 This I continued to do once a day; whereby there was alfoan oppor- 
 tunity, of declaring the gofpel of peace to feveral that were confined 
 in the fame place. 
 
 Saturday 29. I think it was about this time that the foldier was exe» 
 cuted. For fome time I had vifited him every day. But afterwards I 
 was informed, that the commanding officer had given ftri<ft orders, 
 *' Neither Mr. Wefley, nor any of his people fhouid be admitted; for 
 they were all atheifts." But did that man die like an atheift ? Let my 
 laft end be like his ! . 
 
 Thurfday, April 3. I went to the room, weak and faint. The fcrip- 
 turethat came in courfe was, " After the way that you call herefy, fo 
 worihip I the God of my fathers." I know not whether God hath been 
 fo with us, from the beginning hitherto. He proclaimed, as it were, a 
 general deliverance to the captives. The chains fell off: they arofe 
 and followed him. The cries of defire, joy, and love, were on every 
 fide. Fear, forrow, and doubt fled away. Verily, thou haft " fent a 
 gracious rain upon thine inheritance, and refrelhed it when it was 
 weary." 
 
 Friday, April 4. I was much comforted by Mr. T 's fermon at 
 
 All-Saints, which was according to the truth of the gofpel: as well as 
 by the afFeftionate ferioufnefs wherewith he delivered the holy bread to 
 a very large congregation. May the good Lord fill him with all the 
 life of love, and with all fpiritual bleflings in Chrift Jefus. 
 
 Wednefday, May 7. I prayed with a poor helplefs finner, who had 
 been all his lifetime fubjeft to bondage. But ovir Lord now proclaim- 
 ed deliverance to the captive, and he rejoiced with joy unfpeakabk. All 
 VOL. n, L 
 
82 S'uccefs of thfCofpe I itt England Book IV. 
 
 the next day his mouth was filled with praife, and on Friday he fell 
 afleep. 
 
 Friday, Auguft 22. I was defired to pray with an old, hardned fin- 
 ner, fuppofed to be at the point of death. He knew not mc, nor ever 
 had heard me preach. I fpoke much, but he opened not his mouth. 
 But no fooner did I name, " the Saviour of fmners," than he burft 
 out, " The Saviour of flnners indeed ! I know it. For he has faved 
 me. He told me fo on Sunday morning. And he faid, I fliould not 
 die yet, till I had heard his children preach his gofpel, and had told my 
 old companions in fin, that he is ready to fave them too." 
 
 1741. 
 CmVerJion of an Atheijl. Comfortable Death of an eminent Chriflian. 
 
 Tuefday, April 7. I dined with one who had been a profefl: atheifi-, 
 for upwards of twenty years. But coming fome months fince to make 
 fport with the word of God, it cut him to the heart. And he could 
 have no reft day nor night, till the God whom he had denied fpoke 
 peace to his foul. 
 
 Friday, July 3 1 . Hearing that one of our fifters (Jane Muncy) was 
 ill, I went to fee her. She was one of the firft women-bands at Fetter- 
 Lane : and when the controverfy concerning the means of grace be- 
 gan, ftood in the gap, and contended earneftly for the ordinances 
 once delivered to the faints. Nor could all the fophiftry of thofe who 
 are, of all men living the wifefl in their generation, induce her either 
 to deny the faith fhe had received, or to ufe lefs plainnefs of fpeech, or 
 to be lefs zealous in recommending, and careful in praftifing good 
 works. Infomuch that many times, when fhe had been employed in 
 the labour of love till eight or nine in the evening, (lie then fat down 
 and wrought with her hands till twelve or one in the morning: not 
 that fhe wanted any thing hcrfelf, but that fhe might have to give to 
 others for neceffary ufes. From the time that fhe was made leader of 
 one or two bands, fhe was more eminently a pattern to the flock : in 
 felf-denial of every kind, in opennefs of behaviour, in fimplicity and 
 Godly finccrity, in fledfaft faith, in conftant attendance on all the 
 publick and all the private ordinances of God. And as flie had labou- 
 red more than they all, fo God now called her forth to fuffer. She 
 was feized at firft with a violent fever, in the beginning of which 
 they removed her to another houfe. Here flie had work to do which 
 fhe knew not of. The mafter of the houfe was one who cared for 
 none of thefe things. But he obferved her, and was convinced. So 
 that he then began to underftand and lay to heart, the things that 
 bring a man peace at the laft. In a few days the fever abated, or fet- 
 tled, asitfeemed, into an inward Impofthume ; fo that fhe could not 
 breath without violent pain, which increafed day and night. When I 
 camein, fheftretchedout her hand and faid, '' art thou come ? praifed 
 be the name of my Lord for this." I afked, " do you faint, now you 
 arechaftened ofhim ?" fhe faid, " Ono, no, no. I faint not. Imur- 
 ;nur not. I rejoice evermore." I faid, *• God will make all your bed 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. gj 
 
 inyourficknefs." She cried out, " he does, he does. I have nothnig 
 to define. He is ever with me, and I have nothing to do but to praife 
 him." In the fame ftate of mind,though \veaker in body, fhe continued 
 till Tuefday following : when feveral of thofe who had been in her band 
 being prefent, (he fix'd her eyes upon them and prayed, " that God 
 would keep them from the evil one." In the afternoon when I came, 
 all her words were prayer and praife. The fame fpirit flie breathed, 
 , when Mr. Maxfield called the next day. And foon after, ihc flept in 
 peace. 
 
 1742. 
 
 Account of Sarah Whifkin, John IVoolley. J Boy of thirteen. 
 
 Of John Nelfon. Great Concern at Epxvorth. Of David Tay- 
 lor. ,Death of Mrs. IVefley. The Society at BrijfioL The 
 
 IVork at Neivcaflle. Of thofe luho cried out. 
 
 Wednefday, January 27. I buried the body of Sarah Whifkin, a 
 young woman late of Cambridge : a fhort account of whom [a part of 
 it] folloNvs, in the words of one that was with her. " The firll time 
 
 fhe went, intending to hear Mr. was January 3. but he was then ill. 
 
 She went again, Tuefday 5. From that time Ihefeemed quite taken 
 
 up with the things above, and could willingly have been always hearing, 
 or praying or finging hymns. Wednefday 13, She was fcnt for into the 
 country: at which news (he cried violently, being afraid to go, left: 
 ftie fhould be again conformable to the world. With tears in her eyes 
 (he afked me, *' What fhall I do ? I am in a great ftrait." And being 
 advifed, to commit her caufe to God, and pray that his will might be 
 done, not her own, ftie faid, " She would defer her journey three days, 
 to wait upon God, that he might fliew his will concerning her." The 
 next day flie was taken ill of a fever. But, being fomething better 011 
 Friday, (he fent and took a place in the Cambridge coach, for the Tuef- 
 day following. Sunday 17. She was ill again, and defired me to write a 
 note, that (he might be prayed for. I alked, what I fhould write f fhe 
 anfwered, ** You know what I want, a lively faith." Being better on 
 Monday 18. fhe got up, to prepare for her journey; tho' ftill defiring 
 God, to put a flop to it, if it was not according to his will. As foon as 
 £he rofe from prayer, fhe fainted away. From this hour, fhe was almofl 
 continually praying to God, that he would reveal himfelf to her foul. 
 On Tuefday 19. being in tears, fhe was afked, '* What was the matter?" 
 fhe anfwered, " The devil is very bufy with me." One aflcing, " Who 
 condemns you?" She pointed to her heart and faid, ** This: and God 
 is greater than my heart." On Thurfday, after Mr. Richards had pray- 
 ed with her, (he was much chearfuller, and faid, " She could not doubt 
 but God would fulfil the defire which he had given her." Friday 22. 
 One of her fiflers coming out of the country to fee her, fhe faid, " If I 
 had come to you, [perhaps] evil would have befallen me. But I am 
 fnatched out of the hands of the devil. Though God has not yet reveal- 
 ed himfelf unto mc, yet I believe, were I to die this night, before tov 
 morrow I fhould be in Heaven." Her fifler faying, " I hope God will 
 reftore you to health:" fhe replied, '' Let him do what feeraeth him 
 
 L 2 
 
84 Succefs of the Go/pel in England Book IV. 
 
 good." Saturday 23.Shefaid, " I fawmy mother and brother and fifter 
 in my flecp, and they all received a blelRng." I afked,if fiie thought fl\e 
 fhould die ' and whether itie believed, the Lord would receive her foul? 
 loo'^inr; very earneftly, /he faid, " I have not feen the Lord yet. But I 
 believe I fliall fee him and live. Altho' thefe are bold words, for a finner 
 tofiy. Are they not?" Sunday 24. I afked her, " How have you reli- 
 ed ?" ir^.^ anfwered, " Very well. Though I have had no fleep: and I 
 wanted none: for I have had the Lord with me. O let us not be a-' 
 {hamcd of him, but proclaim him upon the houfe-top. And I know, 
 whatever I aik in the name of Jefus, according to his will, I fhall have." 
 Soon after die called haftily to me, and faid, " I fear I have deceived 
 myfelf. I thought the amen was fcaled in my heart; but I fear, it is 
 not. Go down and pray for me, and let him not go, 'till he has given 
 my heart's defire." Soon after (he broke out into finging and faid, ** I 
 was foon delivered of my fears. I was only afraid of a flattering hope: 
 but if it had been fo, I would not have let him go." Her filler that was 
 come to fee her was much upor. her mind. " You, faid flae, are in pain 
 for her. But I have faith for this little child. God has a favour unto 
 her." In the afternoon fhe defired mc to write a bill for her. I afkcd, 
 what fhall I write ? fhe faid, return thanks for what God has done for 
 me, and pray that he would manifeft himfelf to my relations alfo. Go 
 to the preaching. Leave but one with me." Soon after we were gone 
 fhe rofe up, called to the perfon that was with her and faid, " Now it is 
 done. I am affured my fins are forgiven." The perfon anfwering, 
 *' Death is a little thing, to them that die in the Lord :" llie replied with 
 vehemence, " A little thing ! it is nothing." The perfon then defiring, 
 fhe would pray for her, flie anfwered, " I do : I pray for all. I pray for 
 all I know, and for them I do not know. And the Lord will hear the 
 prayer of faith." At our return, her fifler kneeling by the bed-fide ihe 
 faid, " Are you not comforted, my dear, for me V Her fpeech then fail- 
 ing, fhe made figns for her to be by her, and kifTed her and fmiled upon 
 her. She then lay about an hour without fpeaking orftirring; 'till a- 
 bout three o'clock on Monday morning, fhe cried out, " My Lord and 
 my God !" fetch 'd a double figh, and died. 
 
 Saturday, February 20. I preached at Weaver's Hall. It was a glo- 
 flous time. Several dropped to the ground as if ftruck by lightning. 
 Some cried out in bittcrncfs of foul: I knew not where to end, being 
 conftrained to begin anew, again and again. In this acceptable time we j 
 begged of God to reftoreour brethren, who are departed from us for a 
 feafon ; and to teach us all, to follow after the things that make for 
 peace, and the things whereby one may edify another. 
 
 Sunday 2 1 . In the evening I explained the exceeding great and preci- 
 ous promifes wliich are given us : a flrong confirmation whereof I read, 
 in a plain, artlefs account, of a child; whofe body then lay before us. 
 The fubflance of this [a part of it] was as follows. " John Woolley 
 was for fome time in your fchool. But was turned out for his ill beha- 
 viour : foon after he ran away from his parents, lurking about for fe- 
 veral days and nights together, and hiding himfelf in holes and corners, 
 that his mother might not find him. During this time hefuffered both 
 
chap. 4. tn the eighteenth Century. gr 
 
 hunger and cold. Once he -was three whole days without fuflcnance, 
 fometimes weepiag and praying by himfclf, and fometimes playing with 
 
 otlier loofe boys. One night he came to the iNew Room. Mr. was 
 
 then fpeaking of difobedience to parents. He was quite confounded, 
 and thought there never was in the world, fo wicked a child as hinilelf. 
 He went home, and never ran away any more. His mother faw the 
 change in his whole behaviour, but knew not the caufe. He would often 
 get up flairs by himfelf to prayer, and often go alone into the fields, hav- 
 ing done with all his idle companions. And now the devil began to fet 
 upon him with all his might, continually tempting him to felf-murder. 
 Sometimes he was vehemently preft to hang himfelf, fometimes to leap 
 into the river. But this only made him the more earneft in prayer: in 
 which after he had been one day wreflling with God, he was fo filled 
 with joy and the love of God, that he fcarce knew where he was, and 
 with fuch love to all mankind, that he could have laid himfelf on the 
 ground, for his word enemies to trample upon. From this time his fa- 
 ther and mother were furprized at him, he was fo diligent to help them 
 in all things. When they went to the preaching, he was careful to give 
 their fupper to the other children : and when he had put them to bed, 
 hurried away to the room, to light his father or mother home. Mean 
 time, he loft noopportunity of hearing the preaching himfelf, or of do- 
 ing any good he could, either at home or in any place where he was. 
 One day walking in the fields, he fell into talk with a farmer, who fpoke 
 very Ilightly of religion. John told him, he ought not to talk fo; and 
 inlarged upon that word of the apoftle^ (which he begged him to con- 
 fider deeply) '' Without holinefs no man (hall fee the Lord." The man 
 was amazed ; caught the child in his arms, and knew not how to part 
 with him. His father and mother once hearing him fpeak pretty loud 
 in the next room, liftened to hear what he faid. He was praying thus : 
 " Lord, I do not expert to be heard for my much fpeaking. Thou 
 knoweft my heart. Thou knoweft my wants." He then descended to- 
 particulars. Afterward he prayed very earneftly for his parents, and 
 for his brothers and fifters by name: then for Mr. John and Charles 
 Wefley, then for all the other minifters he could remember by name, 
 and for all that were, or defired to be, true minifters of Chrift. In the 
 beginning of his illnefs, his mother afked him, if he wanted any thing? 
 he anfwered, " Nothing but Chrift, and I am as fureof him, as if I had 
 him already." He often faid, " O mother, if all the world believed in 
 Chrift, what a happy world would it be ? and they may. I was the worft 
 of finners, and he died for me." 
 
 On Wednefday he faid to his mother, " I am in very great trouble 
 for my father. He has always taken an honeft care of his family. But 
 he does not know God: if he dies in the ftate he is in now, he cannot 
 be faved. If God ftiould give him the true faith, and then take him 
 to himfelf, do not you fear: do not you be troubled. God has pro- 
 mifed to be a father to the fatherlefs and a husband to the widow. And 
 I hope we iliall fing hallelujah in heaven together." To his eldeftfifter 
 he faid, " do not puff yourfelf up with pride. When you receive 
 your wages, which is not much, lay it put in plain neceflaries. And 
 
S6 Succcfs cf the Gofpelin England Book IV. 
 
 if you are inclined to be merry, do not fing fongs. Do you fing 
 pfalms and hymns. Remember your Creator in the daysof your youth. 
 When you are at work, you may lift up your heart to God. And be 
 fure never to rife or go to bed, without asking his blefling." He ad- 
 ded, " 1 fliall die. But do not cry for me. Why fliould you cry for 
 me ? Confider what a joyful thing it is, to have a brother go to heaven. 
 I am not a man. I am but a boy. But is it not in the bible, "CXitof 
 the mouth of babes and fucklings thou haft ordained ftrength ?" I know 
 where I am going. I would not be without this knowledge for a thou- 
 fand worlds. For tho' I am not in heaven yet, I am as fare of it, as 
 if I was." He faid to his mother, " That fchool was the faving of my 
 foul: for there I began to feek the Lord. But how is it, that a per- 
 fon no fooner begins to feek the Lord, but Satan ftrait fiirs up all his 
 inftruments againft him ^ When he was in agony of pain he cried out, 
 " O Saviour give me patience. Thou haft given me patience. But give 
 me more. Give me thy love, and pain is nothing. I have deferved all 
 this, and a thoufand times more. For there is no (In but I have been 
 guilty of." A whileafterhe faid, " Omy mother, how is this? If a 
 man does not his work, the mafters in the world will not pay him his 
 wages. But it is not fo with God. He gives me good wages : and yet 
 I am fure I have done nothing to gain them. O it is a free gift." 
 
 On Thurfday morning his mother alked him, how he did ? He faid, 
 " I have had much ftruggling to night. But my Saviour is fo loving 
 tome, I do not mind it: it is no more than nothing to me." Then he 
 faid, " I defire to be buried from the room, and I defire Mr. Wefley 
 would preach a fermon over me, on thofe words of David (unlefs he 
 thinks any other to be more fit.) " Before I was afflifted I went a- 
 ftray : but now I have kept thy word." I afked him, how do you 
 find yourfelf now ? he faid, " In great pain, but full of love." I alked, 
 but does not the love of God overcome pain ? He anfwered, " Yes; 
 pain is nothing to me. I did fing praifes to the Lond in the midft of 
 my greateft pain. And I could not help it." I alked him, if he was 
 willing to die ? He replied, " O yes; with all my heart." I faid, but 
 if life and death were fet before you, what would you chufe then .' 
 he anfwered, " To die and to be with Chrift. I long to be out of this 
 ■wicked world." On tliurfday night he flept much fweeter than he had 
 done for fome time before. In the morning he begged to fee Mr. John 
 Wefley. When Mr. Wefley came, and after fome other queftions, 
 aflted him, what heflvould pray for ? He faid, " That God would give 
 him a clean heart, and renew a right fpirit within him." AVhen prayer 
 was ended, he feemed much enlivened and faid, '' I thought I fliould 
 have died to day. But I muft not be in hafte. I am content to ftay. 
 I will tarry the Lord's leifure." On Sunday he fpoke exceeding little. 
 On Monday his fpeech began to faulter . On Tuefday it was gone ; but 
 he was fully in his fenfes, almoft continually lifting up his eyes to 
 heaven. On Wednefday his fpeech was reftored. The next morning 
 he fpent in continual prayer, often repeating the Lord's prayer, and 
 earneftly commending his foul into the hands of God. He then called 
 fpr hisUitle brother and filler to kifs them i and for his mother, whon^ 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. Sy 
 
 he defired to kifs him. Then (between nine and ten) he faid, " Now 
 let me kifs you :" which he did, and immedia,tcly fell afleep. He lived, 
 fome months above thirteen years. 
 
 Tuefday, May 25. I fet out early in the morning with John Taylor, 
 (fince fettled in London) and Wednefday 26. at eight or nine o'clock, 
 reached Birftal, fix miles beyond W'^akcfield. John Nelfon had wrote 
 to me fome time before: but at that time I had little thought of feeing 
 him. Hearing he was at home, I fent for him to our inn : whence he 
 immediately carried me to his houfe; and gave me an account of the 
 ftrange manner wherein he had been led on, from the time of our part- 
 ing at London. He had returned home in the year 1 740. His relations 
 and acquaintance foon began to enquire, " What he thought of this 
 new faith ? " And whether he believed there was any fuch thing as a 
 man's knowing that his fins were forgiven? John told them point 
 blank, That this new faith, as they called it, was the old faith of the gof- 
 pel; and that he himfelf was fure his fins were forgiven. This was 
 ibon noifed abroad : more and more came to enquire, concerning thefe 
 ftrange things. Some put him upon the proof of the great truths, 
 which fuch inquiries naturally led him to mention. And thus he was 
 brought unawares to quote, explain, compare, and inforce feveral 
 parts of fcripture. This he did at firft, fitting in his houfe, 'till the com- 
 pany increafed fo, that the houfe could not contain them. Then he 
 ftood at the door, which he was commonly obliged to do, in the even-- 
 ing, as foon as he came from work. God immediately fet l;is feal to 
 what was fpoken : and feveral believed, and therefore declared, that 
 God was merciful alfo to their unrighteoufnefs, and had forgiven all 
 their fins. 
 
 Tuefday, June 8. At Epworth I largely inforced that great truth (fo 
 little underftood in what is called a Chriftian country) " Unto him 
 that worketh not, but believeth on him that jufi:ifieth the ungodly, his 
 faith is counted to him for righteoufnefs." I went to the place where 
 the little fociety met, which was fufficiently thronged both within and 
 without. Here I found fome from Hainton (a town twenty miles oif,) 
 who informed us, that God had begun a good work there alfo, and 
 conft:rained feveral to cry out, in the bitternefs of their foul, " "What 
 muft I do to be faved ? " 
 
 Friday 1 1. I vifited the fick, and thofe who defired, but were not 
 able to come to me. At fix I preached at Overthorp, near Haxey, a' 
 little village about two miles from Epworth, on that comfortable fcrip- 
 ture, " When they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both." 
 I preached at Epworth, about eight, onEzekiel's vifion of the refurrec- 
 tion of the dry bones. And great indeed was the fhaking among them. 
 Lamentation and great mourning were heard ; God bowing their 
 hearts, fo that on every fide, as with one accord, they lift up their voice 
 and wept aloud. Surely he who fent his Spirit to breathe upon them, 
 will hear their cry, and will help them. 
 
 ^ Saturday 12. I preached on the righteoufnefs of the law, and the 
 righteoufnefs of faith. While I was fpeaking, feveral dropped down 
 as dead ; and, among the reft, fuch a cry was heard, of finners groaning 
 
88 Succefs of the G^Jpel in England Book IV. 
 
 for the righteoiifnefs of faith, as almoft drowned my voice. But many 
 of thefe foon lifted up their heads with joy, ind broke out into thankf- 
 giving: being aflured, they now had the defire of thdr foul, the for* 
 givenefs of their lins. — I obferved a gentleman there, who was remark- 
 able for not pretending to be of any religion at all. I was informed, 
 he had not been at public wor(hip of any kind, for upwards of thirty 
 years. Seeing him fland as motionlefs as a flatue, I alked him abrupt- 
 ly, *' Sir, are you a linner ? " He replied with a deep and broken voice, 
 " Sinner enough," and continued flaring upwards, 'till his wife and a 
 fervant or two, who were all in tears, put him into his chaife, and car- 
 ried him home. 
 
 Sunday 13. At fevei^I preached at Haxey, on " Whatmuft I do to 
 be faved ? " Thence I went to Wroote, of which (as well as Ep worth) 
 my father was re£lor for feveral years. Mr. Whitelanjo onering me 
 the church, I preached in the morning, on " Alk and it :hrll be given 
 you:" In the afternoon on the difference between the riglitcoufnefs 
 of the law, and the rightcoufnefs of faith. But the churcli could not 
 contain the people; many of whom came from far. — At fix I preached 
 for thelafl time inEpworth church-yard (being ro leave the town the 
 next morning,) to a vaft multitude on the beginning of our Lords fer- 
 mon on the mount, I continued among them for near three hours: 
 and yet we fcarce knew how to part. O let none think his labour of 
 love is loft, becaufe the fruit does not immediately appear. Isear forty 
 years did .^y father labour here. But be faw little fruit of all his la- 
 bour. I took fome pains among this people too: and my /liength 
 alfo feemed fpent in vain. But now the fruit appeared. There were 
 fcarce any in the town, on whom either my father or I had taken any 
 pains formerly, but the feed fown folong fince now fprung up. 
 
 Monday 14. Having a great defire to fee David Taylor, whom God 
 had made an inilrument of good to many fouls, I rode to Sheffield : but 
 not finding him there, I was minded to go forward immediately. How- 
 ever the importunity of the people conllrained me to (lay, and preach 
 both in the evening and the morning. Tuefday 15. He came. I found 
 he had occafionally exhorted multitudes of people in various parts. But 
 after that he had taken no thought about them. So that the greater 
 part were fallen allcep again. In the evening I preached on the in- 
 ward kingdom of God: in the morning, Wednefday 16. on the fpirit 
 of fear, and the fpirit of adoption. It was now firft I felt that God 
 was [gracioufly] here alfo: though flill more at Barley-hall (five miles 
 from Sheffield) where I preached in the afternoon. Many were here 
 melted down, and filled with love toward him whom God hath exalted 
 to be a Prince and a Saviour. 
 
 Thurfday 17. I began preaching about five, on the righteoufnefs of 
 faith. But I had not half-finifhed my difcourfe, when I wasconftrained 
 to break off in the midfl : our hearts were fo filled with a fenfe of the 
 love of God, and our mouths with prayer and thankfgiving. When we 
 were fomewhat fatisfied herewith, I went on to call finners to the fal- 
 
 vation ready to be revealed. The fame bleffing from God we found 
 
 in the evening while I was fliewing, how he juftifies the ungodly. A- 
 
chap. 4. *« the eighteenth Ceniiiry, go 
 
 mong the hearers was one, who fome time before had been deeply con- 
 vinced of her ungodlinefs ; infomuch that Ihe cried out, day and night, 
 *' Lord, fave, or I perilh." All the neighbours agreeing that fhc was 
 flark mad, her hulband put her into a phyfician's hands, who blooded 
 her largely, gave her a flrong vomit, and laid on feveral bliflers. But 
 all this proving without fuccefs, ilie was in a fhort time judged to be 
 incurable. He thought however he would fpeak to one perfon more, 
 who had done much good in the neighbourhood. When Mrs. John- 
 fon came, fhe foon faw the nature of the difcafe, having herfelf gone 
 through the fame. She ordered all the medicines to be thrown away, 
 and exhorted the patient to look unto Jefus: which this evening Ihe 
 was enabled to do by faith. And he healed the broken in heart. 
 
 I left Briftol in the evening of Sunday, July 18. and on Tuefday 
 came to London. I found my mother on the borders of eternity. But 
 f}\e had no doubt or fear; nor any defire, but (as foon as God ihould 
 call) to depart, and to be with Chrift. 
 
 Friday 30. About three in the afternoon, I found her change was 
 near. I fat down on the bed-fide. She was in her lafl: conflidl, unable 
 to fpeak, but I believe quite fenfible. Her look was calm and ferene, 
 and her eyes fixt upward, while we commended her foul to God. From 
 three to four, the filver cord was loofing, and the wheel breaking at the 
 ciftern : and then, without any ftrugglc, or ligh or groan, the foul was 
 fet at liberty. Wc rtood round the bed, and fulfilled her lafl: requefl:, 
 uttered a little before fhe loft her fpeech, " Children, as foon as I am 
 releafed, fing a Pfalm of praife to God." 
 
 Sunday, Auguft i. About five in the afternoon, I committed to the 
 earth, the body of my mother, to fleep with her fathers. The portion 
 of fcripture from which I afterwards fpoke was, " I faw a great white 
 throne, and him that fat on it ; from whofe face the earth and the hea* 
 ven fled away, and there was found no place for them. And I faw the 
 dead fmall and great ftand before God, and the books were opened," &c. 
 It was one of the raoft folemn affemblies I ever faw, or expeft to fee 
 on this fide eternity. 
 
 "We fet up a plain ftone at the head of her grave, infcribed with the 
 following words : " Here lies the body of Mrs. Sufannah Wefley, the 
 youngeft and laft furviving daughter of Dr. Samuel Annefley*." 
 " In fure and ftedfaft hope to rife 
 
 And claim her manfion in the fkies, 
 
 A Chriftian here her flefh laid down , 
 
 The crofs exchanging for a crown. 
 True daughter of affliflion ftie 
 
 Inured to pain and mifery. 
 
 Mourn 'd a long night of griefs and fears, 
 
 A legal night of feventy years. 
 The Father then reveal'd his Son, 
 
 Him in the broken bread made known''. 
 
 She knew and felt her fins forgiven. 
 
 And found the earneft of her heaven." &c. 
 VOL. II. ^I 
 
 a S«c Vol, 1, page atfj, b Ste Vol, ij. pag? 77, 
 
90 Succefs of the Gofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 I cannot but further obferve, that even flie (as well as her father and 
 grandfather, her hulband, and her three fons) had been, in her meafare 
 and degree, a preacher of righteoufnefs. This I learned from a letter, 
 wrote long fince to my father ; part of which I have here fubjoined. 
 
 February 6. 1711-12. " As I am raiftrefs of a large family ; the* 
 
 the fuperior charge of the fouls contained in it, lies upon you, — yet 
 in your abfence, I cannot but look upon every foul you leave under 
 my care, as a talent committed to me under a truft, by the great Lord 
 of all the families, both of heaven and earth. And if I am unfaithful 
 to him or you, in neglefting to improve thefe talents, how Ihall I an- 
 fwer unto him, when he fhall command me to render an account of 
 my ftewardlhip ? As thefe and other fuch like thoughts, made me at 
 firft take a more than ordinary care of the fouls of my children and 
 fervants, fo knowing our religion requires a ftrift obfervation of the 
 Lord's day, and not thinking that we fully anfwered the end of the in- 
 ftitufeion, by going to church, unlefs we filled up the intermediate fpaces 
 of time by other adls of piety and devotion : I thought it my duty to 
 fpend fome part of the day, in reading to and inftrufting my family. 
 
 Soon after you went to London laft, I light on the Account of the 
 Dani(h Miflionaries. I was, I think, never more afFe6Ved with any 
 
 thing. 1 could not forbear fpending good part of that evening, in 
 
 praifing and adoring the divine goodne/s, for infpiring them with fuch 
 
 ardent zeal for his glory. For feveral days I could think or fpeak of 
 
 little elfe. At laft it came into my mind, though I am not a man, nor 
 a minifter, yet if my heart were fmcerely devoted to God, and I was in- 
 fpired with a true zeal for his glory, I might do fomewhat more than I 
 do. I thought I might pray more for them, and might fpeak to thofe 
 with whom I converfe with more warmth of affcdtion," &c. 
 
 Sunday, September 12. I was dcfired to preach in an open place,i 
 commonly called the Great Gardens, lying between Whitechappcl and 
 Coverlets-fields, where I found a vaft multitude gathered together. 
 Taking knowledge that a great part of them were little acquainted 
 with the things of God, I called upon them in the words of our Lord, 
 " Repent ye, and believe the gofpel." Many of the people laboured 
 much to difturb thofe who were of a better mind. They then threw 
 whole fliowers of ftones, one of which, ftruck me juft between the eyes. 
 But when I had wiped away the blood, I went on teftifying with aloud 
 voice, that God hath given to them that believe, *' not the fpirit of fear, 
 but of power and love and of a found mind." And by the fpirit whicfc 
 now appeared through the whole congregation, I plainly faw what a 
 blefling it is, when it is given us, even In the loweft degree, to fuffer for 
 his name's fake. 
 
 Monday 13. I preached about nine at Windfor, and the next eve- 
 ning came to Briftol, I fpcnt the remainder of this, and the following 
 week, in examining thofe of the fociety: fpeaking feverally to each, 
 that! might more pcrfeftly know the (late of their fouls to Godward. 
 
 Thurfday 23. In the evening, almoft as foon as I began to pray in 
 the fociety, a voice of lamentation and bitter mourning was heard, from 
 the whole congregation. But in a while, loud ihankfgivings wcrcmixt 
 
chap. 4. »« the eighteenth Century. o I 
 
 therewith, which in a fliort fpace fpread over all : fo that nothing was 
 to be heard on every fide, but " Praife to God and to the Lamb for e- 
 verand ever!" 
 
 Friday 24. I had notes from nineteen perfons, defiring to return 
 God thanks. Some of them follow. " John Merriman, a blind man 
 defires to return thanks to almighty God, for the difcovery of his love' 
 
 to him, an old linncr. Edith W defires to return thanks, for great 
 
 and unfpeakable mercies, which the Lord was pleafed to reveal to her 
 heart. And I defire, that the praife of the Lord, may be ever in my 
 heart. Ann Simmonds delires to return hearty thanks to God, for the 
 great mercies Ihe received lafl night. For fhe has a full afTurance, of her 
 
 redemption in the blood of Chrift. Mary K defires to return thanks 
 
 to God, for giving her a frefh fenfe of forgivenefs. Mary F delires 
 
 to return thanks, for that the Lord hath made her triumph, over fin 
 
 earth and hell, ^kry W n defires to return thanks to almighty 
 
 God, for a frefh fenfe of forgivenefs. Sir, I de/ire to return humble 
 thanks to almighty God, for the comfortable alTurance of his pardoning 
 
 love." E. C . Many others took an opportunity of fpcaking to me, 
 
 and declaring, what God had done for their fouls. 
 
 Newcaftle, Thurfday November 18. The grace of God flows here 
 with a wider flrcam than it did at firft either in Briftol or Kingfwood. 
 But it does not fink fo deep, as it did there. Few are thoroughly con- 
 vinced of fin, and fcarce any can witnefs, that the Lamb of God has taken 
 away their fins. Sunday 2 1 . After preaching in the room at five, I be- 
 gan preaching about eight at the hofpital. It rained all the time; but 
 that did not diflurb either me or the congregation, while I explained, 
 " Thou flialt call his name Jefus; for he iliall fave his people from 
 their fins." Tuefday 23. There feemed in the evening to be a deeper 
 work in many fouls than I had obferved before. Many ircmbled ex- 
 ceedingly: fix or feven (both men and women) dropped down as dead. 
 Some cried unto God out of the deep: others would have cried; but 
 their voice was loft. And fome have found that the Lord is ** gracious 
 and merciful, forgiving iniquity and tranfgreflion and fin." 
 
 Thurfday 25. In the evening God was pleafed, to wound many more 
 who were quiet and at eafe. And I could not but obferve, that here the 
 very beft people, fo called, were as deeply convinced as open finners. 
 Several of thefe were now conftrained to roar aloud, for the difquiet- 
 nefs of their hearts: and thefe generally not young, (as in moft other 
 places) but either middle-aged, or well ftricken in years. I never faw a 
 work of God in any other place, fo evenly and gradually carried on. It 
 continually rifes ftep by ftep. Not fo much feeros to be done at any 
 -one time, as hath frequently been at Briflol or London ; but fomething, 
 at ever}' time. It is the fame with particular fouls. I faw none in that 
 triumph of faith, which has been fo common in other places. But the 
 believers go on, calm and fteddy. Let God do as fecmeth him good. 
 
 Thurfday, December 30. I carefully examined thofc, who had lately 
 cried out in the congregation. Some of thefe, I found, could give no 
 account at all, how or wherefore they had done fo : only, that of a fud= 
 den they dropt down they knew not how; and what they afterwards 
 
 M 2 
 
92 Succf/s of the Co/pel in England Book IV. 
 
 faid or did they knew not : others cotild juft remember, they were in 
 fear; but could not tell, what they were in fear of. Several faid, they 
 were afraid of the devil : and this was all they knew. But a few gave a 
 more intelligible account, of the piercing fenfe they then had of their 
 (ins, both inward and outward, which were fet in array againft them 
 round about: of the dread they were in, of the wrath of God and the 
 puniihment they had deferved,lnto which they fecmed to be juft falling, 
 without any way to efcape. One of them told me, " I was as if I was 
 juft falling down, from the higheft place I had ever feen. I thought the 
 devil was puiliing me off, and that God had forfaken me." Another 
 faid, " I felt the very fire of hell, already kindled in my breaft i and all 
 my body was in as much pain, as if I had been in a burning fiery fur- 
 nace." What wifdom is that, which rebuketh thefc, ** that they ihould 
 hold their peace ?" Nay, let fuch an one cry after Jefus of Mazareth, till 
 he faith, " Thy faith hath made thee whole!" 
 
 "What encouragement have we to fpeak for God! At our inn we met 
 an antient man, who feemed by his converfation, never to have thought, 
 whether he had any foul, or no. Before we fctout, I fpoke a few words, 
 concerning his curfing and idle converfation. The man appeared quite 
 broken in pieces. The tears ftarted into his eyes. And he acknowled- 
 ged his own guilt and the goodncfs of God. 
 
 1743- 
 
 Jle preaches at Placey. The Ifles of SciUy. Trezuthan-doivns . 
 
 Crimfby. 'the Sptn. 
 
 April I . There is a little village called Placey, about ten meafured miles 
 North of Newcaftle. It is inhabited by colliers only, and fuch as had 
 been always in the firft rank for favagc ignorance and wickednefs of e- 
 very kind. Their grand affembly ufed to be on the Lord's day, on 
 which men, women, and children met together, to dance, fight, curfe 
 and fwcar, and play at chuck, ball, fpanrfarthing, or whatever came 
 rext to hand. I felt great compafTion for thefe poor creatures, from 
 the time I heard of them firft; and the more, becaufe all men feemed 
 to defpair of them. Between fevcn and eight I fet out with John 
 
 . Heally, my guide. The North wind, being unufually high, drove the 
 fleet full in our face. When we came to Placey, we could very hardly 
 fVand. As foon as we were a little recovered, I went into the fquare, 
 and declared him who " was bruifcd for our fins, and wounded for our 
 iniquities." The poor finners were quickly gathered together, and gave 
 earneft heed to the things which were fpokcn. And fo they did in the 
 afternoon again, in fpite of the wind and fnow, when I befought them 
 to receive him for their king; " to repent and believe the gofpel." 
 
 . On Monday and Tuefday I preached there again, the congregation con- 
 tinually increafing. And as moft of thefe had never in their lives pre- 
 tended to any religion of any kind, they were the more ready to cry 
 to Gcd, as mere finners, for the free redemption which is in Jefus. 
 
 Monday, September 12. I preached at one on Trezuthan-downs, 
 and in the evening at St. Ives. The dread of God fell upon us while 
 
Chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. 93 
 
 I was fpcaking, fo that I could hardly utter a word : but mofl of all 
 in prayer, wherehi I was fo cariied out, as fcarce ever before in my 
 life. 
 
 I had had for fome time a great defire to go and publifli the love of 
 God our Saviour, if it were but for one day, in the illes of Scilly. And 
 I had occafionally mentioned it to fevcral. This evening three of our 
 brethren came and offered to carry me thither. So the next morning, 
 John NelfoB, Mr. Shepherd and I, with three men and a pilot, failed 
 from St. Ives. About half an hour after one, we landed on St. Mary's, 
 the chief of the inhabited iflands. We immediately waited upon the 
 governor, with the ufual prefent, viz. a news-paper. I defired him like- 
 wife to accept of an Earneft Appeal. The minifler not being willing I 
 fliould pre,ach in the church, I preached, at lix, in the ftreets, to alraoft 
 all the town, and many foldiers, failors, and workmen, on, " Why will 
 ye die, O houfe of Ifrael ? " It w^as a blcffed time, fo that I fcarce 
 knew how to conclude. After fermon I gave them fome little books 
 and hymns, which they eagerly received. 
 
 At Trezuthan-downs, September 20. I preached to two or three 
 thoufand people, on " The high-way of the Lord, the way to holinefs." 
 We reached Gwynap a little before fix, and found the plain covered 
 from end to end. It was fuppofed there were ten thoufand people; 
 to whom I preached Chrift our " Wifdom, righteoufnefs, fanctifica- 
 tion and redemption." I could not conclude 'till it was fo dark, we 
 could fcarce fee one another. And there was on all fides the deepeft 
 attention, none fpeaking, or fcarce looking afide. Sure here, though 
 in a temple not made with hands, was God worfliipped in the beauty 
 
 of holinefs ! ^One of thofe who were prefent was Mr. P once a 
 
 violent adverfary. Before fermon began he whifpered one of his ac- 
 quaintance, " Captain Hand by me, don't ftir from me." He foon 
 burft out into a flood of tears; and quickly after funk down. His 
 friend caught him, and prevented his falling to the ground. O may 
 the friend of finners lift hioi up! 
 
 Saturday, October 22. In the evening, the houfe at Grimfby not 
 being able to contain one fourth of the congregation, I flood in the 
 flreet, and exhorted every prodigal, to " arife and go to his Father." 
 One or two endeavoured to interrupt; but they were foon ftilled 
 by their own companions. The next day, Tuefday 25. one in the 
 town promifed us the ufe of a large room. But he was prevailed up- 
 on to retra<ft his promife, before the hour of preaching came. I then 
 defigned going to the crofs; but the rain prevented : fo that we were 
 ^ little at a lofs, 'till we \yere offered a very convenient place, by a wo- 
 jTjan which was a /inner. I there declared him (about one o'clock) 
 M'hom God hath exalted to give repentance and remlifion of fins. How- 
 ever, the prodigal held out till the evening, when I inlarged upon her 
 (ins and faith, who wafhed our Lord's feet with tears, and wiped them 
 with the hairs of her head. She was then utterly broken in pieces (as 
 indeed, was well nigh the whole congregation) and came after me to my 
 lodging, crying out, " O Sir ! " What muft I do to be faved ? " Being 
 UQW ioformed of her cafe, I faid;, " Efcape for ypwr life. Return ia- 
 
94 Succefs if the Gcfpel in England Book IV. 
 
 ftantly to your hufband." She faid, *' But how can it be? Which 
 way can I go ? He is above an hundred miles off. I have jufl received 
 a letter from him ; and he is at Newcaftle upon Tyne." I told her, 
 " I am going for Newcaftle in the morning. You may go with me. 
 William Blow (hall take you behind him." And fo he did. Glory be 
 to the Friend of finners ! He hath plucked one more brand out of the 
 
 fire. Thou poor finner, thou hall received a prophet in the name of 
 
 a Prophet: and thou art found of Him that fent him. 
 
 During our whole journey to Newcaftle, I fcarce obferved her to 
 laugh or even fmile once. Nor did Ihe ever complain of any thing, or 
 appear moved in the leall with thofe trying circumflances which many 
 times occurred in our way. A ftcddy ferioufnefs or fadncfs rather ap- 
 peared in her whole behaviour and converfation, as became one that felt 
 the burden of fin, and was groaning after falvation. In the fame fpi- 
 rit, by all I could obferve or learn, Ihe continued during her ftay at 
 Newcaflle. Not long after, her hu(band removed from thence, and 
 wrote to her to follow him. She fet out in a fhip bound for Hull. A 
 ftorm met them by the way. The fhip fprung a leak. But though it 
 was near the fliore, on which many people flocked together, yet the fea 
 ran fo exceeding high, that it was impoffible to make any help. Mrs. S. 
 was feen ftanding on the deck, as the fhip gradually funk: and after- 
 wards hanging by her hands on the ropes, till the mafts likewife difap- 
 peared. Even then, for fome moments, they could obferve her floating 
 upon the waves, till her clothes, which buoy'd her up, being throughly 
 wet, flie funk — I truft, into the ocean of God's mercy. 
 
 Sunday, November 13. And the following days I preached and re- 
 gulated the focieties at Painfhar, Tanfield, Horfely and Placey. Thurf- 
 day 17. I preached at the Spen on *' Chrift Jcfus our wifdom, righte- 
 cufnefs, fanftification, and redemption." I have feldom feen an audi- 
 ence fo greatly moved, fince the time of my firfl preaching at Bril^ol. 
 Men, women and children wept, and groaned, and trembled exceed- 
 ingly. Many could not contain themlelves in thefe bounds, but cried 
 with a loud and bitter cry. It was the fame at the meeting of the fo- 
 ciety ; and likewife, in the morning, while I was fhewing the happinefs 
 of thofe " whofe iniquities are forgiven, and whofe fin is covered," I 
 afterwards fpake with twelve or fourteen of them feverally, and found 
 good ground to believe, that God had given them to " tafte of the 
 good word, and of the powers of the world to;:ome." 
 
 1744. 
 
 Inciter from the Soldiers at Lijle and Ghent. Grofs Sinners at St. 
 
 Jiijl reformed. Comfortable Deaths. Perfecution. More 
 
 Letters from the Soldiers Abroad. 
 
 Wcdnefday, February i . About this time the foldiers abroad began 
 to meet together, as we learned from the following letter, {part of 
 which is.] 
 
 Ghent, February 2. 1744. — -" Sir, I make bold to fend you thefe 
 lines. Feb. 18, 1743. ^^ began our niarcb for Germany. I was then 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. g^ 
 
 much caft down, and my heart was ready to break. But the day we 
 marched to Maftricht, I found the love of God fhcd abroad in my heart, 
 that I thought my very foul was dilfolved into tears. But this ladled not 
 above three weeks, and then I was in heavinefs again : till, on April 24. 
 I was walking in the fields, God broke my hard heart in pieces. And 
 yet I was not delivered from the fear of death. I went to my quarters 
 very fickand weak, in great pain of foul and body. By the morning I 
 was fo weak I could fcarce go. But this proved a Iweet night to my 
 foul. For now I knew, there was no condemnation for me, believing in 
 Chrift Jefus. June 16. The day we engaged the French at Dettlngen, 
 as the battle began, I faid, '* Lord, in thee have I truUed ; let me never 
 be confounded." Joy overflowed my foul, and I told my comrades, 
 " If 1 fall this day, lihallreftiu the everlafling arms of Chrift." Isowl 
 felt, I could be content to be caft into the fea, for the fake of my dear 
 brethren, fo their eyes might be opened, and they might fee, before it 
 was too late, the things that belong unto their peace. When we came 
 to Winter quarters, there were but three of us joined together. But 
 now, by the blelfing of God, we are increafed to twelve. And we have , 
 reafon to believe the hand of the Lord is with us. I dcfire, for the fake 
 of HIM whom we follow after, that you would fend us fome inftrufti- 
 
 ons, how to proceed in our little fociety. God has bleft even ray 
 
 words to fome of their fouls. All praife, and glory, and honour, be 
 unto HIM, and to the lamb, for ever and ever!" From your affec- 
 tionate Brother, J. H. 
 
 St. Ives, April 4. Both this morning and evening the congregation 
 was as large as the houfe could well contain. In the fociety, God dar- 
 ted into all (I believe, hardly one excepted) the melting flame of love : 
 fo that their heads were as water, and their eyes as a fountain of tears, 
 Friday 6. I fpoke with the members of the fociety feverally, and ob- 
 ferved with great fatisfaftion, that pcrfecution had driven only three 
 OP four away, and exceedingly ftrengthened the reft. The wind and 
 rain beat hard upon us, as we walked from Morva to St. Juft ; how- 
 ever fome hundreds were there, to whom I declared, " If you have 
 nothing to pay, God will frankly forgive you all." It is remarkable, 
 that thofe of St. Juft, were the chief of the whole country, for hur- 
 ling, fighting, drinking, and all manner of wickednefs. But many of 
 the lions are become lambs, are continually praifing God, and calling 
 their old companions in Hn, to come and magnify the Lord together. 
 Monday June, 1 1. I left Newcaftle, and in the afternoon met John 
 Nelfon at Durham, with Thomas Beard : another quiet and and peac- 
 able man, who had lately been torn from his trade and wife and chil- 
 dren, and fent away as a foldier : that is, banlflied from all that wa» 
 near and dear to him, and conftrained to dwell among lions, for no 
 other crime either committed or pretended, than that of calling finnera 
 to repentance. But his foul was in nothing terrified by his adverfaries. 
 Yet the body, after a while, funk under its burden. He was then lod- 
 ged In the hofpital of Newcaftle, where he ftill praifed God conti- 
 j^ually. His fever increafing, he was let blood. Hisarmfeftered^n^rth 
 
96 Succefs of the Go/pel in England Book IV, 
 
 tied and was cut oft': two or three days after which God figned his 
 tiifcharge, and called him up to his eternal home. 
 
 Thurfday, September 6. I committed to the duft the remains of E- 
 lizabcth Marlh, a young woman who had received a fcnfe of the par- 
 doning Love of God about four years before her death, and had ne- 
 ver left her firlt love. She had fcarce known health or eafe from that 
 hour. But Ihe never murmured or repined at any thing. I faw her 
 many times after fhe was confined to her bed j and found her always 
 chearful, praifmg God though longing to depart and to be with Chrift, 
 I could not learn that her mind was ever clouded, no, not a moment, 
 from the beginning of her illnefs. But a few days before ihe died, flie 
 told me, " I am concerned I fpoke a hafty word to day. One told me, 
 you fliall recover within ten days. And I faid, I do not want to re- 
 cover." I could only fpeak a few words at her grave. But when I re- 
 turned to the Foundcry, God made his word as a fiame of fire. I fpoke 
 from that paflagein the Revelation, " And one of the elders faid unto 
 me, what are thefe that are arrayed in white robes ;and whence came 
 they? And I faid, Sir, thou knoweft. And he faid unto me, thefe 
 are they which came out of great tribulation, and they wafhed their 
 garments, and made them whitein theblood of the Lamb." A young 
 man, fervant to Mrs. C. of Newington, went home deeply affefted. 
 The next day he was taken ill, and every day grew worfe ; fo that 
 when I came to the houfe on Monday the loth, (though I knew no- 
 thing of him, or of his illnefs before) he was juft gafping for breath. 
 It was a melancholy light. Death ftared him in the face, and he knew 
 not God. He could but jufl fay, " For God's fake, pray for me." John 
 Nelfon coming in, v/e alked life for our brother, in full confidence 
 of the promife. All this day as his illnefs fo his terrors increafed. But 
 the next day, God gave him life from the dead. He told me, " Now I 
 am not afraid to die: for I know God loves me. I did not ufe to love 
 you or your people : but now I love you as my own foul. I love you 
 all : I know you are the people of God; and I am juft going to 
 him." He continued praifing Cod as often as he could fpeak, and 
 when he could not, his eyes were fixed upwards. Between one and 
 Hvo on Wednefday morniaig he cried out, " I have lofl my God! 
 where is he ?" But he foon recovered himfelf and faid, " Now I have 
 found him ; and I fhall lofe him no more." About fevcn I prayed 
 with him, and praifed God on his behalf, and not long after he fell" 
 afleep. 
 
 Sunday 16. 1 burled one who had foon finifhed her courfe, going to 
 God in the full alfurance of faith, when fhe was Httle more than four 
 years old. In her lafl ftcknefs (having been deeply ferious in her beha- 
 viour for feveral months before) fhe fpent all the intervals of her cosi- 
 vulfions,infpeaking of, or to God. And when fhe perceived herflrength 
 to be near exhaufted,fhe defired all the family to come near, and pray- 
 ed for them all, one by one ; then for her miniflers, for the church, and 
 for all the world. A fliort time after, recovering from a fit, fhe lifted 
 'up her eyes, faid, " Thy kingdom come," and died. 
 
 Sunday, November 4. Poor Richard I. who in fpite of his former 
 
chap. 4. ifJ the eighteenth Centut-y. pf 
 
 conviftion, was now determined to renounce us and join the Quakers^ 
 ventured however once more to the Lord's tabic. He had no fooner re 
 ceived, than he dropt down, and cried with a loud voice, " I have finncdj 
 I have finned againft God." At that inftant, many were pierced to the 
 heart. I could hardly fpeak for fome time. Several mourners were 
 filled witli ftrong confolation. And all faid, '* Surely God is in this 
 place !" 
 
 About this time I received a letter, dated from th^ camp at Lifle. Part 
 of it ran as follows. '* May i. We marched to the camp, hear BrufTels. 
 There a few of us joined into a fociety, being fenfiBle, where two or 
 three are gathered together in his name, there is our Lord in the mid ft 
 of them. Our place of meeting was a fmall wood near the camp. We 
 remained in tftis camp eight day^, and then rcrnovcd to a palace called 
 Arflc. Here I began to fpeak openly, at a fmall diftance from the camp, 
 jufl in the middle of the Englidi array. And here it pleafed God to give 
 me fome evidences, that my labour was not in vain. A\'c fung an hymn, 
 which drew about two hundred foldiers together, and they all behaved 
 decently. After I had prayed, I begun to exhort them, and though it 
 rained very hard, yet very few went away. Many acknowledged the 
 truth; in particular a young man, John Greenwood, by name; who 
 has kept with me ever fmce, and whom God has lately been pleafed to 
 give me for a fellow-labourer. Our fociety is now incrcafed to upwards 
 of two hundred, and the hearers are frequently more than a thoufmd ; 
 although many fay, I am mad ; and others have endeavoured to incenfe 
 the field-marfbal againft us. I have been fent for, and examined feveral 
 times. But, bleffed be God, he has always delivered me. Many of the 
 officers have come to hear for themfelves, often nine or ten at a time, 
 I endeavoured to lofe no opportunity. During our abode in the camp 
 at Arfli, I have preached thirty-five times in feven days. One of thofe' 
 times a foldier who was prefent, called aloud to his comrades, to come 
 away, and not hear that fool any longer. But it pleafed God, to fend 
 the word fpoken to his heart i fo that he roared out in the bitternefs of 
 his foul, for a confiderable time : and then he who never fails thofe that 
 feck him, turned his heavinefs into joy. He is now never fo happy as 
 when he is proclaiming the loving-kindnefsof God his Saviour. I was 
 a little ftiocked at my firft entrance on this great work, becaufe I was 
 alone, having none to help me. But the Lord helped me, and foon raif^ 
 cd up William Clements, and in June, John Evans belonging to the 
 train, to my affiftance. Since we have been in this camp, \ve have builc 
 two fmall tabernacles, in which we meet at eight in the morning, at 
 three in the afternoon, and feven at night: and commonly two whole 
 nights in each week. Since I began to write this, we are come to our 
 Winter quarters: fo that our fociety is now parted. We are fome in 
 Bruges, fome in Ghent. But it has pleafed the Lord, to leave neither 
 without a teacher. For John Greenwood and I are in this city. And 
 fi. Clements and Evans are in Ghent. So that we truft our Lord will 
 carry on his work in both places." We that arc in Bruges have hired a 
 fmall place, in which we meet. And our dear Lord is in themidft of us. 
 ,Wany times the tears run down every face, and joy feigns m every heart" 
 VOL. II, N 
 
pS Succefs of the Gcfpeltn England Book IV. 
 
 I ihall cortclutk; with a full alfurancc of your prayers, with a longing 
 define to fee you. O when will the joyful meeting be ? perhaps not on 
 this fide death. If not, my Mailer's will be done." Your unworthy 
 Brother in the Lord, J. H. 
 
 Monday, December 3. I anfwere^ another letter I had received from 
 Flanders; an extract of which is here fubjoincd. 
 
 Ghent, November 12.O. S. 1744. " Rev. Sir, We made bold to 
 
 trouble you with this, to acquaint you with fome of the Lord's dealings 
 with us here. W't have hired two rooms, one fmallone, wherein a few 
 of us meet every day at one o'clock; and another large one for public 
 fervice, where we meet twice a day, at nine in the morning, and four 
 in the afternoon : and the hand of the omnipotent God is with us, to 
 
 the pulling down of the ftrong holds of Satan. The feventh inftant, 
 
 when we were met together in the evening, as 1 was at prayer, one that 
 was kneeling by me,cried out,(like a woman in travail) " My Redeemer! 
 my Redeemer!" which continued about ten minutes. \Vhen he was 
 alkcd, ** What was the matter," he faid, " He had found that which he 
 had often heard of, that is, an heaven upon earth:" and fome others 
 had much a-do to forbear crying out in the fame manner. Dear Sir, 
 I am a Granger to you in the flefla. I know not if I have feen you above 
 once, when I faw you preaching on Kennington -Common. And then 
 I hated you, as much as now (by the grace of God) I love you. The 
 Lord purfucd me with conviftions from my infancy, and I often made 
 abundance of good rcfolutions. But finding as often, that I could not 
 keep them (as being made wholly in my own flrength) I at length left 
 oif all ftriving and gave myfclf over to all manner of lewdnefs and pro- 
 fancncfs. So I continued for fome years, till the battle of Dettingen. 
 The balls then came very thick about me, and my comrades fell on eve- 
 ry fide. Yet I was prefcrvcd unhurt. A few days after this, the Lord 
 w^as pleafed to vifit me again. The pains of hell gat hold upon me, the 
 fnares of death incompailcd me. I duril no longer commit any outward 
 fin, and I prayed God to be merciful to my foul. Now I was at a lofs 
 for books. But God took care for this alfo. One day as I was at work, 
 I found an old Bible in one of the train-waggons. To'^read this, I foon 
 forfook my old companions; all but one, who was ftill a thorn in my 
 ilefli. But not long after he fickened and died. My Bible was now my 
 only companion, and I believed myfelf a very good Chrifiian, till we 
 came to W inter-quarters, where I met with John Haime. But I was 
 foon fick of his company. For he robbed me of my treafure ; he ftole 
 away my gods, telling me, " I and my works were going to hell toge- 
 ther." This was firange doftrinc to me, who being wholly ignorant of 
 the righteoufnefs of Chrifi, fo\ight only to eflablifh my own righteouf- 
 nefs. And being naturally of a fi:ubborn temper, my poor brother was 
 fo perplexed with me, that fometimes he was refolved (as he afterwards 
 told me) to forbid my coming to him any more. When the Lord had 
 at length opened my eyes, and fiiewn me that " by grace we are faved, 
 through faith," I began immediately to declare it to others, though I 
 had not as yet experienced it myfelf. But October 23. as William Cle- 
 inents was at prayer, I felt on a fudden a great alteration in my foul. 
 
chap. 4. ift the eighteenth Century. 09 
 
 My eyes overflowed with tears of love. I knew I was through Chrilt 
 reconciled to God; which enflamed my foul with fervent love to him, 
 whom I now faw to be my complete Redeemer. O the tender care of 
 almighty God, in bringing up his children ! How are we bound to love 
 fo indulgent a Father, and to fall down in wonder and adoration of his 
 
 great and glorious name for his tender mercies ! Dear Sir, I beg you 
 
 will pray for him who is not worthy to be a door-keeper to the leafl: of 
 my Mailer's fervants." John Evans. 
 
 He continued both to preach and to live the gofpel, till the battle of 
 Fontenoy. One of his companions faw him there, laid acrofs a cannon, 
 (both his legs having been taken off by a chain-fliot) praifing God and 
 exhorting all that were round about him ; which he did till his fpirit 
 returned to God. 
 
 1745- 
 
 Awakening in Cornwall. Comfortable Deaths. Piihlick Affairs. 
 
 Letters from the Soldiers abroad. More ferioufnefs than or' 
 
 dinary in England. 
 
 Friday, April 19. William Fenwick rode with me to L d, the 
 
 minifter of which had told him again and again, " Be fure to bring 
 Mr. Wefley with you when he comes. It is for my foul : for the good 
 of my poor foul." When we were alone, he told me, " Sir, I have read 
 your writings : but I could not believe tliem till very lately. Now I 
 know your do6lrine is true. God himfclf has fhewn it to me. A few 
 days fmce I was in a great agony of foul, praying to God to forgive my 
 fins. And there was fuch a light about me as I cannot exprcfs: and I 
 knew, God had heard my prayer. And my heart was filled with the love 
 of God; and ever fince I pray and praife him all day long," I afked. 
 If he had told this to any one elfe ? He faid, " I began to tell it one I 
 thought a very good Chriftian ; but he feemed to think I was diftrac- 
 ted. So I fpoke no more. And indeed I don't know any that would 
 hear me." I told him, " You will meet with many fuch trials as this, 
 and with many others which you are not yet aware of." He anfwered, 
 " I know that I cannot bear them of myfelf. I have no firength, unief3 
 I watch and pr^y always. But I do pray always. And what are trials 
 to me.'' 1 am not in the world. I live in eternity. I cannot turn any 
 way but I fee God. He is with me continually, and on every fide." 
 
 Monday, July 15. Mr. Bennet met us atTrewint, and told us, Fran- 
 cis Walker had been driven thence, and had fince been an inflrument of 
 great good, where-ever he had been. Indeed I never remember fo great 
 an awakening in Cornwall, wrought in fo lliort a time, among young 
 and old, rich and poor, from Trewint quite to the fea-fide. 
 
 I had now leifure to look over the letters I had received this Sum- 
 mer: fome extrafts of which are here fubjoined. 
 
 Briftol, June 6th, 1745.- — " I have delivered another of my charge 
 to the Lord. On Saturday night Molly Thomas was taken home. She 
 was always conflant in the ufe of all the means, and behaved well, both 
 at home and abroad. After Ihe was taken ill, fiie was diflrefled indeed, 
 between the pain of her body, and the anguifii of her foul. But where 
 
 N 2 
 
toe Succep cf the Cofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 is all pain gone, wh^n Jefus comes ? A\'ben he manifefts himfclf to the 
 heart ? In that hoijr ihc cried out, *' Chrifl is mine !. I know my fins are 
 forgiven mc," Then flie rungpraife fo him that loved her, apd bought 
 her with his own blood. The fear of death was gone, and (he longed 
 to leave her father, her mother, and all her friends. She faid, " \ ani 
 almofl: at the top of the ladder. Now I fee the towers before me, and 
 a lar^e company coining up behind mc. I fhall foon go. 'Tis but for 
 Chrifl to fpcak the word, and I am gone. I only wait for that wortj, 
 ^* Rife up, my love, and come away." When they thought her ftrength 
 was gone, fhe broke out again, 
 
 " Chrift hath the foundation laid, 
 And Chrifl: fhall build me up; 
 
 Surely I ihall foon be made 
 Partaker of my hope. 
 
 Author of my faith he is ; 
 He its finilher fliall be : 
 
 Pcrfeft love fhall feal me his 
 To all eternity." 
 So fhc fell afleep. O Lord, my God, glory be to thee for all things. 
 I feel fuch defires in my foul after God, that my ftrength goes away. 
 I feel there is not a moment's time to fpare; and yet how many do I 
 lofe? Lord Jefus give rne to be more and more diligent and watchful 
 in all things. It is no matter to me, how I was an hour ago. Is 
 my foul now waiting upon God? O that I may in all things, and 
 through all things, fee "nothing but Chrift. O that when he comes, he 
 rnay find me watching!" S. C. 
 
 Wednefday, September i8. About five we came to Newcaflle, in an 
 acceptable tirtie. We found the generality pf the inhabitants in the 
 iitmoll conflernation ; news being jufl arrived, that the piiorning be- 
 fore, at two o'clock, the Pretender had entered Edinburgh. A great 
 jconcourfe of people were with us in the evening, to whom I expound- 
 ed the third chapter of Jonah: infifting particularly on that verfe, 
 " Who can tell, if.Goid will return, and repent, and turn av^'ay from 
 his fierce anger, that wc perifli hot ,•"' Friday 20. I had defired all our 
 brethren, to join with us thfs day, in feeking God by fafiing and prayer. 
 About one we m,et, and poured out our fouls before hini. Ana we be- 
 Kieved he would fend an anfwer of peace. 
 
 Sunday, November 3. I preached about half an hour after eight, to 
 a larger congregation than any before, on " The kingdom of God is af 
 hand ; repent ye and believe the gofpel." And were it onjy for the fake 
 of this hour, I fhould not have thought much of flaying here longer 
 than I intended. Between one and two in the afternoon, I went to the 
 camp once more. Abundance of people now flocked together, horfe and 
 foot, rich and poor, to whom I declared, " There is no difference, fof 
 all have finned, and come fhort of the glory of God." I obferved many 
 Germans (landing difconfolate at the flcirts of the congregation : tp 
 rhefe I was conflrained (though I had difcontinued it fo long) to fpeak 
 a few words in their own language. Immediately they gathered upclofe 
 together, and drank in every word. 
 
chap. 4. iff ike eighteenth Century. 1 01 
 
 Friday 22. The alarm daily increaling, concerning the rebels on one 
 hand, and the French on the other, we perceived the wifdom and good- 
 nefs of HIM, who hath his way in the whirlwind. The generality of 
 people were a little inclined to think. And many began to own the 
 h,and of God. Monday 25. I retired toNewington, in order to finiih 
 the Farther Appeal: the Aate of the public affairs loudly demanding, 
 that whatever was dope, Ihould be done quickly. Thurfday 28. 1 wrote 
 
 A Word to a Drunkard. Friday 29. I fpent an hour with Mr. La , 
 
 who bad been a deift for many years, till it pleafed God, by the Earneji 
 Appeal y to bring him to a better mind. 
 
 About this time I received another letter from abroad, the fubftance 
 of which follows : 
 
 Leare near Antwerp, 0<ft. 2 1 . 1 745. " Since I wrote to you laft, 
 
 I have gone through great trials. It 'was not the Icafr, that I have loft 
 my dear brother Clements for a feafon, being Ihot through both the 
 arms. To try me farther, C. Evans and Bilhop were both killed in the 
 battle, as was C. Greenwood foon after. Two more who did fpeak 
 boldly in the name of Jcfus, are fallen into the world again. So I am 
 left alone. April 30. The Lord was pleafed to try our little Hock, and 
 tp fhow them his mighty pow-er. Some da^'s before, one of them Hand- 
 ing at his tent-door, broke out into raptures of joy, [thinking] his de- 
 parture was at hand, and was fo filled with the love of God, that he 
 danced before his comrades. In the battle, before he died, he openly 
 declared, " I am going to reft from my labours in the bofom of Jefus." 
 I believe nothing like this was ever heard of before, in the midit of fo 
 wicked an army as ours. Some were crying out in their wounds, " I 
 am going to my beloved," others, '* Come, Lord Jefus, come quickly : " 
 and many that were not wounded, crying to their Lord, to take them 
 to himfelf. There was fuch boldnefs in the battle among this little, de- 
 fpifed flock, that it made the officers, as well as common foldiers, z* 
 mazed. And they acknowledge it to this day. As to my own part, 
 I ftood the fire of the enemy for above feven hours. Then my horfc 
 was fhot under nie, and I was expofed both to the enemy and our 
 own horfe. But that did not difcourage me at all ; for I knew the God 
 of Jacob was with me. I had a long way to go, the balls flying on e- 
 vcry fidej and thoufands lay bleeding, groaning, dying, and dead on 
 each hand. Surely J was in the fiery furnacp, but it never finged one 
 hair of my head. The hotter it grew, the more flirength was given me. 
 I was full of joy and love, as much as I could well bear. Going on, I 
 met one of our brethren, with a little di(h in his hand, feeking for wa- 
 ter. He fmiled, and faid. He had got a fore wound in his leg : I alk- 
 )cd, " Have you gotten Chrift in your heart ? " He anfwered, " I have, 
 and I have had him all the day. Blefled be God that I ever faw your 
 face." Lord, what am I, that I fliould be counted worthy to fet my 
 hand to the gofpel-plough ? Lord, humble me, and lay me in the 
 dull ! " J. H. 
 
 AVednefday, December 18. Being the day of the national fafl:, we 
 met at four in the morning. I preached on Joel ii. 12. &c. At nine our 
 (cryice in Weft-Street began. At five I preached at the f Qundery a- 
 
1 02 Succefs cf the Oofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 gain, on " The Lord fitteth above the water-floods." Abundance of 
 people were at Well-Street chaple, and at the Foundery both mor- 
 ning and evening : as alfo (we underftood) at every place of publick 
 "worihip, throughout London and \\ eftminftcr. And fuch a folemni- 
 ty and ferioufnefs every where appeared as had not lately been Icen 
 in England. VV'e had within a fliort time given away fome thoufands 
 of little trafts among the common people. And the lord mayor had or- 
 dered a large quantity of papers, dilfuading from curfing and fwear- 
 ing, to be printed, and diftributed to the train-bands. And this day, 
 an earned exhortation to ferious repentance, was given at every church 
 door in or near London, to every pcrfon that came out, and one 
 left at the houfe of every houfcholdcr who was abfent from church. I 
 doubt not but God gave a blefling therewith. And perhaps then the 
 fentence of defolation was recalled. It was on this very day, that the 
 duke's army wasfo remarkably prefervcd, in the midft of the Ambuf- 
 cades at Clifton-moor. The rebels fired many voUies upon the king's 
 troops, from the hedges and walls, behind which they lay. And yet, 
 from firll: to laft, only ten or twelve men fell, the fhot flying over 
 their heads. 
 
 [See alfo feveral remarkable particulars in the year 1746, in pages 
 123, 125, 133, 151, 156, 158, of Mr. Wesley's Sixth Journal.] 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Letter from Dr. Doddridge to Mr. Wesley. u^ Pajfage from 
 
 Mr. Wesley'j Anf-wer to Mr. Qiivi^ch's fecond Letter. Nature 
 
 of the main DoCirines preached. — —The fruits. 
 
 [ From the Sixth Journal. ] 
 
 Wednefday, July 2. 1746. I received the following letter from that 
 amiable man, who is now \vith God. 
 
 Northampton, June 29. 1746. *' Rev. and Dear Sir, I am truly 
 
 glad, that the long letter I lafl: fent you was agreeable to you, I blels 
 God that my prejudices againft the writers of the eftabliihmcnt were 
 fo early removed and conquered. And I greatly rejoice when I fee in 
 thofe, whom upon other accounts, I muft highly efleem as the excel- 
 lent of the earth, that their prejudices againft their brethren of any de- 
 nomination are likewife fubfided, and that we arc coming nearer to the 
 harmony in which I hope we fliall ever be one in Chrift Jefus. I have 
 always efteemed it to be the trueft zd of friendfliip, to ufe our mutual 
 endeavours to render the characters of e.ich other as blamelefs, and as 
 valuable as poihble. And I have never felt a more affeftionate fenfe of 
 my obligations, than when thofe worthy perfons who have honoured 
 me with their aflciflion and correfpondence, have freely told me what 
 they thought amifs, in my temper and conduft. This, therefore, dear 
 Sir, is an oflSce which you might reafonably expeft from me, if I had 
 for fome time enjoyed an intimate knowledge of you. But it has al- 
 ways been a maxim with me, Not to believe any flying ftory, to the 
 prejudice of thofe, whom I had apparent reafon from what I knew of 
 them to cftcem. And confequcntly, as I ihould never make this a foun- 
 
chap. 4* in the eightieth Century . lOj 
 
 dation, you muft be contented to wait longer, before you will be like- 
 ly to receive that office of fraternal love which you alk from, 
 Rev. and dear Sir, your obliged and aliedionate Brother and Servant, 
 
 P. DODORIUGE. 
 
 [ From Mr. Wesley's Anfwcr to Mr. Churcm'j fecond Letter, page rty. ] 
 From the year 1 725 to 1729, I preached much, but faw no fruit of 
 my labour. Indeed it could not be that I Ihould ; for I neither laid the 
 foundation of repentance, nor of believing the gofpel: taking it for 
 granted, that all to whom I preached, were believers; and that many 
 of them needed no repentance. 2'. From the year 1729 to 1734, lay-^ 
 ing a deeper foundation of repentance, I faw a little fruit. But it was 
 only a little; and no wonder. For I did not preach faith in the blood 
 of the covenant. 3. From 1734 to 173^, fpeaking more of faith in 
 Chrift, I faw more fruit of my preaching and vifiting from houfc to 
 houfe, than ever I had done before: tho' I know not, if any of thofc 
 who were outwardly reformed, were inwardly and thoroughly convert* 
 cd to God. 4. From 1738 to this time, fpeaking continually of Jcfus 
 Chrift, laying him only for the foundation of the whole building, 
 making him all in all, the Firft and the Lall : preaching wholly on this 
 plan, "The kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye and believe the 
 gofpel." The word of God ran as fire among the ftubble; it was glo* 
 rified more and more : multitudes crying out, " What muft we do to 
 be faved ? " And afterwards witnefiing, " By grace we are faved thro' 
 faith." 5. Iconfidered deeply with myfelf, what I ought to do ? wiiether 
 to declare the things I had fcen or not ? I confultcd the mofl fcrious 
 friends I had. They all agreed, I ought to declare them : that the work 
 itfelf was of fuch a kind, as ought in no wife to be concealed ; and in- 
 deed, that the unufual circumilances now attending it, made it impof- 
 ilble that it ihould. 6. This very diriiculty occurred, " AVill nor my 
 fpeaking of this be boafting i* at lead, will it not be accounted fo I '' 
 They replied, " If you fpeak of it as your own work, it will be vanity 
 and boalling all over: but if you afcribe it wholly to God, if you give 
 him all the praifc, it will not. And if, after this, fome will account it 
 fo ftill, you mult be content, and bear the burden." 7. I yielded, and 
 tranfcribcd my papers for the prefs ; only labouring, as far as poflible, 
 to " render unto God the things which are God's," to give him the 
 praife of his own work. 
 
 [As to doftrines] I have again and again, with all the plainnefs I 
 could, declared, what our conftant do6^rines are: whereby we are dif- 
 tinguifhed only from Heathens, or nominal Chriftians; not from any 
 that worfhip God in fpirit and in truth. Our main doftriues, which in- 
 clude all the reft, are three, that of repentance, of faith, and of holinefs. 
 The firft of thefe we account, as it were, the porch of religion : the 
 next, the door; the third is religion itfelf. 
 
 That repentance, or conviction of fin, which is always previous to 
 faith (either in a higher or lower degree, as it pleafes Gojd) we defcribe 
 in words to this effeft : *' AVhen men feel in themfelves the heavy bur- 
 then of fij), fee damnation to be the reward of it, behold with the eye 
 
104 Sitccefs of the Go/pel in England Book IV, 
 
 of their mind, the horror of hell : they tremble, they quake, and are in- 
 wardly touched with forrowfulnefs of heart, and cannot but accufe 
 themfelvcs, and open their grief unto almighty God, and call unto him 
 for mercy. This being done ferioully, their mind is fo occupied, part- 
 ly with forrow and hcavinefs, partly with an earneft defire to be deli- 
 vered from this danger of hell and damnation, that all defire of meat 
 and drink is laid apart, and loathing of all worldly things and pleafure 
 Cometh in place. So that nothing then liketh them more, than to weep, 
 to lament, to mourn, and both with words and behaviour of body, to 
 (hew themfelves weary of life," 
 
 Concerning the gate of religion (if I may be allowed fo to fpeak) 
 the true, ChrilKian, faving faith ; we beljeve it implies abundantly more, 
 than an afTent to the truth of the Bible. " Even the devils believe, that 
 Chrift was born of a virgin; that he wrought all kind of miracles; that 
 for our fakes he fuffered a mofl painful death, to redeem us from death 
 everlaftlng. Thefe articles of our faith the very devils believe, and fo 
 they believe all that is written in the Old and New Teftament. And yet 
 for all this faith, they be but devils. They remain ftill in their damnable 
 eftate, lacking the very true, ChrilHan faith. The right and true Chrif- 
 tian faith is: not only to believe that the holy Scriptures and the ar- 
 ticles of our faith are true, but alfo to have a fure truft: and confidence, 
 to be faved from everlafling damnation through Chrift. 
 
 Religion itfelf (I chufe to ufe the very words, wherein I defcribed it 
 long ago) we define, " The loving God with all our heart, and our 
 neighbour as ourfelves, and in that love abftaining from all evil, and do- 
 ing all poflible good to all men." Thefame meaning we have fomctimes 
 exprciTed a little more at large, thus: " Religion wc conceive to be no 
 other thaniove; the love of God and of all mankind: the loving God 
 ■with all our hearts and foul and ftrength, as having firft loved us, as the 
 fountain of all the good we have received, and of all we ever hope to- 
 enjoy : and the loving every foul which God hath made, every man on" 
 earth as our own foul. This love we believe to be the medicine of life, 
 the never-failing remedy, for all the evils of a difordered world, for all 
 the miferies and vices of men. "Wherever this is, there are virtue and 
 happinefs, going hand in hand. There is humblenefs of mind, gentle- 
 nefs, long-fuffering, the whole image of God, and at the fame time, a 
 peace that pafi^eth all underftanding, andjoyunfpeakable, full of glory. 
 This religion wclong to fee eftabliflied in the world, a religion of love, 
 and joy, and peace; having its feat in the inmoft foul, but everfhewing 
 itfelf by its fruits : continually fpringing forth, not only in all innocence 
 (for love worketh no ill to his neighbour) but likewife in every kind of 
 beneficence, fpreading virtue and happinefs all around k." 
 
 However, with regard to the fruits of our teaching, you fay, " It is 
 to be feared, the numbers of ferious men who have been perplext and 
 deluded, are much greater than the numbers of notorious finners, wha 
 have been brought to repentance and good life." If the queftion were 
 propofed, " Which are greater, the numbers of ferious men who have 
 bten perplext and deluded, or of notorious finners who have been 
 brought to repentance and gopd life" by thefe preachers^ throughout 
 
Chap. 4« in the eighteenth Century. 104 
 
 England within feven years: it might be difficult for you to fix the 
 conclufion. For England is a place of wide dimenflons; nor is it eafy 
 to make a fatisfaftory computation, unlefs you confine yourfelf with* 
 in a fmallcr compafs. SuppoCe then we were to contra(fl: the queftion, 
 in order to make it a little lefs unweildy ? M^e will bound our inquiry, 
 for the prefent, within a fquare of three or four miles. It may be cer* 
 tainly known by candid men, both what has been, and what is now done 
 within this diflance. And from hence they may judge of thofe fruits 
 elfewhere, which they cannot be fo particularly informed of. 
 
 Enquire then, " Which are greater, the numbers of ferious men 
 perplexed and deluded by thcfe teachers, or of notoriojiis flnners brought 
 to repentance and good life, within the forefl of Kingfwood ? " Many 
 indeed of the inhabitants are nearly as they were; are not much better 
 or worfe for their preaching : becaufe the neighbouring clergy and gen- 
 try have fuccefsfully laboured to deter them from hearing it. But be- 
 tween three and four hundred of thofe who would not be deterred, are 
 now under the care of thofe preachers. Now, what number of thefe 
 were ferious Chriftians before ? Were fifty ? were twenty ? were ten ? 
 Peradventure, there might five fuch be found. But 'tis a queftion, 
 whether there could or no. The remainder were grofs, open finners, 
 common fwearers, drunkards. Sabbath-breakers, whoremongers, plun- 
 derers, robbers, implacable, unmerciful, M'olves and bears in the fhape 
 of men. Do you defire inftances of more notorious finners thaa 
 thefe .> 
 
 Not that all the " Methodifls (focalled) were very wicked people before 
 they followed us." There are thofe among them, and not a few, who 
 are able to flop the boafting of thofe that defpife them, and to fay, 
 " Wherein foever any of you is bold, I am bold alfo : " only they 
 " count all thefe things but lofs, for the excellency of the knowledge of 
 Chrift Jefus." But thefe we found, as it were, when we fought them 
 not. We went forth to call the moft flagrant, hardened, defperate fin- 
 ners to repentance. To this end we preached in theHorfe-fair atBrifioI, 
 in Kingfwood, in Newcallle: among the colliers in Stafford fliire, and 
 the tinners in Cornwall: in Southwark, Wapping, Moorfields, Drury- 
 lane, London. Did any man ever pick out fuch places as thefe, in order 
 to find "ferious, regular, well-difpofed people?" How many fuch 
 might then be in any of them I know not. But this T know, that four in 
 five of thofe who are now with us, were not of that number, but were 
 wallowing in their blood, till God by us faid unto them, l 1 v f . 
 
 Sir, I willingly put the whole caufe on this iffue: what are the ge- 
 neral confequences of this preaching ? are there more tares or wheat ? 
 more good men deflroyed (that is the proper queflion) or wicked men 
 faved I The laft place where we began conflant preaching, is a part of 
 Wiltlhire and Somerfetfhire, near Bath. Now, let any man enquire at 
 Rhode, Bradford, Rexal, or among the colliers at Coleford, i. What 
 kind of people were thofe, " before they followed thefe men?" 
 2. What are the main doftrines they have been teaching for this twelve- 
 month? 3. AVhat effeft have thefe doftrines upon their followers? 
 "What manner of lives do they lead now? And if you do not find, 
 VOL. IL O 
 
io6 Succejs of the Cofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 1. That three in four of thefc were two years ago notorloufly wicked 
 men. 2. That the main do(5>rines they have heard iince were, "Love 
 God and your neighbour, and carefully keep his coirimandments." And 
 3. That they have fince excrcifed thcmfelves herein, and continue fo to 
 do : I fay, if you or any reafonable man, who will be at the pains to 
 enquire, does not lind this to be an unqueftionabic faft, I will openly 
 acknowledge myfelf an £nthufiaft, or whatfoever elfe you fhall pleafc 
 to ftile me. 
 
 Section II. 
 
 [ From Mr. Whitefield's Journals. ] 
 
 1737, I738'- 
 
 From London to Gibraltar. From Gibraltar to Savannah. His re- 
 turn to London. The If'^ork of God there. 
 
 "WEDNESDAY, December 28, 1737. After having continued in- 
 ftant in prayer with my friends at Mr. J. H's, and afterwards receiving 
 the holy facriment at St. Dunftan's, being recommended to the grace 
 of God by a great number of weeping Chriftian brethren at the rev. 
 Mr. H's, I fet out at night for Dcptford, 
 
 Saturday, December 31. Began this morning to have public prayers 
 on open deck, at which the officer and foldiers attended with decency 
 and reverence. After prayer I enlarged a little on thofe words of St. 
 Paul, " I am determined to know nothing among you fave Jefus Ghrift 
 and him crucified." 
 
 Gibraltar, Saturday Feb. 25, 1738. About fix this morning went 
 with friend H. to the church to pray with fome devout foldiers, who I 
 heard ufed to meet there at that time. I found that their fociety had 
 been fubfifting about twelve years, and that one ferjeant B. nowamongfl 
 them, was the firft beginner of it. At firfl they told me they ufed to 
 meet in dens and mountains, and caves in the rocks j but afterwards 
 upon their applying for leave to build a little place to retire in. Dr. G. 
 and governor S. gave them the free ufeof the church, where they con- 
 ilantly meet three times in a day, to pray, read, and fing pfaims, and at 
 any other feafon when they pleafe. I converfed clofely with feveral of 
 them, and they made me quite afliamed of my little proficiency in the" 
 fchool of Chrift. Many have joined with them for a time, but a fervile 
 fear of man, that bane of Chriftianity, made them draw back. How- 
 ever, fome continue ftedfafl: and immoveable, and though defpifed by 
 the world, are no doubt highly favoured of God. Governor S. coun- 
 tenances them much, and has (poke of the*m often to me with refpeft. 
 Thereisalfo another fociety of the Scots church. It has fubfifted about 
 a year, and is made up of many ferious Chriftians, as I was informed. 
 I fent them, as well as the other fociety, ferae proper books; had reli- 
 gious talk with feveral of them, and endeavoured to unite both focicties 
 together. 
 
 Tuefday, Feb. 28. Was afked by Dr. C. in the name of the gover- 
 nor colonel C. to preach every prayer-day whilft I ftayedat Gibraltar,, 
 
Chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. 1 07 
 
 which I promlfed to do. Many of the inhabitants prcfled me to flay with 
 them, and were exceeding kind to thofe who were with me. 
 
 Friday, March 3. I preached my fermon dign\\{\. /wearing, and made 
 a farewel application to the foldiers that were going over to Georgia 
 out of that garrifon. The governor had that morning reviewed them ; 
 and as I could not be in the fame fhip with them, I defircd they might be 
 ordered to come to church, that I might have an opportunity of telling 
 them how to behave in that land which they were going over the fea to 
 proteft. The colonel and governor mod readily confented ; there was 
 a moll thronged audience, and God was pleafed to fet his feal to my 
 fermon : many officers and foldiers wept forely, and a vifible alteration 
 was obferved in the garifon for fome days after. " O that their con- 
 viiflions may end in dieir converfion, and that they may bring forth the 
 fruits of the Spirit!" 
 
 Monday, March 6. Had near, if not more than a hundred at mor- 
 ning expofition; and it being the lad day of my fojourning at Gibraltar, 
 many came to me weeping, telling me what God had done for their 
 fouls, defiring my prayers, and promifing me theirs in return.— Who 
 more unlikely to be wrought upon than foldiers ? and yet, God has 
 made his power to be known. Many that were [in grofs darknefs have 
 been enlightened ;] many that have fallen back, have repented, and turn- 
 ed unto the Lord again ; many that were afhamed to own Chrill open- 
 ly, have waxen bold ; and many that were faints have had their hearts 
 filled with joy unfpeakable, and full of glory. 
 
 Sunday, March 26. This day God, I truft, magnified his power in the 
 converfion of a young gentleman on board, whom he has been pleafed 
 to vifit with a fever. His conviftions were llrong, and, as far as I could 
 find, a thorough renovation began in his heart : " The Lord perfeft 
 
 it." Exchanged fome bad books that were on board (which I threw 
 
 immediately into the fea) for fome good ones; blefled be God, all that 
 I have found them with, as yet, have been ready to furrender them up, 
 
 April 3. Had fome farther converfation with the young gentleman 
 whole converfion I mentioned before, and who I hope is really quick- 
 ened from above. He told me he ufed to wonder to hear me talk that 
 all our thoughts, words, and actions, ought to be dedicated unto God, 
 but now he perceived what I faid to be true. April 8. And now indeed 
 we live more comfortably in the great cabbin than can eafily be imigi- 
 ned. We talk of little elfe but God and Ghrifl. God has greatly bleiled 
 that excellent book, The Country Parfon's Advice to his Pari/hioners. 
 
 April 15. I was called in a hurry to pray by one of the devout Ibl- 
 diers who came from Gibraltar, and who was fuppofed to be expiring. 
 I came, and rejoiced in fpirit ; for his foul feemed full of God. Inilead 
 of being affrighted at the approach of the king of terrors, he welcomed 
 it, and (aid, he was going to his dear Redeemer ; then he fell as it were 
 into a trance, and poured out his heart in repeating fome very appli- 
 cable verfes out of the Pfalms. Upon which wc thought he would have 
 died: but lo! God brought him from the netliermofl; hell. From that 
 inftant the fever left him, and he recovered. Oh, what difference is 
 there between him that fearetli God, and him th^t feareth him not, i^i 
 
 O 2 
 
io8 Succcfs of the Ccjpel in America BoolTlV. 
 
 their laft hours. April 16, This evening I wasfent for by a failor, who 
 has been the moft remarkable fwearer on board ; and whom I in an e- 
 fpecial manner warned about two days ago; but he laughed at it. Butto- 
 jiight he fent for me, trembling, and burning with a fever, told me what 
 grievous fins he had been guilty of, and prayed mod fervently for repent- 
 ance. Two or three of the fame (lamp have been taken in the fame 
 manner. " God grant they may flee from the wrath to come !" April 
 18. Several fqualls came upon us, which aflbrded me glorious matter 
 for adoring that great good God, whom winds and Itorms obey. The 
 faiiors were in great hurry and confuiion, but not one fingle oath was 
 heard all the while : a proof this, that faiiors m^y pull their ropes with- 
 out fwearing, and that the words fpoken to them have not altogether 
 fallen to the ground : blelfed be God ! 
 
 Savannah, Friday, June 2. This evening parted with kind captain 
 Whiting, and my dear friend Delamotte, who embarked for England 
 about feven at night. The poor people lamented the lofs of him, and 
 went to the water-fide to take a lafl farewel. And good reafon had they 
 to do fo : for he has been indefatigable in feeding Chrift's lambs with 
 tlie fincere milk of the word, and many of them (blefled be God) have 
 grown thereby. Surely, I m'ufl labour moft heartily, fince I come after 
 fuch worthy predeceffors. The good Mr. John AV'efley has done in A- 
 merica, under God, is inexprefiible. His name is very precious among 
 the people ; and he has laid fuch a foundation, that I hope neither men 
 nor devils will ever be able to fhake. 
 
 Tuefday, July 12. Returned from Ebenezer, the place where the 
 5altzburghers are fettled, and was wonderfully pleafed with their order 
 and induftry. They are bleft with two fuch pious minifters, as I have 
 not often feen : they have no courts of judicature, but all little differ- 
 ences are immediately and implicitly decided by their minifters, whom 
 they look upon and love as their fathers. They havelikewife an Orphan- 
 houfe, in which are feventeen children, and one widow, and I was much 
 delighted to fee the regularity wherewith it is managed. — " Oh that 
 God may ftir up the hearts of his fervants to contribute towards that and 
 another which we hope to have erefted at Savannah." Mr. Boltzius, 
 one of their minifters, being with me on Saturday, I gave him fome of 
 my poor's ftore for his orphan*;, and when I came to Ebenezer, he cal- 
 led them all before him, catechifed and exhorted them to give God 
 thanks for his good providence towards them ; then prayed with them, 
 and made them pray after him ; then fung a Pfalm, and afterwards the 
 little lambs came and fliook me by the hand one by one, and fo we part- 
 ed, and I fcarce was ever better pleafed in my life. Surely, whoever 
 
 contributes to the relief of the Saltzburghers, will perform an acceptable 
 facrifice to our bleffed Mafter. 
 
 Monday, Auguft 28. This being the day of my departure [for Eng- 
 land] it was moftly fpent in taking leave of my flock, who expreffed 
 their affeflion now more than ever, coming to me from the morning, 
 to the time I left them, with tears in their eyes, wiftiing me a profper- 
 011 s voyage, and fafe return, and giving me things proper for my paf- 
 fage. 
 
Chap. 4. »» the eighteenth Century. 109 
 
 Friday, December 8. About noon I reached London, was received 
 with much joy by my Ghriftian friends, and joined with them in pialms 
 and thankfgiving for my fafe arrival. December 10. Here (eems to be 
 a great pouring out of the Spirit ; and many, who were awakened by 
 my preaching a year ago, are now grown Itrong men in Chrill, by the 
 miniftrations of my dear friends and fellow-labourers, John and Charles 
 Wefley. BlefTed be God ! Sat. Dec. 30. Preached nine times this week, 
 and expounded near eighteen. times. — Bleficd be God ! I am employed 
 from morning till midnight. — There's no end of people's coming and 
 fending to me, and they feem more and more defnous, like new-born 
 babes, to be fed with the finceremilk of the word. — What a great work 
 has been wrought in the hearts of many within this twelvemonth ! 
 
 » 
 1739- 
 
 He preaches at Newgate. To the Colliers of King/wood. -Of 
 
 Mr. Griffith Jones. Letter from Mr. J. Wejley. Of How el 
 
 Harris. Mr. Benjamin Seward. Very large Congregations. 
 
 Mr. Delamotte's Family. The fuccefsful Miniftry of Meffrs. 
 
 Tennetttj Mejfrs. Freeling Hotfen,Crofs , isc . in America. 
 
 London, January 3. Staid at home on purpofe to receive thofe who 
 wanted to confult me. — BlefTed be God, from feven in the morning till 
 three in the afternoon, people came, fome telling me what God had 
 done for their fouls, and others crying out, " What fhall we do to be 
 faved I Being obliged to go out after this, I referred feveral till Thurf- 
 
 day. How does God work by my unworthy hands ! His mercies 
 
 melt me down. Oh that I was thankful ! 
 
 "Windfor, Feb. 8. I find much fervice might be done to religion on 
 journeys, if we had but courage to fhew ourfelves Chriftians in all 
 places: Others fing fongs in public houfes, why fliould not we fing 
 pfalms ? And when we give the fervants money, why may we not with 
 that give them a little book, and fome good advice? I know by expe- 
 rience it is very beneficial. *' God grant this may be always my prac- 
 tice ? " Friday, Feb. 1 6. Begun this morning to fettle a daily expofition, 
 and reading prayers to the prifoners in Newgate. I opened it by enlarg- 
 ing on the converfion of the jailor. 
 
 Saturday, Feb. 17. About one in the afternoon I went with my bro- 
 ther Seward, and another friend, to Kingfwood, and was moft delight- 
 fully entertained by an old difciple of the Lord. My bowels yearned 
 
 toward the poor colliers, who, as far as I can find, are very numerous, 
 
 and yet are asfheep having no ihepherd. After dinner therefore, I 
 
 went upon a mount, and fpake to as many people as came unto me. 
 
 They were upwards of two hundred. " Blelfed be God that I have 
 
 now broke the ice; I believe I never was more acceptable to my Maftcr 
 than when I was Handing to teach thofe hearers in the open fields." 
 
 Araongft the letters I received from religi6us correfponden ts, one 
 writes thus, " We had fuch a remarkable and fenfible prefence of God 
 witb us at Beech-lane this evening, as my eyes and ears were never fuch 
 vritne/res of before. In the Rjidll of Mr. J. Wefley's expofuion, a woman 
 
1 10 Succtfs of the Ccfpei in Wales Book IV. 
 
 prcfent had fuch convi(^ions of her loft eftatc by nature, and fuch a 
 fenfe of fin, that Ihe could not forbear crying out aloud ; upon which 
 Mr. Welley, breaking off, went to her. who earneftly defircd him to 
 pray for her, which he did in the prefence of two or three hundred 
 people, hardly one of whom, I think, could forbear tears; upon which 
 ft\e had comfort. 
 
 Thurfday, February 22. 1 went with fomeChriftian friends to Bath j 
 where I was much comforted by meeting with feveral that love our 
 
 Lord Jefus in fincerity. More efpeciaily, I was edified by the pious 
 
 converfation of the rev. Mr. Griffith Jones, whom I have deilred to fee 
 of a long feafon. His words came with power, and the account he 
 gave me of the many obftruftions he had met with in his miniftry, con- 
 vinced me that I was but a young foldier, juft entring the fielJ. 
 
 Thurfday, March i. Amongft my other letters I received the fol- 
 lowing one from the rev. Mr. John Wefley : [Part of which is,] 
 
 February 20. " My dear Brother, Our Lord's hand is not fhort- 
 
 ned amongft us. Yefterday I preached at St, Katherines, and at ifling- 
 ton. I think I never was fo much ftrengthened before. About three 
 
 hundred were prefent at Mr. S 's; thence I went to Mr. B 's; 
 
 where alfo we wanted room. To-day I expound in the minories at 
 
 four, at Mrs. W 's at fix, and to a large company of poor finners 
 
 in Gravel-lane (Bifhopgate) at eight. The fociety at Mr. Grouch's does 
 not meet till eight; fo that I expound before I go to him near St. 
 James' Square. On Wednefday at Jix, we have a noble company of 
 women not adorned with gold or coftly apparel, but with a meek and 
 
 quiet fpirit, and good works. At the Savoy, on Thurfday evening, 
 
 we have ufually two or three hundred, moft of them,atleaft, through- 
 ly awakened. Mr. A 's parlour is more than filled on Friday, as is 
 
 Mr. P 's room twice over. On Saturday fe'ennight, a middle-aged, 
 
 well-dreffed woman at Beech-lane (where I expound ufually to five or 
 fix hundred before I go to Mr. E — -'s fociety) was feized, as it appear- 
 ed to feveral about her, with little lefs than the agonies of death. We 
 prayed that God, who had brought her to the birth, would give her 
 ftrength to bring forth. Five days (he was in bondage. On Thurfday 
 evening our Lord got himfelf the viftory ; and, from that moment, flie 
 has been full of love and joy, which fhe openly declared on Saturday 
 laft ; fo that thankfgivings were given to God by many on her account." 
 
 The following paragraph was likewife in a letter I received from my 
 dear brother Kinchin of Oxon. " God has greatly blefTcd us at Oxford 
 of late. "VVe have reafon to think, that four, within this Fortnight, 
 have been born of God. The people crowd to the focieties on Sunday 
 nights, feveral gownfmen amongft the reft. God has much affifted me. 
 Laft night we had a thronged Society, and about forty gownfmen." 
 
 Cardiff, March 8, I was much refrefhed with the fight of my dear 
 brother Howel Harris ; whom, tho' I knew not in perfon, I have long 
 fince loved in the bowels of Jefus Chrift, and have often felt my foul 
 drawn out in prayer in his behalf. " A burning and a ftiining light 
 has he been in thofe parts ; a barrier againft profanenefs and immoral ity, 
 and an indefatigable promoter of the true gofpel of Jefus Chrift, About 
 
Chap. 4. in t^^ eighteenth Century. 1 1 1 
 
 three or four years God has inclined him to go about doing good. He 
 is now above twenty five years of age. Twice he has applied (being 
 every way qualified) for holy orders ; but was refufed, under a falie 
 pretence, that he was not of ago, tho' he was then twenty two years 
 and fix months. About a month ago he offered himfclf again, bur 
 was put off. Upon this, he was, and is (till refolved to go on in his 
 ■work; and indefatigable zeal hashefhewn in his Malter's fervice. For 
 thefe three years he has difcourfed almoft twice every day for three or 
 four hours together; not authoritatively, as a minifterj but as a pri- 
 vate perfon, exhorting his Chriffian brethren. He has been, I think, 
 in feven counties, and has made it his bufinefs to go to wakes, &c. 
 to turn people from fuch lying vanities. Many alehoufe people, fidlers, 
 harpers, &c. fadly cry out againft him for fpoiling their bufinefs. * #, 
 *********»*******#* He has been threatned 
 with publick profecutions, and had conftables fent to apprehend him. 
 But God has bleffed him with inflexible courage; he is of a moft ca- 
 tholick fpirit, loves all that loves our Lord jefus Chrift, and therefoic 
 he is ftilcd by bigots, a Diffenter. He is contemned by all that are lovers 
 of pleafure more than lovers of God ; but God has greatly blcflcd hi* 
 pious endeavours. Many own him as their fpiritual fatlier, and, I be-- 
 lieve, would lay down their lives for his fake. He difcourfes generally 
 in a field ; but at other times in a houfe, from a wall, a table, or any 
 thing elfe. He has ellablifhcd near thirty focieties in South-Wales, 
 and flill his fpherc of axftion is enlarged daily. After I had faluted him, 
 and given an exhortation to a great number of people, who fol- 
 lowed me to the inn, we fpent the remainder of the evening in taking 
 fweet counfcl together, and telling one another what God had done 
 for our fouls. We [alfo] took an account of the feveral focieties, 
 and agreed on fuch meafures as feem mofi: conducive to promote the 
 common interefl of our Lord. BlelFed be God, there £eems to be a 
 noble fpirit gone out into'Walcs. They havemany biu-ningand ffiining 
 lights both among the diflenting and church minifters, ajnongft whom 
 Mr. Griffith Jones iliines in particular. No lefs than fifty charity- 
 fchools have been erefted by his means, without any fettled vifible 
 fund, and frefii ones are fetting up every day. People make nothing 
 of coming twenty miles to hear a fermon, and great numbers there 
 are who have not only been hearers, but doers alfo of the word ; 
 fo that there is a moft comfortable profpe^ of the fpreading of the 
 gofpel in Wales. 
 
 Bath, March 1 2 . Received news of the progrefs of the gofpel in York- 
 fhire, under theminiftry of my dear brother Ingham. Keinfham, Thurf- 
 day March 22. Received a letter which brought me word oftlie Hou- 
 
 rilhingofthe gofpel at Oxford. Had many gracious fouis came to 
 
 me to confult me in fpiritual cafes, and could not but rejoice to fee 
 how fecretly and irrefiftably the kingdom of Jefus Ghrift is carried 
 on, in fpite of all oppofition. Wednefday, March 28. Had the plea- 
 fure of hearing, that above an hundred people fet apart a, day for 
 prayer in behalf of me and ray dear brother Howel Harris, &c". 
 
 Thurf Atarch 29. Bleffed be God, I hope a good work is begun to- 
 
1 12 Succefs of the G off el in England Book IV. 
 
 day. Having had feveral notices that the colliers of Kingfwood were wil- 
 ling to fubfcribe, I coIJefted above twenty pounds in money, and got a- 
 bove forty pounds in fubfcriptions toward building them a charity fchool. 
 —It was i'urprizing to fee with what cheerfulnefs they parted with their 
 
 money on this occa/ion. Was I to continue here, I would endeavour 
 
 to fettle fchools all over the wood, as alfo in other places, as Mr. Grif- 
 fith Jones has done in Wales. But I have but juft time to fet it on 
 
 foot. 1 hope God will blefs theminiltryof my honoured friend Mr. 
 
 John Wefley, and enable him to bring it to good clicft. It is a pity 
 
 fo many little ones as there are in Kingfwood, fliould perift) for lack of 
 
 knowledge. Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come amongft them, 
 
 for the fake of Jefus Chri/l. 
 
 Cheapftow, April 7. Oh how fwiftly has this week paffed off! to me 
 it has been but as one day. How do I pity thofe polite ones, who com- 
 plain that time hangs heavy upon their hands! Let them but love 
 Chrift, and fpend their whole time in his fervice, and they will find no 
 dull melancholy hours. Want of the love of God I take to be the chief 
 caufe of indolence and vapours. Oh that they would up and be doing 
 for Jefus Chrift ! they \yould not complain then for the want of fpirits. 
 
 Gloucefter, April 9. I wasrefreftied by a great packet of letters, giv- 
 ing me an account of the fuccefs of the gofpel in different parts. God 
 grant I may fee it come as powerfully amongfl: my own countrymen. 
 
 Evelham, April 8. Several perfons came to fee me, amongft whom 
 was Mr. Benjamin Seward, whom God has been pleafed to call by his 
 free grace very lately. It pleafed God to caft him down, by eight days 
 ficknefs; in which time, he fcarce ever eat, or drank, or flept, and un- 
 derwent great inward agonies and tortures. After this, God lent a poor 
 travelling woman, that came to fell ftraw toys, to inftru6l him in the 
 nature of our fecond birth, and now he is refolved to prepare for holy 
 orders, and to preach Chrilt and thofe truths which once he endeavoured 
 
 to deftroy. He is a gentleman of a very large fortune, which he has 
 
 now devoted to God. Bleffed be God, that although not many rich, nQt 
 many mighty, not manynoblc are called, yet fomeare. — Who would but 
 be accounted a fool for ChrilVs fake ? How often has my companion 
 and honoured friend, Mr. William Seward, been deemed a madman 
 by this very brother, for going to Georgia ? But lo ! God now has made 
 him an inltrument of converting his brother. 
 
 London, April 30. Heard of the wonderful fuccefs of my honoured 
 friend Mr. John Wefley 's miniftry inBriftol. 
 
 May 6. Preached this morning in Moorfields to about twenty thou- 
 fand people, who were very quiet and attentive, and muchaffedted. — ■ 
 
 Went to public worfliip morning and evening; and at fix preached 
 
 at Kennington. But fuch a fight never did I fee before. 1 believe 
 
 there were no lefs than fifty thoufand people ; and what is mofl: remark- 
 able, there was an awful filence amongft them, and the word of God 
 came with power. God gave me great enlargement of heart. I continH- 
 ed my difcourfe for an hour and a half. May 7. Received feveral let- 
 ters of the fruits of my miniftry in feveral places, and had divers come 
 to roe awakened, under God, by my preaching in the fields. 
 
chap. 4* in ihe eighteenth Century i 11 j 
 
 Friday, June i . Preached in the evening at a place called May-Fair^ 
 
 near Hyde-Park corner. The congregation, I believe, confilled of* 
 
 near eighty thoufaud people.— It was, by far, the largcll I ever preach- 
 ed to yet. In the time of my prayer there was a little noifej but 
 
 they kept a deep filence during my whole difcourfe. An high and 
 
 very commodious fcartbld was ercilcd for me to Hand upon ; and tho* 
 l\vas weak in myfelf, yet God flrengthened me to fpcak fo loud that 
 raoA could hear; and in fucha manner, I hope, that moft could fceL 
 All love, all glory be to God through Chrifl. 
 
 So weak, fo frail an inftrument, 
 
 If thou, my God, vouchfafe to ufe; 
 'Tis praife enough to be eroploy'd, 
 Reward enough, if thou excule. 
 If thou cxcufe, then work thy will 
 
 By fo unfit an inltrument; 
 It will at once thy goodnefs fhew. 
 And prove thy pow'r omnipotent. 
 June 4. Took leave of my weeping friends, and went in compafiy 
 with many of them to Blackheath, where was a very large congrega- 
 tion. 1 think I never was fo much enlarged fince I have preached in 
 
 the fields. My difcourfe was near two hours long, and the people 
 
 were fo melted down, and wept fo loud, that they alnioft drowned my 
 Voice. 
 
 Thurfday, June 7. Received two letters from perfons, confcffing, 
 that they came to hear me out of a bad motive, but were apprehended 
 by the free grace of Jefus Chriit. 
 
 Broad-oaks, June 20. Mr. Delaniotte came from Cambridge to meet 
 lis. — I cannot but remark what wonderful mercies God has Ihewn this 
 
 I\Ir. Delamoite's family. About three or four years ago>, God was 
 
 pleafed to touch the heart of his brother Charles, who hearing that Mr, 
 Wefley was going to Georgia, (tho' his father would have fettled him. 
 in a very handfome way) offered to go abroad with him as a fervant.-- — 
 His parents confent was aiked, but they, and almofl: all their relations,* 
 oppofcd it ftrcnuoufly. — However, the young man being refolute, and 
 convinced that God called him, at length they fomewhat confented. He 
 went abroad, lived with Mr. Welley, fcrved under him as a fon in the 
 gofpcl, did much good, and endured great hardfnips for the fake of Je- 
 
 lusChrift. Behold, how God rewarded him for leaving all.— -Whilfl 
 
 he wasabfent, God was pleafed to make ufe of the miniltry of Mr. Ins- 
 ham,-and Mr. Charles ^^^cfley, in converting his mother, two filters, and 
 this young gentleman before-mentioned at C^ambridgc. 
 
 Gloucefter, Sunday July i. Preached at feven in the morning to a 
 
 much increafed audience in my brother's field. Breakfafled at Glou' 
 
 teller, and preached at 1 1 in the morning, read prayers in the afternoon, 
 and preached at Randwidc church, about feven miles from Gloucefler. 
 The church was quite full; about 2000 were in the church-yard, who, by 
 taking down the window that Jay behind the pulpit, had tiie conveni- 
 ency of hearing. Many wcptTorcly. After evening fervice I hafted 
 to Hampton-common, and, to my great furprizc, found no Jefs than 
 VOL. II. P 
 
114 Suceefs of the Cofpel in England Book IV. 
 
 20,000 ready to hear me. New ftrength was imparted to me from a- 
 bove. I fpoke with greater freedom than I had done all the day before. 
 About twelve at night I reached Gloucefler much freflier [to my appre- 
 henlion] than when I left it in the morning. " Surely Jefus Chrift is 
 a gracious Mafter. They that wait upon him fliall renew their ftrength." 
 Monday, July 2. Preached this morning in my brother's field to a larger 
 
 audience than ever. -Found my fpirits much exhaufted by yefter- 
 
 day's labours, but notwithilanding a fweet power was amongft us. 
 
 Briftol, July 7. Preached at Baptifl Mills, and found that Briftol 
 had great realbn to blcfs God for the miniftry of Mr. J. Wefley. — The 
 Congregation I obferved to be much more fcrious and affedled than 
 
 when I left them. x'\nd the exemplarinefs of their converfation in 
 
 common life, plainly fhews that they have not received the grace of God 
 in vain. 
 
 Tuefday, July 10. Dined today with my honoured felloii^-labourer, 
 Mr. Welley, and many other friends at Two-Mile-Hill in Kingf- 
 wood^ and preached afterwards to feveral thoufand people, and 
 colliers, in the fchool-houfe, which has been carried on fo fuccefjfully, 
 
 that the roof is ready to be put up. The defign I think is good. 
 
 Old as well as young are to be inftrufted. A great and a vifible alte- 
 ration is made in the behaviour of the colliers. Inftead ofcurfmgand 
 fwearing, they are heard to ilng hymns about the woods: and the 
 
 rifing generation, I hope, will be a generation of chrilHans. They 
 
 feem much affeftcd by the word. They melt in tears, and are ob- 
 ferved to attend the churches and focieties when*' Mr. Wefley isabfent 
 from them. The profpeft of their future welfarefilledme with joy. 
 
 Saturday, July 2 i . Preached in the evening to upwards of ten thou- 
 fand at Kcnnington-common. The poor fouls were ready to leap 
 
 fop joy at my return amongfl: them. The word funk deep into their 
 
 hearts. Great numbers melted into tears, and my own heart over- 
 flowed with love towards them. BlefTed be God for what has been 
 
 done here, iince I left London, by my honoured friend and fellow-la- 
 bourer, Mr. Charles "Wefley. Surely we can fee the fruits of our 
 labours. All love, ail glory be to God, for giving fo great an increafe. 
 
 July, 22. Received a letter from Mr. Ralph Erflcine of Scotland- 
 Some may be oiFended at my correfponding with him, but I dare not 
 but confefs my Lord's difciples. 
 
 July 23. My friend, Mr. William Seward received a letter from his 
 brother, in which was the following paragraph : ,*' The old clerk at 
 Breferton, whom I before fpoke of, having heard Mr. Whitefield at 
 Badfey, was fo affefted, that he told me, he could have no reft in his 
 fpirit; but after fearchingth€ church-homilies, articles, &c. and finding 
 the dc<Sl:rine every way agreeable to them, he met with the landlord of 
 Contercup, who difcourling about Mr. Whitefield, told him, he had 
 fome old books, that fct forth the very fame doflrine. Soon after this 
 he wen(t to work, being a taylor by trade, and aflcing for one of thefe 
 books, the others being lent out, he faid, he had not read above a page 
 or two, before the truth broke in upon his foul like lightening. He faid, 
 he could not go on with his work with any fatisfa(5lion, but his fingers 
 
chap. 4. »« the eighteenth Century. 1 1 j 
 
 itched to be at his book again, which the man lent him home with him ; 
 a few days after, he got the other, which fo ftrengthened and confirmed 
 him, that he could lay his life down in defence of the truth as it is in 
 Jefus. He fays the gofpel appears to him, as though he had never read 
 a line in it before ; and it is a greater miracle to him, that he, an old 
 finner, with one foot in the grave, fhould be called at thefc years, thani 
 if hehadfecn the dead raifed. — He always, by what I can learn, bore a fair 
 charadter, and was efteemed by his neighbours, but now threatened with 
 the lofs of his bread, for coming toBadfey fociety,and declaring his tef- 
 timony to the truth of Mr. Whitefield's do(Slrine,or rather,! Ihould fay, 
 the doiftrine of the gofpel. The books he met with are very old, and, he 
 fays, were thrown by as wafte paper, whereby the Contercup man met 
 with them, and they feemed very providentially referved for his ufe*." 
 
 Augull 15. On board theihipbound to Philadelphia. Began to put 
 thofe of my family, who I thought were prepared for it, into bands. 
 
 In all we are eight men, four women, one boy, and two children, 
 
 beiides Mr. Seward and my felf. The converfion of one of the men 
 
 was particularly remarkable. Not long fince he was a mafter of a 
 
 fhip, which v.'as loft near the gulph of Florida. Providence was 
 
 pleafed to throw him and his crew upon a fand-bank, where they 
 continually expected the waters to overwhelm them. At the end of 
 
 ten days they faw a iliip, and made a fignal of diftrefs. The Ihip 
 
 made towards them ; the captain (now with me) went out with his 
 
 boat, and begged for apalfage for himfelf and men. It was granted 
 
 him, on condition he would leave fome of his crew behind upon the 
 fand-bank, but he would not confent. At length the other com- 
 mander agreed to take all. But as foon as ever my friend put 
 
 off his boat to fetch them, the commander of the fhip made fail and 
 
 left them. All this feemed quite againft; but in the end God 
 
 fhewed it was intended for the good of my fi^iend. After thirty 
 
 days continuance upon the fand-bank, having fitted up the boat with 
 fome planks they had took o\it of a flaip which had been loft five months 
 before, nine of them committed themfelvcs to the providence of God. 
 
 The others cared not to venture themfelves in fo fmalla boat. 
 
 Having failed about 140 leagues, they at length came to Tyby 
 
 ifland, ten miles off Savannah. An inhabitant being near that 
 
 place, efpied them, and brought them home with him. Being 
 
 then in Georgia, and informed of what had happened, I^nvited the 
 captain t® breakfaft with me, and reminded him of the goodnefs of 
 
 God. He then feemed ferious, and coming very providentially 
 
 in the fame fhip with me, when I returned to England, God was 
 pleafed to work more eftedtually upon his foul, and he is now re- 
 turned with me to Georgia again. 
 
 Oftober 3. About five in the evening, we landed at Lewis Town, fi^- 
 tuated in the Southern part of the province of Penfilvania. We had 
 not been long in the inn, but two or three of the chief inhabitants be- 
 ing apprized of my arrival, came and fpent the evening with us, and de? 
 
 a One of them was Bolton's Direftions, of whom fee Vol, i. page ijj, Tf^ ofhcr* 
 ioicq Pieces of Daniel Pykes, B,D. printed 1617. 
 
1 1 6 Succefs efthc Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 fired me to give them ■?. fcrmon on the morro\v. We flipped very 
 
 comfortably together, and after prayers, and finging with the family, I 
 and my dear companions went to reft, admiring more and more the : 
 goodnefs and providence of the all-wife God. He is the great Houfc- 
 Jioldcr of the whole world; all places and perfons are fo many little 
 
 parts of his great family. 1 pray to him before I go, and I find in an- 
 
 fwer to my prayer, he always commands fome or other of his houlliold 
 
 to take care of, and provide for me. As here's the fame fun, fo here's 
 
 the fame Cod in America as in England. 1 blefsGod, all places are 
 
 equal to me, fo I am where Cod would have me to be* I hope I Ihall ne- 
 ver account myfelf at home, till I arrive at my heavenly Father's houfe 
 
 above. However, I deiirc patiently to tarry till my blelFed change 
 
 comes. Heaven will be doubly fweet when I am worn out with diftrelles 
 for the fake of Jefus Chrjll:. — ** Lord, grant I may continually be look- 
 ing up to the glory which is to be revealed hereafter, and then deaj 
 with me as it feemeth good in thy fight, during my pilgrimage here." 
 
 If rough and thorny be my way, 
 
 My ftrength proportion to my day ; 
 
 'Till toil and grief, and pain fhall ceafe, 
 
 Where all is calm, and joy and peace ! 
 New Brunfwick in America, Nov. 20. Preached about noon, for 
 n«ar two hours, in worthy Mr. Tennent's meeting-houfe, to a large af- 
 fembly gathered together from all parts ; and amongfi: them, as Mr. 
 Tennent told me, there was a great body of folid Chrifiians. About 
 three in the afternoon, I preached again, and at feven J baptized two chil- 
 dren, and preached a third time with greater freedom than at either of 
 the former opportunities. — -It is impofTible to tell with what pleafure 
 |:he children of God heard thofe truths confirmed by a miniftcr of the 
 church of England, w^hich for many years have been preached to them 
 
 by their own pafl:or. Mr. Tennent's oppofcrs mouths were ftopt, 
 
 feveral were brought under ftrong convictiops, and our Lord's dear dif- 
 
 ciples were ready to leap for joy. Among others that came to hear 
 
 the word, were feveral minill:ers whom the Lord has been pleafed to ho- 
 nour, in making inftruments of bringing many fons to glory. One was 
 a Dutch minifter, named Freeling Houfen, pafior of a congregation a- 
 bout four miles off New Brunfwick ; he is a worthy foldier of Jefus 
 Chrift, and was the beginner of the great work which I trufi: the Lorcj 
 
 is carrying on in thefe parts. He has been ftrongly oppofed by 
 
 fome perfons, but God has always appeared for him in a furpri/.ing 
 manner, and made him more than conqueror through his love. — He 
 has long fince learnt to fear him only who can deflroy both body and 
 foul in hell. — Another was one Mr. Crofs, minifler of a congregation 
 at Barking-bridge, about twenty miles from Brunfwick. — A moft re- 
 markable out-pouring of the Spirit has been frequently feen in his af- 
 
 fembly, for which he has been oppofed much by natural men. He 
 
 himfelf told me of many wonderful eife£ts, and fudden converfions that 
 
 had been wrought by the Lord under his miniftry. For fome time 
 
 tight or nine ufed to come to him together, in deep diftrefs of foul ; 
 and I think he faid, three hundred of his congregation, "^vhich is not 
 
chap. 4» »" the eighteenth Century. t t 7 
 
 very large, were efTci^ually brought home to Chiift'. lie indeed is one 
 
 who I believe would rejoice to futler for the Lord Jtfus. Oh ! that 
 
 I may be like-minded ! — A third miniller was one Mr. Campbell, who 
 has been a preacher oF the doctrines of grace for thcfe four years, \\ as 
 a regular moral liver, and accounted a very good man, but within thcfe 
 few months, being convinced of fin, and that he knew nothing experi- 
 mentally of Jefus Chrift, though he had pretended to preach him fo 
 long, after many ftruggles with himfclf, he told the fynod he wasuir- 
 converted, and therefore dared not preach till he was. [See the right 
 
 determination of this quellion in a parallel cafe, page 120.] He has 
 
 laboured under great difhefs of foul. By Ibme he is looked upon. 
 
 as melancholy, and befides himfelf ; but I had much difcourfc \\ ith him, 
 and really believe thefe humiliations will prepare him for great and e- 
 
 niinent fervices in the church of God. His cafe puts me in mind of 
 
 profelfor Frank, who being on Ealter-day to preach on the nature of di- 
 vine faith, and finding he had not tl^at faith himfcjf, was convifted by 
 God of his unregenerate ftate, upon which he ran into the woods, was 
 there deeply humbled, and at lafi became a moll: exalted infiance of 
 faith. At our perfuafion, Mr. Campbell promifed to preach next Sun- 
 day. November 21. Mr. Rowland, another faithful miniller of Jefus 
 
 Chrift, gave us the meeting. He has been a preacher about two years, 
 
 has went about doing good, and had many feals to his miniftry. • 
 
 ]\Iuch of the fimplicity of Chrift was difcernible in his behaviour. 
 
 November 22. Set out for Nefhamini (twenty miles diftant from 
 Trent Town) where old Mr. Tennent lives, and keeps an academy, and 
 where I was to preach to day, according to appointment. 'We. found 
 above three thoufand people gathered together in the meeting-houfe 
 yard; and Mr. William Tennent, an eminent fervant of Jefus Chrift, 
 preaching to them, becaufe we had ftayed beyond the time appointed. 
 When I came up, he foon ftopped, and fung a pfalm, and then I began 
 
 to fpeak as the Lord gave me utterance.- At firft the people feemed 
 
 %inalfe^ed, but in the midft of my difcourfe, the power of the Lord Je- 
 fus came upon me, and I felt fuch a ftruggling within myfelf for the 
 
 people, as I fcarce ever felt before. The hearers began to be melted 
 
 down immediately; and we had reafon to hope the Lord intended 
 good for many. After I had finiflied, Mr. Gilbert Tennent gave a word 
 of exhortation to confirm what had been delivered. At the end of his 
 ^ifcourfe, we fung a pfalm, and then difmiffed the people with a blef- 
 fing. Oh that the Lord may fay amen to it ! — After our exercifcs were 
 pver, we went to old Mr. Tennent, who entertained us like one of the 
 ancient patriarchs. His wife to me feemed like Elizabeth, and he like 
 Zachary ; both as far as I can find, walk in all the ordinances and com^ 
 mandments of the Lord blamelefs. — Tho' God was pleafed to humble 
 my foul, fo that I was obliged to retire for a while, yet we had fweet 
 communion with each other, and fpent the evening in concerting what 
 
 a Near the end of this fifth Journal (from 
 which this paflage is taken) Mr. Whiteficld 
 fays, " Except Northampton in New-Eng- 
 land, the work of cpnvcrfion has not been 
 
 carried on vith fo miicii power in any parts 
 of America, that I can hear of, as under the 
 miniftry of MclFrs. Tennent, Crofs, and the 
 Other labourers bcfore-mcntiopcd." 
 
1 1 8 Succefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 meafures had beft be taken for promoting our dear Lord's kingdom. 
 It happens very providentially, that Mr. Tennent and his brethren are 
 appointed to be a prefbytery by the fynod, fo that they intend breeding 
 up gracious youths, and fending them out from time to time into our 
 Lord's vineyard. 
 
 Philadelphia, Nov. 25. After I had done preaching, a young gentle- 
 man, once a minifter of the church of England, but now fecrelary to 
 Mr. Penn, flood np with a loud voice, and warned the people againfl 
 the doftrine I had been delivering, urging, that there was no fuch term 
 as Imputed Righteoufnefs in holy fcripture; that fuch a do(flrine put a 
 flop to all goodnefs ; that we were to be judged for our good works and 
 obedience ; and were commanded to do and live. When he had end- 
 ed, I denied his firfl propofition, and brought a text to prove an Im- 
 puted Righteoufnefs was a fciiptural cxprefTion ; but thinking the 
 church was an improper place for difputation, I faid no more at that 
 time. The portion of fcripture appointed for the Epiflle, was Jerem. 
 xxiii. wherein were thefe words, " The Lord our Righteoufnefs." 
 Upon thefe I difcourfed in the afternoon, and fhewed how the Lord 
 Jelus was to be our whole Righteoufnefs. Proved how the contrary 
 doctrine overthrowed Divine Revelation. Anfwered the objections that 
 were made againft the doftrine of an Imputed Righteoufnefs. Produ- 
 ced the articles of our church to illuftrate it, and concluded with an ex- 
 hortation to all to fubmit to Jefus Ghrift, who is the end of the law for 
 Righteoufnefs, to every one that bclieveth. The verfes at the begin- 
 ning of the chapter out of which the text was taken, are very remark- 
 able, (Jer. xxiii. 1,2,3, 4-) God was pleafed to fulfil that promife in 
 
 me ; for, bleffed be his name, I was not difmayed. The word came 
 
 with power ; the church was thronged within and without, all wonder- 
 fully attentive, and many, as I was informed, convinced that the Lord 
 Chrifl; was our Righteoufnefs. 
 
 Philadelphia, November 28. Redeemed a little time before it was 
 light, to write a letter or two to my dear friends in England. I have 
 not had a moment's time before, fince my return from New-York. 
 People are continually coming in, and enquiring with flrong crying 
 and many tears how they muft come to Chrifl. It grieves me to fend 
 them away with fuch fliort anfwers. 
 
 I received the following letter from New-York. " R. D. S. I was 
 heartily forry that the diforder of a cold fliould hinder me from wait- 
 ing upon you in the Jerfeys: but am in hopes it was ordered by Divine 
 Providence for the bell. I found the next day, that you had left the 
 town under a deep and univerfal concern : many were greatly aflefted, 
 
 and I hope abiding impreflions are left upon fome. Some that were 
 
 before very loofe and profligate, look back with fliame upon their paft 
 lives and converfations, and feem refolved upon a thorough reforma- 
 tion. 1 mention thefe things to flrengthen you in the bleffed caufe 
 
 you are engaged in, and fupport you under your abundant labours. — 
 "When I heard fo maay were concerned for their eternal welfare, I ap- 
 pointed a leflure on Wednefday evening, though it was not an ufual 
 feafon. And though the warning was fhQrt, we had a numerous and 
 
Chap. 4. »>' the eighteenth Century. 1 19 
 
 attentive audience. In fhort, I cannot but hop« your coming 
 
 among us has been the means of awakening fomc among us to a feri- 
 ous fenfe of practical religion, and may be the beginning of a good 
 
 work in thisfecure and finful place. Dear Sir, Let your prayers be 
 
 joined with mine for this defirablc blelFmg. I defirc your prayers for 
 me in particular, that I may be faithful in my Maftcr's work; that I 
 may be an inArument in the hands of Chrilt of pulling down the 
 llrong holds of iln and Sitan, and building the Redeemer's kingdom 
 in this place, &c. Your afTe«Slionate Brother, E. Pemderton. 
 
 Williamlburg, Dec. 1 5. Paid my refpecls to Mr. Blair the commif- 
 fary of Virginia. His difcourfe was faVoury, fuch as tended to the ufe 
 of edifying. He received me with joy, alked me to preach, and wifhed 
 my flay was to be longer. 
 
 1740. 
 
 His Succcfs in America. At Charles-Town. Savannah. Phi- 
 ladelphia. Nejhamini. Nottinghayn. ^og^s Mannor. ■ 
 
 Bajhinridge. Bojlon^ <bc. 
 
 Charleftoun, March 18. I believe a good work is begun in many fouls. 
 Generally every day feveral came to me, telling me with weeping eyes^ 
 how God had been pleafed to convince them by the word preached, and 
 how defirous they were of laying hold on and having an intereft in the 
 complete and everlafting rightcoufnefs of the Lord Jefu5 Chrift. Num- 
 bers defired privately to converfe with me. Invitations were given 
 
 me from fome of the adjacent villages; and people daily came to towi> 
 more and more from their plantations to hear the word. 
 
 Sunday, March 30. At Savannah found myfelf very iick and weak In> 
 body ; but was i^rengthened notwithftanding, to go through moft of 
 the duties of the day, and to take an afFeftionate leave of my dear pa- 
 rilhioners, becaufe it appeared that providence called me at this time 
 towards the northward. An unfpeakable trouble of foul did I feel mod 
 part of the day, and was enabled to wrcftle with my Lord in behalf of 
 the people in general, and thofe belonging to the Orphan-Houfe in par- 
 ticular. BlefTed be God he has already, I truft, in a great mcafure, heard 
 fuch prayers. Allthingsbelongingtothe Orphan-Houfe fucceed beyond 
 €xpe£lation, and fome of my little ilock have lately (as far as I can judge} 
 been efFedlually called of God. One woman, that had been a conftant 
 attender on the means of grace, and thought herfelf a Chrillian for ma- 
 ny years, came to mc acknowledging, that (l\e had been a felf-dcceiver, 
 and knew nothing of the rightcoufnefs or true living faith in Jefus 
 Chrift. A tradefman of the fame ftamp, has felt the power of the doc- 
 trines of grace. A captain of a fliip, who had been a ftrong oppofer of 
 the truth, wrote and came to me under great convi<5lions, confefling 
 his fin, and defirous to be a Chriftiaii indeed. Some others alfo there 
 are who have received the love of God in the truth of it. So that I 
 hope, if ten faints could preferve Sodom, the few righteous fouls left 
 
 behind, will prevent the utter defolation of declining Savannah.- 
 
 ** Blefled Jefus ! let our extremity be thy opportunity." 
 
 Philadelphia, April 14. O how did fome here comfort my heart with 
 
120 Succefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV, 
 
 tiieaccount of what God had done for their own and many other people's 
 fouls, by the doftrine I had delivered when here laft. A minifter in par- 
 ticular, who has been made inftrumental to water whtt God had plant- 
 ed, recounted to inc many noble inftances of God's power of free-grace, 
 ihewn in the convidl:ion and converfion of fome minifters, as well as 
 common people. — Oh that the Lord may revive his work in themidft 
 of the years. Thurfday April 1 7. Preached at Abingdon, a diflrift un- 
 der the care of one Mr. Treat (a diffenting minifter) to whom God has 
 
 been pleafed lately to fliew mercy. He has been a preacher of the 
 
 doftrines of grace for fome years; but was deeply convinced, when I 
 
 was here lart, that he had not experienced them in his heart. And 
 
 foon after I went away, he attempted to preach, but could not. He 
 therefore told his congregation, how miferably he had deceived both 
 
 hinifelf and them ; and delired them to pray for him. Ever iince, he* 
 
 has continued to feek Jefus Chrifl forrowing, and is now under deep 
 
 convi<ftions, and a very humbling fenfeoffiii. He preaches asufual, 
 
 though he has not a full affurance of faith ; becaufe he faid it was beft 
 to be found in the w^iy of duty. I believe God is preparing him for 
 great fervices. I obferved a great prefence of God in our alTembly, and 
 the word, as I was informed afterwards, came with a foul-convi6Ving 
 and comforting power to many. When I had done, I hafted to Phi- 
 ladelphia, where I preached to upwards often thoufand people, upon 
 
 the woman that was cured of her bloody iffue. Hundreds 1 found, 
 
 were gracioiifly melted; and many, I hope, not only thronged round, 
 but alfo touched the Lord Jefus Chrifl: by faith. Near ten came to me 
 after fc rmon, under deep convictions, and could tell me the time when, 
 and m.nnner how the Lord Jefus made himfelf manifell: to their fouls. — 
 AVhat gives me greater hopes that this work is of God, is, becaufe thefe 
 conviftions have remained on many ever fince I was here laft. Some 
 have not only righteoufnefs and peace, but alfo joy in the Holy Ghoft. 
 
 Wedncfday, April 23. Reached Nediamini near three in the after- 
 noon, and preached to upwards of five thoufand people in old Mr. 
 Tenncnt's meeting-houfe yard. When I came there, my body, thro' 
 heat and labour, was fo weak and faint, that my knees fmote one againft 
 another, and I was I'eady to drop down as foon as I had finilhed my 
 prayer. But God was pleafed to revive me. A very great commotion 
 was in the hearts of the hearers. Great numbers were much melted ; 
 and one in particular, after fermon, came to me, crying, " You have 
 brought me under deep conviflions, what fhall I do to be faved ! " I 
 gave him the Apoftle's anfwer : " Believe on the Lord Jefus, and thou 
 h^alt be faved." Upwards of fifty, I hear, have been lately convifled 
 
 about this place.- " The Lord grant his arrows may ftick faft in them 
 
 till they have got a clofmg intereft with Jefus Chrift." For many, I 
 find, " receive the word with joy for a feafon, but having no true root 
 in themfelves, foon fall away." Better were it for them that always 
 continue -thus, that they had never been convicted at all. " Lord, have 
 mercy on thefe and fuch-like unhappy apoftates, and let them be re- 
 newed again unto repentance! " Amen and Amen. 
 
 New Brunfwick, April 27. Was told laft night by Mr. Gilbert Ten- 
 
Chap. 4' in the etghteentB'Cetttury. I2i 
 
 nent, of two that were favingly brought home by my minlrtry when' 
 here laft. April 28. Took a lorrowful leave of captain Gladman, and 
 my dear brother and fellow-traveller Mr. Seward, whom I have dif- 
 patched to England to bring me over a fellow-labourer, and to tjanf- 
 aft feveral affairs of importance. Captain Gladman is the pcrfon men- 
 tioned in my lad: Journal, who was call away at thegulph of Florida, 
 and whom God made me an inftrumcnt of converting in my paflage to 
 England. Hitherto he has had the command of our floop : bur, be- 
 ing obliged to difpatch him on bufinefs to England, I have now commit- 
 ted the care of the floop to his mate, whom God was pleafcd to bring 
 home to himfelf when I was lafl: at Philadelphia. Not lohg lince h^ was 
 an abandoned prodigal, and ring-leader in vice; but God flruck him to 
 the heart. Captain Gladman had prayed that God would fend him a 
 mate. This young man came and oliered himfelf; the captain hired 
 him ; and now, I believe, he is a child of God. Numbers at Philadel- 
 phia cannot but fee the new creature in him. 
 
 New- York, April 29. I met with Mr. William Tennent, who re- 
 frefhed my heart, by telling me what the Lord was doing for num- 
 bers of fouls in the highlands, where he had lately been. 
 
 Thurfday, May i. Went in a ferry this morning, over to Flat-Bufh 
 on Long-Ifland; on the eafl: part of which, God has lately begun a 
 mofl glorious work, by the miniftry of two young Prclbyterian mi- 
 nifters, who have walked in an uncommon light of God's counte- 
 nance for a long while together. " Profpfr thou O Lord, more and' 
 more the work of their hands • 
 
 Philadelphia, May 8- Was called up early in the morning to fpeak 
 to poor fouls under convictions. The firll, I think, was an Indian 
 trader, whom God was pleafed to bring home by my preaching when 
 here laft. The account he gave of God's dealings with him was very 
 
 fatisfadlory. He is juft come from the Indian nation, where he has 
 
 been praying with and exhorting all he met, that were willing to hear: 
 fome of the Indians he had hopes of; but his fellow-traders endeavou- 
 red to prejudice them againll him. tfowever, he propofes viiiting 
 them again at the Fall. Converfcd alfo with a poor negroe woman, who 
 has been vifited in a very remarkable manner. God was pleafcd to 
 convert her by my preaching the laft Fall; but being under dejeCHon' 
 on Sabbath morning, Ihe prayed that falvation might come to her 
 heart, and that the Lord would be picafed to manifeft himfelf to her 
 
 foul that day. Whilft ftie was at meeting, hearing one Mr. M n, 
 
 whom the Lord has been pleafed lately to fend forth, the \\H)rd came 
 with fuch power upon her heart, that at laft Ihe was obliged to cry out ; 
 and fuch a great concern alfo fell upon many in the congregation, 
 that feveral betook themfelves to fecrct prayer. The miniftcr ftcpped, 
 and feveral perfwaded her to hold her peace : but the glory of the 
 Lord Ihone fo brightly round about her, that fhe could not helpprai' 
 fmg and blefling God, and telling how God was revealing himfelf to 
 her foul. 
 
 Philadelphia, May 11. After I had taken my leave, many came to 
 9)y lodgings, I believe near 50 negroes came to give me thanks, uncf'^r 
 VOL. IL Q, 
 
122 ^nccefs of the Cofpel in America Book I V^ 
 
 God, for what had been done for their fouls. Some of them have 
 been eire(ftually wrought upon, and in an uncommon manner. Many 
 
 ©f them have now begun to learn to read. And one that was free, 
 
 faid Ihe would give me her two children, whenever I fettle my fchool. — 
 I intended, had time permitted, to have fettled a fociety for ncgroe 
 men and negroe women. But that rauft be deferred till it (liall pleafe God 
 to bring me to Philadelphia again. \ have been much drawn out in 
 prayer for them, and have feen them exceedingly wrought upon under 
 
 the word preached. 1 cannot well exprefs how many others of all 
 
 forts came to give me a laft farewell. And indeed I never yet faw 
 a more general awakening in any place. Many of the Quakers have 
 been convinced of the righteoufnefs of JefusChrill ; and openly profefs 
 the truth as it is in Jefus ; for which I believe they will Ihortly be 
 thruft out of their fynagogues. 
 
 Tuefday, May 13. Preached at Willingtown. After fermon I rode 
 towards Nottingham with Mr. Tennent, Mr. Craghcad and Mr. Blair, 
 all worthy miniftersof the dear Lord Jefus. The laft has been remar- 
 kably owned of God. Many others belonging to Philadelphia accom- 
 panied us, and we rode through the woods, moft fweetly finging and 
 praifing God. AV"e were all rejoiced to fee our dear Lord's kingdom 
 come with viflble power, and endeavoured to ftrengthen one another 
 againfl: a fulTering time fhould come. 
 
 Nottlngl^am, May 14. I was invited thither by fome of the inhabi- 
 tants, who had a good work begun amongft them, fome time ago, by 
 the miniflry of Mr. Blair, MelTrs. Tennentsand Mr. Crofs, the kit of 
 which had been denied the ufe of the pulpit, and was obliged to preach 
 in the woods, where the Lord manifefted forth his glory, and caufed 
 many to cry out, '* What (hall we do to be faved ? " It furprizcd me 
 to fee fuch a great multitude gathered together, at fo fhort a warning, 
 and in fuch a defart place. I believe there were near 12,000 hearers, 
 I had not fpoke long, but I perceived numbers melting. As I proceed- 
 (cd, the power increafed, till at laft, both in the morning and after- 
 noon, thoufands cried out, fo that they almoft drowned my voice„ 
 !Never before did I fee a more glorious fight ! Oh what flrong cryings 
 
 and tears were fhed and poured forth after the dear Lord Jefus. 
 
 Some fainted ; and when they had got a little ftrength, they would 
 hear and faint again. Others ciicd out in a manner, almoft, as if they 
 were in the fharpeft agonies of death ! I think 1 never was myfelf filled 
 with greater power. After I had finiflied my laft difcourfe, I was fo 
 pierced, as it were, and overpowered with God's love, that fome 
 thought (I believe) that I was about to give up the ghoft. 
 
 Thurfday, May 15. Preached at Fog's Mannor, about three miles 
 from Mr. Blair's houfc ; where I was earnellly invited to come, by 
 him. And here alfo the Lord was pleafed to caufe much of his glory 
 to pafs before us. The congregation was about as large as that yefter- 
 day at Nottingham. As great, if not a greater commotion was in the 
 hearts of the people. AtNewcaftle, gave a word of advice, and pray- 
 ed with feveral, who came many miles under violent conviftions. 
 May, 19. On board the fhip. "Was much refrelhcd to-day by reading 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. 1 j 4 
 
 the journal of an Indian trader mentioned a little before, and coulcj 
 not but think God would open a door for preaching the gofpel among 
 the Alleganian Indians. I wrote them a letter, wherein I laid down the 
 principles of our holy religion, told them the promifes of the gofpel, 
 that had cfpecial reference to them, and cautioned them againlt fuch 
 things, which I thought might be an hindcrance to their embracing 
 Chriftianity. The head or chief of them is well inclined. 
 
 Charleftoun, July 20. Bleffed be God for fending mc once morea- 
 mong this people. Though the heat of the weather and frequency of 
 preaching, have perhaps given an irrecoverable Itroke to the health of 
 my body; yet, I rejoice, knowing it has been for the convi(5lion, and 
 I believe converfion of many a foul. " Glory be to God on high." 
 Numbers are feeking after Jefus. And two or three gracious dilfenting 
 minifters, by my advice, agreed to fet up a weekly leflure. " May the 
 Lord be with both miniftcrs and people, and caufe them to preach and 
 hear as becometh the gofpel of Chrift." What makes the change more 
 remarkable in Charleftoun people is, that they feemed to be a people 
 "wholly devoted to pleafure. One well acquainted with their circum- 
 ftances and manners told me, more had been annually fpent on po* 
 lite entertainments than the poor's-rate came to. But now an alteration 
 Is di{cernlble in the ladies drefs : the rooms that were ufually employed 
 for balls and affemblies, are now turned into fociety-rooms. But, I 
 hope, the reformation has went further than externals. Many who be- 
 fore were fettled on their lees, have been glorioufly awakened to feek 
 after Jefus Chrili. And many a Lydia's heart hath the Lord opened 
 to receive the things that were fpoken. Indeed the word often came 
 like a hammer and a fire. And a door, I believe, will be opened for 
 teaching the poor Negroes. Sevcralof them have done their work in left 
 time than ufual, that they may come to hear me. Many of their owners> 
 who have been awakened, refolve to teach them. Had I time, and pro- 
 per fchoolmafters, I might immediately ered a Negro-fchool in South 
 Carolina, as well as Penfyh'ania. Many would willingly contribute botb 
 money and land. 
 
 Auguft 24. Being but weak in body (except on Sundays) I have 
 
 preached only once every day: but I hope with fuccefs. 1 fcarc6 
 
 know the time, wherein I did not fee a confiderable melting in fome 
 part or other of the congregation, and often It fpread over all the party 
 of it. Several times I was fo weak before I began to preach, that I 
 thought it almoft impoUible I fliould go through half the difcowrfe. 
 But the Lord quickened, enlightened, and fupported me above mea- 
 fure. Out of weaknefs I became ftrong, and the Lord manifeiled hira- 
 felf in the fan(ftuary. 
 
 New-Port, Rhode-Ifland, Sept. 15. Breakfaftcd this morning with 
 old Mr. Clap, and was much edified by his converfation. I could not 
 but think, whilft at his table, that I was fitting with one of the patri- 
 archs.^ He is full of days, a batchelor, and has been miniftcr of a con- 
 gregation in Rhode-Ifland upwards of 40 years. People of all deno- 
 minations, I find, refpe(5t him. He abounds in good works, gives alt 
 
 0.3 
 
124 Succefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV, 
 
 away, and is wonderfully tender of little children; many of different 
 periuafions come to be inftriifted by him. 
 
 BolVon, Saturday Sept. 20. Was fweetly refrefhed with feveral pack- 
 ets of letters Vent to me from different parts in England and America, 
 giving me an account of the fuccefs of the gofpel. Monday, Sept. 22. 
 Preached this morning at Mr. Webb's meeting-houfe to fix thoufand 
 hfarcrs in the houfe, befides great numbers flanding about the doors. 
 The prefence of the Lord was amongft them. Look where I would a- 
 round me, vifible impreifions were made upon the auditory. Mofl wept 
 for a confiderable time; and fometime after I received a letter wherein 
 were thefe words: " But what I muft give the preference to was that 
 gracioiis feafon at the New North the Monday following, where there 
 was more bf the prefence of God through the whole vifitatlon than ever 
 i hadlcnown at one time through the whole courfe of my life. Juftly 
 might it have been faid of that place, " it was no other than the houfe of 
 God and the gate of Heaven !" Indeed my own foul was fo deeply abafed 
 and overwhelmed with fuch unufual meltings that I could have been 
 glad of fome private corner in that houfe to pour out my foul, without 
 diiiurbunce to the audience. The Spirit of God, feemed to be moving 
 upon the face of the waters at that time, and who knows, but that to 
 a great many fouls, God was pleafed to fay, " Let there be light, and 
 there v.cs light." 
 
 Tuefday, September 23. "Went this morning with Dr. Colman and 
 /the fecretary to Roxbury, three milcs'from Bofton, to fee the rev. Mr. 
 V»^aitcr, a good old puritan, who, with his predeceffor the rev. Mr. El- 
 liot, commonly called the apoftle of the Indians, now with God, has 
 been paftor of that congregation an hundred and fix years. 
 
 Thurfday, Sept. 25. Preached the weekly-letfture at Mr. Foxcroft's 
 meeting-houfe. Herey the Lord was pleaied to enable me, feelingly, 
 to talk of my dearefl Saviour's love, and I afterwards found that one 
 ftranger in particular, was in all probability effeftually convinced by that 
 morning's fermon. After public worfhip, I went, at his excellency's in- 
 vitation, and dined with the governor. Mofl of the minillers of the 
 town were invited with mei Before dinner, the governor fent for me i 
 \ip into his chamber : he wept,- wiflied me good luck in the name of the 
 Lord, and recommended himfelf, miniflers and people to my prayers. 
 
 Friday, Sept. 26. Preached in the morning at Roxbury from a little 
 afcent to many thoufand people, with much of the divine prefence a- 
 mongfl VIS. Several, I think, came afterwards to m.e, telling how they 
 "were flruck at that time under the word. Sept. 27. Preached in the 
 morning at Mr. Welftead's meeting-houfe, and in the afternoon on the 
 common to about fifteen thoufand people. But oh how did the word 
 run ! After fermon, 1 vi/ited and prayed with two different perfons, and 
 theri went home to my lodgings. The power and prefence of the Lord 
 accop^panied and followed me. Many now wept bitterly^ and cried out 
 under the word like perfons that were really hungering and thirfting af- 
 ter righteoufnefs; and after I left them, God gave me to wreflle with 
 him in my chamber, in behalf of fome dear friends then prcfent, and o- 
 thers that were abfent from us. Sept. 28. In the evening preached to a 
 
Chap. 4. i» the eighteenth Century. jj^ 
 
 grent number of Negroes on the conversion of the Ethiopian, A£is viii< 
 (at which the poor creatures, as well as many M'hite people, were much 
 affedted) and, at ray return, gave a word of exhortation to a crowd of 
 people, who were waiting at my lodgings. My animal fpirits were al- 
 moft exhaufted, and my legs, through expence of fweating and vomi- 
 ting, almoft ready to link under mc: but the Lord vifited my foul; 
 and I went to bed greatly refreflied with divine confolations. Sept. 29. 
 Rode to Salem, four miles from Marble-Head, and preached there alio 
 to about two thoufand. Here the Lord manifelled forth his glory. One 
 was, I believe, llruckdown by the power of the word. In every part of 
 the congregation, perfons might be feen under great concern ; and one 
 
 Mr. C k, a good minifter, as is granted by all lovers of God, feemcd 
 
 to be almoft: in heaven. 
 
 Portfmouth, 0(ft. i. Preached to a polite auditory, and fo very un- 
 concerned, that I began to qucltion whether I had been preaching to 
 rational or brute creatures. Seeing no immediate etfe(5ls of the word 
 preached, I was a little deje£led ; but God fent one young man to me, 
 crying out in great anguiih of fpirit, " What Ihall I do to be faved?" 
 Friday, 0(5l. 3. Preached this morning at Portfmoutli to a far greater 
 congregation than before. Ini\ead of preaching to dead ftocks, 1 had 
 now reafon to believe I was preaching to living men. People began to 
 melt foon after I began to pray, and the power encreafcd more and more 
 during the whole fermon. The word fecraed to pierce through and 
 through, and carried fuchconviftion along with it, that many, who 
 before had indulb ioufly fpoken evil of me, were alliamed of themfelves, 
 Mr. Shutlif, the miniftcr, afterwards wrote thus: '' You have left greae 
 numbers under deep impreflions, and I trxift in Cod, they v/ill not wear 
 off; but that the convictions of fome will be kept up and cheriflied, 
 till they have had their dellred cffeft." Amen and Amen. 
 
 Bofton, Oft. 8. Preached in Mr. Vvebb's meeting-houle, both morn- 
 ing and evening to very great auditories. Both times (efpecially in the 
 morning) Jefus Chrifl: manifefted forth his glory. Many hearts melted 
 within-them, and I think I never was fo drawn out to pray for and in- 
 vite little children to Jefus Chrifl, as I was this morning. A little be- 
 fore, I had heard of a child, who was taken lick juft after it had heard 
 me preach, and faid, " He would go to Mr. Whjtefield's God," and 
 died in a Ihort time. This encouraged me to fpeak to little ones. But, 
 oh how were the old people affedled, when I faid, " Little children, if 
 your parents will not come to Ghrift, do you come and go to heaven 
 without them." There feemed to be but few dry eyes. Look whera 
 I would, the word fmote them, I believe, through and through, and 
 my own foul was very much carried out. 
 
 October 9. A ticket was put up to me, wherein I was defired to pray 
 •*' for a perfon juft entered upon the miniftry ; but under apprehenfi- 
 ons that he was not converted." God enabled me to pray for him 
 with my whole heart. Od. 10. Buficd from the moment I rofe 'till I 
 went out, in anfwering poor fouls that came to me under great dif- 
 trefs. About nine went to Mr. Cooper over Charleftoun ferry, where 
 «! preached. Immediately after dinner we haft^d to Reading, twelve 
 
126 Succefs of the Cofpelin America Book IV. 
 miles from Charlelloun ; there I preached to many thoufands, and ob- 
 fervcd a confiderable moving in the congregation. Returned and Tup- 
 ped at Mr. R I's. Was weak, very weak in body. But was refrefh- 
 
 ed to hear of a poor girl, who was found fitting at tlie gate in the cold. 
 ^ Upon being examined by a truly experienced friend, he found fhe was 
 under very ftrong convidions, and had followed me from Roxbury. 
 She faid, " She wanted nothing but Chrift, and Chritt fhe would have." 
 *' BlelFcd are they who hunger and thirft after righteoufnefs, for they 
 ihall be filled." Lord let this promife be fulfilled in her heart ! " 
 
 Oiftobcr 1 1. One little girl, about eight years old, came to me under 
 deep concern. She, as her friends told, had been wreftling for Chrift, 
 and while fne was wreftling, it came to her mind, " That Jefus being in 
 an agony, prayed yet fo much the more earneftly, and that an angel 
 was fent from heaven to flrengthen him." This encouraged her to per- 
 fevere, and her foul foon received fome comfort. Another minifter's 
 daughter has been quite refllefs after Chrifl night and day. And a 
 young man about fourteen came to me crying and faying, " Sir, I am 
 convicted, but not converted ; Oh pray for me ! " 
 
 New-Haven, Ocl. 25. Was refreflied this morning by the fight of 
 3Mr. Jedediah Mills, a dear man of God, miniller at Ripton near Strat- 
 ford. He wrote to me fome time ago. I felt his letter, and now alfo 
 felt the man. My foul was much united to him. He has had a re- 
 markable work in his pariih fome time ago, and talked like one that 
 was no novice in divine things. With him I dined at the rev. Mr. C— 's 
 reftor of New-Haven college, about one third part as big as that of 
 Cambridge. It has one re^or, three tutors, and about an hundred 
 *ftudents. I preached twice to the confolation of God's people, many 
 of which I have heard, live at Hew-Haven, and the countries round a- 
 bout. There Vvcre fweet meltings difcernible both times. I fpoke to 
 the ftudents, and fliewed the dreadful ill confequences of an uncon- 
 verted miniflry. Dear Mr. Mills, when he took his leave, told me of 
 one minifler in particular, who had been wrought upon before, but 
 now was gone home as full as he could hold. " Oh that God may 
 quicken niinifters ! Oh that the Lord may make them a flaming fire \ 
 Come, Lord Jefus, come quickly." Amen and Amen. 
 
 Sunday, 0<5l-. 26. Preached both morning and evening to much lar- 
 ger congregations than before, and in the afternoon obferved an efpe- 
 cial prefcnce of God in the afTembly. After fermon I waited on the 
 governor: I obferved him to be much afFefted under the word. When 
 i came in, he faid, " I am glad. Sir, to fee you, and heartily glad to 
 hear you." His heart was fo full that he could not fpeak much. The 
 tears trickled down his aged checks like drops of rain. " He was thank- 
 ful to God, he faid, for fuch refrefhings in our way to our refl. Food 
 does us good, when we eat it with an appetite." " The Lord fupport 
 him, when his ftrength faileth him, and bring his grey hairs with com- 
 fort to the grave." About eight at night, we left New-Haven ; and, 
 after we had rode three miles, we arrived at a houfe, which, as a faith- 
 ful minifler told me before, was full of God. And my friends faid, at 
 departing, they were never in fuch a houfe before. Oh it was a fweet 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. \ij 
 
 time indeed ! God made his power to be fdt and known. After T had 
 given a word of exhortation, that they would ftiidy to adorn the gof- 
 pel of our Lord in all things, we went forward on our journey. 
 
 Stanford, 0(51. 29. Finding my heart much enlarged, I prayed. Moft 
 in the room were put under concern, and one old minifter was (o 
 deeply convifted, that calling Mr. "Noble and me out, with great di/ii- 
 culty, (becaufe of his weeping) he deiired our prayers : " For, fays he, 
 I have been a fcholar, and have preached the doctrines of grace a long 
 time; but I believe I have never felt the power of them in my own 
 foul ; " or words to that elTeft. I was much aiFciSted with his ingenuity, 
 and by prayer recommended him to God. 
 
 Here I think it proper to fet up my Ebenezer, before I enter into the 
 province of New -York, to give God thanks for fending me to Kew- 
 England. I have now had an opportunity of feeing the greateft and 
 moll populous part of it ; and, take it all together, it certainly, on many 
 accounts, exceeds all other provinces in America ; and, for the efta- 
 blifhment of religion, perhaps all other parts of the world. God has 
 remarkably, in fundry times, and in divers manners, poured out of bis 
 Spirit in feveral parts of both provinces ; and it often refreshed my 
 foul to hear of the faith of their good forefathers, who firrt fettled iii 
 thefe parts. Notwithllanding they had their foibles, furcly they were 
 a fet of righteous men. They followed our Lord's rule, *' Sought firft 
 the kingdom of God, and his righteoufnefs, and behold all other things 
 God added unto them." 
 
 Tuefday, Nov. 4. Preached at Staten-lfland to about three or four 
 hundred people. The Lord came amongfc them. One dear young 
 man, in particular, as tho' his very heart-firings would break, came to 
 me after fermon, with flrong cryings, and tears, befceching me, '' to 
 pray that he might be converted." Many others wept alfo, and feveral of 
 God's children felt the prefence of the dear Lord Jcfus in their hearts.. 
 Many of them rejoiced to fee me again. One grey-headed man came 
 and told me how God had brought him from darknefs to light, when I 
 was here lafl. My foul was alfo much refrellied with the fight of dear 
 Mr. Gilbert Tennent and Mr. Crofs. Mr. Tennent has been in the 
 Well Jerfeys and Maryland, and told me how God had remarkably 
 worked by his miniilry in many places. Mr. Crofs alfo has feen great 
 and wonderful things in his congregations, fo great, that when I came 
 to defire a particular account, he faid, " It direftly anfwered the ac- 
 count given by Mr. Edwards, of the work of God in Northampton," 
 Rode after fermon to Newark, about ten miles from Staten-lfland. 
 Preached to a confiderable congregation. Spent the remaining evenr 
 ing in hearing dear Mr. Tennent give an account of his late excurfion. 
 Oh he is a choice humble minifter of the gofpel ! " May I follow him, 
 as he docs Chrift." 
 
 Wednefday, Nov. 5. Got to Bafkinridge, the place where Mr. Croft 
 exercifes his ftated miniflry. At the houfe where I waited in the way, 
 a woman fpoke to me under flrong convictions. In prayer, I perceiv- 
 ed my foul drawn out, and a flirring of affe<flion among the people. I 
 had not difcourfe4 long, when the coDgregatioi; cieked into tears. This 
 
128 Succefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 abated for a few moments, till a little boy about feven or eight years of 
 age cried out exceeding piteoufly indeed, and wept as though his little 
 heart would break. IMr. Crofs having compaiiion on him, took him up 
 into the waggon, which To affefted me, that I broke from my difcourfe, 
 and told the people, " The little boy Ihould preach to them, and that 
 God, fince old profefTors were not concerned, had difplayed his fove- 
 reignty, and out of an infant's mouth was perfcfting praife." God {b 
 bleffed this, that an univcrfal concern fell on the congregation again. 
 At length I concluded, and as I was going away, I alkcd the little 
 boy, " ^V'hat he cried for ? " He anfwered, " His fins." I then alkcd, 
 *M\"har he wanted?" He anfwered, " Chrili." As I palled along, 
 frelh infiances of God's power presented themfelves to my view. Many 
 fuourning after Jefus- that would not be comforted. After fermon, 
 Mr. Crofs gave notice of an evening ledlure in his barn, about two 
 miles off. Thither we went, and a great multitude followed. Mr. Gil- 
 bert Tennent preached iirfl, and that excellently well upon the necefli- 
 ty and benefit of fpiritual defcrtions. I then prayed and gave a word of 
 exhortation. The Lord's prefencc attended it. One could fcarcefu- 
 ftain the difcovcry that Jefus Chrill made of himfelf to his foul. O- 
 thers were fo earneft for a difcovcry of the Lord to their fouls, that 
 their eager crying obliged me to f^op, and I prayed over them as I faw 
 their agonies and diflrefs increafe. At length vv^e fung a hymn, and then 
 retired to the houfe where the man that received Chrill continued till 
 near midnight, talking of and praifing, " his fweet Chrill, his free- 
 hearted Ghrifl." &c. A gracious woman, who had been wreftling 
 with God for a difplay of his power, was fo overcome with a fenfe of 
 his goodnefs, that ft"ve almoft l\voon'd away. And at length, my foul 
 was fo full that I retired, and wept before the Lord, under a deep 
 fenfe of my vilenefs, and the fovcrcignty and greatnefs of God's ever- 
 lafiing love. Mofl of the people fpent the remainder of the night in 
 prayer and praifes. Two or three young miniflers fpoke alternately, 
 and others prayed as the Lord gave them utterance. It was a night 
 much to be remember'd! " May the Lord make us mindful of it to 
 the day of our death." 
 
 Friday, November/. Had fome thoughts of going to Freehold and 
 Shrewsbury, but was prevented by the coming of Mr. AV'illiam Ten- 
 nent, whom I wanted to confult about his brother Gilbert's going to 
 Bofton, in order to help in carrying on the woiTc of God in New-Eng- 
 land. After prayer, and fome arguments pro and con, we thought 
 it the will of God that Mr. Gilbert Tennent fhould go to Boflon. He 
 (diffident of himfelf) was atfirfl: unwilling, urging his inability for fo 
 great a work, but afterwards being convinced it was the divine will, 
 
 he faid, " The will of the Lord be done." With himalfoMr. R s : 
 
 was to go, a young minifter, one of the tutors of Cambridge college. ] 
 It being the laft time we fliould be together for a long feafon, we 
 Thought it beft to fpend fome time in prayer. Mr. Gilbert Tennent 
 
 was our mouth to God. Many were greatly affe^ed. About 1 1 
 
 o'clock we parted in tears, but with a full affurance that we fhould fep 
 end hear of great things before we faw each other agaiij. 
 
JChap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. 12^ 
 
 Philadelphi.iNov. 9. Had feveral gracious foul* come to (ee me. — We 
 prayed together. My foul was much rejoiced to look round on them, be- 
 caufe there were fouie who had been moft marvellous offenders againit 
 the great God. I ihall mention two only. And the firftis one *' I\Ir. 
 Brockden, for many years a notorious deiih In his younger days, he 
 told me, he had fome religious imprelfions, but coming into bufinefs, 
 the cares of the world fo choaked the good feed, that he not only for- 
 gat his God in fome degree, but at length began to doubt of, and ta 
 difpute his very being. In this Hate he continued many years, andhas' 
 been very zealous to propagate his dciliical or rather atheiflical prin- 
 ciples among moral men; but he told me he never endeavoured to 
 make prolelytcs of vicious, debauched people. When I came to Phi- 
 ladelphia this time twelvemonth, he told me, he had n^t fo much as a 
 curiofity to hear me. But a brother dcill, his choiceft friend, pref- 
 llng him to come and hear me, to fatisfy his curiofity, he at length 
 complied with his requeft. It was night. I preached at the court- 
 [houie ftairs, upon the conference which our Lord had with Nicodc- 
 
 mus. 1 had not fpoke much before that God ftruck his heart. For, 
 
 I (aid he, I faw your dodrine tended to make people good. His family 
 jknew nothing that he had been to hear me. After he came home, his 
 I wife, who had been at fcrmoii, came in alfo, and wiflied heartily that 
 he had heard me. He faid nothing. After this, another of his family 
 came in repeating the fame wi(h; and, if I miftake not, after that a- 
 nother, till at laft being unable to refrain any longer, -A^ith tears in his 
 eyes, why, fays he, I have been hearing him ; and then exprelTed his ap- 
 probation. Ever fince hehas followed on to know theLord, and I verily 
 believe Jefus Chrifl has made himfclf manifed: to his foul. Tho' up- 
 wards of thrcefcore years old, he is now, I believe, born again of 
 God. He is a little child, and often ( as he told me) receives fuch 
 communications from God, when he retires into the woods, that he 
 thinks he could die a martyr for the truth." The next is one Capt. 
 
 H 1, formerly as great a reprobate as ever I heard of: almoft a 
 
 fcandal and reproach to human nature. He ufed to fwear to eafe his 
 flomach, and was fo fond of new oatlis that he ufed to go on board 
 the tranfport fliips, and offer a guinea for a new oath, that he rpight 
 have the honour of coiaing it. It would be endlefs to give inflances 
 of his vile profanenefs. To the honour of God's gracelet it be faid, 
 he is now, I believe^ a chriftian. Not only reformed, but renewed. 
 The effeftual flroke, he told me, was given, when I preached laft 
 Spring at Pennypack, th.o' under good imprefTions before. Ever iince 
 he has been zealous for the tj-uth, and ihicws forth his faith by his 
 works." 
 
 Nov. 15. Have feen manyinflances of God's grace this week. My chief 
 bufinefs was now to build up and to exhort them to continue in the 
 grace of God. Notwithftanding many were convi^Ved almoft every 
 day, and came unto me under the greateA dillrefs and anguifh of foul. 
 Several focicties are now in town, not only of men and women, but 
 
 of little boys and little girls. 1 was called to vifit one Mrs. D. then 
 
 lying on a fick bed, brought home to God when I was at Philadelphia 
 VOL. H, R ^ 
 
T30 Succefs of the Gofpe'l in America Book IV. 
 
 iaft Spring. My foul was much enlarged to hear a creature talk with 
 fuch afTurance juft upon the brink of eternity. Her hufband and o- 
 ther friends flood weeping by, " Oh that this iicknefs may be a means 
 under God of faving her relations precious and immortal foulg ! " Af- 
 ter my departure, Ihe bid one of my friends tell me, " That fhc fed 
 and lived upon the doctrine which I had preached." 
 
 It is now the 75th day fince I arrived at Rhodc-Ifland.- — My body 
 was then wer.k, but the Lord has much renewed its ftrength. I have 
 been enabled to preach, I think, an hundred and feventy-five times in 
 public, befides exhorting very frequently in private. I have travelled 
 upwards of eight hundred miles. Never did I perform my journeys 
 with lb little fatigue, or fee fuch a continuance of the divine prefence 
 in the congregations, to whom I have preached. May the Lord prepare 
 me for every thing he has appointed for me to do and fuffer, and then I 
 need not fear being more than conqueror through his love. 
 
 December 29. In the evening I preached at Savannah, and took my 
 iinal leave of the people, it being inconfiftent with my other affairs to 
 a6t as their paftor any more. Another minifter is not yet come, but is 
 expelled daily. I gave the truftees notice January Iaft of my defign to 
 give up the parfonage. BlefTed be God, I am now more free to go whi- 
 therfbever the Lord (hall be pleafed to call me. I yet hope well of Geor- 
 gia, though, at prefent, in a very declining and piteous ftate. It will 
 fio\iriIu, I believe, when fettled upon a religious foundation. Glory be 
 to God, I leave behind me fome who love the Lord Jefus in fincerity. 
 
 January 15th, 1741. Received feveral comfortable letters from my 
 dear friends at Bofton ; amongft whom fecretary Willard writes thus: 
 " JVIr. Webb tells me, that divers young men in this town, who are can- 
 didates for the minifUy, have been brought under deep convi(Stions by 
 your preaching, and (as he hopes) are carried ofiTrom the foundation 
 of their falle hopes (their own righteoufnefs) to reft only upon Chriil for 
 falvation." Mr. Cooper writes thus : " I can inform you, that there are 
 many abiding proofs that you did not run in vain, and labour in vain a- 
 mongft us in this place. I could much more than fill this paper with the 
 accounts I have received from the perfons who have been impreffed un- 
 der the word preached by you. But I can only now fay in general, fome 
 have been awakened who were before quite fecure, and I hope a good 
 work begun in them. Others, who had been under religious impref- 
 fions, are now more earncftly prefTmg into the kingdom of Heaven, and 
 many of the children of God ftirred up to give diligence for the full af- 
 furante of faith. There is a greater flocking to all the ledlures in the 
 town, and the people fhcw fuch a difpofltion to the new Tuefday e- 
 vening lefture, that our large capacious houfe cannot receive all that 
 come." Mr. Welch, a pious merchant, writes thus: " I fear I am tedi- 
 ous, but I cannot break off 'till I juft mention, to the glory of the grace 
 of God, and for your comfort and encouragement, the fuccefs your 
 miniftry of late has had among us. Impreffions made feem to be abid- 
 ing on the minds of many. The doftrines of grace feem to be more 
 the topic of convcrfation than ever I knew them. Nay, religious con- 
 verfation feems to be almoft fafhionable, and almoft every one feems 
 
chap. 4* in the eighteenth Century. i-^i 
 
 difpofed to hear or fpeak of the things of God. Multitudes flock to the 
 evening lefture, tho' it has fometimes been the worft of weather. Mi- 
 niftersfeem to preach with more life, and the great auditories feem to 
 hear with folemn attention, and, I hope, our Lord Jefus is getting to 
 himfelf the viflory over the hearts of many finners." Others write to 
 the fame tffe^. All love, all glory be to God. 
 
 For this let men revile my name. 
 
 No crofs I Ihun, I fear no fliame; 
 
 All hail reproach ! and welcome pain ! 
 
 Only thy terrors. Lord, retrain. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. G — T to Mr. Whiteficld.— Glafgow Weekly 
 
 Kiftory, N^ 3. ] 
 
 New-Brunfwick, Dec. i. 1739. " Very R. and D. B. I think I 
 
 never found fuch a ftrong and palhonate affeftion to any Granger as to 
 you, when I faw your courage and labour for God at New-York ; I 
 
 found a willingnefs in my heart to die with you, or to die for you. 
 
 The reafon why I fpokefo little for the moft part of the time while I was 
 with you, was a fhameful fenfe I had of my ignorance and barrcnnefs, 
 after fuch a multitude of waterings and fcalings as God had given me. 
 Though I am as a brute beaft before God, one of the meaneft and 
 vileft worms that ever crawled on the creation of God, yet I mufl: fay to 
 his praife, and my own fhame, that I have had in time pafl fuch diicove- 
 ries of my great Father's dear affection as have overcome me. For 
 months together my foul has been fo ravifhed with divine objects, that 
 my animal fpirits have been wafted, and my deep much bloken. I have 
 been -made to loath my food, becaufe of the fuperior fweetnefs I have 
 found in Chrift. I could not refrain my foul from a fecret longing for 
 reproach, poverty, imprifonment and death for a glorious Chrill, that 
 thereby I might teftify a grateful regard to his unfpeakably dear and 
 very venerable Majefty. I could not refrain wiiliing that every hair of 
 my head was a life, that I might lay it down freely for my fweet Lord 
 Jefus. The fears of bringing any reproach on his reljgion has many 
 times brought bitter tears from my eyes and heart. Sometimes when 
 travelling on the road, while I beheld the canopy of Heaven, my heart 
 has been fuddenly ravifhed with love to God, as my Father; that I 
 could not forbear crying out in the plcafing tranfports of a child-like 
 affeftion. Father ! Father ! vvith a full and iweet alFurance that he was 
 
 my Father, and my God. In the night-feafon when I awoke, my 
 
 foul was ftill with God: the paffion of my foul for Chrift was fo ve- 
 hement, that my dreams were full of him. It made my reft very bro- 
 ken, and caufed me often to fpeak through my jQeep. And thus it was 
 for a long tra6l of time. But alas, when the great God wifely withdrew 
 his quickening prefence, and let Satan loofe upon me, O w^hat terrible 
 havock did he make in my foul, and that alas, too much with my will. 
 I thought myfelf a monfter in iniquity, and that there was fome pecu- 
 liar brutiftinefs in my heart, that none had but myfelf. This made 
 
 me often wifh for death to get clear of it. This hath often enraged my 
 
 R 2 
 
132 Suceefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 ioul (Vrs^ainfl fin and myfelf for it, that I have thought, if it were law- 
 ful, 1 could freely try to pluck my heart out, and tear it in pieces. 
 
 Since you was here, I liave been a:iiong my people dealing with 
 them plainly about their fouls ftate in their houfes; examining them 
 one by one as to their experiences, and telling natural people the dan* 
 gor of their flate; and exhorting them that were totally fecure, to 
 feck convictions; and thofe that were convinced, to feek Jefus; and 
 reproved pious people for their faults: and blcffed be God, I have fecn 
 hopeful appearances of concern amongft a pretty many in the places I 
 belong to," &c. G T— ^ — 
 
 [ Fiom a Letter from Mr. Gilbert Tcnnent to Mr. WhitcfielJ.— Glafgow Weekly 
 Hiltory, NO I. ] 
 
 ' New-York, April 25th, i74i.' '^ Very D. B. In my return home- 
 wards, I have been preaching daily, ordinarily three times a day, ami 
 ibmetimes oftner (a fe\v days in the aforefaid Ipace excepted) and thro' 
 pure grace I have met with fuccefs much exceeding my expeftations. In 
 the town of Bofton there were many hundreds, if not thoufands,as fome 
 have judged, under foul-concern. When I left that place, many chil- 
 dren were deeply afiefted about their fouls, and fcveral had received 
 confolation. Some aged perfons in church communion, and fome open 
 oppofers were convinced : divers of the young and middle-aged were 
 converted: and feveral Negroes were hopefully converted. The con- 
 cern was rather more general at Charles-town ; multitudes were awa- 
 kened, and feveral had received great confolation, efpecially among the 
 young people, children and Negroes. At Cambridge alfo in the college 
 and town, the ihaking among the dry bones was general; and feveral 
 of theftudents have received confolation. In thefe places, I found fe- 
 veral fruits of your miniftry. In Ipfwich, there was a general concern 
 ;among the inhabitants, fo in this place alfo I faw fome of the fruits of 
 your labours. There were alfo feveral awakened in Portfmouth, in 
 Greenland, in Ipfwick, Hamlet, Marble-head, Chelfea, Maiden, Hamp- 
 ton, New-town, Rofcbury, Plymouth, Brillol, Providence, Stoning- 
 town, Geatton, New-London, Lime, Guilford, New-haven, Milford, 
 Stratford, New-port. The concern at New-port, was very confiderable. 
 Divers Quakers and children came to me, in diitrefs about their fouls, 
 with others. At New-haven, the concern was general both in the college 
 
 pnd town : about thirty fludents came on foot ten miles to hear the 
 
 word of God. And at Milford the concern was general. I believe by a 
 moderate computation that divers thoufands have been awakened, glo- 
 jy be to God on high ! I have had good information i\n% journey, that 
 God has blefled my poor labours on Long-Ifland in my pafs to New- 
 England. I thank you. Sir, that you did excite me to this journey. 
 There have been feveral children in feveral other places befide thefe 
 mentioned, who after diftrefs, have received comfort. The work of 
 God fpreads more and more. My brother William has had remarkable 
 fuccefs this Winter at Burlington. I hear that there are feveral religious 
 focieties formed there. Mr, John Crofs has had remarkable fuccefs at 
 Statten Ifland, and many I hear, h^vc been awakened by the labours of 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. 133 
 
 Mr. Rolinfon in divers places of the York government. Mr. Mills has 
 had remarkable fuccefs in Connefticut, particularly at Ncw-havcn. 
 And I hear that Mr. Blair has had remarkable ruccci's in Penfylvania. 
 Mr. Noble and family- are well. The Lord blefs you dear brother. I 
 add no more, but love and remains yours." G. Tennent. 
 
 P.. S. From Horfeneck to York beyond Bofton, there is in moft places 
 a greater or lefs degree of foul-concern. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Dr. John Nichols, rhyficiaii in New- York to Nicholas Spencc, A- 
 gent for the Church of Scotland. — Glafgow Weekly Hillory, N ° 12. ] 
 
 May 2oth, 1741.-^ "I received yours of the 23d of January lafr, 
 
 and fent your letter for Mr. "William Tennent ; he has been a very ule- 
 ful man in training up of youth for the holy miniftry : he hath had 
 four fons miniflers, but one of them is dead; Gilbert, AVilliara, and 
 Charles are yet alive, all of theni gofpel-preachers, and the labours of 
 them blefled with abundant fuccefs. My dear friend, you defire to 
 know the Itate of religion in this country ; and I have good ne\vs to tell 
 you — —Our Lord Jefus is triumphantly getting hirafelf the viftory, 
 the kingdom of Satan falling as lightening to the ground before him, 
 many made to cry out, *' What fliall we do to be laved ? " And that in 
 many places and corners of this country from Bofton to Philadelphia; 
 yea, whole colleges under convidlions ! and many favingly converted, 
 efpecially the youth at the college of New-Haven, in the colony of 
 Connefticut, young children of fix, eight, or ten years of age con- 
 cerned about their falvation, and inviting one another to come to 
 Chrifi: ! Our minifter (Mr. Pemberton, minifter at New-York) hav- 
 ing been lately fent for to Connecticut college, upon the account of 
 the many diftreded and cxercifcd people there, in his going and com- 
 ing, preached twice a-day at different places, told me, that feveral little 
 children followed him to his lodging, weeping and anxioufly concerned 
 about the falvation of their fouls. O the power of Divine Grace ! 
 There feems to be an unufual effbfion of the Spirit in many places, e- 
 fpecially among' the young generation, and blefled be the Lord, we in 
 this finful city, particularly in oxir congregation, are not without the 
 vifible eifefts thereof; many having been, within thefe four or five 
 months, under fi:rong conviftions, and not a few, we have great hope, 
 favingly converted to the Lord Jefus Chrift. O dear Redeemer, go on 
 conquering and to conquer ! 
 
 Dear Sir, You may think thefe things ftrange, and indeed fo they are, 
 but no ftranger than true ; I have been an eye-witnefs to fome of thi^m, 
 and, to the praife of free grace, have experienced them in my own 
 family particularly. The rev. Mr. Whitefield was made the bleijcd In- 
 llrument of fowing the feed in thefe parts^, and the good I^ord hath 
 in his mercy ftirred up, and fpirited feven more miniltcrs to water it, 
 viz. Meffrs. Gilbert and William Tennent, Mr. Pemberton, Mr. Burr, 
 Mr. Mills, Mr. Leonard, and Mr. Davenport, and fome others. But 
 alas, Satan is ufing his utmoft endeavours to drive fome of them to ex- 
 
 a How much the Lord was pleafed toblcfs the labours ofMcflfs.WbitclieW., Tennent, .Sjc, 
 in Aincrica, will appear farther in the jiext chapter. 
 
134 Succefs of the Co/pel in Wales ' Book IV. 
 
 tremes', which Tm afraid will do hurt, and hinder the fuccefs of the gof- 
 pel, by being a ftumbling-block to a carnal world : however it is vijfible 
 and certain, the Spirit of God is at work with many in divers places of 
 this country. There feems to be great, and I hope glorious, things like- 
 ly to be brought to pafs in our day: the good Lord haften them, and 
 grant that the faving knowledge of himfelf may " cover the whole 
 earth as the waters cover the fea." 
 
 Section III. 
 
 j4 Hint of the Labours and Succefs of fever al in Wales. And of the 
 
 State of Religion there in 1742. 
 
 r From two Letters from Mr. Howcl Harris to Mr. Whiteficld. —Glafgow Weekly 
 
 Hiftory, N » 44- ] 
 
 London, '061. 12th, 1742. " Laft night I heard from brother 
 
 B , and glorious news from brother Rowland, of the Lord's being 
 
 wonderfully with him, and brother Howel Davies (Mr. Griffith Jones' 
 
 curate) and Mr. Thomas Lewis, a curate near Brecon. They are 
 
 wounded by fcores under the two former, and the Lord is amazingly 
 with the latter, and with Mr. Williams, curate of Lanwithid, and with 
 Mr. Thomas Sweetly, curate of Mr. Hodges of Weinfs in Glarmorgan- 
 
 fliire. He adrainifters the facrament every Sunday. Mr. Powal of 
 
 Blenegwent is much bleffed too, and grows fweetly. " 
 
 0(ftober 15th, 1742. " My dear Brother, I am very weak in my 
 
 body, but fo fupportcd in my inward man, that I am carried through 
 the whole work here, and to vifit the lambs at Deptford Tuelday even- 
 ing, and A\'"ednerday morning; and we have had fweet feafons therein 
 public and private. I hope the whole flock moves on fweetly, and is 
 more and more delivered from felf and unbelief, and grow more and 
 more humble, loving and teachable; and I truft our dear Lord has e- 
 nabled me to fearch them, and deal tenderly with them; and whenever 
 rafli, dry, rough me, am helped to this, it muft bring glory to him, for 
 all mufi: fay, " This is thy doing, O Lord." On our letter-day, laft 
 Monday, the Lord was indeed powerfully there like a flame filling us 
 with zeal and fire. I have fince heard moft glorious news from Wales 
 
 of the fuccefs attending brother Rowlands and many others. They 
 
 are wounded by fcores, and flock under the word by thoufands. 
 There is another clergyman coming out fweetlj', and united to us. 
 There is now in Wales ten clergymen, who are wonderfully owned 
 of the Lord Jefus Chrifl: ; five beneficed, and the other five fettled in 
 curacies. There is another young curate in Carmarthenftiire, not far 
 from Mr. Griffith Jones, under ftrong drawings and conviftions." 
 
 [ From a Letter to Mr. M'C , from a dlflcnting Minifler in Wales, relating to the 
 
 State of Religion there.— Glafgow Weekly Hiftory, N ° 48. ] 
 
 0€c. 26th, 1742. " R. D. B. I fhall give you fome account of 
 
 religion in the principality of Wales, both North and South. To be- 
 ^in with North- Wales. 
 
 a Probably he means Mr. Davenport. 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century. 135 
 
 In the ifle of Anglefea there are noDiffenters ; and it is the only coun- 
 ty in England or Wales that wants one. In Carnarvanlliire there is 
 one congregation of DifTcnters, who are a very devout and zealous peo- 
 ple, as perhaps any in the kingdom : and three lefture-places all of them 
 on that promontory, or narrow neck of land that ftretches out into 
 the fea, and is the beft inhabited part of the county. The miniflcr is 
 Mr. John Thomas, a humble, meek, ferious man, and preaches well. 
 Mr. Howel Harris, and fome Mcthodills, together with Jenkyn Mor- 
 gan, the fchool-mafter, have been made inltrumental to awaken and 
 convert many in thefe parts, but were grievoufly perfecuted; and they 
 have even broke the meeting-houfe, and committed Arange outrages: 
 the devil, their mafter, being wonderfully nettled, at his loling fo many 
 fouls. In Denbighfliire are three congregations of DKfenters, viz. a 
 fmall one in Denbigh town, and two in Waxam. And I might add one 
 in Ofwetry, which, though in Shroplaire ground ; the people are Welfli, 
 and border on Denbighlhire. In Flintfliire is a fmall one. In Merion- 
 ethfhire, there is but one, not far from Balatown. Their minifter is 
 Mr. Lewis Rees, a very godly man, exceeding well gifted in prayer, and 
 alfo frequent in it. He preaches in two places in this county, though 
 he lives in Montgomeryfliire. In Montgomerylhire there are five con- 
 gregations, two of which were lately gathered by that excellent mini- 
 fter of Chrifl-, the above-mentioned Mr. Lewis Rees, who preaches in 
 iive places in this county, and in two places in Merionethfhire, between 
 twenty and thirty miles from his habitation. There are fome very de- 
 vout people belonging to Mr. Rees in this county ; as alfo fome in Me- 
 
 rionethlhire. So far as to North- Wales. 
 
 In South-Wales. InRadnorlhire there are fix congregations of Dif- 
 fenters, eight if we reckon the Baptifls. One of our fix congregations 
 there was gathered lately, partly by the labours of the Methodilts, and 
 partly through the zeal of a gentlewoman, a Dilfenter, who built a new 
 meeting-houfe. In this county lived the rev. Mr. Vavafor Griifith, the 
 mafter of the Wellh academy, who died lately. He was in every rcfpeft 
 thcgreateft and mofi excellent man that ever I faw in my life; nor is 
 it in my power to hope that I fliall ever fee the like again on this fide 
 glory. Mod of the congregations in this county are but fmall. In Car- 
 diganfhire are nine congregations of Difilnters, and one of the Anabaptift 
 perfuafion. Moft of the congregations here are large ones. Here were 
 lately two eminent clergymen, Mr. David Jenkyns, a young man lately 
 dead, and Mr. Daniel Rowland, who had at liis church fomctime ago 
 above 2000 communicants. Almoll all tlie lower part of the county is 
 become religious, fince Mr. Howel Harris and the Methodifts laboured 
 there. Among thedidenting minifters, Mr. Philip Pugh is the moft no- 
 ted, both for his uncommon piety, diligence, and fucccfs: he hath a- 
 bout 500 communicants, and preaches in five or fix places. And be- 
 fides the above-mentioned congregations, the Dilfenters and Methodifts 
 have feveral lefture-places. Pembrokefhire hath been lately mightily 
 roufed up, and abundance of people convinced, reformed, and convert- 
 ed, by means of the exhortations of Mr. Howel Harris, and other Me- 
 thodift-exhorters ; and, contrary to Cardiganfhire, 'tis the upper part 
 
136 ' Succefs of ths Gofpel inWaks Book IV- 
 
 of PembrokeHiire that hath been roul'ed and reformed, and that almoft 
 iiniverfldly to a concern about religion. Certainly a very great work has 
 been done there. Among the clergy Mr. David Jones, and Mr. Howel 
 Davies arc very emincni«> efpecially the latter, who is a mighty Boaner- 
 ges, and very induftrions in preaching both in churches, houfes, and 
 fields. Thfre are in this county fix congregations of our Dilfenters, 
 fome of them not fmall ; and three Anabaptift ones, one of which is 
 lacge. In Carmartheniliire there are near a fcore of our non-conforming 
 congregations (and two of Anabaptifts) fome of which are large. Be- 
 fides, they have many other lefture-placcs fpread almoft over all the 
 county. Among the minifters noted are, Mr. James Lewis, Mr. John 
 Harris, Mr. Owen Rees, and Mr. Henry Palmer, an Apollos in the fcrip- 
 tures, and very pious. Among the clergy is the famous Mr, Griffith 
 Jones, one of the moft excellent preachers in Great Britain, for piety, 
 good fenfe, diligence, moderation, zeal, a mighty utterance, the like 
 whereof I never heard: he is fo catholic-fpirited, and charitable, that 
 he allows liis communicants, to communicate with Dilfenters, and 
 they with him. He hath fet up moveable Wellli free-fchools in every 
 county in South- Wales, and in fome counties in North- Wales, to teach 
 the poorer fort to read Welfli, and hath thereby done unfpeakable good. 
 In Brecknockiliire there are eight congregations of our Dilfenters, 
 two of whom I have had the favour, upon the late reformation, to ga- 
 ther and fet up, and are yet chiefly under my care. Befides this, there 
 are two or three Anabaptift congregations, and about twenty focieties 
 of Methodifts, who were reckoned to be converted, and were fet up by 
 the labours of Mr. Howcl Harris, who was born and lives in this coun- 
 ty. Among the clergy, Mr. William Williams and Mr. Thomas Lewis 
 are notable, as is alfo Mr. Pewry Baillie : and among the Diflenters, 
 Mr. AVilliam Williams, Mr. John Watkins, and Mr. John Davies. The 
 Diflenters have above twenty different places in this coimty to preach 
 in : and there are in it fome notable good Chriftians. In Glarmorgan- 
 fliire there are near twenty congregations of our Diflenters, and three 
 of An.ibaptifts, and feveral focieties of Methodifts. Among the diffenting 
 minifters, the moft noted are Mr. James Davies of Merthyr, noted both 
 for his induftry and his gifts in preaching and prayer, efpecially as to the 
 latter; and his congregation is large: Mr. Lewis Jones for his feriouf- 
 nefs, popularity, and an excellent utterance, even much refemblmg 
 Mr. Griffith Jones : and Mr. Henry Davies for devoutnefs and affcdlio- 
 
 nate piety. And fo far as to South- Wales. 
 
 In Moamouthfhire, which is the county I was born and live in, we 
 have feven congregations, and about twenty places to preach in-, and 
 fix Anabaptift congregations : and moft of thefe meetings are in the 
 Weftern fide of the county. Here are alfo feveral focieties of Metho- 
 difts, who cleave to the church of England ; among whom are fome 
 very pious and devout fouls. Among the clergy are Mr. John Powel, 
 and Mr. Thomas Jones, efpecially the latter. Befides this, there is a 
 congregation in the AV^elfli part of Herefordfliire, whofe minifter is 
 Mr. William Jenkens. I remain, dear and reverend Sir^ yours, &c. 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 137 
 
 c PI A P. y. 
 
 of that extraordinary Revival in the Britijh Colonies in America, "which 
 
 began chiefly in the End of the Tear 1739, and continued for 
 
 more than tvjo Years, fprcading and increajing greatly in various 
 
 Places. 
 
 Section I. 
 
 Of the Revival in the Towns ofHopeiveHj^mwell, he. in Neiv-Jerfey. — 
 
 The Attention of the Hearers in general avjakened. The People of 
 
 God enlivened. Cottcern under a Sermon May 1739. ^'^iJ^'^^'^S 
 
 and private Examination blefl to Sever als. Remarkable Seafons 
 
 of Divine Influence.- The Nature of the Work, and good Fruits 
 
 of it. 
 
 { From a Letter from Mr. Rowland, Miniflcr at Hopewell, to Mr. Prince Minifter at 
 Bofton, printed at Philadelphia, 174;. j 
 
 Reverend Sir, 
 
 IN anfwer to Yours, &c.— I was fent forth to preach the gofpel o^ 
 Chrifl: by the prefbytery of New-Brunfwick, on September 7th» 
 1738, on which day the congregation of Maidenhead and Hopewell 
 put in a SuppHcation for me to the prefbytery ; and accordingly I com- 
 plied therewith. In procefs of time we had the privilege of Mai-den- 
 head meeting-houfe, and my people built a meeting-houfe in Hopewell; 
 but, before this, we were conflrained to keep our meetings in barns in 
 both towns; and though we thus appeared as poor defpifed creatures, 
 yet the congregation that attended my minifiry was fo numerous, that 
 the largeft barns among us were chofen to worfliip God in. It was 
 fome difcouragemcnt to me at firfl, that I, and my people, had no 
 better places for divine worfiiip; but at that time I thought on thefe 
 things which proved of fome fupport to me, viz. that our Lord and Sa- 
 viour was born in a mean place, and likewife preached in the ihip, and 
 on the mountain, as well as in the fynagogues, and that it had been 
 the frequent lot of his people, to betake themfelves to worfhip him in 
 places attended with many inconveniences. There is another town ly- 
 ing contiguous to Hopewell, which is called Amwell ; the people there 
 were fomething numerous likewife ; and having none to labour among 
 them in the word, they petitioned for a part of my time, viz. one Sab- 
 bath in three; and it was granted unto them; fo that my labours a- 
 mong thefe three towns, for the moft part of the tim.e that I lived in 
 the Jerfeys, were equally divided. There was a fmall number in 
 Hopewell and Maidenhead truly acquainted with vital religion, as far 
 as I could judge, before I came among them, and they feemed fo earned 
 in prayer, night and day, to have the gofpel in power among them, as 
 if they would take no denial. But of them who became my congrega- 
 tion in Amwell, there were but very few that knew the Lord Jefus 
 when I came among theraj yet, in many ways, they were a very a^ 
 VOL. IL S 
 
138 Succefs of the Cojpel in America * Book IV. 
 
 greeable people; fo that I was much encouraged to labour among ' 
 them. 
 
 The fubjef^s which I chiefly infifted on for about fix months, were 
 convi(ftion and converfion ; and ufually I made choice of the mofl rou- 
 ling and awakening texts, to fet forth the nature of thefe doftrines; 
 and I have reafon to hope, that the Lord began to accompany his word 
 in a meafure from the very firfl. Some began to be convinced that 
 they were in the way to mifery, and unacquainted with the way to the 
 kingdom of Heaven. But then let it be obferved, that but one or two 
 were taken with conviflions at a time, or under one fermon : for many 
 months together-' their convidtions were flill encreafed, and the num- 
 ber of the convinced was ftill multiplied, I commonly preached in the 
 night as well as in the day, and frequently on week-days alfo ; fo that 
 they had hardly any opportunity to call: their convictions out of their 
 thoughts, the Lord continuing to co-operate with his word. The fre- 
 quent opportunities which I took to examine them were made very be- 
 neficial, through the divine blefiing, to prcferve their conviftions alive 
 until the time of grace, of which I fhall fpeak afterwards. The atten- 
 tion of all in general was awakened ; fathers, mothers, and the youth ; 
 fome Negroes alfo feemed very earnejfl: after the word, and were con- 
 vinced thereby of their fin and mifery, and that Chrift they muft have, 
 or perifn for ever. 
 
 The people of God were much enlivened to fee poor finners con- 
 ▼inced of the periihing nature of their ftatc, and their abfolute need of 
 Chrift : their fupplications to God were mofiiy bent for the converfion 
 of finners, and their converfation, whenever they met together, (as far 
 as T ebferved it, and frequent opportunities I had to obferve it) favour- 
 ed exceedingly of the things of God ; fo that I cannot fay that I ever 
 faw thofe pious people given to worldlinefs in their converfation, or to 
 iightnefs and vanity in their difcourfes. Great was the love they bore 
 to one or other, and fweet was the peace which fubfifl:ed among them- 
 fclves; fo that I was not interrupted from my work in making up dif- 
 ferences among them. 
 
 In the month of May 1739, I began to think that themofl inviting 
 and encouraging fubje<Sts would be the mofi: agreeable to convinced 
 fouls; and accordingly I began witl; thefe words, John xi. 28, 29. 
 " The Mafter is come, and calleth for thee. As foon as fhe heard that, 
 flie arofe quickly, and came unto him." The difcourfe upon this fub- 
 je6t was brought home, through the divine influence, upon the fouls of 
 many. Solemn weeping, and deep concern, appeared through the 
 congregation : I had hopes that the hearts of fome had been knit clofe 
 to Jefus our Lord, which afterwards appeared to be fo ; of which more 
 hereafter. I was ftill encouraged to go on, in inviting convinced fin- 
 ners to come and embrace the perfon and purchafe of the dear Lord 
 
 a Let none fuppofe, that, bccaufe I fpeak 
 of convi^lions being flil! carried on, that I 
 mean that finners mu ft be convinced to fome 
 high degree before they can be converted : 
 I onlj meax), that this was the way which 
 
 the Lord obferved in carrying on his work, 
 to keep finners for a long time under con- 
 viflion before he manifefted hi^lovc vs 
 them. 
 
I chap. 5. i>t fhc eighteenth Century. j on 
 
 Jefus. Then I made choice of that word in Matth. xxii. 4. " And all 
 things are ready ; come unto the marriage." This was alfo blelfed to 
 poor convinced fouls; they were brought under a full perfuafion that 
 Jefus, the Son of God, was i-eady and willing to embrace them with his 
 cverlafting favour, and to pardon their fins and tranfgreffions; but 
 then they found more of their own hardnefs, and had a clearer view of 
 their own unwillingnefs to come unto the Lord Jefus Chrifl:, which en- 
 creafed their mourning and forrow, and made them prefs forwards with 
 more living earneftnefs in fearch after Jefus Chrift. A variety of other 
 engaging fubje£ls I made ufe of for a confiderable time, to prefs them 
 to a full clofure with Jefus Chrift. At length, by frequent converfe 
 among them, and enquiring ftridly into the nature of the views they 
 had of Chrifl, and the out-goings of their fouls after him, and their 
 willingnefs to be ruled by Jefus Chrifl: in their whole hearts and lives, 
 I could not but be favourable in my thoughts of fuch, as perfons favour- 
 ed of the Lord. 
 
 I find, by reading what accounts I kept by me of the blefl"cd work of 
 grace which hath been in thefe towns, that there was much good done 
 by vifiting, by which means I found out many that had been touched, 
 of whom I had not well heard how it was with them, which gave me an 
 opportunity to ofier fuch things unto them, as might tend to fix thefe 
 beginnings in their fouls, and encreafe them. So likewife many were 
 convinced of their loft ftate by nature. By particular examinations, I 
 found likewife, that private examination of perfons, as to their ftate and 
 condition, is an excellent mean to lay them open to convicftion under 
 the public word ; and thus were fome convinced in thefe towns. 
 
 The divine influence of the Spirit of God was very evidently afford- 
 ed with his word, though not in every opportunity, yet in feveral, un- 
 til May 1740, in which time many more were added unto the Lord's 
 people. Some of thefe opportunities, for clearnefs fake, I fhall men- 
 tion. One was in Oftober 6th, 1739, ^" ^ night meeting; but the 
 people not having been warned with fufficient care, there met but about 
 fifteen perfons, eleven of which were deeply convinced of their mifery, 
 and fome of them cried out fo very awfully, that I was conftrained to 
 conclude. After fermon, I took an opportunity to enquire of thofe 
 perfons, what was the real caufe of their crying out in fuch a manner ? 
 ibme of whom anfwered me, " That they faw hell opening before 
 them, and themfclves ready to fall into it." Others anfwered me, 
 " That they were ftruck with fuch a fenfe of their finfulnefs, that they 
 were afraid the Lord would never have mercy on them." Another of 
 thefe opportunities was on December 30th, 1739. As to myfelf I felt 
 exceeding poor in the frame of my foul; fo that I thought I might 
 well fay, as in the words of the text I preached on that day, Ifa. xl. d. 
 ** What fhall I cry." But the Lord was pleafed to manifeft his grace 
 and power exceedingly through the whole fervice. The people of God 
 were much enlarged in love, to fee that whatever gracious word was 
 fent with power Into their hearts, was fcnt from God; for the man 
 knoweth not what to cry, without being gaided by the word and fpi- 
 rit. Some hardned creatures, who thought not much of religion, as 
 
 8 2 
 
I^|0 Suceefs cif the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 if there was no reality in it, were deeply convinced of the truth, rea- 
 lity and beauty of religion. Others who knew not well which way to 
 walk, or what to chufe, oppofers I cannot call them, though they had 
 not joined with our lide ; liich, I fay, as far as we could judge the tree 
 by the fruit, were alfo convinced and converted under that difcourfe: 
 mr.ny youths alfo were wrought upon ; fo that I cannot fay truly, that 
 any remiiined untouched. Some of thefe perfons were pleafed to tell 
 me, " That they never would forget this day, in which God had been 
 fo craclous unto them." As to backfliders from conviftions that were 
 not converted, I fnall afterwards fpeak of them. The night of the 
 fame diy, being fpent in public worfhip, (viz. the firfl: part thereof) 
 was .itiended with the fame divine influence. Another of thefe oppor- 
 tunities was in April 6th, 1740, in Maidenhead. The fubjedl that was 
 itifilled on was the gmspel-nkt, from Aiatth. xiii. I\Iany v/ho were not 
 acquainted with the fpiritual nature of the gofpel in the leafl degree, as 
 far as I found, were greatly bowed down, and brought to own that it 
 was the Lord's work which was carried on. The pebple, in general, 
 through the whole aiTembly, feemed as if they were humbled before the 
 Lord, which afterwards proved itfcif to be fo. Without controverfy, 
 many of thefe flipt out of the net as faft as they could ; yet many, blef- 
 fed be God, were held in it by almighty power. 
 
 1 come next to fpeak of the times of moft remarkable power that I 
 obferved in thefe towns. It begun on this wife : there had been a week- 
 day's meeting in Maidenhead on July 24th, 1740. Worfliip feemed to 
 be attended with much warmth of afleftion, which gave much encou- 
 r3&;ement to their minilter again j for lukewarmnefs at this time had 
 prevailed very much among fome of the people; and the aifeftions of 
 fome were much removed from others of their fellow-members; nei* 
 ther did they feem to have fuch a thirfl for the word of God as former- 
 ly. Things had come to this pafs in about t^vo months ; but how afto- 
 nifliing is it to confider what fweet methods the Lord obferved to re- 
 ynove them ! for, as the people were palEng homewards through the 
 town after worfhip, fome inclined to ftop at one of the Chriftian hou- 
 fes ; and the fiopping of fome occafioned others to ftop, till the number 
 vas about forty ; and when they were all fat in the houfe, that the time 
 might be profitably fpent, the firft part of the fiftieth Pfalm was fung, 
 which feemed to be performed with unufual quickening. When fingr 
 ing was over, the fame verfcs were explained at fome length, and the 
 Spirit of the Lord was pleafed to work by it upon all that were prefent, 
 as far as v/e could difcern by the outward man, and much converfe that 
 was fpent among them all in particular. In about an hour afterwards, 
 the love of God's people that were prefent, was uncommonly inflamed 
 to Jefus Chrift, their views of his majefly and glory were much enlarged, 
 their longings after him much ftirrcd up, and their fear of him graci- 
 oufly encreafed ; their zeal for God's glory was kindled a-new, and 
 their concern for the caufe of God feemed to receive much growth: 
 and, as to the unconverted that were prefent, we could not find other- 
 wife, but that they had received very clear difcoveries of their undone 
 ftafe by nature, This was followed wi(:h the mighty power of God, ia 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 141 
 
 a fermon the next evening to a large congregation in the fame town. 
 And, in Amwell, July 27th, and in Maidenhead again on AugulV 3d, 
 God was pleafed to magnify his grace in vifiting many poor Unners. In 
 thefe opportunities he opened their eyes to iee themfelve^ without 
 Chrift, and without hope in the world; their convidtions were attend- 
 ed with great horror and trembling, and loud weeping, which I fuppo- 
 fed could not be flopped fo eafily as fome do imagine; for I oblerved 
 that many did continue crying in the moft doleful manner along the 
 road, in their way home ; and it was not in the power of man to prevail 
 with them to refrain ; for the word of the Lord remained like a fire 
 upon their hearts. Furthermore, the Lord was pleafed to add many 
 more to my people, who ufed not to walk with them, who flill conti- 
 nue in communion with them, of whom I hope it may be faid, that 
 they are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of Jefus Chrift. The 
 keA of the word was dropped into the hearts of others, who bore not 
 much regard to the doctrine of the new-birth which was preached a- 
 mong us, and' did not fpring up vifibly until it was near three years 
 after. 
 
 As to the ifiue of thefe convi£lions which I have lafl mentioned, I 
 think it muft be uwned, that many of them were followed with a found 
 converfion, or elfe we muft give upfpeaking any thing as to any know- 
 ledge of grace in this life. Many backllided, and became ftifF-necked 
 again, though I mvifl: fay that I have not feen fuch backflidings in thefe 
 towns as I have feen in many others; the inftances are but few in them 
 in comparifon of what I have feen in moft other places that I have 
 been acquainted with. One great mean to prevent backlllding from 
 convi(Stions in Amwell, was this: when the hulhand was taken, the 
 wife was alfo taken, or when the wife was vifited, the hufband was al- 
 fo; fo that they were ever flirring up each other. Many fuch inftan^ 
 ces are in the town of Amwell, upon which account that congregation 
 appears to me peculiarly beautiful; and, as to Maidenhead and Hope- 
 well, I believe that one great mean that the Lord ufed there to prevent 
 backfliding, was the care and diligence of fome of the ChrifHan people 
 in converling with the convinced ; for feveial of the Ghriflians were fo 
 engaged in <iee\) concern for the work of God, that they could not 
 reft fatisfied until they had reafon to hope, that the fouls who were 
 convinced from one time to another, were alfo come through to found 
 converfion. 
 
 Refpefting the nature of this work which I have been fpeaking of, it 
 will appear yet more diflinft, by giving fome account of their experien- 
 ces. And, firfl, I would fpeak fomething more of their conviiftions: 
 they can give a very diftinft account of fin, both original and aftual ; 
 their views of heart-corruption, their diftance from God, and their 
 having lived fo long without him, were very clear and afie<fting; their 
 hardnefs and unbelief, their ignorance and blindnefs preifed very clofe 
 upon them ; their need of Chrifi:, and his Spirit, was fuch, in their ap- 
 prehenfion, that there was no rell nor contentment to be taken in any 
 thing here below^ until they did obtain an Lntereft in Jefus Chrifi, and 
 receive his Spirit to purify and faiKflify their jiearts. There are a few 
 
14- Succtrfs of the Gofpeltn y'Jmcrlca Book IV. 
 
 among tbem,\vhorcconvi(ftion3 were not attended with any confiderable 
 degree of horror; they were very watchful over themfelves, lert they 
 fhould receive faife comfort, and fo reft in ungrounded hopes; their 
 hunger and thirft after Jcius Chrifthisrightcoufnefs, and all his fulnefs, 
 was very earned, and their experience of it is very clear ; therefore they 
 wanted the word preached often, and they would fit under it with 
 great afteftion, waiting on the Lord. Their views of the Lord Jefus, 
 in his perfon, nature, and oriices, were very clear, and their acquaint- 
 ance with the actings of their faith on him, together with the out-going 
 of their fouls in love and affecftion towards him. They can give a fa- 
 tisfying account of thofe things according to the holy fcriptures. Their 
 experience of a faving clofure with' Jefus Chrill, and the fwcet mani- 
 feftations they had of him in that time of fpiritual marriage, were very 
 glorious, and their affcftions have been often ftirred afrcfh towards Je- 
 fus Chrilt, in meditating on, and fpeaking of the day of their efpou- 
 fals. They are careful to maintain a holy communion with God in 
 the general courfe of their lives. I have feen fome of them in confide- 
 rable agonies when they have been under the hidings of God's face; fo 
 that they could take no reft by any means, until the gracious Lord 
 would be pleafed to ihine again upon them with the light of his coun- 
 tenance. They are properly diligent in the things of this life ; yet they 
 are ready to attend on the word of God on any opportunity that of- 
 fers to them on week-days. 
 
 They ftill continue zealous for God and his truth; their walk is 
 fteady in the ways of God, and not unconftant and uneven. And, 
 that I may x:onclude with Hopewell and Maidenhead, I would fay, 
 that Jefus Chrift has gathered for himfelf a blelTed flock there ; and, 
 Jiowever they may be vilified and fcorned by thofe who have their por- 
 tion in this life, 3'et I hope no lefs, but that they are precious with 
 God, and Ihall be fatisHcd with the pleafures of his right-hand for e- 
 vermore. Amen. 
 
 Section IL 
 
 Of the Revival at Newark and ^Elizabeth-toivn in Nevj-Jcrfey. // 
 
 began at Newark Augnjl 1739. But not at Elizabeth-to-wn till 
 
 near a Tear after. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Dickinson Miniflerat Elizabeth-town, to Mr. FoxcroftMn 
 ijifterat Bcffton, Augull 23th, 1743, in Prince's Chriftian Kiftory N ** 32. j 
 
 IN thefe towns religion was in a very low jlate; profeflbrs gene- 
 rally lifelefs, asd the body of our people carelefs, carnal and fecure, 
 till fome time in Auguft 1739, (the Summer before Mr. Whiteiield 
 came firft into thefe parts) when there was a remarkable revival at 
 Newark, efpecially among the rifing generation: many of whom were 
 now brought under conviftions, and inftead of frequenting vain com- 
 pany as ufual, were flocking to their minifter with that important in- 
 quiry, " What fliall we do to be fived ?" This concern increafed for a 
 confiderable time among the young people (though not wholly con- 
 fined to them) and in November, December and January following, it 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 1 43 
 
 became more remarkable, as well as more general.— There was an ap- 
 parent reformation among the youth of the town : their cuftomary 
 tavern-haunting, frolicking, and other youthful extravagancies, were 
 now laid alide, a new face of things appeared in the town : all occafions 
 of religious converfation were improved with delight: a ferioufnefs, fo- 
 lemnity, and devout attention appeared in their public affemblies; and 
 a folemn concern about their eternal welfare, was vifihle in the very 
 countenances of many. — This revival of religion was chiefly obfervable 
 among the younger people, till the following March; when the whole 
 town in general was brought under an uncommon concern about their 
 eternal intercfts ; and the congregation appeared univerfally alfefted 
 under fome fermons that were then preached to them ; and there is 
 good reafon to conclude, that there was a confidcrable number who 
 experienced a faving change about that time. The Summer following, 
 this awakening concern fenfibly abated, though it did not wholly die a- 
 way; and nothing remarkable occurred till February 1 740-1, when 
 they were again vifited with the fpecial and manifeft: efTufions of the 
 Spirit of God. A plain familiar fermon then preached, without any pe- 
 culiar terror, fervor, or affeftionate manner of addrefs, was fet home 
 with power. Many were brought to fee and feel, that till then, they 
 had no more than a name to live; and profeflbrs in general were put 
 upon ferious and folemn inquiries into the foundation of their hope. 
 There feemed to be very few in the whole congregation, but who felt 
 more or lefs of the power of God at this happy feafon ; though the 
 greateft concern now appeared among the rifen generation. — There is 
 good reafon to conclude,that there were a greater number now brought 
 home to Chrift, than in the former gracious vifitation. It was remark- 
 able at this feafon, that as finners were generally under an awakening 
 diftreffing i'enfe of their guilt and danger ; fo the children of God were 
 greatly refredied and comforted; their fouls were magnifying the 
 Lord, and rejoycing in God their Saviour, while others in diflrefling 
 agony were crying out, " Men and brethren what iliall we do ?" 
 
 -In the Summer following, this religious concern fenfibly decayed; 
 though the fincere converts now held fafl: their profeflion without wa- 
 vering ; yet there were too many who had been under conviftions, that 
 grew carelefs and fccure; and all endeavours proved ineffeftual, to 
 give new life to their former follicitude about their eternal welfare. 
 "What feemed greatly to contribute to this (now growing) fecurity a- 
 mong thefe, was the pride, falfe and rafh zeal, and cenforioufncfs, 
 which appeared among fome few at this time, who made high preten- 
 ces to religion. This opened the mouths of many againft the w^holc 
 work; and raifed that oppofition which was. not before heard of; al- 
 THoft every body feeming to acknowledge the finger of God in thefe 
 wonderful appearances, till this handle was given to their oppofition. 
 
 And the dreadful fcandalsof Mr. C which came to light about thits 
 
 time, proved a means to ftill further harden many in their declenfion 
 and apoftacy. That unhappy gentleman having made fo high preten- 
 fions to extraordinary piety 3nd zeal, his fcandals gave the deeper 
 wound to vital and expe^pimental Godlinefs, Thus Sir, I have faith- 
 
144 Succcfs of the Go/pel in Arnerlca Book IV. 
 
 fully given you a narrative in feme brief and general hints of the late 
 revival of religion at Newark; and Ihall now proceed to give you a 
 brief view of the like manifeftations of the divine grace at Elizabeth- 
 town. 
 
 The rev, Mr. Whiteficld preached a fermon here in the fall of the 
 year 1739, to a numerous and attentive auditory; but I could obfcrve 
 no further influence upon our people by that addrefs, than a general 
 thoughtfulncfs about religion ; and a promptitude to make the extra- 
 ordinary zeal and diligence of that gentleman, the common and turn- 
 ing topick of their converfation. I do not know that there was any^ 
 one perfon brought under conviftion, or any new and fpecial concern 
 about their falvation, by that fermon ; nor more than one by any en- 
 iieavours that were ufed with them that Fall, or the fucceeding Winter. 
 Though there was fuch a Ihaking among the dry bones fo near to us, 
 as is above reprefented, and we had continual accounts from Newark 
 of the growing diftrefs among their people, (their young people efpe- 
 cially) our congregation remained yet fecure and carelefs; and could 
 not he awakncd out of their fleep. You will eafily conceive, that this 
 muft needs be an afHifting and difcouraging confideration tome; that 
 when from other places, we had the joyful news of fo many flying to 
 Chrift as a cloud, and as doves to their windows, I had yet caufe to 
 complain, that I laboured in vain and fpent my flrength for nought. 
 But notwithftanding all thefe difcouraging appearances, I could not 
 but entertain an uncommon concern, particularly for the young people 
 of my charge, during that Winter; and the enfuing Spring; which 
 not only animated my addreffes to the throne of grace on their behalf, 
 but my endeavours alfo, to excite in them if polfible, fome afle(fling 
 fenfe of their mifery, danger, and ncceffity of a Saviour. To that end, 
 there were frequent lectures appointed for the young people in parti- 
 cular ; but without any vifible fuccefs, until fome time in June 1 740, 
 when we had a remarkable manifefliation of the divine prefence with us. 
 
 Having at that time invited the young people to hear a fermon, there 
 was a numerous congregation conveened, which conlifted chiefly of 
 our youth, though there were many others with them. I preached to 
 them a plain, pra^ical fermon ; without any fpecial livelinefs or vi- 
 gour ; for I was then in a remarkably dead and dull frame, till enliven- 
 ed by a fudden and deep impreffion which vifibly appeared upon the 
 congregation in general. —There was no crying out, or falling down; 
 (as elfewhere has happened) but the inward diflirefs and concern of the 
 audience difcovered itfelf, by their tears, and by an audible fobbing and 
 lighlng in almofl all parts of the afliembly. There appeared fuch tokens 
 of a folemn and deep concern, as I never before faw in any congrega- 
 tion whatfoever. From this time, we heard no more of our young 
 people's meeting together for frolicks and extravagant diverfions, as 
 had been ufual among them ; but inftead thereof, private meetings for 
 religious exercifes were by them fet up in feveral parts of the town. 
 All our opportunities of public worfliip, were carefully and conftantly 
 attended by our people in general; and a ferious and folemn attention 
 to the raiiniftry of the word; was obfcrvableiii their very countenances. 
 
i chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. i^c 
 
 Numbers v/erc almoft daily repairing 10 mc for afiiftance in ihcir eter- 
 nal concerns. There were ti^cn probably more came tome in one day 
 on that errand, than ufnally in half a years fpace before'*. In a word, 
 the face of the congregation was quite altered; and religion became 
 the common fubje^l of convcrJ'ation among a great part of the people. 
 
 Though this work began among our young people ; and the mofl 
 of thofe with whom we have reafon to conclude it became eire(itual, 
 were of the younger fort; yet there were fome who had lived a carc- 
 lefs and fcnfual life to an advanced age, who were under convidions, 
 and (I hope) favingly brought home to Chrift, at this blelTed time of 
 the efiufion of his holy Spirit. Though there were fo many brought 
 under conviftions at once, we had very little appearance of thofe irre- 
 gular heats among us, which are fo loudly complained of in fome other 
 parts of the land. I do not remember to have heard of above two or 
 three inftanccs of any thing of that nature, in this congregation ; and 
 thofe eafily and fpeedily regulated. It is obfervable that this work was 
 fubftantially the fame in all the differing fubjeOs of it, though fome 
 paffed through much greater degrees of diflrefs and terror than others; 
 and this diftrefs lailed much longer with fome than with others; yet 
 all were brought under a deep fenfe of their fin, guilt, and danger; and 
 none (that I know of) obtained fatisfying difcoveries of fafety in Ghrift, 
 till they were firft brought to defpair of help from themfelves or any 
 of their own refuges, and to fee and feel that they lay at mercy. 
 
 We had noinftances among us of fuch fudden converfions as I have 
 heard of elfcwhere; but our new converts were all for a confiderable 
 time under a law- work, before they were brought to any fatisfying 
 views of their intereft in Chrift and the favour of God. Nor had we 
 many inftances of thofe extatick rapturous joys, that werefo frequent 
 in fome other places. It was remarkable that they who were formerly 
 eminent for religion, were now greatly quickened and revived ; and 
 fome of them had now fuch joyful manifeftations of God's love to 
 their fouls as tliey had never before experienced. It was alfo remark- 
 able, that as this work began among us in a time of greateft health and 
 profperity; fo the concern began fenfibly to wear off in one of the 
 greateft mortalities that had ever been known in the town ; which 
 makes it appear more evidently to be the work of God himfelf. Tho* 
 there are feme of thofe who were then under fpecbl convi6tions, that 
 have worn off their impreffions, and are become fecure and carelefs; 
 yet I do not know of any two pcrfons, who gave reafonable hopes of a 
 real change at that time, but who have hitherto by their converfation 
 confirmed our hopes of their faving converfion to God. 
 
 I would be very cautious of any confident determinations, with re- 
 fpefl to the converfion of particular perfons: but if we may judge th^ 
 tree by the fruits, which we kave now had fo long a time to obfcrve, 
 
 a Agrecnble to this, the rev. Mr. Dick- 
 infon in anotijcr letter wrote about that 
 time to the rev. Mr. Foxcroft, viz, Septem- 
 ber 4th, 17^0, has thefc remarkable pafld- 
 ges— " I have iVill the comfortable irw? to 
 
 VOL. TI. T 
 
 inform you of, that there is yet a great re- 
 vival of religion in thrfc parts. I have had 
 more young pooolc jfiJicfsrif.e for direftioo 
 in their fpiritua! concerns within thefc ihxK^ 
 months than ;p th:::;" years brforr," 
 
146 Succefs of the Gof^el In Americet Book IV, 
 
 we have rcafon to fuppofe, that near about fixty perfons have received 
 a faving change in this congregation only^-{and a number in the parilh 
 next adjoining to us, though I dare not pretend to guefs how many) 
 fince the beginning of this work. The general concern which (as I have 
 obferved) appeared upon the face of the congregation, has gradually ■ 
 worn ot^}'; and a great part of thofe who came fhort of the eii'eftual 
 and faving influences of the blclfed Spirit, are returned to their former , 
 fecurity and infenfibility, and again appear like a valley of dry bones. 
 Though there be yet a confiderablc number, that do not give fatisfy- 
 ing evidences of a regenerate ftate^who have not worn otF their ferious- 
 imprellions. 
 
 I intreat your prayers for us, that he with whom is the refidue of the 
 Spirit, would again revive his work among us, and have compalfion 
 upon the many poor fouls who are yet in the paths of deHrucfUon a-nd 
 death. And be pleafed particularly to remember at the throne c^f grace. " 
 Yowrs, &c. Jonathan Dickinson, 
 
 Section IH. 
 
 A Concern appears, in September 1739, at Harvard in Middlefex. • 
 
 // increa/'es among the young People. This a Mean to jHr up o~- 
 
 thers. Religious Converfation. Societies for Prayer^ 6t. 
 
 r From a Letter from Mr. Seccomb, Minifter at Harvard, to Mr. Prince, Miniflcr at Bof- 
 ton, February 20th, 1744, in Prisck's Chridiaii Hiftory, N " y^. J 
 
 Rev. Sir, " According to your requefV, I here fend you a cautious, 
 though brief account of the revival of religion here. The firft vifible 
 alteration among my people for the better v/as fome time in the month 
 of September in the year 1739; ^'hen feveral began to grow more 
 thoughtful and ferious, and fomewhat reformed, more conftant and ! 
 diligent in attending the public worfliip, more attentive in bearing the 
 word preached, more careful to fandlify the Sabbath, &c. JNot long 
 after this, came four young men to me under confldcrable awakenings 
 and concern about their fpiritual flate. In December following ihefe 
 fame perfons were taken into church-fellowlhip, who had been of too 
 loofe a life and converftition in times part ; which put many upon fur- 
 ther thoughtfulnefs. 
 
 From this time, the concern began to increafe, and there was fcarce 
 a facrament paffed (which is with us once in eight weeks) without 
 fome additions to the church from that to the prefent time; though 
 twelve is the greatefl: number that have been received at once. After a 
 while religious difcourfe began to be introduced among perfons on 
 Lord's-days between cxercifes, which had been fliamefully neglefled, 
 and could not before this be obtained. And by many it was looked 
 upon as a fign of hypocrify, and accordingly fuch were much fcorned 
 by the lefs ferious and confiderate among the people. But as this con- 
 cern grew upon perfons, religious converfation became more frequent; 
 and many would often fpeak one to another about foul-concerns. Af- 
 terwards feveral young perfoas were formed imo focicties for praycr| 
 
Chap. 5. in ihc elghieenth Century. 147 
 
 reading the "Word, finging, and religious conference. Thisvifible re- 
 formation among the young people was (under God)'a means of ftir- 
 ring up many middle-aged and elder perfons to think more ferioufly a- 
 bout their fouls, and what they (hould do to be faved. And they alfo 
 had a weekly meeting together for prayer, &c. Here was now a great 
 vilible reformation among the people both old and young. 
 
 The work of conviftion and convcrfion was begun and carried on 
 in a gradual manner, principally, by the preaching of the word. The 
 preached word became more quick and powerful than ufual ; like as a 
 fire, and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces. And particu- 
 larly fomefermons from Ifa. Iv. i. and Ezek. xxxiii. 11. were fethome 
 upon the hearts of fome for their great awakening, and I hope faving 
 good. Many were made fenfible of that mifcrable wretched Hate they 
 were in by nature, and that fountain of fin that is in the heart: judg- 
 ing and condemning themfelves as the very greatcft and vilcll: of fin- 
 ners; and greatly concerned how to obtain an interefl in the Lord Jc- 
 fus Chrift. Some had amazing apprehenfions of the dreadful wrath of 
 God under which they lay; very fenfible how greatly they had boen 
 blinded and deluded in time pad as to the nature of religion and the 
 ftatc of their own fouls; greatly aftedled with their ignorance in divJric 
 things, and to think they had abufed the patience of Godfo long, being 
 even aftoniflied at their being yet out of hell; and greatly bewailing 
 their former infenfiblenefs of the defign of the holy Sabbath, in their 
 having finned away fuch precious feafons for their fouls. Now they 
 became wonderfully attentive to the word preached as if they would 
 not by any means lofe a fingle fentence^ as new-born babes defiring the 
 fincerc milk of the word. Many, very defirous of feeing themfelves as 
 they were, and greatly afraid lell: their eonvi(Slions {hould wear away 
 before they had found Chrift. Some, while under the Spirit of bon- 
 dage, were fo fenfibly aife>5led with their danger, that they dare not 
 clofe their eyes to fleep, left they llaould awake in hell; and would 
 fometimes arife in the night, and go to the windows, under alarming 
 fears of Chrift's fudden coming to judgment, expefting to hear the 
 founding of the trumpet to fummon all nations to appear before him. 
 Thus when the terrors of God make finners afraid, there is a dreadful 
 found in their ears. 
 
 I think I may fay there has been a great fliaking among the dry 
 bones, and fome that have been for a long time dead in treipafies and 
 fins appear to be made alive to God : fleepy finners have been awaken- 
 ed, ftubborn finners fubdued, proud finners humbled, carnal perfons 
 made fpiritual. Such as lived unmindful of Heaven, now feek the 
 things which are above, and fet their afft:6lions upon them. Prayerlef$ 
 perfons now call upon God, and fome that defpifed his word now 
 tremble at it. Some that turned their backs upon the table of the 
 Lord, and faid (praftically at leall) the table of the Lord is contemp- 
 tible, do now hunger and thirft for communion with Chrift there, &:c, 
 Great numbers, both young and old, are outwardly reformed ; and a 
 confiderable number who in a judgment of charity may be faid to be 
 favingly converted, whofe lives and converfation3 foy twQ or three ycar^ 
 
 T 2 ' 
 
1 48 ^Ticccfs of the Gofpd in /Imcrica Book IV. 
 
 paft are in dif main as bccomcth the gofpcl. " Old things are part a- 
 way, behold, all things arc become new." Hence the Bible hath appear- 
 ed to fome to be a new book ; and the Gatechifm of the ailcmbly of di- 
 vines to be a new and molt excellent compofure, though before they 
 faw no great excellency to be in the one or the other: and therefore 
 greatly admire at their former ignorance. And fome of the fame fer- 
 mons they had heard fome time before (being fometimes neccflitated 
 to preach fuch) appeared to be quite new, and better tlian ever they 
 heard before, and I could hardly make them believe they had ever heard 
 them before. It was grievous to them to think they (hould live fo long 
 under the means of grace, and never hear any preaching till now; that 
 all former fermons had been lo loll upon them which now were fo 
 fwcet and nouriihing to their foul?. They fpeak of a fweetnefsin fer- 
 mons, and in fpiritual promifes, which they never found before. And 
 hereupon fome have been fo eager to hear fermons, and join with others 
 in prayer and conference and fuch Chriltian exercifes, as to neglefl 
 their particular callings. And being thus irregularly intent upon fpi' 
 ritual things, it hath turned to the difparagement of religion among 
 fuch as have a mind to take up all exceptions againft it that they can 
 meet with, as if religion put people befide thcmfclves. But I think it 
 no ways ftrange to lee 5'oung ChrilHans thus llrongly difpofed to reli- 
 gious duties; and we ought to make allowances in luch cafes, if they 
 go a little too far in fome things, at firft fetting out: they will be flow 
 enough and lamentably backward to the bell: exercifes (ufually) after a 
 few years. Though fome have been th.us \ipon the extreme for a 
 "while; yet oh, how pleafant was it to fee fuch numbers (chiefly young 
 pcrfons) as I have fcen flying as doves to their windows, going and 
 weeping, feeking the Lord their God, aflcing the way to Zion with their 
 faces thitherward ! fome judging and condemning themfelves, bemoan- 
 ing their fad condition, others rejoicing with joy unfpeakable and full 
 pf glory, and prcffing into the kingdom of God with holy violence. 
 
 If all this be the effe£ls of frenzy and tuadnefs, delufion and enthu- 
 liafm, I pray God I may fee another fuch pleafant feafon, even the glory 
 of the Lord, and the excellency of our God; when the defert fliall re- 
 joice and blofllbm astherofe. I am perfuaded God hath done great 
 things for us, whereof we have great reafon to rejoice and be glad. And 
 fevcral things confirm me in my belief; particularly thefe two, i.The 
 means by which this w-ork of conviflion andconverfion (by God's blcf- 
 fing) hath been carried on, is pne evidence of a good work. I mentioa 
 this, to take off that objection which Hath been made by fome, who 
 fay perfons were not truly convinced of fin, &c. but aflrighted by the 
 manner of the preacher's addrcfs to their paflions, by the loudnefs of 
 the voice, gefture, &c. And that this work hath been carried on on- 
 ly in fuch places where fuch preachers have been. This is not the cafe 
 here; this reformation hath not been carried on violently, nor by 
 flrarigers. There was a Icflure-fermon preached in June 1 741, by an 
 fldcrly minifler, from thofe words in Matth xxii. 5. " They made 
 light of it;" which God remarkably bkflTed to the awakening, and I 
 fcave reafon to think to the fpiritual good of fome fouls among us: 
 
chap. 5- in the eighteenth Century. 149 
 
 which is the only inflance of that nature by any minifter preaching 
 with us, that I now recolleft. And furthermoic, this religious con- 
 cern began a year before Mr. Whitefield's coming into the country: 
 and after he preached in New-England very few of this people did c- 
 ver hear him. But God was pleafed to make ufe of the ufual means, to 
 rouze and awaken flcepy fmners by the fmall voice; and, as before ob- 
 ferved, by fome of the very fame ferraons that made no impreflion 
 before. This, I fay, is one thing that confirms my belief of a good 
 work, and that allcrtion of the apoftle; " Whoever plants or waters, 
 it is God that gives the increafe." But then, 2. I'hegood fruits and ef- 
 fefts is a further and mod convincing proof of the power and grace of 
 God. *' By their fruits ye Ihall know them." If it be afked, vhat 
 are thefe fruits that evidence a good work ? Though I have already 
 hinted at this, yet I would add, that many are more humble, jult, 
 meek, temperate, fober-minded, peaceable, kind and charitable, fliew- 
 ing love to the brethren, &c. and fome have at times cxprefTed a great 
 readinefs and willingncfs to lay down their lives for thefalvation of one- 
 foul, if God fhould call them to it: expreffing great inward joy and 
 peace in believing: fhewing out of a good converfation their works 
 with meckne|s of wifdom. And I think it may be truly faid that many 
 are better hufbands, better wives, better parents, better children, better 
 maflers, and better fervants, &c. That cenforious fpirit (fo much the 
 blemifh of religion) hath not prevailed as in fome places: tho' it muft 
 be acknowledged that fome have been too much for judging others for 
 a time, as is the cafe with fome after thefirrt beginnings of grace. But 
 even thofe that have been moil cenforious of others, are now (after a 
 better acquaintance with their own hearts, &c.) very jealous of them- 
 felves, and more charitable towards others ; much for judging and con- 
 demning themfelves, loathing themfelves in their own light for their i- 
 niquities and for their abominations; and complaining much of tlieir 
 own deadnefs, hardnefs of heart, remaining unbelief, that body of fin 
 they find within them, &c. exercifed alfo with fuch fcruples, fears and 
 temptations as are incident to believers. Thefe, with many other things 
 I could name, give me good ground to think that fome have been turn-^ 
 ed "from darknefs to light, and from the power of Satan toGod." And 
 as to the manner of perfonsbeingwroughtupon ; ithasbeenufually in a 
 rational gofpel-way. None have cried out under the word but once,;ind 
 then but five or fix. And I would further obferve concerning fuch as 
 have received comfort, they had mod of them been under concern and 
 a fpirit of bondage for feveral months before. 
 
 As to the fubjefts of this work, the chief were young pcrfons as a- 
 forefaid. Some loofe immoral perfons. Some that greatly oppofed 
 this work at firil. Some who were before in repute for morality ami 
 religion : and thefe were in the lafl place and with the greatcft diificuhy 
 brought to fubmit to the righteoufnefs of Chrifl: and fuch as thefe 
 have ufually walked in darknefs, and been full of fears a confiderable 
 time, before they could attain any comfortable hope of their good 
 ftate : the light hath come very gradually into their fouls ; while it 
 hath broke in upon ffpijie others Uk? the fun at noon*day, and give:*- 
 
Ji^c SucceJ} of the Cojpel in America Book IV. 
 
 light all around them ; which fo affcfted them at firft, that they 
 thought they had no more to do with this world, that all their bu- 
 llnefs was now to praife God, and to /hew forth all his wonderful 
 works, &c. but experience hath fince taught them otherwife. And as 
 CO the additions to the church; there have been near an hundred ad- 
 ded fince September 1739. And though fome, who have been under 
 6ec^ impreffions, fecm fince to have loft them; yet there is by far the 
 greater number (blelfed be God) who teftify their fincerity by an an- 
 Averable life and converfation ; fo that, upon the whole, I mud con- 
 elude, that God hath by his word and Spirit been carrying on a good 
 work among us ; and to his name be all the praife and glory. 
 
 Section IV, 
 
 in March, 1740, a like Concern appears at New-London-Derry in Pen^ 
 
 fylvania. Under the Preaching of a Stranger-Mini fter, from 
 
 Luke xiii. 7, J>td afterwards, when their own Mini/ier preach- 
 ed from Matthew v\. 33. Sermons on week Days. The Experi- 
 ences of a young IVoman. Jnd of a Man aged fifty. Jnd cf 
 
 two Sijiers, agedfcven and nine Tears.^—^ — Other Places in Penfyl- 
 vania awakened. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Samuel Blair, Mjnifler at New-London-Derry, loj^lr. Prince* 
 Miniftcrat Bcfton, Auguft 6th, 1744, in Pkinck's Chrjftian Hiftory, N ° 83. J 
 
 Rev. Sir jT\\^t it may the more clearly appear that the Lord has indeed 
 carried on a work of true religion among us of lat^ years, I conceive 
 it will be ufeful to give a brief general view of the fiate of religion in 
 thefe parts before this remarkable feafon. I doubt not then but there 
 were fome fincerely religious people up and down ; and there were, 
 I believe, a confiderable number in the feveral congregations, pretty 
 exa£V, according to their education, in the obfervance of the external 
 forms of religion, not only as to attendance upon public ordinances 
 on the Sabbaths, but alfo as to the pra£lice of family-worfhip, and per- 
 haps fecret prayer too: but with thefe things the mofl part feemcd, to 
 all appearance, to refl contented, and to fatisfy their confciences jufl 
 with a dead formality in religion. If they performed thefe duties pretty 
 punftually in their feafons, and as they thought with a good meaning, 
 out of confcience, and not jufl to obtain a name for religion among 
 men, then they were ready to conclude that they were truly and fin- 
 cerely religious. A very lamentable ignorance of the main effentials 
 of true practical religion, and the doftrines nextly relating thereunto, 
 very generally prevailed. The nature and neceflity of the new-birth 
 was but little known or thought of. The neceffity of a conviction of 
 fin and mifery, by the Holy Spirit opening and. applying the law to the 
 confcience, in order to a faving clofure with Chrifl:, was hardly known 
 at all to the mofl. It was thought that if there was any need of a heart- 
 diflrefTiog fight of the foul's danger, and fear of Divine wrath, it was 
 .only needful for the grofier fort of fmners; ajisi for apy others to be 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Centufy, r jl 
 
 deeply exercifed this wny, (as there might foractimes be before fome 
 rare inftanccs obfcrvable) this was generally looked upon to be a great 
 evil and temptation that had befallen thofe pcrfons. The common 
 names for fuch foul-concern were, melancholy, trouble of mind, or 
 dcfpair. Thefe terms were in common, fo far as I have been acquaint- 
 ed, indifferently ufed as fynonimous; and trouble of mind was look- 
 ed upon as a great evil, which all perfons, that made any fcber profef- 
 fion and practice of religion, ought carefully to avoid. There was 
 fcarcely any fufpicion at all, in general, of any dangCr of depending 
 upon felf-righteoufnefs, and not upon the righteoufnefs of Chrill: alone 
 for falvation. Papifts and f^uakers would be readily acknowledged guil- 
 ty of this crime ; but hardly any profeiTed Prefby terian . The neceihty 
 of being firfl: in Ghrift: by a vital union, and in a juftified (late, before 
 our religious fervices can be well-plealing ancf acceptable to God, was 
 very little undcrftood or thought of; but the common notion fifemcd 
 to be, that if people were aiming to be in the way of duty as well as 
 they could, as they imagined, there was no reafon to be much afraid. 
 
 According to thcfe principles, and this ignorance of fome of the moft 
 foul-concerning truths of the gofpel, people were very generally thro' 
 the land carelefs at heart, and ftupidly indifferent about the great con*- 
 cerns of eternity. There was very little appearance of any hearty en- 
 gagcdnefs in religion ; and indeed the wife, for the moft part, were in 
 a great degree afleep with the foolifli. It was fad to fee with what a- 
 carelefs behaviour the public ordinances were attended, and how people 
 were given to unfuitable worldly difcourfc on the Lord's-day. In pub- 
 lic companies, a vain and frothy lightnefs was apparent in the deport- 
 ment of many^profefTors. 
 
 Thus religion lay as it were a-dying, and ready to expire its laft 
 breath of life in this part of the vifible church : and it was in the Spring, 
 in the year 1740, when the God of falvation was pleafed to vifit us 
 with the bleffed efFulions of his Holy Spirit in an eminent manner. The 
 firft very open and public appearance of this gracious vifitation in thefe 
 parts, was in the congregation which God has committed to my charge. 
 This congregation has not been erected above fourteen or fifteen years 
 from this time: the place is a new fettlcment, generally fettled with 
 people from Ireland, (as all our'congregations in Penfylvania, except 
 two or three, chiefly are made up of people from that kingdom.) \ 
 am the firft minifter they have ever had fettled in the place; having bcea 
 regularly liberated fi-om my former charge in Eafi-Jerfey, above an 
 hundred miles north-eaftward from hence, (the rev. prefbytery of New- 
 Brunfwick, of which I had the comfort of being a member, judging k 
 to be my duty, for fundry reafons, to remove from thence.) At the 
 earneft invitation of the people here, I came to them in the beginning 
 of November 1 739, accepted of a call from them that Winter, and was 
 formally inftalled and fettled among them as their minifter in AprU 
 following. There were fome hopefully pious people here at my firft. 
 coming, which was a great encouragement and comfort to me. 
 
 I had fome view and fenfeof the deplorable condition of the land m 
 general} and accordingly Uifi Icof? ttf ffiy pxfiRi^bijjg through thii|fir|t 
 
152 Succefs of the Gojpel in America Book IV. 
 
 A\' inter after I came here, was mainly calculated for perfons in a na» 
 tural unregenerate fhte. I endeavoured, as the Lord enabled mc, to 
 open up and prove from his word, the truths which I judged raoft ne- 
 cclFary for fuch as were in that ftate to know and believe, in order to 
 their conviction and converiion. I endeavoured to deal fearchingly 
 and folcmnly with them: and through the blefling of God, I had 
 knowledge of four or live brought under deep conviftions that Win- 
 ter. In the beginning of March I took a journey into Eaft-Jerfey; 
 and was abroad for two or three Sabbaths : a neighbouring minifter, 
 ■who feemcd to be earned for the awakening and converfion of fecure 
 finncrs, and whom I had obtained to preach a Sabbath to my people in 
 my abfence, preached to them, I think, on the firft Sabbath after I left 
 home : his fubjeft was the dangerous and awful cafe of fuch as con- 
 tinue unregenerate and unfruitful under the means of grace. The 
 text was Luke xiii. 7. " Then faid he to the drelfer of his Vineyard; 
 behold, thefe three years I come feeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find 
 none; cut it down, why cumbreth it the ground ?" under thatfermon 
 there was a vifible appearance of much foul-concern among the hearers; 
 fo thatfome burfl-out with an audible noife into bitter crying (a thing 
 not known in thefe parts before.) After I had come home, there came a 
 young man to my houfe under deep trouble about the ftate of his foul, 
 whom I had looked upon as a pretty light merry fort of a youth: he 
 told mc that he was not any thing concerned about himfelf in the time 
 of hearing the above-mentioned fermon, nor afterwards, till the next 
 clay that he went to his labour, which was grubbing in order to clear 
 fome new gjrounxl : the firfl grub he fet about was a pretty large one 
 v/ith a high top, and when he had cut the roots, as it fell down, thefe 
 words came inftantly to his remembrance, and as a fpear to his heart, 
 •* Cut it down, why cumbreth it the ground ?" fo, thought he, muft I 
 be cut down by the juflice of God for the burning of hell, unlefs I get 
 into another Hate than I am now in. He thus came into very great and 
 abiding dillrefs, which, to all appearance, has had a happy ilfue; his 
 converfation being to this day as becomes thegofpel ofChrift. 
 
 The news of this very public appearance of deep foul-concern among 
 my people met me an hundred miles from home : I was very joyful 
 to hear of it, in hopes that God was about to carry on an exteniive 
 work of converting grace amongft them. And the firft fermon I preach- 
 ed after my return to them, was from Matth. vi. 33. " Seek ye firft 
 the kingdom of God, and his righteoufnefs." After opening up and 
 explaining the parts of the text, when, in the improvement, I came to 
 prefs the injunction in the text upon the unconverted and ungodly, and 
 offered this as one rcafon among others, why they fhould now hence- 
 forth firft of all feek the kingdom and righteoufnefs of God, viz. that 
 they had neglected too too long to do fo already: this confideration 
 Teemed to come and cut like a fword upon feveral in the congregation; 
 fo that while I was fpeaking upon it, they could no longer contain, but 
 burft out in the moH bitter mourning. I defired them as much as pof- 
 fible, to reftrain themfelves from making any noife, that would hinder 
 themfeivcs or others from hearing what was fpoken : and often after- 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. i ^■^ 
 
 wards I had occafion to repeat the fame counfel: I ftill advifcd people 
 to endeavour to moderate and bound their paflions, but not fo as to re- 
 fifl or ftille their convidlions. The number of the awakened increaled 
 very faih frequently under fermons there werefomc newly convicted, 
 and brought into deep dirtrefs of loul about their perilhing eltate. Our 
 Sabbath alfemblies foon became valUy large : many people from almoft 
 all parts around inclining very much to come where there was fuch 
 appearance of the divine power and prefence. I think there was fcarce* 
 ■ly a fermon or lefture preached here through that whole Summer, but 
 there were manifefl evidences of imprellions on the hearers; and many 
 times the impreffions were very great and general: feveral would be 
 overcome and fainting; others deeply fobbing, hardly able to contain: 
 others crying in a mofl dolorous manner; many others more lilently 
 •weeping: and a folemn concern appearing in the countenances of ma- 
 ny others. And fometimes the foul-exercifes of fome (though compa- 
 ratively but very few) would fo far alFedl their bodies as to occaHon 
 fome flrange luiufual bodily motions. I had opportunities of fpeaking 
 particularly with a great many of thpfc;* who afforded fuch outward 
 tokens of inward foul-concern in the time of public worfl;ip and hear- 
 ing of the word : indeed many came to me of themfelves in their dif- 
 . trefs, for private inllruftion and counfel; and I found, fo far as I can 
 remember, that with by far the greater part their apparent concern ia 
 public was not juft a tranfient qualm of confcience, or meerly a floating 
 commotion of theafFe6tions; but a rational fixtconvicflion of their dan- 
 gerous perifliing eftate. They could generally offer as a conviciive evi- 
 dence of their being in an unconverted miferableeftate, that they wera 
 utter Grangers to thofe difpofitions, exercifes, and experiences of loul 
 in religion, which they heard laid down from God's word, as the infe- 
 parable charafters of the truly regenerate people of God ; even fuch as 
 before had fomething of the form of religion; and, I think the greater 
 number were of this fort; and feveral had been pretty exa^t and pun- 
 ctual in the performance of outward duties; they faw they had been 
 contenting themfelves with the form without the life and power of god- 
 linefs; and that they had been taking peace to their confciences from, 
 and depending upon their own righteoufnefs, and not the righteoufnefs 
 of Jefus Chriil. In a word, they faw that true practical religion was 
 quite another thing than they had conceived it to be, or had any true 
 experience of. There were likewife many up and down the land 
 brought under deep diflreffing convi(5tions that Summer who had Uved 
 very loofe lives, regardlefs of the very externals of religion. In this 
 congregation I believe there were very few that were not flirred up to 
 fome folemn thoughtfulnefs and concern more than ufual about their 
 fouls. The general carriage and behaviour of people was foon very vi- 
 flbly altered. Thofe awakened were much given to reading in the holy 
 Scriptures and other good books. Excellent books that had lain by 
 much neglected, were then much perufed, and lent from one to ano- 
 ther: and it was a peculiar fatisfaclion to people to find how exadly 
 thedodtrines they heard daily preached, harmonized with the dodtrines 
 maintained and taught by great and godly men' 'n\ other parts and Jfer- 
 VOL. II. U ■ , 
 
154 Sttccefs rf the Co/pel in Atnerica BooklV. 
 
 mcr times. The fubje(fl:s of difcourfe almoft always when any of them 
 \vere together, were the matters of religion and great concerns of their 
 fouls. All unfuitable, worldly, vain difcourfe on the Lord's-day feemed 
 to be laid afide among them : indeed for any thing that appeared, there 
 feemed almoft an univerfal reformation in this refpedl in our public af- 
 femblics on the Lord's-day. 
 
 There was an earned defire in people after opportunities for public 
 worfhip and hearing the word. I appointed in the Spring to preach e- 
 very Friday through the Summer when I was at home, and thofe 
 meetings were well attended ; and at feveral of them the power of the 
 Lord was remarkably with us. The main fcope of my preaching thro' 
 that Summer was, laying open the deplorable ftate of man by nature 
 iince the fall, our ruined expofed cafe by the breach of the firfl: cove- 
 nant, and the awful condition of fuch as were not in Chrift, giving the 
 marksand ch a rafters of fuch as were in that condition: and moreover, 
 laying open the way of recovery in the new covenant through a Medi- 
 ator, with the nature and necefTity of faith in Chrifl the Mediator, &c. 
 I laboured much on the lafl mentioned heads; that the people might 
 have right apprehenfions of the gofpel-method of life and falvation. I 
 treated much on the way of finners doling with Ghrift by faith, and ob- 
 taining a right peace to an awakened wounded confcience : fliewing 
 that perfons were not to take peace to themfelves on account of their 
 repentings, forrows, prayers, and reformations; nor to make thefe 
 things the grounds of their adventuring themfelves upon Chrifl and his 
 righteoufnefs, and of their expeftations of life by him : and that neither 
 were they to obtain or feek peace in extraordinary ways, by vifions,. 
 dreams, or immediate infpirations: but, by an underflanding view, and 
 believing perfuafion of the way of life, as revealed in thegofpel, thro' 
 the furetiliiip-obedience and fulFerings of Jefus Chrill; with a view of 
 thefuitablenefs and fufficiency of that mediatory righteoufnefs ofChrift 
 for the juftification and life of law-condemned finners; and there- 
 upon, freely accepting him for their Saviour, heartily confenting to, 
 and being well pleafed with the way of falvation, and .venturing their 
 all upon his mediation, from the warrant and encouragement afforded 
 of God thereunto in his word, by his free offer, authoritative com- 
 mand, and fure promife to thofe that fo believe. I endeavoured to 
 ihew the fruits and evidences of a true faith, &c. 
 
 Infometimemanyof the convinced and diflreffed afforded very hope- 
 ful fatisfying evidence that the Lord had brought them to a true clofure ji 
 with Jefus Ghrift ; and that their diftreffes and fears had been in a great 
 meafure removed in a right gofpel-way, by believing in the Son of God, 
 Several of them had very remarkable and fweet deliverances this way. 
 It was very agreeable to hear their accounts how that when they were 
 in the decpeft perplexity and darknefs, diftrefs and difficulty, feeking 
 God as poor condemned hcll-deferving finners, the fcene of recovering 
 grace through a Redeemer has been opened to their underftandings | 
 with a furprizing beauty and glory, fo that they were enabled to be- 
 lieve in Ghrift with joy unfpeakableand full of glory. It appeared that 
 moft generally the holy Spirit improved for this purpofe, and made ufe 
 
chap. 5. ift the eighteenth Century. i r^ 
 
 of fome one particular pafTage or other of the holy Scripture that 
 came to their remembrance in their diihcfs: fome gofpci-offer or pro- 
 mife, or fome declaration of God diredly referring to the recovery and 
 falvation of undone finners by the new-covenant. But with fome it 
 was otherwife : they had not any one particular place of fcripture more 
 than another in their view at the time. Thofe who met with fuch a 
 remarkable relief; as their account of it was rational and fcriptural, fo, 
 they appeared to have had at the time, the attendants and fruits of a 
 .true faith; particularly, humility, love, and an affedlionate regard to 
 the will and honour of God : much of their exercife was in felf-abaiing 
 and felf-loathing; and admiring the aftonilhing condefccnfion and 
 grace of God towards fuch vile and defpicable creatures, that had been 
 io full of enmity and dif-afFeftion to him : they freely and fweetly with 
 all their hearts chofe the way of his commandments; their cnfiamed 
 defire was to live to him for ever according to his will, and to the 
 glory of his name. 
 
 There were others that had not had fuch remarkable relief and com- 
 fort, who yet I could not but think were favingly renewed, and brought 
 truly to accept of and reft upon Jefus Chrift, though not with fuch a 
 degree of livelinefs and liberty, ftrength and joy: and fome of thofe 
 continued for a confiderable time after, for the moft part, under a very 
 diftrefling fufpicion and jealoufy of their cafe. I was all along very cau- 
 tious of exprelTrng to people my judgment of the goodnefs of their 
 flates, excepting where I had pretty clear evidences from them of their 
 being favingly changed; and yet they continued in deep diftrefs, caft- 
 ing off all their evidences: fometimes in fuch cafes, I have thought i-t 
 needful to ufe greater freedom that way than ordinary; but otherwife, 
 1 judged that it could be of little ufe, and might eafijy be hurtful. 
 
 Befide thofe above fpoke of, whofe experience of a work of grace was 
 in a good degree clear and fatisfying, there were fome others (though 
 but very few in this congregation that I knew of) who, having very 
 little knowledge or capacity, had a very obfcure and improper way of 
 reprefenting their cafe in relating how they had been exercifed: they 
 would chieHy fpeak of fuch things as were only the efFe<Sls of their 
 foul-exercife upon their bodies from time to time, and fome things that 
 were purely imaginary: which obliged me to be at much pains in my 
 enquiries before I could get any jult ideas of their cafe. I would afk 
 them, what were the thoughts, the views and apprehenfions of their 
 minds, and exercife of their alfeftions, (at fuch times when they felt, 
 perhaps, a quivering come over them, as they had been faj-^ing, or a 
 faintnefs, or thought they faw their hearts full of fome naufeous filthi- 
 nefs; or when they felt a heavy weight or load at their hearts, or felt 
 the weight again taken off and a pleafant warranefs riling from their 
 hearts, as they would probably exprcfs themfelves,) v.hich might be 
 the occafions or caufes of thefe things they fpoke of: and then, when 
 with fome difficulty I could get them to underftand me, fome of them 
 would give a pretty rational account of folemn and fpiritual exercifes: 
 and upon a thorough careful examination this way,l could not but con- 
 ceive good hopes of fome fuch perfons. 
 
$5^ Succefs of the Gofpel in Jmertci Book IV, 
 
 But there were moreover fevcral others, who feemed to think con- 
 cerning themfelvcs chat they were under fome good work, of whom, 
 yet, I could have no reafonable ground to think that they were under 
 any hopeful work of the Spirit of God. As near as I could judge of 
 their cafe from all my acquaintance and converfation with them, it was 
 much to this purpofe : they believed there was a good work going oh ; 
 that people were convinced, and brought into a converted Itate; and 
 they dellred to be converted too: they faw others weeping and faint- 
 ing, and heard people mourning and lamenting, and they thought if 
 they could be like thefc it would be very hopeful with them ; hence, 
 they endeavoured juft to get them felvesaffeifted by fcrmons, and if they 
 could come to weeping, or get their pafTions fo raifed as to incline them 
 to vent themfelves by cries, now they hoped they were got under con- 
 viftions, and were in a very hopeful way; and afterwards, they would 
 fpeak of their being in trpuble, and aim at complaining of themfelves, 
 but feemed as if they knew not well how to do it, nor what to fay a- 
 gainfl: themfelves; and then they would be looking and expecting to 
 get fome texts of fcripture applied to them for their comfort; and 
 when any fcripture text which they thought was fuitable for that pur- 
 pofe came to their minds, they were in hopes it was brought to them 
 by the Spirit of God that they might take comfort from it. And thus, 
 much in fuch a way as this, fome appeared to be pleafing themfelves jufl 
 with an imaginary converfion of their own making. I endeavoured to 
 correcfl and guard againft all fuch miftakes fo far as I difcovered them, 
 in the courfe of my miniftry ; ?nd to open up the nature of a true con- 
 vi(5tion by the Sfiirit of God, and of a faving converfion. 
 
 Thus I have given a very brief account of the Hate and progrefs of 
 religion here through that firfl Summer after the remarkable revival of 
 it among us. Towards the end of that Summer there feemed to be a 
 flop put to the farther progrefs of the work as to the conviflion and ar 
 wakening of finners; and ever fince there have been very few inftah- 
 ces of perfons convinced. It remains then, that I fpeak fomething of 
 the abiding efFe(fts and after^fruits of thofe awakenings and other reli- 
 gious exercifes which people were under during the above-mentioned 
 period. Such as were only under fome flight imprefTions and fuper- 
 ficial awakenings, feem in general to have lofl them all again without 
 any abiding hopeful alteration upon them: they feem to have fallen 
 back agnjn into their former carelefnefs and ftupidity, and fome that 
 were under pretty great awakenings, and confiderably deep convictions 
 of their mifcrable ftatc, feem alfo to have got peace again to their con- 
 fcicnces, without getting it by a true faith in the Lord Jefus, affording 
 no fatisfying evidence of their being favingly renewed. But, through 
 the infinite rich grace of God (and bleffed be his glorious name ! ) there 
 js a confiderabie number who afford all the evidence that can be rea-? 
 fonably expelled and required for our fatisfaftion in the cafe, of their 
 having been the fubjefts of a thorough faving change; (except in fome 
 /ingular inflances of behaviour, alas for them, which proceed from, 
 pnd fliew the fad remains of original corruption even in the regenerate 
 fhJidren of GocJ while in this imperfeft ftatc :) their walki§ habitually 
 
Chap. 5. in ths eighteenth Century. i ^7 
 
 tender and confcientious, their carriage towards their neighbours jufl: 
 and kind, and they appear to have an agreeable peculiar love one for 
 another, and for all in whom appears the image of God. Their dif- 
 courfes of religion, their engagedncfs and difpofition of foul in the 
 praftice of the immediate duties and ordinances of religion, all appear 
 quite othei-wife than formerly. Indeed, the livclinefs of their aficifti- 
 ons in the ways of religion is much abated in general, and they are in 
 fome meafure humbly fenlible of this, and grieved for it, and are care- 
 fully endeavouring IHII to live unto God ; much grieved with their im- 
 perfections and the plagues they find in their own hearts ; and fre- 
 quently they meet with fome delightful enlivenings of foul ; and parti- 
 cularly our facramental lolemnities for communicating in the Lord's 
 fupper have generally been very blefTed feafons of enlivening and en- 
 largement to the people of God. There is a very evident and great in- 
 creafe of Chriflian knowledge with many of them. We enjoy in this 
 congregation the happinefs of a great degree of harmony and concord ; 
 fcarcely any have appeared with open oppofition and bitternefs againft 
 the work of God among us and elfewhere up and down the land: 
 tho' there arc a pretty many fuch in feveral other places through the 
 country: fome indeed, in this congregation, but very few, have fepa- 
 rated from us, and joined with the minifters who have unhappily op- 
 pofed this blelled work. 
 
 It would have been a great advantage to this account, had I been 
 careful in time to have written down the experiences of particular per- 
 fons; but this I neglefted in the proper feafon. However, I have more 
 lately noted down an account of fome of the foul exercifes and expe- 
 riences of a young woman, but I judge it proper to conceal her name, 
 becaufe fhe is yet living. I was very careful to be exaft in the afl'air, 
 both in my converlnig with her, and writing the account fliegave me 
 of herfelf, immediately after. And though I don't pretend to give her 
 very words for the moft part, yet I am well fatisfied I don't mifrepre- 
 fent what Ihc related. The account then is thus; Aie was firfl brought 
 to fome folemn thoughtfulnefs and concern about her foul's cafe, by 
 feeing others fo much concerned about their fouls: when flie faw peo- 
 ple in deep diflrefs about the ftate of their fouls, Hie thought with her- 
 felf, how unconcerned flie was about her own. And tho' fhe thought 
 that (he had not been very guilty of great fins, yet fhe feared fhe was 
 too little concerned about her eternal welhbeing : and then the fermons 
 ftie heard made her flill uneafy about her cafe; io that fhe would go 
 home on the Sahbath-evenings pretty much troubled and cafl: down ; 
 which concern ufed to abide with her for a few days after ; but flill to- 
 wards the end of the week flie would become pretty eafy; and then, 
 by hearing the word on the Sabbath-days, her uneafmefs was always re- 
 newed for a few days again. And thus it fared with her, till one day, 
 as flie was hearing a fermon preached from Heb. iii. 15. '* To-day if 
 you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; " the minifler in tlic 
 fermon fpoke to this efFe6l, How many of you have been hearing 
 the gofpel for a long time, adid yet your hearts remain always hard, 
 5i'ith£)ut being ma^e better by it : the gofpel is the vpice pf <?od, but 
 
158 Succcfs of the Gojpel in jlmericA Book IV. 
 
 you have heard it only as the voice of man, and not the voice of God, 
 and fo have not been benefited by it. Thefe words came with power 
 to her heart. She faw that this was her Very cafe : and (he had an aw- 
 ful fpnle of the fin of her mif-improvement of the gofpel, of her ftu- 
 pidity, hardncfs and unprofitablenefs under hearing of the word of 
 God : Ihc faw that (lie was hereby expofed.to the fin-puni(hing juflice 
 of God, and fo v/as filled with very great fear and terror: but Ihe faid 
 there was no other fin at that time applied to her confcience, neither did 
 flie fee herfclf as altogether without Ghrifi:. This deep concern on the 
 fore-mentioned account ituck pretty clofe by her afterwards. There 
 was a fociety of private Ghriftians to meet in the neighbourhood fome 
 day after in the fame week, for reading, prayer and religious confe- 
 rence : file had not been at a fociety of that kind before, but (lie longed 
 very much, for the time of their meeting then, that fiie might go there : 
 and while fiie was there, (he got an awful view of her fin and corrup- 
 tion, and faw that flie was without Ghrifi; and without grace; and her 
 exercife and difirefs of foul was fuch, that it made her for a while both 
 deaf and blind; but (lie faid flie had the ordinary ufe of her under- 
 jftanding, and begged that Ghrifi might not leave her to perifii; for flie 
 faw file was undone without him. After this (he lived in bitternefs of 
 foul : and at another time ihe had fuch a view of her finfulnefs, of the 
 holinefs and juftice of God, and the danger fiie was in of eternal mi- 
 fery, as filled her with extreme anguiih; fo that, had it not been that 
 fine was fupportedby an apprehenfion of God's all-fufficiency, (he told 
 me Ihe was perfuaded flie fliould have fallen immediately into defpair. 
 She continued for fome weeks in great difirefs of fpirit, feeking and 
 pleading for mercy without any comfort, until one Sabbath-evening, 
 in a houfe where (he was lodged during the time of a facramcntal fo- 
 lemnity, while the family were finging the eighty-fourth pfalm, her foul 
 conceived firong hopes of reconciliation with God through Jefus Ghrift^, 
 •and flie had fuch apprehenfions of the happinefs of the heavenly ftate, 
 that her heart was filled with joy unfpeakable and full of glory; (he 
 fung with fuch elevation -of foul, as if (he had fung out of herfelf, as 
 ihe expre(red it; (he thought at the time, it was as if the Lord had put 
 by the veil, and fliewed her the open glory of Heaven: (he had very 
 enlarged views of the fu(ficiency of Ghrifi to fave : (he was clearly per- 
 fuaded to the fuUeft fatisfafVion, that there was merit enough in him to 
 anfwer for the fins of the moft guilty finner; and (he faw that God 
 could well be reconciled to all ele£t finners in his fon ; which was a 
 mofl ravifhing delightful fcene of contemplation to her. 
 
 After this (he continued very much under grievous dejeftions for a- 
 foout two years, and yet enjoyed confiderable fweetnefs and comfort at 
 times : file often came to hear fermons with a defire to get clearly con- 
 vinced of her being yet in a Ghrifilefs fiate, and with a formed refolu- 
 tion to take and apply to herfelf what might be faid in the fermon to 
 the unconverted ; but moft commonly flie returned very agreeably dif- 
 appointed ; fhe would generally hear fome mark of grace, fome evi- 
 dence of a real Ghriftian laid down, which fhe could lay claim to, and 
 could not deny ; and thus fhe was fupported and comforted from time 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. i i;r) 
 
 to time. During that two years fpace it was ftill with much fear and 
 perplexity that ihe adventured to communicate in the Lord's fupper; 
 but /he could not omit it j and Ihe always found fome rcfrefiiing fweet- 
 nefs by that ordinance. 
 
 After ihe had been fo long under an almofi: alternate fucceffion of 
 troubles and fupports, the Sun of Righteoufncfs at laft broke out upon 
 her, to the clear fatisfaftion and unfpeakable ravilhpient of her foul, 
 at a communion-table. There her mind was let into the glorious myf- 
 - teries of redemption with great enlargement: while fhe meditated on 
 the fufterings of the Lord Jefus, fhe thought with herfelf he was not 
 juft a man who fufiered fo for fmners, but infinitely more than a man, 
 even the mofl high God, the eternal Son equal with the Father: and flie 
 faw his being God put an infinite luftre and value upon his fulferings 
 as man ; her heart was filled with a moft unutterable admiration of his 
 perfon, his merit, and his love; fhe was enabled to believe in him with 
 a flrong felf-evidencing faith ; and when ihe thought that he had fuffered 
 for her fins, that ihe was the very perfon who by her fins had occafioncd 
 his fufferings, and brought agony and pain upon him : the confideration 
 of this filled her with the deepefl abhorrence of her fins, and mofl bit- 
 ter grief for them ; fhe faid ihe could have dcfired with all her heart to 
 have melted and diflblved her body quite away in that very place, in la- 
 mentation and mourning over her fins. After this enjoyment her foul 
 was generally delighting in God, and flie had much of the light of his 
 countenance with her: and O, her great concern ftill was, how fhe might 
 live to the Lord, how (he might do any thing for him, and give ho- 
 nour to him : the Lord condefcended to be much with her by his enli- 
 vening and comforting prefence, and efpeciallyfacramental fealbns were 
 bleffed and precious feafons to her. At one of thofe occafions, ihe was 
 in a fweet frame meditating on the blood and water that iifued from 
 the wound made by the fpear in her Saviour's fide : ihe thought, as wa- 
 ter is of a purifying cicanfing nature, fo there was fanftifying virtue 
 as well as juflifying merit in the Lord Jefus; and that fne could no 
 more be without the water, his fandlifying grace, to clcanfe her very 
 polluted foul, than fhe could be without his blood to do away her guilt : 
 and her heart was much taken up with the beauty and excellency of 
 fan6lification. At another time, a communion folemnity fikewife, ibe 
 was very full of delight and wonder with the thoughts of ele(n:ing love ; 
 how that God had provided and determined fo great things for her be- 
 fore ever fhe had a being. And a very memorable enjoyment ihe had 
 at another time, on Monday after a communion Sabbath, when thefe 
 words came to her mind, " The Spirit and the Bride fay, come, and 
 let him that is a-thirfl come, and whofoever will, let him take the wa- 
 ter of life freely." The glory and delight let in upon her foul by thefe 
 words was fo great, that it quite overcame her bodily frame : fhe faid 
 it feemed to her that fhe was almoft all fpirit, and that the body was 
 quite laid by ; and fhe was fometimes in hopes that the union would 
 actually break, and the foul get quite away : fhe faw much at that time 
 into the meaning of her Lord in thofe words, " Becaufe I live, ye Ihall 
 live alfo." 
 
i6o Succcfs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 About a time of Ikknefs (he had had, concerning which I had enqui- 
 red of her, fhe told me, Ihe expelled pretty much to die then, and was 
 very joyful at the near profpedt of her change, and fenlibly grieved to 
 find herfelf recover again ; chiefiy becaufe that while /he lived here (he 
 wasfo frail and finful, and could do fo little for the Lord's honour. I 
 was with her in the time of that ficknefs, and indeed I fcarcely ever faw 
 one appear to be lo fully and fweetly fatished under the afflirting hand 
 of God ; fhe manifeftly appeared to lie under it with a peaceful ferenity 
 and divine fweetnefs in her whole foul. In a word, her whole deport- 
 ment in the world befpeaks much humility and heavenlinefs of fpirit. 
 
 One of our Chriftian friends, a man about fifty years of age, was re- 
 moved from us by death in the beginning of I\Iay lafl ; of whom I can 
 give fome broken imperfedl account, which perhaps may be of fome 
 life. His name was Hanfe Kirkpatrick: he was a man of a pretty good 
 underftanding, and had been, I believe, a fober profefTor for many years, 
 though he had not been very long in America. After the work of reli- 
 gion begun fo powerfully amongfl us, I found in converfation with 
 him, that he believed it to be a good work, but feemed very unwilling 
 to give up his good opinion of his own cafe: he told me of fome con- 
 cern and trouble he had been in about his foul in his younger years; 
 but yet the cafe looked fufpicious that he had got eafe in a legal way, 
 upon an outward form of religion. At another time being at hishoufc, 
 and taking up a little book that layby me on the table, which I found to 
 be Mr. Mather's Dead Faith anatomized, and Self-jujiiciary conviSiedy 
 he faid to me, that was indeed a ftrange book as ever he faw, and that 
 according to that author it was a great thing indeed to have a right faith 
 that was true and laving, another thing than it was generally fuppofed 
 to be, or to this purpofe. He feemed to me at that time to be under 
 more fears about his own cafe than I had obferved in him before. Not 
 long after this, as he was hearing a fermon one day, the word w^as ap- 
 plied with irreliftible evidence and power to his heart, fo that he faw 
 himfelf as yet in a perifliing undone cafe: whereupon the diftrefs and 
 cxercife of his foul was fo great,' that he fell off the feat on which he 
 ■was fitting, and wept and cried very bitterly. A little after this, he 
 went to Philadelphia, at the time of the meeting of the fynod, in hopes 
 that perhaps he might meet with fome benefit to his foul, by hearing the 
 minifters preach there, or by converfing with fome of them. He told 
 me afterwards, that while he was there, and as he walked the f>reets, 
 fee was unfpeakably diltrefled with the view of his miferable condition j 
 fo that he could hardly keep his diftrefs from being publicly difcerned 
 tipon him: and, that he feemed fometimes to be even in a manner a- 
 fraid that theflreets would open and fwallow up fuch a wretched crea- 
 ture. He told me of his trouble, and his very fweet relief out of it, in a 
 moft moving manner, under a very frefli fenfe andimprefhon of both; 
 but the particulars of his relief I have quite forgot. He was afterwards: 
 chofen and fet apart for a ruling elder in the congregation. He died of 
 an impofthume, and gradually wafted away for a long time before his 
 death, and was for about two months intirely confined to his bed. He 
 told me, that for fome time before he was laid bed-fail, he had beea 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. i^t 
 
 full of vei-y diftrefTing fears and jealoufies about his foul's ftate, and 
 was altogether unfatisfied about his intcreft in Chrifl; but that loon 
 after he was confined to his bed, the Lord afforded him his comforting 
 prefence, cleared up his interell, and removed his fears. After this he 
 continued itill clear and peaceful in his foul, and fweetly and wholly 
 refigned to the Lord's will until death. While he had ilrength to fpeak 
 much he was free and forward to difcourfe of God and divine things. 
 One time as two other of our elders were with him, he exhorted them 
 to continue ftedfafl and faithful to God's truths andcaufe; for he faid, 
 if he had a thoufand fouls, he could freel)' venture them all upon the 
 do(ftrines which had been taught them in thiscongregatioi'U One time 
 when I took leave of him, he burft out into tears, faying, " Ihad been 
 the meflenger of the Lord of Hofts to him, whom the Lord had fent to 
 call him out of the broad way of deflrvKftion." For fome days before 
 his deceafe he could fpeak very little, but to all appearance, with a great 
 deal of ferenity and fweetnefs of foul he fellafleep in Jefus. 
 
 There have been very comfortable inftances of little children among 
 \is. Twofiflers, the one being about feven, the other about nine years 
 of age, were hopefully converted that Summer, when religion was lb 
 much revived here. I difcourfed with them both very lately, and both 
 from their own account, and the account of their parents, there appears 
 to have been a lading and thorough change wrought in them. They 
 fpeak of their foul-experiences with a very becoming gravity, and ap- 
 parent imprelTion of the things the3/ fpeak of. The youngefl: was awa- 
 kened by hearing the word preached : (he told me fhe heard in fermons 
 that except perfons were convinced and converted they would furely 
 go to hell; and (he knew (lie was not converted : this fet her to pray- 
 ing with great earneflnefs, with tears and cries ; yet her fears and dif- 
 trefs continued for feveral days, till one time as fhe was prayi^ng, her 
 heart (lie faid was drawn out in great love to God ; and as (he thought 
 of Heaven and being with God, (he was filled with fweetnefs and de- 
 fight : I could not find by her that ihe had at that time any explicit par- 
 ticular thoughts about Chrift as a Redeemer, but fne faid flie knew then 
 that Chrift had died for finners. She told me, (he often found fuch de- 
 light and love to God fince as (lie did then, and at fuch times (he was 
 very willing to die that (he might be with God : but (he faid, die was 
 fometimes afraid yet of going t« hell. I allced her, " If (he was troubled 
 at any time when (he was not afraid of going to hell ?" (he faid, " Yes:" 
 I a(ked her, " What fhe was troubled for then ?" die faid, " Becaufe 
 fhe had done ill to God;" meaning, ihaf fhe had done evil and fin a- 
 gainft God. Sometime after fhe firft foimd comfort , one night when 
 her father and all the red: of the family, but her mother and herfelf, 
 were gone to a private fociety, fhe faid to her mother, *' That the 
 people were finging and praying where her father was gone," and de- 
 fired her mother to do the fame with her: and after they were gone 
 to bed, " She defired her mother to fing fome Pfalms which fhe had by 
 heart, for die faid die did not want to go to deep." 
 
 Her fider was brought into trouble about her foul that fame Sum- 
 mer, by ficknefs: it continued with her fome tlrue after her recovery; 
 VOL, IL X 
 
i62 Succcfs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 'till one day, coming home from meeting, as fhe heard fome people 
 (peaking about Ghrift and Heaven, her heart was enllamed with love 
 to ChrilL She fiys, that " when fhe has Ghrift's prefence with her fhe 
 does not know what to do to get away and be with God." Their pa- 
 rents told me that for a long time they feemed to be almoft wholly 
 taken up in religion; that no weather through the extremity of Win- 
 ter would hinder them from going out daily to by-places for fecret 
 prayer; and if any thing came in the way that they could not get out 
 for prayer at fuch times as they inclined and thought mofl proper, they 
 would weep and cry. Their parents fay, they are very obedient chil- 
 dren, and ftrift obfervers of the Sabbath. There as/ likewife other 
 young ones in the place, of whom I know nothing to the contrary, but 
 that they continue hopeful and religious to this day. 
 
 This blefTed fhower of divine influences fpread very much through 
 this province that Summer: and was likewife confiderable in fome o- 
 ther places bordering upon it. The accounts of fome minifters being 
 fomething diftinguifhed by their fearching awakening doftrine, and fo- 
 lemn pathetic manner of addrefs, and the news of the effefts of their 
 preaching upon their hearers, feemed in fome meafure to awaken 
 people through the country to confider their carelefs and formal way 
 of going on in religion ; and very much excited their defires to hear 
 thofe minifters. There were feveral vacant congregations without any 
 fettled paftors, which earneflly begged for their vifits: and feveral mi- 
 nifters who did not appear heartily to put their flioulder to help in car- 
 rying on the fame work, yet then yielded to the preiTmg importunities 
 oftheir people in inviting thofe brethren to preach in their pulpits: fo 
 that they were very riiuch called abroad, and employed in inceffant la- 
 bours,and the Lord wrought with them mightily. Very great affemblies 
 would ordinarily meet to hear them, on any day of the week; and 
 oftentimes a furprizing power accompanying their preaching was viflble 
 among the multitudes of their hearers. It was a very comfortable en- 
 livening time to God's people ; and great numbers of fecure carellfs 
 profefTors, and many loofe irreligious perfons through the land, were 
 deeply convinced of their miferable perifhing eftates; and there is a- 
 bundant reafon to believe and be fatisfied, that many of them were in 
 the ilTue favingly converted to God. I rayfelf have had occafion to con- 
 verfe with a great many up and down, who have given a mofl agreeable 
 account of very precious and clear experiences of the grace of God. 
 Several even in Baltimore, a county in the provinceof Maryland, who 
 were brought up almoft in a ftate of Heathenifm, without almoft any 
 knowledge of the true doiStrines of Chriftianity, afford very fatisfying 
 evidences of being brought to a faving acquaintance with God in Chrift 
 Jefus. 
 
 Thus, Sir, I have endeavoured to give a brief account of the revival 
 of religion among us, in thefe parts ; in which I have endeavoured, all 
 along, to be confcientioufly exa£l, in relating things according to the 
 naked truth : knowing, that I mufl not fpeak wickedly, even for God ; 
 nor talk deceitfully for him. And upon the whole I muft fay, it is be- 
 yojid all difpute with me, and I think 'tis beyond aU reafonable contrar 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 1 5 5 
 
 diftion, that God has carried on a great and glorious work of his grace 
 among us. Samuel Blair. 
 
 Having an opportunity of obtaining thefe atteftations before fend- 
 ing my letter to you, I fend them alfo along. New-Londonderry y 
 
 Augup jth, 1 744. "We the under-fubfcribers, ruling elders in the 
 
 congregation of New-Londonderry, do give our teftimony and attef- 
 tation to the above account of the revival of religion in this congrega- 
 tion and other parts of this country, fo far as the faid account relates 
 . to things that were open to public obfervation, and fuch things as vit 
 have hadopportunity of being acquainted with. Particularly, we tefti- 
 fy that there ^^as been a great and very general awakening among 
 people, whereby they have been flirred up to an earneft uncommon 
 concern and diligence about their eternal falvation, according to the 
 above account of it : and, that many give very comfortable evidence 
 by their knowledge, declaration of experience, and confcientious prac- 
 tice, of their being favingly changed and turned to God. James Coch- 
 ran. John Ramsav. John Love. John Smith. John Simson. Wil- 
 liam Boyd. 
 
 s e c t i o n v, 
 
 Of the remarkable Revival in the City of Bo/ion "which began foon after 
 
 Mr.Whitefield's Arrival there Septeinber 1740 The Concern in- 
 
 creafes greatly after his Departure.— And much more upon Mr. Gil- 
 bert Temient's coming December i-i^thy 1740. His fearching Man- 
 ner of Preaching. After Mr. Tennenfs Departure was fuch a 
 
 Time as the Miniffers of Bofton never knew for the Numbers that 
 
 came to them in Concern absut their Souls. Boys and Girls, young 
 
 Men and IVomen, Indians and Negroes, Heads cf Families, aged Per- 
 
 fons. A Tafiefor Evangelical Experimental IFriters revived. 
 
 Frequent Sermons. Meetings for Prayer increafe The oftner 
 
 the Minifters preached^ they had the more Pleafure in it. Stran- 
 gers were furprized at the Change in the Looks and Carriage of the 
 
 People. The Work goes on 'till June 1742, when feme unhappy 
 
 Jmprudencies -of Mr. Davenport bri?:g in a dijputatious and cenjori- 
 ous Spirit. Mr. Davenport" s Retractations afterwards, 
 
 [ From the Account of the Revival at Bofton by Mr. Prince Minifter there, in his Son's 
 Chrirtian Hiftory, ]s'o loo, &c. ] 
 
 FROM the year 1738, we had received accounts of the rev. Mr. 
 Whitefield, as a very pious young minifter of the church of England, 
 rifing up in the fpirit of the reformers, and preaching their doftrines 
 iirft in England, and then in America, with furprizing power and fuc- 
 cefs ; which raifed defires in great numbers among us to fee and hear 
 him. And having received invitations to come hither, he from Georgia 
 and South-Carolina arrived at Rhode-Ifland on the Lord's-da}', Septem- 
 ber 14th, 1740, and the Thurfday evening after came to Bofton. Next 
 day Dr. Sewall and I made him a vifit, found feveral minifters aqd o- 
 ther gentlenaen of the town with him, and that Dr. Colman and Mr. 
 Cooper had engaged him to preach this afternoon in their houfc of pub- 
 
 X 2 
 
1 64 Succefs cf the Go/pel in y^merica Book IV. 
 
 lie worship; and in about an hour \vc went to the place, which quick- 
 ly crowded with two or three thoufand people. He began with a (hort 
 and fervent prayer ; and, after finging, took his text from John xvii. 2. 
 gave us a plain, weighty, regular difcourfe: reprefenting that all our 
 learning and morality will never fave us; and without an experimen- 
 tal knowledge of God in Chrill: we mufl: perilh in hell for ever. He fpake 
 as became the oracles of God in demonftration of the Spirit and of 
 power; and cfpecially when he came to his application, he addrelTed 
 himfelf to the audience in fuch a tender, earneii, and moving manner, 
 exciting us to come and be acquainted with the dear Redeemer, as melt- 
 ed the airembly into tears. 
 
 Next morning, at Dr. Sewall's and my dcfire, he preached at the 
 South-church to further acceptance. He fpake with a mighty fenfe of 
 GocI, eternity, the immortality and precioufnefs of the fouls of his 
 hearers, of their original corruption, and of the extream danger the 
 tinregencrate are in; with the nature and abfolute neceiiity of regene- 
 ration by the Holy Ghofl ; and of believing in Christ, in order to our 
 pardon, juflification, yielding an acceptable obedience, and obtaining 
 ialvation from hell and an entrance into heaven. His doctrine was plainly 
 that of the reformers : declaring againfl putting our good works or mo- 
 rality in the room of Chrill's righteoufnefs, or their having any hand in 
 our jullification, or being indeed pleafing to God while we are totally 
 tmfanclified, acting from corrupt principles, and unreconciled enemies 
 to him ; which occafioned fome to millake him, as if he oppofed mora- 
 lity. But he infilled on it, that the tree of the heart is by original fin 
 exceedingly corrupted, and muft be made good by regeneration, that 
 fo the fruits proceeding from it may be good likewife; that where the 
 heart is renewed, it ought, and will be, careful to maintain good works ; 
 that if any be not habitually fo careful, who think themfelves renewed, 
 they deceive their own fouls; and even the mofl improved in holinefs, 
 as well as others, muft entirely dep(^nd on the righteoufnefs of Chrift 
 for the acceptance of their perfons and fervices. And though now and 
 then he dropped fome exprelTions that were not fo accurate and guard- 
 ed as we fhould expecfl from aged and long-ftudied minifters, yet I had 
 the fatisfaftion to obferve his readinefs with great modelly and thank- 
 fulnefs to receive correftion as foon as offered. In fhort, he was a moft 
 importunate wooer of fouls to come to Chrifl: for the enjoyment of 
 him and all his benefits. He difiindly applied his exhortations to the 
 elderly people, the middle-aged, the young, the Indians, and Negroes; 
 and had a mofl: winning way of addrelling them. He affeflionately pray- 
 ed for our magiliratcs, minifters, colleges, candidates for the miniftry, 
 and churches as well as people in general : and before he left us, he in 
 a public and moving manner obferved to the people how forry he was 
 to hear that the religious afiTemblies, efpecially on le<ftures, had been 
 fo thin ; exhorted them earneftly to a more general attendance on our 
 public miniftrations for the time to come, and told them how glad he 
 ihould be to hear of the fame. 
 
 Multitudes were greatly affefted, and many awakened with his lively 
 miniflry, Though he preached every day, the houfes were exceeding- 
 
Chap. 5. in ihe eighteenth Century. 16^ 
 
 ly crowded; but when he preached in the Common, a vafVer number 
 attended : and almofl: every evening the houfe where he lodged was 
 thronged to hear his prayers and counlels.Uponinvitationheallopreach- 
 ed in feveral neighbouring towns, travelled and preached as fdK as York, 
 above feventy miles north-eail: of Bofton, returned hither, gave us his 
 farewel affectionate fermon Lord's-day evening, Oftobcr 12th, next 
 morning left us, travelled weftward to Northampton, thence through 
 Cbnnedlicut, New-York, and New-Jerfey to Philadelphia, and thence 
 failed to South-Carolina. 
 
 Upon his leaving us, great numbers in this town were fo happily con- 
 cerned about their fouls, as we had never feen any thing like it before, 
 except at the time of the general earthquake *, and their defires ^cited 
 to hear their miniftcrs more than ever; fo that our affemblies, both on 
 leflures and Sabbaths, were furprizingly increafed, and now the peo- 
 ple wanted to hear us oftner. In confideration of which, a public lec- 
 ture was propofed to be fet up at Djf. Golman's church, near themidll: 
 of the town, on every Tuefday evening. 
 
 Lord's-day afternoon, October 19th, public notice was there givea 
 of the propofed lecture to be on the Tuefday evening following : which 
 the religious people in general received with fo much joy, that when 
 the evening came, the houfe feemed to be crowded as much as if Mr. 
 "Whitefield was there. It was the firft Itated evening lefture in thefc 
 parts of the world : and Dr. Colman began it with a moll: fuitablc and 
 moving fermon upon Ifa. Ix. 8. " Who are thefe that fly as a cloud, 
 and as the doves to their windows." The Tuefday evening after, the 
 Rev. Dr. Sewall preached the lefture in the fame place; and the houfe 
 was then alfo greatly crowded with attentive hearers : and fo it conti- 
 nued to be on thefe leftures for many months after. 
 
 Upon the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent's coming and preaching here, 
 the people appeared to be yet much more awakened about their fouls 
 than before. He came, I think, on Saturday December i 3th, this year; 
 preached at the New-North on both the parts of the following day, as 
 alfo on Monday in the afternoon, when I firfl: heard him ; and there was 
 a great affembly^ He did not indeed at firft come up to my expeCla- 
 tion, but afterwards exceeded it. In private converfe with him, I found 
 him to be a man of confiderable parts and learning; free,'^entle, con- 
 defcending; and from his own various experience, reading the moft 
 noted writers on experinaental divinity, as well as the fcriptures, and 
 converfing with many who had been awakened by his miniftry in New- 
 Jerfey, where he then lived, he feemed to have as deep an acquaintance 
 with the experimental part of religion as any I have converfed with; 
 and his preaching was as fearching and rouzing as ever I heard. 
 
 a Though people were then generally 
 frighted, and many awakened, to fuch a 
 fcnfc of their duty as to offer themfelves to 
 our communion, yet very few came to mc 
 then under deep conviftions of their uncon- 
 verted and loll condition in comparifon of 
 
 what came now. Nor did thofc who came 
 to me then, come fo much with the enquiry, 
 What rtiall we do to be laved ? as to llgnity 
 they had fucti a fenfc of their duty to come 
 to the Lord's tabic, that thc^ dare aot fla/ 
 away any longer. 
 
i66 Succefs of the Gofpcl in America Book IV. 
 
 He fecmed to have no regard to pleafe the eyes of his hearers with a- 
 grecable gefture, nor their ears with delivery, nor their fancy with lan- 
 guage ; but to aim dire6lly at their hearts and confciences, to lay open 
 their ruinous dduflons, fhew them their numerous, fecrct, hypocritical 
 Ihiftsin religion, and drive them out of CVcry deceitful refuge wherein 
 they made thcmfelves eafy, with the form of Godlinefs without the 
 power. And many who were pleafcd in a good conceit of themfelves 
 before, now found, to their great diftrefs, they were only felf-deceivcd 
 hypocrites. And though, while the difcovery was making, fomc at firft 
 raged, as they have owned to me and others ; yet in the progrefs of the 
 difcovery many were forced to fubmit ; and then the power of God fo 
 broko and humbled them, that they wanted ^ further and even a tho- 
 rough difcovery; they went to hear him, that the fecret corruptions 
 pnd delufions of their hearts might be more difcovered; and the more 
 fearching the fermon, the more acceptable it was to their anxious 
 minds. 
 
 From the terrible and deep convictions he had pafled through in his 
 own foul, he fecmed to have fuch a lively view of the Divine Majefly, 
 the fpirituality, purity, extenfivencfs, and ftridlnefs of his law ; with 
 his glorious holinefs, and difpleafure at fin, his juftice, truth and power 
 in punifhing the damned, that the very terrors of God fecmed to rife 
 in his mind afrefli, when he difplayed and brandifhed them in the eyes 
 of unreconciled linners. And tho' fome could not bear the reprefen- 
 tation, and avoided his preaching; yet the arrows of convidtion, by his 
 miniflry, feemed fo deeply to pierce the hearts of others, and even fome 
 of the mofl Ihibborn finners, as to make them fall down at the feet of 
 Chrift, and yield a lowly fubmilTion to him. 
 
 And here I cannot but obferve, that thofe who call thefe convictions 
 by the name of religious frights or fears, and then afcribe them to the 
 mere natural or mechanical influence of terrible words, founds and gef- 
 tures, moving tones, or boifterous ways of fpeaking, appear to me to 
 be not fufficiently acquainted with the fubjcfts of this work, as carried 
 on in the town in general, or with the nature of their conviftions; or 
 at leafl as carried on among the people I have converfed with. For I 
 have had awakened people of every affembly of the Congregational and 
 Prelbyterian way in town, in confiderable numbers, repairing to me 
 from time to time ; and from their various and repeated narratives 
 fhall fhow the difference. I don't remember any crying out, or falling 
 down, or fainting, either under Mr. "WJiitefield's or Mr. Tennent's mi- 
 niftry all the while they were here ; tho' many, both women and men, 
 both thofe who had been vicious, and thofe who had been moral, yea, 
 fome religious and learned, as well as unlearned, were in great concern 
 of foul. But, as Dr. Colman well expreffed it in his letter of Novem- 
 ber 23d, 1741. " We have feen little of thofe extremes or fuppofed 
 blemifhes of this work in Boflon, but much of the bleffed fruits of it 
 have fallen to our fliaBC. God has fpoken to «s in a more foft and 
 calm wind ; and we have neither had thofe outcries and faintings in 
 our afTcmblies, which have diflurbed the worfhip in many places, nor 
 
i chap. 5, in the eighteenth Century. 1 57 
 
 yet thofe manifeftations of joy inexprefTible, ^vllich now fill Tome of 
 our eailern parts*." 
 
 ' As to Mr. vVhitefield's preaching; it was, in the manner, moving, 
 earneft, winning, melting : but the mechanical influence of this, accord- 
 ing to the ufual operations of mechanical powers, in two or three days 
 expired, with many in two or three hours ; and I believe with the moft 
 as foon as the found was over, or they got out of the houfe, or in the 
 firfl converfation they fell into. But with the manner of his preach- 
 ing, wherein he appeared to be in earneft, he delivered thofe vital truths 
 which animated all our martyrs, made them triumph in flames, and led 
 his hearers into the view of that vital, inward, aftive piety which is the 
 mere effeft of the mighty and fupernatural operation of a divine power 
 on the fouls of men; which only will fupport and carry through the 
 fliarpefl trials, and make meet for the inheritance of the faints in light. 
 His chief and earneft dcfires and labours appeared to be the fame with 
 the apoftle Paul for the vifible faints at Ephefus, viz. that they might 
 know (i. e. by experience) what is the exceeding greatnefs of his power 
 (i. e. the power of God) to us-ward who believe, according to the 
 working of his mighty power which he wrought in Chrift when he rai- 
 fed him from the dead, Eph. i. And they were thefe things, and this 
 fort of preaching with furprizing fervency, that the Holy Spirit was 
 pleafcd to ufe as means to make many icnfible they knew nothing of 
 thefe mighty operations, nor of thefe vital principles within them ; but 
 that with Simon Magus, who was a viiible believer and profefl"or of 
 Chrift and bis religion, they v/ere in the gall of bittcrnefs, and in the 
 bond of iniquity; i.e. in the ftatc, pollution, guilt and power of iin, 
 which is inexpreflibly more difagreeable to the holy God than the moft 
 bitter gall to men, and will be bitternefs to them, without a mighty 
 change, in the latter end. It was by fuch means as thefe, that the Holy 
 Spirit feized and awakened the confciences of many; and when the 
 mechanical influence on the animal paflions ceafed, ftiil continued thefe 
 convictions, not only for many days, but weeks and months after the 
 found was over; yea, to this very day with fome; while they excited 
 others to an earneft and perfevering application to Jefus for his Spirit 
 to quicken them, till they came to an hopeful perception of his quick- 
 ening influence in them ; and while in others the fovereign and offend- 
 ed Spirit leaving oft* to ftrive, thefe convidlions in their confciences, the 
 cflefts thereof, have cither fooner or later died away. 
 
 As to Mr. Tennent's preaching. — It was frequently both terrible and 
 fearching. It was often for matter juftly terrible, as he according to 
 the Infpired oracles exhibited the dreadful holinefs, juftice, law, threat- 
 nings, truth, power, Majefty of God; and his anger with rebellious, 
 impenitent, unbelieving and Ghriftlefs iinners; the awful danger they 
 were every moment in of being ftruck down to hell, and damned foi 
 ever ; with the amazing miferies of that place of torment. But his ex- 
 hibitions both for matter and manner fell inconceivably below the rea- 
 
 a His Letter at the end of Mr. Edwards' Sermon, of the diftinguifliing MarJus «i"a 
 york of the Spirit of Qed, pnntcd at Lpndon Ln 17^:. 
 
1 68 Succefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 lity: and though this terrible preaching may ftrongly work on the ani- 
 mal pnllions, and frighten the hearers, rouze the foul, and prepare the 
 way for tcnible convictions; yet thcfe mere animal terrors, and thefe 
 convidVions, are quite dillerent things. 
 
 Nothing is more obvious than for people to be greatly terrified with 
 the apprchcnfions of God, eternity and hell, and yet have noconvicfli- 
 ons. As in Old England and New I have been a conflant preacher and 
 obferver of the j:cligious ftate of thofe who heard me, for above thirty 
 years; they have pa/fcd under many fcores of moil: dreadful tempers of 
 thunder and lightening : wherein, as thePfalmift reprefents, " The voice 
 of the Lord was powerful, the voice of the Lord was full of Majefty ; " 
 yea, even fin ce the revival, viz. on Friday night, July 30th, 1742,31 the 
 IctTKire in the South church, near nine of the clock, being very dark, 
 there came on a very terrible fi:orm of thunder and lightening: and 
 juft as the bleiling was given^ an amazing clap broke over the church 
 ■with piercing repetitions, which fet many a ilirieking, and the whole af- 
 fembly into great confiernation: and yet in thefc difplays of the Ma- 
 jefty of God,(^nd terrifying apprehenfions of danger of fudden defiruc- 
 tion, neither in this furprizing night, nor in all the courfe of thirty yedrs, 
 have I fcarce known any, by thefe kinds of terrors, brought under ge- 
 nuine conviflions. So, on the Lord's-day, June 3d lafi, in our time 
 of public worfliip in the forenoon, when we had been abput a quarter 
 of an hour in prayer, the mighty power of God came on with a furpri- 
 zing roar and earthquake; which made the houfe with all the galleries 
 to rock and tremble, with fuch a grating noife, as if the bricks were 
 moving out of their places to come down and bury us; which exceed- 
 ingly difl:urbed the congregation, excited the flirieks of many, put 
 many on flying out, and the generality in motion. But though many 
 ■were greatly terrified, yet in a day or two their terrors feemed to va- 
 niiih, and I know of but tv/o or three feized by conviftions on this aw- 
 ful occafion. 
 
 No ! conviftlon is quite another fort of a thing. . It is the work of 
 the Spirit of God, a fovereign, free and almighty agent; wherein he 
 gives the finful foul fuch a clear and lively view of the glory of the di- 
 vine fovcrcignty, omniprefence, holinefs, jufiiice, truth and power ; the 
 cxtenfivcncfs, fpirituality and fi^riftnefs of his law, the binding nature, 
 efficacy and dreadfulnefs of his curfes; the multitude and heinoufnefs 
 of its fins both of commiffion and omiffion ; the horrible vilenefs, wick- 
 ednefs, perverfenefsand hypocrifyof the heart, with its utter impotence 
 cither rightly to repent, or believe in Chrifi, or change itfelf: fo that it 
 fees itfelf in a loft, undone and p^rifliing ftate, without the leaft degree 
 of worthinefs to recommend it to the holy and righteous God, and the 
 leaft degree of ftrength to help itfelf out of this condition. Thefe dif- 
 coveriesare made by means of fome revealed truths, either in the read- 
 ing, hearing or remembrance: when in the hearing, fometimes by 
 ■words of terror, and fometimes by words of rendernefs: and the Holy 
 Spirit with fuch internal evidence and power fo applies them to the 
 confcience, that they become as fharp arrows piercing into the heart, 
 Wjounding, paining and fticking in it, when all the mechanical impref* 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. I ^p 
 
 fions of frightful founds are over, fometimes for many days, weeks and 
 months, if not years together, until this Divine Agent, by thefe and 
 other conviftions agreeable to his infpired word, entirely iubdues the 
 foul to Chrift, or being ungratefully treated, withdraws his convin- 
 cing influence, and leaves the heart and confciencc to greater and more 
 dangerous hardnefs and ftupidity than ever. 
 
 Such were the conviftions wrought in many hundreds in this town 
 by Mr. Tennent's fearching miniilry: and fuch was the cafe of many 
 fcores of fevcral other congregations as well as mine, who came to me 
 and others for diredion under theni^. And indeed by all their converfe 
 I found, it was not fo much the terror as the fearching nature of his 
 miniftry, that was the principal means of their conviii^ion. It was not 
 merely, nor fo much his laying open the terrors of the law, and wrath 
 of God, or damnation of hell; (for this they could pretty well bear, as 
 long as they hoped thefe belonged not to them, or they could eaiily a- 
 void them ;) as his laying open their many vain and fecret fliifts and re- 
 fuges, counterfeit refemblances of grace, delufive and daaining hopes, 
 their utter impotence, and impending danger of deflru^liou; whereby 
 they found all their hopes and refuges of lies to fail them, and them- 
 felves expofed to eternal ruin, unable to help themfelves, and in a loft 
 condition. This fearching preaching was both the luitable and prin- 
 cipal means of their conviction : though 'tis mod evident, the mofl pro- 
 per means are utterly infufficient; and wholly depend on the fovereiga 
 will of God, to put forth his power, and apply them by this or that in- 
 ftrument, on this or that perfon, at this or that feafon, in this or that 
 way or manner ; with thefe or thofe permitted circumftances, infirmi- 
 ties, corruptions, errors, agencies, oppofitions j and to what degree, du- 
 ration and event he pleafes. 
 
 A remarkable inftance of conviction alfo has been fometimes under 
 the miniftry of the rev. Mr. Edwards of Northampton: a preacher di 
 a low and moderate voice, a natural way of delivery, and without any 
 agitation of body, or any thing elfe in the manner to excite attention, 
 except his habitual and great folemnity, looking and fpeaking as in the 
 prefence of God, and with a weighty fenfe of the matter delivered. It 
 is juft as the Holy Spirit pleafes, who hides occafions of pride from 
 man: and if Mr. Tennent was to come here again, and preach more 
 roHzingly than ever, it may be, not one foul would come under con- 
 viftion by him. 
 
 On Monday March 2d, 1 740-1, Mr. Tennent preached his farewel 
 fermon to the people of Bofton, from A6ls xi. 23. 10 an auditory ex- 
 tremely crowded, and very much affefted, in Dr. Colman's houfe of 
 worlhip. It was an affedtionate parting; and as great numbers of all 
 conditions and ages appeared awakened by him, there feemed to be a 
 general fadnefs at his going away. Tho' it was natural for them to re- 
 fort abundantly to him by whom it pleafed the fovereign God chiefly 
 
 a The fame kind of fearching preaching by 
 our ownminiftcrsand others, lalfo obferved 
 •was the moft fucccfsful means of bringing 
 people into powerful conviftions, or clear 
 
 VOL. IL 
 
 and awakening views of their finful and 
 loft condition, and their abfolutc nocd ui 
 Chrift to find and faye them. 
 
17© Succefl tfihe G off el in America Book IV. 
 
 to awaken them, for advice in their foul concerns; yet while he was 
 here, many repaired to their minifters alfo, and many more and oftener 
 when he was gone. Mr. Tennent's miniftry, with the various cafes of 
 thofe reforting to us, excited us to treat more largely of the workings 
 of the Spirit of grace, as a fpirit of convi(5lion and converfion, confola- 
 tion and edification in the fouls of men, agreeable to the holy fcriptures, 
 and the common experiences of true believers. 
 
 And now was fuch a time as we never knew. The rev. Mr. Cooper 
 was wont to fay, that more came to him in one week in deep concern 
 about their fouls, than in the whole twenty-four years of his preceed* 
 ing miniftry. I can alfo fay the fame as to the numbers who repaired 
 to me. By Mr. Cooper's letter to his friend in Scotland, it appears, he 
 has had about fix hundred different perfons in three months time: and 
 Mr. Webb informs me, he has had in the fame fpace above a thoufand. 
 Agreeable to the numerous bills of the awakened put up in public, 
 fometimes rifing to the number of fixty at once, there repaired to us 
 both boj's and girls, young men and women, Indians and Negroes, 
 heads of families, aged perfons ; thofe who had been in full communion 
 and going on in .1 courfc of religion many years. And their cafes re- 
 prefented were ; a blind mind, a vile and hard heart, and fome under a 
 deep {tn^t thereof; fome under great temptations; fome in great con- 
 cern for their fouls ; fome in great diflrefs of mind for fear of being un-> 
 converted ; others leafi they had been all along building on a righteouf- 
 Hefs of their own, and were ftill in the gall of bitternefs, and bond of 
 iniquity. Some under flight, others under firong conviftions of their 
 fins and finfulnefs, guilt and condemnation, the wrath and curfe of God 
 upon them, their impotence and mifery; fome for a long time, even 
 for feveral months under thefe conviftions: fome fearing left the ho- 
 ly Spirit Ihould withdraw; others having quenched his operations, were 
 in great diftrefs left he Ihould leave them for ever: perfons far advanc- 
 ed in years afraid of being left behind, while others were haftening to 
 the great Redeemer. Nor were the fame perfons fatisfied with com- 
 ing once or twice, as formerly, but again and again, I know not how 
 often, complaining of their evil and curfed hearts; of their paft and 
 prefertt imbelief, pride, hypocrify, perfidioufnefs, contempt of Chrift, 
 and God, and alienation from them, their love and captivity to fiti, and 
 litter impotence to hclp,themfelves, or even to believe on Chrift, &t:c. 
 renouncing every degree of worthinefs in and utterly condemning 
 themfclves; greatly afraid of deceiving their own fouls; and carneftly 
 defirous of being fearched, difcovered and ftiown the true way of fal- 
 vation. Both people and minifters feemed under a divine influence to 
 quicken each other. The people feemed to have a renewed tafte for 
 thofe old pious and experimental writers, Mr. Hooker, Shepard, Gur- 
 nal, William Guthrie, Jofeph Allein, Ifaac Ambrofe, Dr. Owen, and 
 others; as well as latter — fuch as Mr. Mead, Flavel, Shaw, Willard, 
 Stoddard, Dr. Increafe, and Cotton Mather, Mr. Mather of AVindfor, 
 Mr. Bofton, &c. The evangelical writings of thefe deceafed authors, 
 as well as of others alive, both in England, Scotland, and New-England> 
 were now read with fingular pleafure j fome of them reprinted and in 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 1 7 1 
 
 great numbers quickly bought and ftudied. And the more experimen- 
 tal our preaching was, like their 's, the more it was relillied. The peo- 
 ple feemed to love to hear us more than ever : the weekly Tuefday 
 evening leftures at the church in Brattle-Street were much crowded and 
 not fufficient. April 17th, 1741, another lecture was therefore opened 
 every Friday evening at the South church ; when a feafonable difcourfe 
 was given by the rev. Dr. Sewall, from John xvi. 8. And foon after, 
 another lecture every Tuefday and Friday evening was opened at the 
 New-North ; three of the moft capacious houfes of public worfljip in 
 town ; the leaft of which I fuppofe will hold three thoufand people. 
 Befides the ancient lefture every Thurfday noon at the Old church ; and 
 other leftures in other churches. 
 
 Dr. Sewall's difcourfe, with three other excellent fermons on the 
 fame text were foon after publilhed. In the firfl of which he fays, 
 page 20, " K% more lately, we have received good news of this kind 
 from more diftant places upon this continent; fo I cannot but hope 
 that God's fending one and another of his fervants among us who had 
 been perfonally acquainted with thefe later wonderful works of grace, 
 together with their very laborious and fervent preaching, and the mi- 
 nillry of others his fervants; has been blelTed to convince many of 
 their lins, and awaken them to a ferious concern about their fouls. Yea, 
 it is hopeful that there are a number converted, and brought home to 
 Chrill. Let us give the praife to the God of all grace." And in the 
 preface he fays, *' It hath pleafed the fovereign and gracious God, in 
 whofe hand our times are, to ordain that we fliould live under fome 
 peculiar advantages for our precious fouls. For to the ordinary means, 
 we have fuper-added the manifellation of the Spirit, in extraordinary 
 works of grace. We have lately heard glad tidings from one place and 
 another, that many aVe enquiring the way to Zion, with their faces 
 thitherward ; and fome are declaring what God hath done for their 
 fouls. Yea, God hath brought this work home to our own doors, and 
 we hear many crying out, *' What mull: we do to be fa ved !" And there 
 are a number hopefully rejoicing in God's falvatlon. Of fuch a feafon 
 as this it may well be faid, " I have heard thee in a time accepted, and 
 in the day of falvation have I fuccoured thee: behold, now is the ac- 
 cepted time ; behold, now is the day of falvation." I hope God's peo- 
 ple are reaping the fruit of their prayers, particularly on extraordinary 
 days of falling, obferved with an efpecial view to this great bleffing, the 
 plentiful efiufion of the holy Spirit. O there's great reafon to fear 
 that another like feafon will never, never return upon you. O Ileeper ! 
 awake, and hearken, there's a noife, and a fliaking among the dry bones. 
 Some it may be of your own acquaintance, fecure like you a little while 
 ago, are now in deep concern, and can no longer relifli thofe carnal 
 pleafures in which you were companions. Now, deftruftion from God 
 is a terror to them, and they are fleeing from the wrath to come. What 
 a reproof doth God give to your fiupidity in the awakenings of others ? 
 and here, among you with whom the Spirit is flriving at this day, we 
 behold many of our young people. O our children ! God is drawing 
 ijigh to you in ^ diftinguifhing manner, &c." Nor were the people fa* 
 
 y 2. 
 
172 ^ Sttccefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV, 
 
 tisfied with all thefe tFi^ures : but as private focieties for religious ex- 
 ercifes, both of younger and elder pcrfons, both of males and females 
 by thcmfclvcs, in feveral pares of the town, now increafed to a much 
 greaicr number than ever, viz. to near the number of thirty, meeting 
 on Lord's-day, Monday, Wednefday and Thurfday evenings; fo the 
 people were conitantly employing the minillers to pray and preach at 
 thofe focieties, as alio at many private houfes where no formed fociety 
 met : and fuch numbers flocked to hear us as greatly crowded them, as 
 well as more than ufually filled our houfes of public worrtiip both on 
 Lord's-days and ]e(^hire$, efpecially evening Ie<fturcs, for about a 
 twelvemonth after. Some of our minifters, to oblige the people, have 
 fometimcs preached in public and private, at one houle or another, even 
 every evening, except after Saturday, for a week together: and the 
 more we prayed and preached, the more enlarged were our hearts^ 
 and the more delightful the employment. And O how many, how fcri- 
 Ous and attentive were our hearers! how many awakened and hope- 
 fully converted by their miniiters ! and how many of fuch added foon 
 to our churches, as we hope will be faved eternally ? fcarce a fermon 
 feemed to be preached without fome good impreflions. 
 
 As to the church to which I belong — within fix months from the end 
 of January 1 740-1, were threefcore joined to our communicants: the 
 greater part of whom gave a more exaft account of the work of the 
 Spirit of God on their fouls in effeftual calling, than I was wont to ' 
 meet with before : befides many others I could not but have charity for, 
 who refrained from coming to the table of Chrift for want of a fatisr 
 fying view of the work of renovation in them. However, in many of 
 thefe people, their convi<51:ions in a judgment of charity, appeared by 
 the fame Spirit to be carried further than an awakening view of ti.eir 
 fins, their finfulnefs and mifery; even to an enlightening their minds 
 in the knowledge of Chrifl:, or clear, lively and attractive views of his 
 perfe<ft fuitablenefs, all-fufficiency and willingnefs as the Son of God 
 incarnate and Mediator, to receive them, and by his merits, intercelfion 
 grace and Spirit to reconcile them to the holy God, and fave and make 
 them complcatly and eternally holy and happy, though now the chief 
 of finners: and in fuch views as thefe he melted their frozen hearts, re^ 
 newed their wills, overcame them with aifeftion to him, and perfvvaded 
 and enabled them to embrace him in his perfon and all his offices ancj 
 benefits as offered in the gofpel. By Dr. Colman's letter of June 8 th, 
 J 741, it appears that in 1741, in April, there were nine or ten, and in 
 May were nineteen added to his church. And the rev, Mr. Webb, fe- 
 pior paftor of the New North, juft now informs me, with refpeft tp 
 
 his church arid people, in the following words " Admiffions to full 
 
 communion of thofe hopefully wrought upon in the late day of grace 
 about one hundred and fixty; of which one hundred and two from 
 January 1740-1,10 1741-2. Of the above-mentioned, by far the great- 
 er part have fince given hopeful figns of faving converfion. And many 
 more give good evidences of grace; but canuot be prevailed upon to 
 come to the table of the Lord. 
 
 In tills year 1741, the very face of the town feemed to be ftrangely 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 17 j 
 
 altered. Some who had not been here fince the Fall before, have told 
 me their great furprize at the change in the general look and carriage 
 of people, as foon as they landed. Even the ^'cgroes and boys in the 
 ftreets furprizingly left their ufual rudenefs : I knew many of thefe had 
 been greatly aifefted, and now were formed into religious focieties. 
 And one of our worthy gentlemen exprefling his wonder at the re- 
 markable change, informed me, that whereas he ufed with others on 
 Saturday evenings to viilt the taverns, in order to clear them of town 
 inhabitants, they were wont to find many there, and meet with trouble 
 to get them away, but now having gone at thofe feafons again, he 
 found them empty of all but lodgers. Of that time the rev. Dr. Colman 
 juftly writes to the rev. Dr. Watts on September 15th, 1741, in the 
 following terras, *' Thanks be to God, in our province the impreffions 
 of religion grow and increafein a happy, wife, fcdate manner, fuch as 
 gives a joyous profpedt relating to the next generation. I know not 
 how to admire the pleafant, gracious work of God: ourle£lures flou- 
 rifn, our Sabbaths are joyous, our churches increafe, our minifters 
 have new life and fpirit in their work." Of the fame time the rev. Mr. 
 Cooper alfo writes on November 20th, 1741% "I verily believe, in 
 this our metropolis, there were the laft Winter fome thoufands under 
 fuch religious imprefuons as they never felt before. — ^-And as to the 
 fruits of this work, (which we have been bid fo often to wait for) blef- 
 fed be God ! fo far as there has been time for obfervation they appear 
 to be abiding. I do not mean, that none have loll: their impreiiions, or 
 that there are no inflances of hypocrify and apoftacy. Scripture and 
 experience lead us to expert thefe at fuch a feafon. It is to me matter 
 of furprize and thankfulnefs, that as yet there have been no more. But 
 I mean, that a great number of thofe who have been awakened are Hill 
 feeking and ftriving to enter in at the Arait gate. The moft of thofe 
 who have been thought to be converted, continue to give evidences of 
 their being new creatures, and feem to cleave to the Lord with full 
 purpofe of heart. To be fure a new face of things continues in this 
 lown ; though many circumflances concur to render fuch a work not 
 fo obfervable heie,as in fmaller and diftant places. Many things not be- 
 coming the profeflion of the gofpel are in a meafure reformed. Ta- 
 verns, dancing-fchools, and fuch meetings as have been called affemblies, 
 which have always proved unfriendly to ferious godlinefs, are much 
 lefs frequented. Many have reduced their drefs and apparel, fo as to 
 make them look more like the followers of the humble Jefus. And it 
 has been both furprizing and pleafant to lee how fome younger people, 
 have put off the bravery of their ornaments, as the eifeft and indication 
 of their feeking the inward glories of the king's daughter. Religion is 
 now much more the fubjeft of cpnverfation at friends houfes, than e- 
 ver I knew it. The doftrines of grace arc efpoufed and relilhed. Pri- 
 vate religious meetings are greatly multiplied, — The public affemblies 
 (efpecially leftures) are much better attended : and our auditories were 
 never fo attentive and ferious. There is indeed an extraordinary ap-^ 
 ptite after the fincere milk of the Word. It is more than a twelve- 
 a preface to Mr. Edward's Bpok. 
 
174 Succefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 month fince an evening-ledlure was fet up in this town ; there are now 
 feveral; two conftantlyon Tuefday and Friday-evenings; when fome 
 of our moft capacious houfes are well filled, with hearers who by their 
 looks and deportment fecm to come toheai'that their fouls might live. 
 An evening in God's courts is now efteemed better than many elfe- 
 ■where. There is alfo great refort to minifters in private. Our hands 
 continue full of work : and many times we have more than we can 
 difcourfe with diftinftly andfeparately. " 
 
 January i ith, 1741-2, moll of the affociate paftors of this town a- 
 greed on a courfe of days of prayer in their feveral churches; as the 
 rev. Dr. Sewall well exprelles it, in his fermon on that occafion preach- 
 ed in the South-church, February 26th, 1741-2, " to blefs the name 
 of God for fpiritual bleflings already received in the remarkable revival 
 of his work among us and in many other places; to feek of God the 
 more plentiful ciFufiou of his holy Spirit; that the Lord would pre- 
 fcrve us and his people from every thing that hath a tendency to quench 
 his Spirit and obftruft the progrefs and fuccefs of his good work ; and 
 that it may go on and profper, till the whole land Ihall be filled wirfi 
 the bleiTed fruits of the Spirit." And in his fermon he fays, " VV^e 
 ought to praife the Lord that he has not left us without a witnefs of 
 his divine power and grace in the wonderful operations of his Spirit in 
 our times. — Let the fuccefs which God hath of late given to the mini- 
 ftersof the word above what we have known in times paff, animate us 
 to labour more abundantly. — And let not any pervert what has been 
 (aid, to prejudice thcmfelves or others againft that wonderful work of 
 grace, which I verily believe, God has wrought in this town and other 
 places." 
 
 In fome this further work of conviflion and eiTeclual calling was 
 clearer, in others more obfcure, in others lefs or more doubtful. And 
 fo various likewife were the joys and confolations rifing from the vari- 
 ous changes or exercifes in them, or their various applications to Chrift 
 for mercy. But herein their paffors laboured to preferve them from 
 miflakes, to difcover their dangers on eveiy fide, to lead them to a 
 thoroagh convicfkion and humiliation, and through thefe to right views 
 of Chrift, and clofing with him in a faving manner, that they might 
 not be deceived with joys or confolations that belonged not to them. 
 
 Of thofe who came not into full communion with our churches — • 
 fome who were under ftrong conviftions and in a hopeful way, have 
 lince fadly loft them; the Spirit of God has ceafed ftriving, and they 
 are more blind and hard than ever: " The dog has turned to his own 
 vomit again, and the fow that was wafhed, to her wallowing in the 
 mire:" 2 Pet. ii. 20, 22. And fome who had fair refemblances both of 
 faving grace and holy joy, whereby they for a time deceived both thcm- 
 felves and others, after high appearances have fallen away ; as fome who 
 firft followed Chrift himfelf, yet after left him : and as he has reprefent- 
 ed the various events of impreffions made by his own and his fucceffors* 
 preaching, in the parable of the fower, Matth. xiii. Mark iv. and Luke 
 viii. But though their faithful minifters, both in private and public, 
 both in preaching and print, fairly warned, and from the word of God 
 
Chap* ?. i'i tk^ eighteenth Century. 175 
 
 foretold, of thefc apoftacies, yet they give occafion to the prejudiced 
 againft the work, to cart a (lur on the reft in general, to multiply and 
 rtiagnify the inftances, and pronounce them all impoftors. So I remem- 
 ber, when thirty years fince I lived and preached in England, if but one 
 of our congregation, and much more one of our communion, fell in- 
 to any fcandal, all the country round would ring and eccho with it, 
 and the loofer people would take occafion to triumph witl^ their re- 
 proaches; crying out, — " We were all alike, and though we were fo 
 prccifc we would not curfeor fwear, yet we would lye and cheat, and 
 Ileal, and commit any private wickednefs:" and the profane would 
 damn us all as a pack of hypocrites. And indeed in every party, where 
 there is an enmity of prejudice againft any other perfon or party, there 
 is always more or lefs of blindnefs and partiality, and a powerful bent 
 on all occafions, to mifconftrue, cavil, mifreprefent, defame, and vi- 
 lify. So were the ancient puritans, with the pious fathers of this coun- 
 try, treated in the reigns of king James I. and king Charles I, 'till they 
 came over hither between 1 620 and 1 640 : and fo were the pious Non- 
 conformifts in the reign of king Charles II. I believe there fcarce ever 
 was a fet of men more reproached and ftigmatized than thofe pious Pu- 
 ritans and Nonconformifts ; and this not only by loofer people, but c- 
 ven by learned clergymen of note and figure, as their writings to this 
 day ii)OW. And any man who knows them, may fee the fame afperfing 
 and reviling fpirit and way of writing in the prcfent day againft the 
 inftrnments and fubjefts of this work in general. So the Papifts have 
 traduced the Proteftants in general, efpecially Luther, Calvin, Beza, 
 Knox, &c. and deny there has been any reformation at all; yea alFert, 
 that thofe who embraced the pretended reformed religion, grew info- 
 lent, cenforious, turbulent, and worfe in morals. So I have heard 
 an Egyptian traveller, who once failed with me, moft zealoufly repre- 
 fent the Chriftians, from the numerous inftances he kne\v, as the vilell 
 fe6l on earth. And fo was their glorious Leader counted a deceiver, 
 and his" apoftles were defpifed, buffeted, reviled, perfecuted, defamed, 
 made as the filth of the world, and the off-fcouring of all things:" 
 I Cor. iv. Some, after all, have, no doubt, deceived both themfelves 
 and others in the extent of their conviftion, humiliation, applying to- 
 Chrift, and in the fpring and nature of their comforts. Some I was afraid 
 of at the time, as not being duly convinced, humbled, broken-hearted, 
 felf-condemned, devoted to God, concerned for his glory, or having a 
 due reverence of him : and fome few have given too much occafion for 
 our fears fince. Though 'till perfons, who feemed to be converted, fall 
 into a courfe of fome fin or other againft the common light of consci- 
 ence, I am not willing to lofe my charity. But the generality of thofe 
 whom I judged to have pafted through a right conviftion and humiliation 
 to faith in Chrift, feemed to come to confolation in him, in a way a- 
 greeable to Scripture: the very nature and reafon of things, and common 
 exoerience of thofe who are thoroughly fubdued to Chrift, favingly en- 
 lightened, are fatisfied in him, reft on him, and feel themfelves in a. 
 new ftate, happily changed and brought into the glorious liberty of the 
 fons of God J as I apprehend thofe were : and one or other of thefe are 
 
'76 Succefs of the Go/pel in Jmerica Book IV. 
 
 common fprings of joy or confolation, efpecially at the firft converfion. 
 The confolations of fome were weaker, of others ftronger: in fome 
 they rofe to joys, in fome few, to joy unfpeakable and full of glory, 
 as the apoflle fpeaks; though I never faw one, either in town or coun- 
 try, in what fome wrongly call a vifion, traiKe, or revelation. And 
 vhere thofe few inftances have happened in fome places, appeared but 
 a little while and vanifhed'* : by what I have heard I apprehend that where 
 they were unfeigned, they were only natural eifedts of an extraordi- 
 nary intenfe exercife of foul; though a divine influence might be the 
 original pf the exercife. Nor do I apprehend fuch eliefls a fign either 
 of the perfon's being unfan£tilied or fanftified; fandlirication being 
 to be judged of by the frame of the whole foul and nature of its exer- 
 cifes while fully awake, and not by fuch dreaming ideas : yea though 
 it were poffible tiicy ftiould be infpirations, they would be no more 
 (igns in themfelves of fanftification, than the genuine vifions of Balaam 
 or Bellhazzar. And I know of none but is of the fame opinion with 
 me. 
 
 But as for fpiritual joys and confolations; whoever has a large ex- 
 perience in his own heart, or a large acquaintance with the various ex- 
 periences of others, has found thofe joys arife from fuch like various 
 caufes as thefe that follow : i . Some in the progrefs of their conviflion 
 towards the depths of humiliation; while their fouls were quarrelling 
 with the holinefs, juftice, law, wrath, curfes, truth and fovereignty of 
 God, fo as throw them into the utmoft tumult; they have been at 
 length, and fometimes fuddenly fubdued, fo as to yield, fubmit and re- 
 fign into the fovereign hands of Ghrift : upon which their quarrels and 
 tumults ceafing, a divine and wondrous calm and pleafure have imme- 
 diately and genuinely fucceeded. 2. Some from a lively view of the 
 exceeding number and heinoufnefs of their fins and vilenefs of their 
 hearts, whereby they thought themfelves the worfl: of finners ; and fee- 
 ing the all-fufficiency of Ghrift in every thing but willingnefs to fave 
 fuch horrid wretches, were in great diflrefs; but upon feeing his wil- 
 lingnefs to fave even them in particular, have been overcome with joy 
 at the view, and with fuch joyful views fled into his arms. 3. Some 
 finding themfelves under the love and power of fin, in wretched bon- 
 dage to their lulls, to horrible fuggeftions, temptations, oppofitions, t 
 and utter impotence to free themfelves and ferve the Lord with plea- I 
 fure; being unexpectedly delivered and brought into the glorious H- ' 
 berties of the Son of God; they have been like thofe in Pfal. cxxvi. ■ 
 " When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like 
 them that dream : then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our 
 tongue with finging: the Lord hath done great things for us, where- 
 of we are glad." 4. Some labouring-'under fuch blindnefs of mind, 
 that they could fee nothing of, the lovelinefs of Chrift, have been 
 exceedingly troubled, when they came, efpecially on a fudden, to 
 fee his perfefl and tranfcendent lovelinefs, it has raifed them into a 
 
 a I never heard of above or* or two in 
 this town; and I do not remember I have 
 beard of one in this province to tke feuth- 
 
 ward of us, thoujjh there has been a remark- 
 able revival in fcvcral places in that part 
 of tbc land. 
 
chap. 5* in the eighteenth Century. lyy 
 
 trartfport. 5. Some who have found their hearts as hard as a rock, that 
 they could not mourn in the lead as they could perceive for their hor- 
 rid fins and finfulnefs, and were in the way of defpair ; upon their 
 hearts dillblving with godly forrow for their piercing Chrifl, and even 
 the fmalleft fins and heart-impurities, have been greatly affefted with 
 pleafure and gladnefs. 6* Some after all their genuine changes, their 
 exercife of faith in Chrifl;, of love unto him, repentance, and other gra- 
 ces, have not yet been able to fee whether thql'e have been any othei' 
 than fuperficial changes and common graces, and been in great per- 
 plexity ; 'till the Spirit of Ghrili: has fI:ione fo clearly on them as to give 
 them joyful fatisfaftion. 7. Some having all the likely marks of con- 
 verfion, and even fome of their graces in fome exercife, though very 
 faint and low, and their hearts exceeding cold, flat and dcadned, have 
 been greatly difcouraged ; but ere they were aware, their fouls have been 
 made as the chariots of Amminadib, to their great rejoicing. 8. Like- 
 wife fome have been fo greatly troubled with their lamentable difiance 
 and efiirangement from the blefled Jefus, as they could enjoy no reft; 
 'till he has taken them into his banqueting houfe, exalted them to fit 
 in heavenly places with him, and fo ftiown his glories and love unto 
 them (his banner over them was love) as have moll powerfully drawn 
 out their "hearts to an holy and tranfporting intimacy with him; that 
 in the believing views of Chriif and fenfationof this communion, they 
 have rejoiced with joy unfpeakable and full of glory. I here write 
 what many fouls, who have had communion with Chrift, by their ex- 
 perience, well underrtand. 
 
 As for fpiritual pride, and rafh judging; fome lately wrought 
 
 upon, efpecially in hours of temptation, havegrievoufly exceeded ; yea, 
 fome whom we judged to be effe(5lually called, as well as many more who 
 had been under very powerful and far advanced, but incffeftual operati- 
 ons; and who ought not to be blended with, as is the way of the pre- 
 judiced, but diflinguillied from the other. Yet fome of the hopefully 
 renewed are freer than others from thofe excelfes. But with the com- 
 mon mixture of their remaining infirmities and corruptions, I have ge- 
 nerally feen attending their joys, high, humble and atiedUonate admi- 
 rations of the wonderful grace of God, and aflonilhing pity and conde- 
 fcenfion of the Son of his love, in becoming incarnate, dying to lave 
 them, bearing fo long with them while they have been fpitting and 
 trampling on him; and after all their abufes, fending them his embaf- 
 fadors and tenders of grace, employing his Spirit, overcoming their 
 hearts, and opening his arms to receive them ; and with thefe joys I have* 
 alfo feen all the proper exprelTions of their lively gratitude, love, praife, 
 devotion to God their Saviour, zeal for his glory; love to his word, 
 truths, ordinances, and thofe in whom the meek, humble and holy i- 
 mage of Chrift appears, and concern for others. And as they foon 
 found the activity of their love fubfiding, the fountain of corruption 
 in them rifing, and their fpiritual impotence in a fad degree returning; 
 the Holy Spirit has given them further views of their remaining vile- 
 nefs ; and they have generally grown more humble and jealous of them- 
 VOL. IL 7t 
 
178 Succefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 felves, more fenfible of their depending on Chrift continually, and 
 more meek and tender in their carriage to others. 
 
 And thus fuccefsfuUy did this divine work, as above dcfcribcd, go on 
 in town, without any lifp, as I remember, of a feparation either in this 
 town or province, for above a year and half after Mr. Whitefield left 
 us, viz. the end of June 1742 ; when the rev. Mr. Davenport of Long- 
 Ifland came to Borton. And then through the awful providence of 
 the fovereign God, the wifdom of whofe ways are part finding out, we 
 unexpeftedly came to an unhappy period, which it exceedingly grieves 
 me now to write of, tho' with all convenient brevity. Friday evening, 
 June 25th, he came toCharlefloun. Lord 's-day forenoon he attended 
 the public worihip, and at the Lord's table there: but the afternoon 
 flaid at his lodgings from an apprehenfion of the minifter's being un- 
 converted, which greatly alarmed us. Monday afternoon he came o- 
 ver the ferry to Boflon ; which the afTociate paflors in this town and 
 Charlelloun, then at their ftated courfe of meeting, hearing of, fent to 
 fignify, that we ihoultl be glad to fee himj whereupon he prefently 
 came, and we had long and friendly conferences with him about his 
 condu6l, on this and the following day. 
 
 On Thurfday, July ift, we thought ourfelves obfiged to publlfh a 
 declaration of our judgment concerning him : wherein we owned, 
 ** That he appeared to us to be truly pious, and vv^e hoped that God 
 had ufed him as an inftrument of good to many fouls; yet we judged 
 It our duty to bear our teftimony againfl the following particulars, 
 I. His being a6led miich by fudden impulfes. 2. His judging fome 
 miniiicrs in Long-Ifland and New-England to be unconverted ; and 
 his thinking himfelf called of God to demand of his brethren from 
 place to place an account of their regenerate ftate, when or in what 
 manner the Holy Spirit wrought upon and renewed them, 3. His go- 
 ing with his friends fmging through the (Ireets and highways, to and 
 from the houfes of worihip on Lord's-days and other days. 4. His 
 encouraging private brethren (i. e. who are not probationers for the 
 minirtry) to pray and exhort (i. e. like minifters) in affemblies gather- 
 ed for that purpofc. We judged it therefore our prefent duty not 
 
 to invite him into our places of public worfliip asptherwife we might 
 have really done. And we concluded thus And we take this op- 
 portunity to repeat our tcftimony to the great and glorious work of 
 God, which of his free grace he has begun and is carrying on in many 
 parts of this and the neighbouring provinces; befceching him to pre- 
 serve, defend, maintain and propagate it, in fpite of all the devices of 
 Satan againft: it of one kind or other ;, that however it may fuffer by 
 the imprudence of its friends, or by the virulent oppofition of its ene- 
 mies, yet it may Hand as on the rock, and the gates of hell may never 
 prevail againft it." Bo/hnj July ij}, 1742. William Welfteed. 
 Jofhua Gee. Hull Abbot*. Mather Byles. Thomas Prentice". 
 Ellis Gray. Andrew Elio*. Benjamin Colman. Jofeph Sewall, 
 Thomas Prince. John W ebb. William Cooper. Thomas Foxcroft. 
 Samuel Gheckley. I 
 
 a }>Icirr$, Abbot aod Prentice oC Chatledoun, the reft of BoHoor | 
 
•Chap. 5. »« tke eightecHth Century. l y^ 
 
 Upon publifhing this declaration on Friday, many were offended •* 
 and fome days after Mr. Davenport thought himfelf obliged to htmn. 
 in his public exercifes to declare againfl: us alfo; naming Ibme as un- 
 converted, reprefenting the reft as Jehofaphat in Ahab's army, and ex- 
 horting the people to feparate from us : which fo diverted the minds 
 of many from being concerned about their own converlion, to think 
 and difputc aboutlhe cafe of others ; as not only feemed to put an aw- 
 ful flop to their awakenings, but alfo on all fides to roil our paflions, 
 and provoke the Holy Spirit, in a gradual and dreadful meafure, to 
 . withdraw his influence. Now a difputatious fpirit moft grievoufly 
 prevailed among us : and what almofl ever attends it, much cenforiouf- 
 nefs and refleftion ; which had a further tendency toenfiameand alie- 
 nate, and whereof many of every party were fadly guilty. It was in- 
 deed a lamentable time; wherein we feem'd to fall into fuch a cafe as 
 the Chriftian church of Corinth in the apoflle's days : which hadfhared 
 fuch a large efFufion of the Holy Spirit, that the apoflle calls them 
 ** fanftified in Chrifl:; and thanked his God always in their behalf for 
 the grace of God which was given them by Jefus Chrif^, that in every 
 thing they were enriched by him in all utterance and all knowledge, e- 
 ven as the teffimony of Chrifl was confirmed in them,fo that they came 
 behind in no gift : " And yet he complains there were rifen among 
 them " contentions, envying, flrlfe, divifions, one faying, I am of Paul, 
 
 another, I am of Apollos. And they were carnal, and walked as 
 
 men," &c. i Cor, i. and iii. 
 
 Of all who reforted to me from all the congregations in town, I re- 
 memJDer no more than three or four who talked of their impulfes; and 
 but one or two of thefe a fubje6l of the late revival : the other two had 
 been communicants in two of our churches, and ufed to fpeak of thofe 
 things before. Nor, in all the preaching of the inflruments of this 
 work in town, did I ever hear any teach to follow impulfes or any re- 
 ligious imprefTionsbut of the word of God upon our minds, affeftions, 
 wills, and confciences; and which, agreeable to the Holy Scriptures, 
 the mofl famous reformers and Puritan miniflers, both in England, 
 Scotland, and New-England, have in their writings taught us. As to 
 the doflrinal principles of thofe who continue in our congregations, and 
 have been the fubjefts of the late revival, they are the fame as they have 
 been all along inflru6led in, from the "VVeftminfler-Affembly's Shorter 
 Catechifm ; which has generally been received and taught in the church- 
 es of New-England, from its firfl publication, for thefe hundred years 
 to this day ; and which is therefore the fyflem of doftrine moft gene- 
 rally and clearly declarative of the faith of the New-England churches. 
 However the fovereign Spirit, in his awakening influences in the un- 
 converted, and his enlivening efficacy in the hopefully renewed, in this 
 town, has feemed thefe two laft years in a gradual and awful manner 
 to withdraw. For a twelvemonth I have rarely heard the cry of any 
 new ones- What fliall I do to be faved ? But few are now ad- 
 ded to our churches, and the heavenly fhower in Boflon feems now to 
 be over. Of thofe who were in the late efFufion wrought on, divers 
 are fometimes repairing to me with fad complaints of thdr fpiritual dul- 
 
 Z 2 
 
i8o Succefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 nefs, darknefs, and decays; but I hope are working out their falvation 
 ■with fear and trembling : while Tome have now and then a frefh revi- 
 val of grace and comfort. 
 
 Thus have I endeavoured a brief and plain account of the late revi- 
 val in this town, eipecially among the people who reforted to me, and 
 more particularly thole of the allcmbly I belong to, according to my 
 obfervation and intelligence. I leave it as a grateful public telHmony 
 of the memorable v.'ork of the Divine power and grace among us in my 
 day, which my eyes have feen and my ears have heard with pleafure; 
 that God the Father, Son, and Spirit, may have the more extcnfive 
 praife, to whofe blefling I confign it ; and that others may thereby re- 
 ceive eternal benefit. 
 
 Bojion, November i6th, 1744. Thomas Prince. 
 
 As Mr. Davenport's errors and imprudcncies are mentioned in the 
 above letter as the great occaiion of the declining of the revival at Bof- 
 ton, we (hall here fubjoin his confeflions and retractations, as publifh- 
 ed in the abovtChriftian Hi/lory, N ° 82, 83, witli the rev, Mr. Wil- 
 liams's letter inclofing them. 
 
 To the Rev. Mr. Prince o/'Boston. 
 The inclofed, which comes open, you will fee is a confelTion and re- 
 tractation of Mr. James Davenport, which he left with me yeftcrday, 
 and dffired me to inclofe in a letter to you; praying that you would 
 fee that it be according to hisdeflre forthwith publiflied,and made known 
 in the moft open manner. He defired me toaffure you that the whole 
 of the paper, and every interline, was made and written with his own 
 hand. And he is full and free in it, and fecms to be deeply fenfible of 
 his inifcarriages and mifconduiTt in thofe particulars, and very defirous 
 to do all he poiTibly can to retrieve the difhonour which he has done to 
 religion, and the injuftice to many minifters of the gofpel ; and in this 
 as well as any other way to promote the fcrvice of religion, and pre- 
 vent any further prejudices againft the work of God, which he may 
 have been the occafion of raifing or increafing. I mufl: needs fay for 
 my own part I defire iQ blefs God for that humble and Ghriftian-like 
 temper he appears to be in ; and cannot but hope that God defigns to 
 ufe him as an inflrument of greater fervice to the honour of Chrifl, and 
 the good of his church. I am, &c. 
 
 Lebanon, Jugufi 2d, 1744. Solomon Williams. 
 
 Mr. Davenport's Retra6iations, <bc. 
 Although I do not queftion at all but there is great rcafon to blefs 
 Cod for a glorious and wonderful work of his power and grace in the 
 edification of his children, and the conviction andconverfion of num^ 
 bers in New-England, in the neighbouring governments, and feveral 
 other parts, within a few years pafl:; and believe that the Lord hath 
 favoured me, though mod unworthy, with feveral others of his fer- 
 vants, in granting fpecial afliftance and fuccefs; the glory of all which 
 be givrn to Jehovah, to whom alone it belongs. Yet, after frequent 
 meditation and defires that I might be enabled to apprehend things juft- 
 ly, n.id, I hope I may fay, mature confidcration, I am now fully con- 
 vinced and perfuaded that feveral appendages to this glorious work are 
 
chap. 5. »« i^c elghteenih Century. 181 
 
 not eflential parts thereof, but of a different and contrary nature and 
 tendency; which appendages I have been in the time of the work very 
 induftrious in and inftrumental of promoting by a mifguided zeal ; be- 
 ing further much inHuenced in the affair by the falfe (pirit; which, un- 
 obferved by me, did (as I have been brought to fee lince) prompt me 
 vto unjuft apprehenfions and mifcondufV in feveral articles, which have 
 Been great blemiflies to the work of God, very grievous to fome of 
 God's children, no lefs enfnaring and corrupting toothers of them, a 
 fad means of many perfons queftioning the work of God, concluding 
 and appearing againfl it, and to the hardening of multitudes in their 
 fins, and an awful occaiion of the enemies blafphcming the right ways 
 of the Lord ; and withal very offenlive to that God, before whom I 
 would lie in the duft proffrate in deep humility and repentance on this 
 account, imploring pardon for the Mediator's fjike, and thankfully ac- 
 cepting the tokens thereof. The articles, which I efpecially refer to, 
 and would in the mofl public manner retraft, and warn others againft, 
 are thefe which follow, viz. I. The method I ufed for a confiderable 
 time with refpecl to fome, yea many miniflers in feveral parts, in openly 
 expofing fuch as I feared or thought unconverted, in public prayer or 
 otherwife; herein making my private judgment, (in which alfo I much 
 fufpe^t I was miftaken in feveral inflances, as I believe alfo that my 
 judgment concerning feveral was formed rafhly, and upon very flender 
 grounds) I fay, making my private judgment the ground of public 
 aclions or conduft ; offending, as I apprehend (although in the time of 
 it ignorantly) againfr the ninth commandment, and fuch other paffages 
 of fcripture, as are limilar; yea, I may fay, offending againfl: the laws 
 both of juftice and charity: which laws were further broken, II. By 
 my advifing and urging to fuch feparations from thofe miniflers, whom 
 I treated as above, as I believe may be juftly called rafh, unwarrantable, 
 and of fad and awful tendency and confequence. And here I would 
 afk the forgivenefs of thofe minifters, whom I have injured in both thefe 
 articles. III. I confefs I have been much led affray by following ira- 
 pulfes or impreffions as a rule of condufV, whether they came with or 
 without a text of fcripture; and my neglefting alfo duly to obferve 
 the analogy of fcripture : I am perfwaded this was a great means of cor- 
 rupting my experiences and carrying me off from the word of God, 
 and a great handle, which the falfe fpirit has made ufe of with refpeft to 
 a number, and me efpecially. IV. I believe further that I have done 
 much hurt to religion by encouraging private perfpns to a minifferial 
 and authoritative kind or method of exhorting ; which is particularly 
 obfervable in many fuch being much puft up and falling into the fnare 
 of the devil, whilfl many others are thus diretfcly prejudiced againft the 
 work. V. I have reafon to be deeply humbled that I have not been du' 
 ly careful to endeavour to remove or prevent prejudice, (v, here I now 
 believe I might riien have done itconfiffently with duty) which appear- 
 ed remarkable in the method praflifed, of finging with others in the 
 flreets in focieties frequently. VI. I would alfo penitently confefs and 
 bewail my great fliffnefs in retaining thefe aforefaid errors a great 
 while, and unwillingneis to examine into them with any jealoufy of 
 
i82 Siiccefs if the GoJ^el in America Book IV. 
 
 their being errors, notwithftanding the friendly counfels and cautions 
 of real friends, efpecially in the miniftry. 
 
 Here may probably be added a paragraph or two, taken, out of a let- 
 ter from me to Mr, Barber at Georgia ; a true copy of which I gave con- 
 fent Ihould be publilhed lately at Philadelphia : " — I would add to 
 
 what brother T hath written on the awful affair of books and 
 
 cloaths at New-London, which affords grounds of deep and lafting 
 humiliation ; I was, to my fliame be it fpoken, the ringleader in that 
 horrid a^ion ; I was, my dear brother, under the powerful influence 
 of the falfe fpirit almoft one whole day together, and part of feveral 
 days. The Lord fhewed me afterwards that the fpirit I was then ac- 
 ted by was in its operations void of true inward peace, laying the great- 
 eft ftrefs on externals, neglc(5ling the heart, full of impatience, pride 
 and arrogance; although I thought in the time of it, that it was the 
 Spirit of God in an high degree; awful indeed ! my body, efpecially 
 my leg, much difordered at the fame time^, which Satan and my evil 
 heart might make fome handle of . 
 
 And now may the holy wife and good God, be plcafed to guard and 
 fecure me againft fuch errors for the future, and ftop theprogrefs of 
 thofe, whether miniftcrs or people, who have been corrupted by my 
 words or example in any of the above-mentioned particulars ; and if it 
 be his holy will, blefs this public recantation to this purpofe. And oh ! 
 may he grant withal, that fuch as by reafon of the aforefaid errors and 
 mifconduft have entertained unhappy prejudices agaiuft Chriftianity in 
 general, or the late glorious work of God in particular, may by this ac- 
 count learn to diftinguifh the appendage from thefubftance or efTence, 
 that which is vile and odious from that which is precious, glorious and 
 divine, and thus be intirely and happily freed from all thofe prejudices 
 referred to, and this in infinite mercy through Jefus Chrift: and to 
 thefe requefts may all God's children, whether minifters or others, fay, 
 Amen. July iZth, 1744. James Davenport. 
 
 P. S. In as much as a number, who have fallen in with and promot- 
 ed the aforefaid errors and mifcondu£V, and are not altered in their 
 minds, may be prejudiced againft this recantation, by a fuppofltion or 
 belief, that I came into it by reafon of defertion or dulnefs and dead- 
 nefs in religion : it feems needful therefore to fignify, what I hope I 
 may fay without boafting, and what I am able through pure rich grace 
 to fpeak with truth and freedom ; that for fome months in the time of 
 my coming to the abovefaid concluflons and retraftations, and fince I 
 have come through grace to them, I have been favoured a great part 
 of the time, with a fweet calm and ferenity of foul and reft in God, and 
 fometimes with fpecialand remarkable refrcfliments of foul, and thefe 
 more free from corrupt mixtures than formerly : Glory to God a- 
 lone. J. D. 
 
 Helikewife fent an explanation of fome paffages in the above retrac- 
 tations, in a letter to Mr. Williams of Lebanon, dated Auguft 30tb, 
 11744, as follows. 
 
 9 I had the long fever on mc and the cankry humour raging at once. 
 
chap. 5. »« the eighteenth Century. 183 
 
 R. D. B. You will pleafe (if you think belt) to fend what is under- 
 written to the rev. Mr. Prince o\ Bofton, thatfo.if myretradlationsbc 
 printed again, they may he corrected accordingly: and if" it is thought 
 proper, my defire of this corre61ion intimated in the margin. Yours in 
 the dear Jefys. Jamks Davemport. 
 
 Upon the rev. Dr. Colman's obferving that the ufe of a word in the 
 firfl edition ofthefereiracbtions is liable to beunderftood in afcnfedif- 
 ferent from what I intended in the ufe of it, 1 delire, if they be printed 
 again, that inltead of what is now between thefe words, *' I am now fully 
 convinced and perfwaded that;" and thole words, "much influenced 
 in the affair by the falfe fpirit:" ihe following words may be inferred 
 viz. " Several things which in the time of the work I was very induflri- 
 ous and inffrumentaJ in promoting, by a mifguided zeal, were no parts 
 of it, but of a diiTerent and contrary nature and tendency; and that I 
 
 was" and inftead of thofe words, " the appendage from the lubftance 
 
 or eiTence" let thefe be put viz. " what is no part of the work from the 
 work itfelf." Thus far Mr. Davenport's retradations. We now return 
 to the revival in 1740. 
 
 Section "VT. 
 
 A New Revival at Northampton. Remarkable Effecls of a Sermon 
 
 at a private Honfe. Jnd of Exhortations to young Children. 
 
 The moj} wonderful Work among fi Children that ever was in Nor' 
 
 thampton. Thofe Perfons who were of Age under the former Re^ 
 
 vivaly feemed iiow to be almofl wholly pajt over. Difference be- 
 twixt this and the former IVork. Air. Duel and a A'umber of the 
 
 zealous People of Nuffield come there.-* Mr, Euel preaches almoji 
 
 every Day. A public Renewal of Covenant with God. 
 
 [From a Letter from Mr. Edwards, Minifler at Northampton, to Mr. Prince Minifterat 
 BoAon, December 12th, 1743, in Prince's Chriflian Hiftory, N° 46, &c. ] 
 
 EVER fince the great work of God that was wrought here about 
 nine years ago, there has been a great abiding alteration in this town ia 
 many refpefts. There has been vaflly more religion kept up in the 
 town, among all forts of perfons, in religious exercifes, and in com- 
 mon converfation : there has been a great alteration among the youth 
 of the town, with refpeft to revelling, frolicking, profane and unclean 
 converfation, and lewd fongs: inflances of fornication have been very 
 rare : there has alfo been a great alteration amongft both old and young 
 ■with refpeft to tavern-haunting. I fuppofe the town has been in no 
 meafure fo free of vice in thefe refpefls, for any long time together, 
 for this fixty years, as it has been thefe nine years pafl. There has alfo 
 been an evident alteration with refped to a charitable fpirit to the 
 poor: (tho' I think with regard to this, we in this town, as the land in 
 general, come far fhort of gofpel rules) And tho' after that great 
 work nine years ago there has been a very lamentable decay of religi- 
 ous affections, and the engagednefs of peoples fpirit, in religion; yet 
 many focieties for prayer and fecial religion were all along kept up ; 
 
184 Succefs cfthe CoJJ)el in j4merica Book IV. 
 
 and there were fomc few inrtanccs of awakening and deep concern a- 
 boutthe things of another world, even in the moft dead time. 
 
 In the year 1740, in the Spring, before Mr. Whitefield came to this 
 town, there was a vifible alteration: there was more ferioufn els, and 
 ' religious convcrfation, efpecislly among young people: thofe things 
 that were of ill tendency among them were foreborn : and it was a 
 more frequent thing for perfons to vifit their minilter upon foul ac- 
 counts: and in fonie particular perfons there appeared a great altera- 
 tion about that time. And thus it continued till Mr. Whitefield came 
 to town, which was about the middle of Oflober following ; he preach- 
 ed here four fermons in the meeting-houfe, (befides a private lecture 
 at my houfc) one on Friday, another on Saturday, and two upon the 
 Sabbath. The congregation was extraordinarily melted by every fer- 
 mon; almoft the whole alfembly being in tears for a great part of fer- 
 mon time. Mr. Whitefield's fermons were fuitable to the circumflan- 
 ces of the town ; containing juft reproofs of our backflidings, and in a 
 moft moving and atfedling manner, making ufe of our great profeffion 
 and great mercies as arguments with us to return to God, from whom 
 we had departed. Immediately after this the minds of the people in 
 general appeared more engaged in religion, fhewing a greater forward- 
 nefs to make religion the fubjeftof their con verfation, and to meet fre- 
 quently for religious purpofes, and to embrace all opportunities to hear 
 the word preached. The revival at firfl: appeared chiefly among pro- 
 feffors, and thofe that had entertained the hope that they were in a Hate 
 of grace, to whom Mr. Whitefield chiefly addreffed himfelf ; but in a 
 very fliort lime there appeared an awakening and deep concern among 
 fome young perfons that looked upon themfelves as in a Chriftlefs 
 ftate; and there were fome -hopeful appearances of converfion; and 
 fome profeflbrs were greatly revived. In about a month or fix weeks 
 there was a great alteration in the town, both as to the revivals of pro- 
 feffors, and awakenings of others. By the middle of December a very 
 confiderable w^ork of God appeared among thofe that were very young; 
 and the revival of religion continued to encreafe; fo that in the Spring, 
 an engagednefs of fpirit about things of religion was become very ge- 
 neral amongft young people and children, and religious fubjedlis almoft 
 wholly took up their convcrfation when they were together. 
 
 In the month of May 1741, a fermon was preached to a company at 
 a private houfe: near the conclufion of the exercife, one or two per- 
 fons that were profelfors, were fo greatly afle6ted with a fenfe of the 
 greatnefs and glory of divine things, and the infinite importance of the 
 things of eternity, that they were notable to conceal it; the affeftion 
 of their minds overcoming their flrcngth, and having a very vifible ef- 
 feft on their bodies. When the exercife was over, the young people 
 that were prefent removed into the other room for religious confe- 
 rence; and particularly that they might have opportunity to enquire 
 of thofe that were thus aifefted what apprehenfions they had ; and 
 what things they were that thus deeply imprefl^cd their minds: and 
 there foon appeared a very great effect of their convcrfation ; the af- 
 fe£Uon was quickly propagated through the room : many of the young 
 
chap. 5. ifi ihe eighteenth Century. t8^ 
 
 people and children that were profellbrs appeared to be overcome with 
 a fenfc of the grcatncfs and glory of divine thingp, and with acinira' 
 tion, love, joy and praifc, and compallion to others, that looked upon 
 themfelves as in a ftate of nature; and many others at the fame time 
 •were overcome with diftrefs about their iinful and miferable ftate and 
 condition; fo that the whole room was full of nothing but outcries, 
 faintings, and fuchlike. Others foon heard of it, in fevcra] parts of tjae 
 town, and came to them; and what they faw and heard there was 
 greatly atfcfting to them; fo that many of them were over-powered 
 In like manner: and it continued thus for fome hours; the time being 
 fpent in prayer, finging, counfelling and conferring. There feem.cd to. 
 be a consequent happy ciTcdl: of that meeting to feveral particular pcr- 
 fons, and in the ftate of religion in the town in general. After this 
 were meetings from time to time attended with like appearances. But 
 a little after it, at the conclufion of the public excrcife on the Sabbath, 
 I appointed the children that were under fixteen years of age to go 
 from the meeting-houfe to a neighbour houfe; that I there might fur- 
 ther inforce what they had heard in public, and might give in fome 
 counfels proper for their age. The children were there very generally 
 and greatly aftefted with the warnings and counfels that were given 
 them, and many exceedingly overcome; and the room was filled with 
 cries: and when they were difmifled, they, almoft all of them, went 
 home crying aloud through the ftreets, to all parts of the town. The 
 like appearances attended feveral fuch meetings of children that were ap- 
 pointed. But their aifedlions appeared by what followed to be of a 
 very different nature : in many they appeared to be indeed but childidx 
 affe^lions ; and in a day or two would leave them as they were before : 
 others were deeply impreffed ; their convictions took faft hold of them, 
 and abode by them : and there were fome that from one meeting to a- 
 nother feemed exti-aordinarily aiTefled for fome time, to but little pur- 
 pofe, their aftcccions prefently vanifning, from time to time; but yet 
 afterwards were feized with abiding conviftions, and their 'afiedlions 
 became durable. • 
 
 About the middle of the Summer, I called together the young people 
 that were communicants, from fixtcen to twenty-fix years of age' to 
 my houfe; which proved to be a moft happy meeting: many feemed 
 to be very greatly and moft agreeably ad'eded with thofe viev^s which 
 excited humility, felf-condemnarion, felf-abhorrence, love and joy : 
 many fainted imder thefe afteiflions. We had feveral meetings that 
 Summer of young people, attended with like appearances. It was 
 about that time that there firft began to be cryingsout in the meeting- 
 houfe ; which feveral times occafioned many of the congregation to ftay 
 in the houfe, after the publick exercife was over, to confer v, ith thofe 
 who feemed to be overcome with religious convifdons and aftecflions; 
 which was found to tend much to the propagation of their impreflions, 
 "with lafting effedl upon many; conference being at thefe times com- 
 monly joined with prayer and finging, Jn the Summer and Fall, 
 the children in various parts of the town had religious meetings by 
 themfelves for prayer, fometimes joined with failing ; wherein many 
 VOL. II. A a 
 
i86 Succefs of the Gofpd in America Book IV' 
 
 of them fecmed to be greatly and properly afFeftcd, and I hope fomc 
 of them favingly wrought upon. 
 
 The months of Auguft and September were the mod remarkable of 
 any this year, for appearances of convidlion and converlion of finners, 
 and great rcvivings, quickenings, and comforts of profeflors, and for 1 
 extraordinary external eifefts of thefe things. It was a very frequent 
 thing to fee an houfe full of out-cries, faintings, convulfions and fuch 
 like, both with dilirefs, and alfo with admiration and joy. It was not 
 the manner here to hold meetings all night, as in fome places, nor was 
 it common to continue them till very late in the night : but it was pret- 
 ty often fo that there were fome that were fo alfefted, and their bodies 
 fo overcome, that they could not go home, but were obliged to ftay all 
 night at the houfe where they were. There was no difference that I 
 know of here, with regard to thefe extraordinary effeifts, in meetings in 
 rhe night, and in the day-time: the meetings in which thefe efFe(ft$ ap- 
 peared in the evening, being commonly begun, and their extraordinary 
 eiTccls, in the day, and continued in the evening; and fome meetings 
 have been very remarkable for fuch extraordinary effefts that were both 
 begun and finifhed in the day-time. There was an appearance of a glo- 
 rious progrefs of the work of God upon the hearts of finners in con- 
 viction and converlion this Summer and Fall ; and great numbers, I 
 think we have reafon to hope, were brought favingly home to Chrift. 
 But this was remarkable, the work of God in his influences of this na- 
 ture, feemed to be almoft wholly upon a new generation ; thofe that 
 "were not come to years of difcretion in that wonderful feafon nine 
 years ago, children, or thofe that were then children: others that had 
 enjoyed that former glorious opportunity without any appearance of 
 faving benciit, feemed now to be almofl wholly paffed over and let a- 
 lonc. But now we had the mofi: wonderful work among children that 
 ever was in Northampton. The former great out-pouring of the Spirit 
 was remarkable for influences upon the minds of children, beyond all 
 that had ever been before ; but this far exceeded that. Indeed as to in- 
 fluences on the minds of profeflcrs, this work was by no means con- 
 fined to a new generation: many of all ages partook of it: but yet, in 
 this refpeCl it was more general on thofe that were of the younger fort. 
 Many that had formerly been wrought upon, that in the times of our 
 declenflon had fallen into decays, and had in a great meafure left Cod, 
 and gone after the world, now pafl^ed imder a very remarkable new 
 work of the Spirit of God, as if they had been the fubjefts of a fecond 
 converfion. They were firfl led into the wildernefs, and had a work of 
 conviftion, having much greater convicflions of the fin of both nature 
 and praftice than ever before, (though with fome new circumllances, 
 and fomething new in the kind of convi6Vion) in fome with great dif- 
 trefs, beyond what they had felt before their firfl: converfion : under 
 thefe conviifbions they were excited to fl:rive for falvation, and the king- 
 dom of Heaven fuifcred violence from fome of them in a far more re- 
 markable manner than before: and after great convi6lions and hum- 
 blings, andagonizings with God, they had Chrifl: difcovered to them a- 
 ncw, as an aU-fofficient Saviour, and in the glories of his grace, and in 
 
Chap. 5. ^« the eighteenth Century. 187 
 
 a far more clear manner than before ; and with greater humility, fclf- 
 cmptinefs and brokennefs of heart, and a purer and higher joy, and 
 greater defires after holinefs of life, but with greater felf-diihdence, and 
 diftruft of their treacherous hearts. One circumfbnce wherein this 
 work differed from that which had been in the town five or fix years 
 before, was that converfions were frequently wrought more fenfibly 
 and vifibly ; the imprcffions ftronger, and more manifeft by external 
 cffedls of them ; and the progrefs of the Spirit of God in conviflion, 
 from flep to ftep, more apparent; and the tranfition from one ftate to 
 another more fenfible and plain ; fo that it might, in many inftanccs, 
 be as it were feen by by-flandcrs. The prcceeding ieafon had been very 
 remarkable on this account beyond what had been before; but tl)is 
 more remarkable than that. And in this feafon thefe apparent or viiible 
 converfions (if I may fo call them) were more frequently in the pre- 
 fence of others, at religious meetings, where the appearances of what 
 was wrought on the heart fell under public obfervation. 
 
 After September 1741, there feemed to be fome abatement of the 
 extraordinary appearances that had been ; but yet they did not wholly 
 ceafe, but there was fomething of them from time to time all \Mntcr. 
 About the beginning of February 1 741-2, Mr. Bucl came to this town; 
 I being then abfentfrom home, and continued fo till about a fortnight 
 after. Mr. Buel preached from day to day, almoft every day, in the 
 Mceting-houfe, (I having left to hira the free liberty of my pulpit, 
 hearing of his de/igned vifit before I went from home) and fpcnt al- 
 moft the whole time in religious exercifes with the people, cither in pub- 
 lic or private, the people continually thronging him. When he iirfc 
 came, there came with him a number of the zealous people from Suf- 
 fieid, who continued here for fome time. There were very extraordi- 
 nary effects of Mr. Duel's labours ; the people were exceedingly moved, 
 crying out in great numbers in the Meeting-houfe, and great part of 
 the congregation commonly ftaying in the houfe of God for hours af- 
 ter the public fervice. Many alfo were exceedingly moved in private 
 meetings, where Mr. Buel was: and almoft the whole town feemed to 
 be in a great and continual commotion, day and night ; and there was 
 indeed a very great revival of religion. But it was principally among 
 profelTors; the appearances of a work of converfion were in no mea- 
 fure eqiial to what had been the Summer before. AVhen I came home 
 I found the town in very extraordinary circumftances, fuch in fome rc- 
 fpefts as I never faw it in before. Mr. Buel continued here a fortnight 
 or three weeks after I returned : there being ftill great appearances at- 
 tending his labours ; many in their religious affections being raifcd far 
 beyond what they ever had been before : and there were fome inftances 
 of perfons lying in a fort of trance, remaining for perhaps a whole 
 twenty- four hours motionlcfs, and with their fenfcs locked up; but in 
 the mean time under ftrong imaginations, as though they went to 
 Heaven, and had there a vifion of glorious and delightful objeCls. But 
 when the people were raifed to this height, Satan took the advantage, 
 and his interpofltion in many inftances foon became very apparent : 
 
 A a ;j 
 
188 Succefs of the Gofpdtn America Book IV. 
 
 an J a great deal of caution and pains were found ncccfTary to keep the 
 people, many of them, from running wild. 
 
 In the month- of March I led the people into a folemn public renew- 
 si of their covenant with God. To that end I made a draught of a co- 
 venant ; and firlt propofed it to fome of the principal men in the church, 
 then propofed it to the people in their feveral religious focieties, in va- 
 rious parts of the town, and then propofed it to the whole congregati- 
 on in public, and then depofitcd a copy of it in the hands of each of 
 our four deacons, that all that defired it might refort to them, and 
 have opportunity to view and confider it. Then the people in general 
 fhat were above fourteen years of age firft fubfcribed the covenant with 
 their iiands, and then on a day of falling and prayer, all together pre- 
 fented thcmfelves before the Lord in his houfe, and flood up, and fo- 
 Jemnly manifefted their confent to it, as their vow to God. The co- 
 venant was as follows : • 
 
 ^ Copy of -a Covenant otlercJ into and fubfcrihed hy the People of God at Northampton, and \ 
 owned before GcJ in his Houfe, as their Vot-U to the Lord, and nude a folemn AB of pullic 
 V/:rlhip, by the Ccn^re^^tion in generiil, th.:t were ahgve fourteen Tears of Age, on a Day 
 of Fcjfing and Prayer for the Continuance and Jncreafc of the gracious Prcfence of Cod in 
 . ihv PLce, March s6th, 17^1-2. 
 
 " Acknowledging God's great goodncfs to us, a finful unworthy 
 people, in the blelfed manifeftations and fruits of his gracious prefence 
 in this town, both formerly and lately, and particularly in the very 
 late fpiritual revival; and adoring the glorious majelly, power, and 
 grace of God, manifefted in the prefent wonderful out-pouring of his 
 Spirit, in many parts of this land, and in this place; and lamenting 
 our part backflidings and ungrateful departings from God; and huui- 
 bly begging of God, that he would not mark our iniquities, but, for 
 Chrift's fake, come over the mountains of our fins, and vifit us with 
 bis falvation, and continue the tokens of his prefence with us, and yet 
 more glorioufly pour out his bleffed Spirit upon us, and make us all 
 partakers of the divine bleflings he is at this day beftowing here, and in 
 many parts of this land: we do this day prefent ourfclves before the 
 Lord, to renounce our evil ways, and put away our abominations from 
 before God's eyes, and, with one accord, to renew our engagements 
 to fcek and ferve God ; and particularly do now folemnly promife and 
 vow to the Lord as follows: — 
 
 In all our converfation, concerns, and dealings with our neighbour, 
 we will have a llrift regard to rules of honerty, jurtice, and upright- 
 jicfs; that we do not over-reach or defraud our neighbour in any mat- 
 ter, and either wilfully, or through want of care, injure him in any 
 of his hvMicft poireifions or rights ; and, in all our communication, will 
 have a tender refpe^l, not only to our own interert^, but alio to the in- 
 terert of our neighbour; and will carefully endeavour, in every thing, 
 to do to others, as we faould expeft, or think reafonable, that they 
 fh^\ild do to us, if we were in their cafe, and they in ours. And par- 
 ticularly we will endeavour to render to every one his due, and will 
 take heed to ourfelves, that we do not wrong our neighbour, and give 
 them a jull caufe of offence, by wilfully or negligently forbearing to 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 189 
 
 pay our honefl: debts. And wherein any of us, upon ftrift examinati- 
 on of our pall: behaviour, may be confcious to ourfelves, that we have 
 by any means v/ronged any of our neighboiu's in their outward eibte, 
 we will not reft 'till we have made that reftitution, or given that fatif- 
 fa<ftion, which the rules of rnoral equity reqviire; or if we are, on a 
 ftrift and impartial fearch, confcious to ovu"feIves, that wc have, in a- 
 ny other refpcft, confiderably injured our neighbour, we will truly en- ^ 
 deavour to do that, which we, in our confciences, fuppofe (^hrifiiaa '" 
 rules require, in order to a reparation of the injury, and removing the 
 offence given thereby. And furthermore we promife, that wc will not 
 allow ourfelves in backbiting; and that we will take great heed to our- 
 (elves to avoid all violations of thofcChriltian rules. Tit. iii. 2. " Speak 
 evil of no man." James iv. 11. " Speak not evil one of another, bre- 
 thren." And 2 Cor. xii. 20. '* Left there be ftrifes, backbitings, whifr 
 perings." And that wc will not only, not llander our neighbour, but 
 alfo will not, to feed a fpirit of bitternefs, ill-will, or fecret grudge a- 
 gainft our neighbour, infift on his real faults, needlefly, and when not 
 called to it: or from fuch a fpirit fpeak of his f./ilings and blemill>es 
 with ridicule, or an air of contempt. And we promife that we will 
 be very careful to avoid doing any thing to our neighbour from a fpirit 
 of revenge. And that we will take great care that we do not, for private 
 intereft, or qur own honour, or to maintain ourfelves againft thofe of 
 a contrary party, or to get our wills, or to promote any defign in op- 
 pofition to others, do thofe things which we, on the nioft impartial 
 confideration we are capable of, can think in our confcience?, will tend 
 to wound religion, and the intereft of Chrift's kingdom. And particu- 
 larly, that fo far as any of us, by divine Providence, have any fpecial in- 
 fluence upon others, to lead them, in the management of public affairs; 
 wc will not make our own worldly gain, or honour, or intereft in the 
 affe£lions of others, or getting the better of any of a contrary party, 
 that are in any refpeft our competitors, or the bringing, or keeping 
 them down, our governing aim, to the prejudice of the intereft of re- 
 ligion, and the honour of Chrift. And in the management of any pub- 
 lic affair, wherein there is a difference of opinions, concerning any out- 
 ward poffeffions, privileges, rights or properties ; we will not wittingly 
 violate juftice for private intereft: and with the greateft ftriftnefs and 
 watchfulnefs, will avoid all unchriftian bitternefs, veherBence, and heat 
 of fpirit; yea, though we fiiould think ourfelves injured by a contrary 
 party: and in the time of the management of fuch affairs, will efpeci- 
 ally watch over ourfelves, our fpirits, and our tongues, to avoid all un- 
 chriftian inveighings, reproachings, bitter refleftings, judging and ri- 
 diculing others, either in public meetings, or in private converfation, 
 either to mens faces, or behind their backs ; but will greatly endeavour, 
 fo far as we are concerned, that all fhould be managed with ChriOian 
 humility, gentlenefs, quietnefs and love. And furthermore wc promife 
 that we will not tolerate the exercife of enmity and ill-will, or revenge 
 in our hearts, againft any of om- neighbours ; and we will often be ftridt- 
 ly fearching and examining our hearts with refpe^5t to that matter. 
 And if any of us find that we have an old fecret grudge againft any 
 
ipo Succefs of the Co/pel in Jtnertca Book IV, 
 
 of our neighbours, we will not gratify it, but crofs it, and endeavour, to 
 our utmoli, to root it out, crying to God for his help; and that we 
 will make it our true and faithful endeavour, in our places, that a party 
 fpirit may not be kept up amongll: us, but that it may utterly ceafe; 
 that for the future we may all be one, united in undifturbed peace, and 
 ■unfeigned love. 
 
 And thofe of us that are in youth, do promife never to allow our- 
 felves in any youthful divcrfions and paflimes, in meetings or compa- 
 nies of young people, that we in our confciences, upon fober conlide- 
 ration, judge not well to confift with, or would finfully tend to hinder 
 the devouteft, and raoft engaged fpirit in religion; or indifpofe the 
 mind for that devout and proHtable attendance on the duties of the 
 clofet, v/hich is mofl agreeable to God's will, or that we in our mod 
 impartial judgment, can think tends to rob God of that honour which 
 he expe(fts,by our orderly, ferious attendance on family-worlhip. And 
 furthermore we promife, that we will ftriclly avoid all freedoms and 
 familiarities in company, fo tending, either to ftir up, or gratify a luft 
 of lafcivioufnefs, that we cannot in our confciences think will be ap- 
 proved by the infinitely pure and holy eye of God; or that we can 
 think, on ferious and im.partial confideration, we fliould be afraid to 
 praflife, if we expedted in a few hours to appear before that holy God, 
 to give an account of ourfelves to him, as fearing they would be con- 
 demned by him as unlawful and impure. 
 
 We alfo promife, with great watchfulnefs, to perform relative duties, 
 required by Chriflian rules, in the families we belong to; as we fland 
 related refpedtively, towards parents and children, hulbands and wives, 
 brothers and flfters, mafters or miftrelfes and fervants. 
 
 And we now appear before God, depending on divine grace and af- 
 fiftance, folemnly to devote our whole lives, to be laborioufly fpent in 
 the bufinefs of religion : ever making it our greatell bufinefs, without 
 backfliding from fuch a way of living; not hearkening to the folicita- 
 tions of our floth, and other corrupt inclinations, or the temptations 
 of the world, that tend to draw us off from it ; and particularly, that 
 we will not abufe an hope, or opinion that any of us may have of our 
 being interefted in Chrift, to indulge ourfelves in floth, or the more 
 cafily to yield to the folicitations of any finful inclinations; but will 
 run with perfeverance, the race that is fet before us, and work out our 
 own falvation with fear and trembling. And becaufe we are fenfible 
 that the keeping thefe folemn vows may hereafter, in many cafes, be 
 very contrary to our corrupt inclinations, and carnal intercfts; we do 
 now therefore appear before God, to make a furrender of all to him, 
 and to make a facrifice of every carnal inclination and intereft to the 
 great bufinefs of religion, and the intereft of our fouls. And being 
 fenfible of our own weaknefs, and the deceltfulnefs of our own hearts, 
 and our pronenefs to forget our moft folemn vows, and loofe our refo- 
 lutions; we promife to be often ftriflly examining ourfelves by thefe 
 promifes, efpecially before the facrament of the Lord's fupper ; and 
 beg of God that he would, for Chrift's fake, keep us from wickedly 
 diflcmbling in thefe our folemn vows; and that he who fearches our 
 
chap. 5. in the eight eettth Century. ipi 
 
 hearts, and ponders the path of our feet, would from time to time help 
 us in trying ourfelves by this covenant, and help us to keep covenant 
 with him, and not leave us to our own foolifh, wicked, and treacherous 
 hearts." 
 
 In the beginning of the Summer 1742, there feemed to be fome a- 
 batement of the livelinefs of people's aife<5lions in religion : but yet 
 many were often in a great height of them. And in the Fall and Win- 
 ter following there were at times extraordinary appearances. But in 
 the general people's engagednefs in religion and the livelinefs of their 
 affedlions have been on the decline : and fome of the young people e- 
 fpecially,have fharaefuUy loft their livelinefs and vigour in religion, and 
 much of the ferioufnefs and folemnity of their fpirits. But there are 
 many that walk as becometh faints; and to this day, there are a con- 
 siderable number in the town that feem to be near to God, and main- 
 tain much of the life of religion, and enjoy many of the fenfible to- 
 kens and fruits of his gracious prefence. 
 
 With refpeft to the late feafon of revival of religion amongft us, for 
 three or four years part; it has been obfervable, that in the former 
 part of it, in the years 1740, and i 741, the work feemed to be much 
 more pure, having lefs of a corrupt mixture, than in the former great 
 out-pouring of the Spirit in 1735, and 1736. Perfons feemed to be fen- 
 fible of their former errors, and had learnt more of their own hearts, 
 and experience had taught them more of the tendency and confequences 
 of things: they were now better guarded, and their afFe6lions were not 
 only greater, but attended with greater folemnity, and greater humility 
 and felf-diftruft, and greater engagednefs after holy living and perfeve- 
 rance; and there were fewer errors in conduft. But in the latter part 
 of it, in the year i742,itwa3otherwife: the work continued more pure 
 till we were infefted from abroad : our people hearing, and fome of 
 them feeing the work in other places, where there was a greater vifiblc 
 commotion than here, and the outward appearances were more extra- 
 ordinary ; were ready to think that the work in thofe places far excel- 
 led what was amongft us ; and their eyes were dazled with the high pro- 
 felTion and great fliew that fome made who came hither from other 
 places. That thofe people went fo far beyond them, in raptures and vi- 
 olent emotions of the affeftions, and a vehement zeal, and what they 
 called boldnefs for Chrifl ; our people were ready to think was owing 
 to their far greater attainments in grace, and intimacy with Heaven : 
 they looked little in their own eyes in comparifon of them, and were 
 ready to fubmit themfelves to them, and yield themfelves up to their 
 conducfV, taking it for granted that everything was right that they faid 
 and did. Thefc things had a ftrange influence on the people, and gave 
 many of them a deep and unhappy tinfture, that it was a hard and long 
 labour to deliver them from, and which fome of them are not fully 
 delivered from to this day. 
 
 The effefts and confequences of things amongft us plainly (hew the 
 following things, viz. that the degree of grace is by no means to be 
 judged of by the degree of joy, or the degree of zeal; and that indeed 
 vrecaoaot at all detercoine by thefe things, who sre gracious aad who 
 
192 Succefs 4if the Gofpel in America Book IV, 
 
 are not; and tJnt it is not the degree of religioxis aifeftions, but the 
 nature of them that is chieiiy to be-lookod at. Some that have had very 
 great raptures of joy, and have been extraordinarily filled, (as the vul- 
 gar phrafcis) and have had their bodies overcome, and that very often, 
 have manifelted far lefs of the temper of ChriiUans, in their conduct 
 fince, than fonie others that have been ftill, and have made no great 
 outward lliow. But then again there are many others, that have had ex- 
 traordinary joys and emotions of mind, with frequent great elfefts on 
 their bodies, that behave thcmfelves ftedfallly, as humble, amiable, e- 
 jninent Chriilians. 'Tis evident that there may be great religious af- 
 fciftions, that may in fncw and appearance imitate gracious atiedlions, 
 jind have the fame elfccts on their bodies, but arc far from having the 
 fame elfe6rin the temper of their minds, and courfc of their lives. And 
 ■ likewife there is nothing more manifefl by what appears amongfl us, 
 ihan that the goodncfs of pcrfons flate is not chieiiy to be judged of 
 by any exa(5lnefs of fleps, and method of experiences, in what is fup- 
 pofcd to be the firft converlion ; bu^t that we mult judge more by the 
 fpirit that breathes, the ^'iitdi wrought on the temper of the foul, in 
 the time of the work, and^remaining afterwards. Though there have 
 been very few inflances among profefTors amongfl us, of what is ordi- 
 narily called fcandalous fin, known to me; yet the temper that fome of 
 tliem fnew, and the behaviour they have been of, together with fome 
 things in the kind and circumftances of their experiences, make me 
 much afraid leall there be a confiderable nimiber that have wofully de- 
 ceived themfclves, Thougii on the other hand, there is a great number 
 ■whofe temper and converfation is fuch as jufily confirms the charity of 
 others towards them ; and not a fev/ in whofe difpofition and walk, 
 there are amiable appearances of eminent grace. And notwithflanding 
 all the corrupt mixtures that liave been in the late work here; there 
 are not only many blelFcd fruits of it in particular perfons, that yet re- 
 main, but fome good effects of it upon the town in- general. A party- 
 fpirit has more ceafed: I fuppofe there has been lei's appearance thefe 
 three or four years pafl, of that divifion of the town into two parties, 
 that has long been our bane, than has been thefe thirty years; and the 
 people have apparently had much more caution, and a greater guard 
 on their fpirit, and their tongues, to avoid contention and unchriflian 
 heats, in town-meetings and on other occalions. And 'tis a thing great- 
 ly to be rejoiced in, that the people very latelj^have come to an agree- 
 ment and final ilfue, with refpect to their grand controverfy, relating 
 to their common lands; which has been above any other particular 
 thing, a fource of mutual prejudices, jealoufies, and debates, for fifteen 
 or lixteen years pa(K The people alfo feem to be much more fenfible 
 of the danger of reding in old experiences, or what they were fubje^ls 
 of at their fuppofed firlr converfion ; and to be more fully convinced 
 of the necefTity of forgetting the things that are behind, and prefTmg for- 
 ward, and maintaining earnelt labour, watchfulnefs and prayerfulnefs 
 as long as they live. 
 
chap. 5. in tf^e eighteenth Century, ipj 
 
 S E C T I 6 N Vll. 
 
 In the BegiTwing of the Tear 1 741 , the Concern appears at hrtdge-xuater 
 
 in thelMaJfachufctts. One cfthtirMiuiJlerSy Mr. Porttr, benejit-^ 
 
 ed by hearing Mr. Whitefield. Mr. Tennent preaches. Religi* 
 
 oiis MeettJigs. The Suhjedls preached on. T-wo young Men ivho 
 
 . hadfeen the Revival in Conncdlicut. Itinerant Minifters employ-' 
 
 ed. Happy Fruits of this IVcrlc. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Porter, Minifter at Brjdgewatcr, to Mr. Piincc junior, Ofto- 
 
 bcr 1 2th, 1743, Chriflian Hiiloiy, 1^ "^ ;o. ] 
 
 DIVINE Providence has caft my lot in Bridgewater, tn the county 
 of Plymouth, about thirty miles fouthward from Bofton; a town fet-* 
 tied in the year 1652, by a number of ferious Chriftians, wherein there 
 was a church gathered, and Mr. James Keith, a Scotilh gentleman, or-* 
 dained the partor of it in 1663, who continued with them preaching tha 
 gofpei about fifty-fix years. 
 
 And as to the people of the town, I may further obferve, it was re- 
 marked of them by Grangers, as well as perfons in the neighbourhood^ 
 at their firft fettling, and fometime after, that they were a people of 
 the greateft modefty and ferioufnefs, and mart exaft, punctual, and con-* 
 fcientious in difcharging firft and fecond table duties, of any they were 
 acquainted with. But this high charafter (with lamentation let it he. 
 fpoken) was not given them long: for a number of the firft planters 
 (pious men, and experimental Ghriftians) being deceafed ; their pofte- 
 rity (not having their holy examples, pious inftrucStions, and faithful 
 admonitions) foon began gradually to depart from the God of their fa- 
 thers. And thus they went on for fcveral years; until religion was 
 almoft funk into a mere form : few had more than a name to live i lit- 
 tle of God, of Chrift, of heaven, of the foul, was to be found in the 
 converfation of thofe that palfed for the beft of Ghriftians. ExperU 
 mental religion, and the power of Godlinefs, feemed to have taken their 
 flight from Bridgewater. This I had a great advantage and opportu* 
 nity to know, by reafon of Providence calling me to keep fchool in all 
 the parts of tiie town, before this remarkable revival of religion. Now 
 in thefe days of declenfion, neither ordinances nor providences, had 
 much effedl on the people. Indeed, by ibme fore diftempers with 
 w^hich God was pleafed to vifit them, and the minifters in the town im- 
 proving them, by adapting their difcourfes to fuch feafons of morta- 
 lity ; fome, through thebleifing of God, were awakened to a concern 
 about the falvatioo of their fools. But I have reafon to think that few 
 of their convictions ifiued in converCon, or their diftrefs in the joy of 
 the Lord, or comfort of the Holy Gholt 3 but that moft of thera refted 
 in various duties, ftiort of a faving clofure with Chrift. And fo in ge- 
 neral they remained very fecure, and unconcerned about the great and 
 momentous afiair of fecuring the falvation of tlie foul; 'till fometime 
 in the beginning of the year 1 741, after Mr. Whitefield and Mr. Ten- 
 nent had been at Bofton, and through the province, preachiDg the c? 
 VOL. It. JB b 
 
194 Siiccefs of the Gofpsl hi America Book IV. 
 
 vcrlafting gofpel with fuch unweariednefs and fuccefs. Whofe names, 
 cCpccialiy the former, I fliall ahvays mention with refpeft and honour, 
 whatever others may think or fay of him, from the benefit one of the 
 menneft and molt unworthy of Chrift's minifters hopes he received by 
 his holy and fervent miniftrations while at Bofton. Be fure I knew no- 
 thing rightly of my lin and danger, of my need of a Saviour, of the way 
 of falvation by him : neither was eflablilhed in the doftrines of grace; 
 (though a preacher, and one who endeavoured to indruft others in the 
 way) till I heard that man of God. And if the Lord had permit- 
 ted me to have took the overlight of a flock, as I had a call to do, 
 and had given my anfwer; the blind would have led the blind, and fo 
 'tis like both would have fallen into the ditch.— But he did no^. " Blefs 
 the Lord, O my foul, and all that is within me blefs his holy name," 
 for what he did for me, through the inftrumentality of that man ! And 
 I was quickened and ftrengthencd very much by Mr. Tcnnent's excel- 
 lent fermons, and was delhous all fliould hear them, as I had done, 
 and urged many to it. 
 
 Few of the people in Bridgewater heard Mr. AVhitefield : but the 
 mofr did ?.Ir. Tennent; for, upon his return home, and paffing thro' 
 a neighbouring town in March 1 740-1, fome of the minilters in Bridge- 
 water, v/ith myfelf, went to fee him; in order to invite him to vifit 
 Bridgewater, that we and our dear charges might partake of his gifts 
 and graces, and that he might have fome feals of his miniflry with us, 
 as well as in other places. And after fome intreaties (for he was deter- 
 mined another way, viz. to Freetoun and Tivertoun) we gained a pro- 
 mife from him, that (God willing) he would vifit us next day. Ac- 
 cordingly he came, and preached three fermons in Mr. Perkins' meet- 
 ing-houfe in the wefiern precinfl; two in the day, one in the evening. 
 And tho' the warning was fiaort, the people in general not know'ing it, 
 till that morning, and the feafon very difficult, by reafon of the fnow; 
 yet there was a large and crowded allembly. They came from all -parts 
 of the town, (for you mufl: note that tho' in good Mr. Keith's day, 
 there was but one fociety, now there are four; to which the reverend 
 Meflrs. Daniel Perkins, John Angier, John Shaw, and myfelf, 'iS.mdi fe- 
 verally in pafloral relation) — and many I believe went away blefiing 
 Cod for the opportunity ; though fome mocked. It appears that fome 
 clofe hypocrites were dctetfted, fome fecure awakened, and many of 
 our young people convinced of the fin of fpending away days and 
 nights in finging and dancing, and other youthful fins, which they 
 were much addifted to before, and greatly delighted in. After this, 
 religion was more talked of in our town ; particularly the great doc- 
 trines of our holy religion were often the fubjeift of converfation, not 
 for firife and contention, but information and edification. The peo- 
 ple now through the town were very inquifitive to know how things 
 ■were, having heard of the revival of religion in fome places. They ap- 
 peared of a very teachable difpofition : they were fwift to hear the 
 word ; an uncommon thirfi: after it appeared in them. Our lectures 
 (which were almoft every week in one part of the town, or another) 
 were more generally attended than before, and with much greater feri- 
 
chap. 5' in the eighteenth Century. ipj 
 
 oufnefsand folemnlty ; which encouraged us the miniflers In the town, 
 to fet up evening lectures, to be attended in all parts of the town; 
 ■which (excepting one) are upheld to this time; bcddc all our lc»Sturcs 
 In private houfes, which have not been a few; and occalional lectures 
 from Itrangers who came to vifit us : which I believe God has blclfed to 
 the good of many fouls. Spiritual clouds fecmed to be gathering apace; 
 a ftiower of divine and heavenly bleflings feemcJ nigh being rained down 
 on Bridgewater, and the whole town becoming a mountain of holinefs. 
 
 the delightful profpcdl we now had ! But I fhall fay no more with 
 refpeft to the other focieties in conjunclion with our own, or of the 
 proraifing appearances in them, and what God has done for them. But 
 leaving this for their reverend paflors to do; I come to declare more 
 particularly what great things the Lord hath done for the little fociety, 
 called the North Precindl, confiftingof near fixty families, over which 
 
 1 was ordained the 15th of Oftober, 1740. 
 
 And as 1 obferved, in the beginning of the year 174T, there was a 
 vifiblc appearance of a religious concern on the minds of many, efpeci- 
 ally the young people; which brought them to leave their youthful 
 practices, of finging, dancing, company-keeping", which before theye- 
 fleemed lawful recreations, and took abundance of pieafure in. And 
 fome came to rcfolutions, not only to leave fpending away evenings 
 this way, in which they had fo much diflionoured God, and injured 
 their immortal fouls; but to fpend them in religious excrciies; parti- 
 cularly the Sabbath evening, which was fpent before in vanity, they pro- 
 pofed to meet on, for the fervice of God : as I found by a letter direc- 
 ted to, and given me by one of the young men of our fociety, flgned 
 by himfelf and feveral others: wherein they fignified their concern of 
 foul, and defign to fet up evening meetings, and defire that others 
 would join with them; as alfo my direJlion in, and approbation of 
 the ahair, and that I would favour them with a fermon to encoiu'age 
 them to hold on, and encourage others to join with them. This good 
 fymptom did put gladnefs in my heart; and I readily complied with 
 their delire: and accordingly they fpent every Sabbath evening in fing- 
 ing, praying, reading, and fuch like religious exercifes. And now, 
 being in the Spring 1741, there appeared a confiderable external altera- 
 tion in mofi: of the young people in the place; which was obfeiTed and 
 fpoken of by diverfe in the neighbourhood. Kow things looked very 
 promiilng and hopeful. All things fecmed to be concurring to bring 
 about a glorious and remarkable revival of religion : to make our fon5 
 as plants growing up in their youth, and our daughters as corner flones 
 poliiTied after the fimilitudc of a palace. But nothing fo remarkable 
 and gracious, as what followed. The bcft wine was not yet beflow- 
 ed, as we found by happy experience afterward. 
 
 About this time, through t!>e infinite compaffion of God, I had a^ 
 very lively fenfe of divine and eternal things on my mind from day to 
 day. My meditations run very much at this time on the awful llate 
 man had plunged -himfelf into by the fall: oh regeneration, its infian- 
 taneity, greatnefs, and neceffity : on man's wenknefs and inability to 
 help himfelf and elFe^ this change : on man's unworthinefs of mercy j 
 
 "^B b 2 
 
ig6 Sitccrfs cfthe Cofpcl in America Book IV. 
 
 and thcjuftice of God Ibould he damn him after he had done hisbeft: 
 on Chrill die only way to the Father; on his mediatorial fulnefs ajid 
 tranfcendant glories; on his perfedl: righteouCncrs, as the only matter 
 of a finncr's julHfication bt'fore God, exclulive of all works j on re- 
 ceiving it by faith: on the change of heart that followed thereupon, 
 how it left the imprt fs of the divine image on the foul : on the un- 
 fpcakable fwectncfs and fatisfaftion in a life of religion and communion 
 with God : on aifurance of the love of God ; its attainablcncfs and pri- 
 vilege: on having our convcrlation in Heaven : on living like creatures 
 made for eternity, and accountable to God : on our capablenefs of en- 
 joying God the chief and only foul-fatisfying good for ever and ever. 
 Thefe with fome of the iike nature and tendency, were much in my 
 jnind. And I was therefore under fome conllraint to iplill: on them 
 from Sabbath to Sabbath. Which I urged and prcHed with as great a 
 warmth as I was canaole of. And have rcjfon to believe that thefe dif- 
 courfes, thus delivered, on thefe gofptl fubjecls; (though it maybe not 
 ^with fuch accuracy and correftnefs as fome might have infilled upon, 
 and fo to them might have appeared fooliflinefs) were blelTed to the good 
 of fouls, and were to them the wifdom of God and the power of God. 
 Though but few, I believe, were as yet favingly converted and 
 brought home to Chrilt, yet the concern on the minds of moft continu- 
 ed and increafed through the fucceeding Summer. The moll; were un- 
 commonly thoughtful about the falvation of their precious fouls. Bitt 
 as I remember in the beginning of the Fall 1741, convidlions feemed 
 at a flay, if not declining and wearing olf from fome. But upon this, 
 two young men of Bridgewater, who had been for a time in Connedli- 
 cut (one had palTed through his academical learning and was keeping 
 fchool there ; the other was then a member of Yale-college) and had 
 feen the great things God was doing for his people there ; and in a judg- 
 ment of charity had felt and experienced much of the power of divine 
 grace on their own fouls; returned to Bridgewater tovifit their friends. 
 And O the concern they appeared to have (and we have no reafon to 
 think but it was real) for their town's-folk, elpecially fellow youth, is 
 not eafily to be exprefTed: which they manifefled in all fuitable and 
 proper ways. They told our young people that on fuch a day, if they 
 were willing, they would meet with them and fing and pray, and give 
 them a relation of the great things God was doing in Gonnedlicut, and 
 what he had done for them fmce they faw them laft. To which they 
 readily confented. "When the day came, young aiid old went: and I 
 believe I ftiould have gone, had I not been providentially abfent. Ac- 
 cordingly they did pray and fing with them, and gave them a friendly 
 chrKUan exhortation. And the Lord was with them, I doubt not. Some 
 were awakened; and thofe under concern, had their concern increafed 
 by means thereof. And feting fuch effects following, they went on in 
 this way for a while; if not at the advice, yet at the connivance of fome 
 of the miniilers in the town. And whether their practice or our con- 
 nivance was juftifiable, as things were then circumftanced, I ftiall not 
 take upon me now to fay. But this I think I am obliged to fay; that 
 if I believe the work going on fo remarkably to be divine, as I moft firm- 
 
chap. 5. »« if^c eighteenth Century. igy 
 
 ly do, they were greatly femceable in promoting it in my dear charge. 
 Here I would obfcrve, that thefe were the only exhorters we have had. 
 J think we have had no appearances of them lince. 
 
 After this that grand and important queftion was in the mouths of 
 moft of my people, efpecially young people, '' What miiA we do to 
 bcfaved?" Salvation feemed now to be the main concern of their 
 fouls, and the main bufinefs of their lives. Their fecular afiairs were 
 at this time, in appearance, made a by-bufinefs. Meetings on account 
 of religion were fought after, longed for, frequently attended, exceed- 
 ingly thronged. And at ajmoft every meeting about this time (which 
 were very frequent) it evidently appeared God waswirhus in the con- 
 vincing and converting and comforting intiuences of his Spirit. Some 
 were awakened, many crying out under a fenfe of their iin and danger. 
 Some hopefully converted : and I'ome tr:mfportcd and over-born with a 
 •Tenfe of the love of God. I make not rhc ieafl: doubt, but there was 
 joy in Heaven am.ong the angels, as well as among the faints on earth, 
 in feeing and hearing of the glorious difplays of the infinite power ajid 
 fovereign free grace of God at our religious meetings, O it looked 
 probable now that the whole fociety, old and young, black and white, 
 would have been feized by the almighty power and free grace of God; 
 and would have been brought to have fubmitted to a fovereign God in 
 Chrill, and received a whole Chrift with a whole foul. My foul did 
 leap within me wjth joy at the blcfTed profpeft I now had of all joining 
 heart and hand in travelling in the way to eternal glory, and of arriving 
 there at lafl:. But this blefied Ihower did not long continue. It was 
 not long before God (for our fin in not improving, and our ingratitude 
 under thefe (howers of divine and heavenly grace) did depart from us 
 as to the convincing and converting influences of his Spirit. And many 
 of thofe that were under good impreffions, and had not received com- 
 fort in Chrift, which many had, gradually loft them, and began to be 
 fomcwhat carelefs and fecure again. Now and then, 'tis true, 1 had the 
 joy of feeing and hearing one convinced and converted, and it has been 
 to this time; but 'tis rar«, like gleanings after the vintage. 
 
 Now all along in this time I did freely invite and gladly improve as 
 J had opportunity, all my zealous fathers atid brethren in the miniftry. 
 Jiving in the neighbourhood and that travelled (who had been remark- 
 ably blelTed by God in promoting his work) to preach to my people. 
 I think I can truly fay, (though the fpirit of man lufteth to envy) I am 
 willing God fhould fend by the hand, by whom he would fend ; ftiould 
 carry on his own work in his own way, by fuch means and inftruments 
 as pleafes him ; willing I am, at times efpecially, with John the Bap- 
 tift to decreafe, in name, fuccefs and all, fo that Chrift may increafe, his 
 kingdom arjd iptereft be advanced in my charge, and through the world. 
 And I do not yet repent of this my conduft, but greatly rejoice in it. 
 For as far as I can learn, every one that has been with us preaching the 
 evcrlaftinggofpel, have been inftrumental of doing good tofome fouls: 
 and who would mourn at that ? I will acknowledge that they have been 
 greatly ferviceable to the people of my charge : they, and not I, are the 
 fpiritual fathers of many of my flock. Nor ^o I fee any of the bad ef- 
 
iq8 Succefs of the Gofpel in /Inter ic a Book IV. 
 
 fcits of fuch conduct, which many talk of; my people, fuch of them 
 as have been converted by the uiftrumentality of Grangers, love me their 
 unworthy paflor better than ever, I doubt not: and therefore I have 
 reafon to think, that had niiniftei-s been more free in inviting and im- 
 proving neighbouring minillers, and them that travelled to their people; 
 the work of God would have gone on more glorioufly, and would have 
 prevented the unhappy jarrs, divifions and reparations that have arifen 
 in fome places. But I'll return, and fay, that in the judgment of charit}', 
 through the infinite compallions of God, the number is not fmall 
 that have been favingly wrought upon among us in this great day of 
 grace, and that arebecome real lively Chrillians. I believe 'tis not pro- 
 per to fay liow many: though I believe by what I can learn as many in 
 proportion to the bignefs of the place, as almofl any place that has been 
 remarkably vifited at this day. We have had added to the church be- 
 tween feventy and eighty; bcfide a confiderable number that havt 
 owned the covenant and been bapiifcd, that have not feen their way 
 clear to come to the ordinance of the holy fupper. The mofl: of which 
 are able to give to every one thatailcs them with mecknefs and fear all 
 the fatisfad^ion that can rationally be defircd or expected, that they are 
 real GhrilVians. They can give a clear, diftinft account of a preparato- 
 ry law-workin all the parts of it; of their difcovcry of Chrift in his a- 
 bility and willingnefs to fave them in particular, and every way fuited 
 to their peiifhing circuraftances, to make them completely and eternally 
 happy; of their doling in with him as offered in the gofpel ; of the 
 change of heart; and (b confequently of principles, delires, inclinati- 
 ons and aiTcftions that perceptibly followed thereupon. And their lives 
 and converfations, as far as I can obferve myfelf, and learn from the 
 tin prejudiced, are correfponding and agreeing with their experiences: 
 they live in general as becomes the gofpel, and evidently adorn the doc- 
 trine of God our Saviour. In a word, they appear to love God and 
 men : which is exprciTed by a careful and confcientious difcharge of 
 iirll and fecond-table duties: and fo are truly religious. 
 
 And now thefe, God is through his abundant goodnefs, frequently 
 vifiting and refrefliing by the gracious influences of his Holy Spirit. 
 For altho' God ha^ almofl departed from us as to the convincing and 
 converting influences of his Spirit ; yet he has not, as to the quicke- 
 ning, fanctifyingand comforting influences thereof: blefTed behisname 
 Jbr it. God is verily with us in our religious meetings. 'Tis frequent 
 ,on lefture-days and on Lord's-days, while we arefupplicating the Di- 
 vine Majelly, finging the high praifes of God, hearing his word, cele- 
 brating the holy fupper, that wt fee fome of the above-men«^ioned in- 
 fluences. Sometimes many of them have their frail tabernacles over- 
 born with a fenfe of the great and diflinguifhing love of God the Fa- 
 ther in contriving, Son in purchafing, and Spirit in making applicati- 
 on of redemption to their fouls. Sometimes they have fuch a fenfe of 
 the perfeftions of God, his holinefs, juflice, mercy, faithfulnefs, &c. 
 as greatly weakens and overcomes the body. They have often fuch 
 fwect tafles of redeeming love, and fuch bleffed difcoveries of the glo- 
 ries of God, beauties of Chrift, holinefs and happinefs of Heaven; as 
 
Chap. 5. »"« the eighteenth Century. ing 
 
 affects thf body fo greatly, that Ipedators have been ready to conclude 
 that it would have uiTolved the natural tye and union between the foul 
 and body : and that their fouls would have actually difmilled and left 
 their bodies, and been conveyed by kind guardian angels in a chariot 
 of-love to the God and region of love. O to fee them in thefe frames, 
 is enough to make any new creature rejoice: methiiiks 'tis enough to 
 warm rhe fouis, of all that have experienced a work of grace, and fo 
 know fomething of the enjoyment and employment of Heaven ; to fee 
 them at thefe feafons, like the birds of Paradife, chanting foith the 
 praifes o? our glorious Redeemer. They do in fome low degree re- 
 femble the humble v/oriliippers of Heaven. I am almofl: fure that none 
 that have had given them, a fmall, a little taftc of the fpecial grace of 
 God, ('tis 10 fvveet) will with the elder brother in the parable, Ihimble 
 and wonder, tho' others are feeding on the fatted calf, or have larger 
 meafures ; but will be able to account for the muiick and dancing, the 
 joys and rcjoycings of returning prodigals, and will come in, and re- 
 joycc with them. For 'tis undeniably true, that by a little here, we 
 can tell what a great deal means. And to fee the effefts thefe difco- 
 veries have on them ; how humble, holy, heavenly, loving, and wea- 
 ned from the world they are fo*- a confiderable time after, is abundant- 
 ly refrelhing and fatisfying, and confirms further that their difcove- 
 ries are true and genuine. Thus they are frequently vifitcd and taught 
 by the Holy Spirit: fo that they are growing Chrillians, in grace and 
 knowledge. In grace, every true vifit evidently transforms them more 
 and more into the divine image and likenefs : in knowledge, 'tis won- 
 derful to fee how their knowledge isincreafed, as to God, Chrifl, the 
 doctrines of grace: and as to themfelves, their own hearts, the pride, 
 envy, hypocrify, deceit and ingratitude of them : they fee and know 
 fomuch of their own vilenefs, that everyone looks on himfclf as the 
 moft unworthy, and greatell miracle of mercy, and moil beholden and in- 
 debted to the free grace of God: they are labouring after progrelTive 
 holinefs, to be perfeift as their heavenly Father is. God grant their pati* 
 may continue to be as " the Ihining light that il^neth more and more 
 unto theperfecftday." 
 
 Now of this number, many of them were, before this day of Cod's 
 fearching our Jerufalem, as exa6land ftrift in the performance of the 
 externals of religion, (as far as would be obferved by man, ) as any a- 
 mongus, and had gained the charity of their neighbours: but now fee 
 they tDuiit upon the fandy foundation of their own righteoufnefs ; and 
 fo had perifhed eternally notwithflanding their blazing profeflions, & 
 the good opinion of others, had not God in mercy opened their eyes, 
 to fee the n-ay of falvation by Chrift, and enabled them to embrace it. 
 O may all piofelfors every where examine the foundation they build 
 upon for eternal happinefs; and fee they don't deceive themfelves, as 
 fome did among us 'rill this day of grace ! The reft: that have bcea 
 wrought upon amongft us have been moftly young people, who were 
 not nrofeiTors in the full fenfe before. As to children, under ten ; I 
 dur<l: not fsy any areincluded in the abovefaid number; tho' they were, 
 at firfl v/hen the work begacuader force coaceni of foul ; yet itfeeras 
 
200 Suceefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 M'orn off, they are children ftill. As to the vitious and immoral; we 
 had^ Tome, tho' I believe as few as in moft places. But I do not obferve 
 any remarkable change and alteration in them. Tho' the revival of 
 religion fecms in -fome raeai'ure to check and reflrain them from that 
 boldnefs in linning that r.ppeared in them before. Wc are generally, 
 thro' the goodnefs of God iipon us, united and agreed in the belief of 
 the work bein? divine ; and are ufing fuch mcchods as God dire-fts to, 
 and bleffes in promoting and carrying of it on. O how good and 
 pleafant 'tis for brethren of one fociety to dwell to;^ether in uniiy. As 
 to trances, vifions, &c. we have none, and I thi.J: have had none from 
 the beginning. And now I would tha'^kfully ackiio^vlcdge and heart-' 
 ily blefs God for his diftinguifhing goodnefs to mc and my charge : in 
 giving us to fee, and live in a day of fuch great grace as this is ; and 
 in making fo many of us partakers of his fpecial grace whom, I make 
 not the leafi doubt, all the faints of God will e're long fee, cloathedin 
 white, at the right hand of Jefus, and with him entering into ever- 
 lafting habitations; to join the heavenly quire, in tuning their golden 
 harps in fongs of praife to the eternal Three; the Father, for hismer-« 
 cy, the Son for his merit, and the Holy Ghofl for his efficacy, fore* 
 ver and ever. Lord Jefus be like a roc or a young barton the moun- 
 tains of feparation. John Porter. 
 P. S. The abt)ve account as far as it relates to the rife, progrefs and 
 continuance of the work of God among us was read to our church, 
 and voted by them to be a true and faithful account according to 
 their judgment. John Porter, 
 
 Section VIII. 
 
 On the l6th of February 1741, it appears at JVrentham in Suffolk in 
 
 the Majfachufctts. Under the Miniftry of their ordinary PaJlorSy 
 
 Mcjfrs. Mejfenger and Haven. The Texts, Zech. xii. 10. and 
 
 Jer. xxvi. 13. Great Attention. Many Tears. Defire of 
 
 Le^ures. Longing for the Sabbath. Frequent preaching. 
 
 Religious Meetings and Conference. Some brought under Concern 
 
 by hearing Sermon. Some by hearing of others y fearing left them* 
 
 felves Jhould be left. Some a long Time under Convi^ions . A 
 
 fecond Revival. Diflrefs for the Souls of others. 
 
 [ From Mcflrs. McfTcnger and Haven's Account, dated Aiit^uft 12th, 1743, in Prii>ce'» 
 Chriflian Hiaory, N ° 30, &c. ] 
 
 OUR bleffed Lord's obfervations in Matth. v. 14, 15. are indeed ve- 
 rified with refpedl to many places in this land and eifewhere in late 
 months and years ; " A city that is fet on a hill cannot be hid. Neither 
 do men light a candle, and put it under a bufhel, but on a candleftick, 
 and it giveth light unto all that are in the houfe." A man mufl be a 
 very ftranger in our Ifrael, who doth not know, that almighty God 
 hath done fuch wonders of grace in many of our towns and churches, 
 the fame whereof has been fpread far; and the news whereof hath 
 been very refrefhing to many pious fouls, at a diftance. We ftiould 
 furely be unwilliug, as we are unable to conceal fuch glorious things 
 
chap. 5. ifJ '^'<? eightee}7th Century. 201 
 
 from the churches abroad, and from the world. Nay, we cannot but 
 think it the duty of thofc who arc To highly favoured of the Lord, ** to 
 publhh the goodnefs of the Lord with the voice of thankfgiving, and 
 tell of his wondrous worku; " by which he is doing honour to his own 
 name, to his Son, and to his Spirit; and greatly promoting the king- 
 dom of Cftrift in the fouls of men. And fince the God of all ;Tracc hath 
 fhewn much of the power of his grace in our paridies, which neitlier 
 can, nor ought to be concealed ; we think it our duty to give the pub- 
 lic an account thereof with as much dilHnctnels and brevity as we can. 
 
 It is now about hfty years fmce the firlt church of Chrifl: was ga- 
 thered in the town of Wrentham; and fince the rev. Mr. Samuel Man 
 was ordained paftor thereof, v/hofe name is dill precious to many here, 
 who laboured in this part of Chrifl's vineyard till March 17 19, and 
 died the 22d of May foUbwing, and left a very mournful family and 
 people, bereaved of their worthy and highly elkemcd Shepherd. But 
 the goodnefs of the great Shepherd vv'as very remarkable, in keeping 
 the iTicep from fcattering, and in fpeedily uniting them in the choice of 
 the fenior fubfcriber to this account, to be their fecond paftor, whom 
 God in his holy providence, and without the deflgn of either Mr. Mef- 
 fenger or the people, fcnt to preach with them on the next Lord's day 
 after the death of their former paftor. And it afterwards appeared that 
 then the hearts of many of the people were knit to him in fuch love, as 
 bath not yet been broken ; and proved a kind Providence to promote 
 his fpeedy fettlcmcnt among them, viz. on the 9th of December 1719. 
 The town has moftly, from its infancy, been greatly fmiled upon by 
 Divine Providence, and is greatly increafed ; fo that, on the 23d of De- 
 cember 1737, the general court w^as pleafcd to divide it into two pa- 
 rifhes; and, on the i6th of February 1737-8, a fecond church of 
 Chrift v/as gathered in the town. On the 8th of November the junior 
 fubfcriber to this account was ordained paftor of the faid fecond church 
 in this town: and an happy correfpondence has hitherto continued, 
 bleffed be God, between the two parilhes, churches and paftors. And 
 this is the more properly taken notice of in this place, as it gives us 
 very frequent opportunities to change pulpits on Sabbaths and lec- 
 tures, public and private, without prejudice ; to converfe with perfons 
 of each other's charge, who are under fpirituol difficulties, and with one 
 another relating to any diificult and perplexed cafes, that come tmder 
 either of our obfcrvation : (a privilege which we pray may be com- 
 menfurate with the life of us both.) All which gives us opportunity 
 to be acquainted with the ftatc of religion through the town, and en- 
 ables us to fign our names in conjunft teftimony for the work of Di- 
 vine Grace that is happily carrying on among us. 
 
 The people in this town (fo far as we can learn, or have had oppor- 
 tunity to obferve) have generally been externally fober and honeft; 
 have kept up a great deal of external religion, efpecially in their fami- 
 lies, and the houfe of God ; fo that the generations that have rifen up 
 from time to time, have generally been inUrufted, from their very c^rly 
 youth, in the firft principles of our holy religion. But, alas ! for a long 
 time paft, and jull before the delcent of thefe late remarkable {hov- 
 VOL. IL C c 
 
201 Succefs of the Cojpel in America Book IV. 
 
 ers of divine influence, religion was plainly in a languifhing condition ; 
 even fonie externals of it began to be more and more neglcfted ; info- 
 much that in the year 1 739, there were but two in the whole town ad- 
 mitted to the Lord's table: and vices of various forts were much more 
 prevalent than before. And though we have reafon to think that fome 
 among us did figh and cry for the abominations that we: c among us, 
 and for incli^^c^ency about religion ; yet we had awful reafon to think 
 that the wife virgins flumber'd and flept too too much with the foolifh ; 
 and, as for us, our hearts were ready to fmk to fee religion dying, and 
 were ready to mourn in the prophet's language, Ifa. xlix. 4. "I have 
 laboured in vain, I have fpent my flrength for nought, and in vain." — • 
 But behold in the midft of darknefs, light arofe ! and the great God was 
 plcafcd to glorify the riches of his boundlefs grace, and vilit the fouls of 
 many of his people with the powerful influences of his own Spirit : and 
 many that were going their own iinful ways, we trufl:, he hath turned 
 about, and fet their faces toward Zion. Blefled be God for his pre- 
 venting goodnefs ! " When the Lord turned again the captivity of 
 Zion, we were like them that dream. — The Lord hath done great things 
 for us, whereof we are glad. Praife ye the Lord ! " 
 
 The jfirltopen and public manifefl:ation of the Lord's return to us 
 by the pa\ver of his grace, wason the 2 6rh of February 1740-1. It was 
 the day appointed by the government to be kept with folemn fafl:ing 
 and prayer throughout this province to implore the blefling of Heaven 
 on our nation in the war with Spain, &c. and the day in courfe for the 
 public lecture preparatoi~y for the adminifliration of the Lord's fupper 
 in the fccond church in this town ; where, on this double occafion, the 
 minifter preached from Zecl} xii. 10. There appeared, efpccially in the 
 afternoon, a very uncommon attentlvenefs unto the word, a wonder- 
 ful tenderncfs upon the aflembly : the tokens of a very ferious concern 
 were vifible on many faces. And though there is fuflicient reafon to 
 believe that many pcrfons, before this, were under confiderable convic- 
 tions, and abode fo after the day abovefaid ; yet they kept their concern 
 very much to thcmfelves, imtil fome time in March following, when 
 they could no longer conceal their diftrelFcs; they began to lament their 
 own cafes to one another, and to come frequently to their minifter un- 
 der foul-trouble. It was agreeably furprizing almofl daily to hear of 
 new iniiances of young perfons (for the work of God's Spirit feemed 
 to be chielly on young people) in great concern, what they Ihould do to 
 te faved". The fame thoughtfulnels feemed to run from houfe to houfe, 
 and from foul to foulj and their complaints againfl: themfelves were 
 very much the fame. 
 
 It was but a little while after this before the fame Spirit's operations 
 of the fame kind were equally remarkable in the flrfl: parilh and con- 
 gregation in the town. Particularly on the annual faft April 23d, 1741, 
 was a very open and public difplay of Divine Grace there, very much 
 as mentioned above (in the other congregation) when the minifler 
 preached from Jer. xxvi. 13. and many were brought under i^rong 
 eonvidtions, and thenceforward many ilocked to their minifter, efpcci- 
 ally young people, under foul-difh^efs. The powerful awakenings 
 
chap. 5. ^>i the eighteenth Century. 20"" 
 
 and convictions on perfons minds fpi-ead from neighbourhood to ncif>h- 
 bourhood, fo that by Mid'-fummcr there were inilanccs in all parts of 
 the town under great concern to know what they fhould do to be favcd. 
 Yea, it appeared to us, fo far as we could obferve in our refpeflivc pa- 
 rifhes, that very few houfes, if any in the town were pafled by and left 
 without fome obfervable fpiritual concern on fome or other of the fa- 
 mily. Our people, in general, became much more attentive in time of 
 public worfhiip ; their countenances being generally folemn, liftening 
 and tender, fliewed their extraordinary appetite for the word : and it 
 became a very common thing with us to have a great part of the aflcm- 
 bly in tears at hearing the word, and efpecially when they heard the glad 
 tidings of thegofpel, and they were invited to reft their weary fouls in 
 Chrift the Saviour. \V hile we endeavoured with great plainncfs tolhow 
 unto fmners their guilt and danger, and to open the awful contents of 
 the law to them, thefe truths would often have their proper eiiecl, in 
 alarming guilty confciences, and filling the minds of many with great 
 concern for their own fouls; and then the gofpel-news of a Saviour, 
 and the frecnefs of Divine Grace would marvelloully melt a great part 
 of our congregations into tears, and perfuade them, by Divine help, to 
 feek the great falvation. Nor ha\'^ we ken reafon, as yet, to think any 
 other than that many of thefe earneft feekers were fure finders of the 
 , Pearl of great price. 
 
 Our people grew very dofirous of lectures; that they might have 
 more frequent opportunities for fpiritual inftru<51ion,and to join in fe- 
 cial worihip: wljere we found God often beftowed his blefling. It 
 was not rare to hear them confefs that they ufed to be wenry of the 
 Sabbath ; but now they longed fo have it return, and that it fccmed ex- 
 ceeding long to them, if they went from Sabbath to Sabbath without 
 hearing a fermon. We ufed frequenily to gratify their dcfires, and 
 preach public or private leftures: though we have fince fecn caufe 
 to lament that we did not preach much oftener at the beginning of this 
 very remarkable day of grace, than we did; when the Spirit was moft 
 evidently with the word, and the work of the Lord, through infinitely 
 wonderful grace, did profper in our hands. We have llnce, upon more 
 obfervation and experience, been more frequent in our preaching, and 
 fee no reafon to repent it, but to blefs God for ftrengthening us unto 
 and fucceeding us, as we believe he hath, in our more abundant labours. 
 
 It is now above two years fince our young people have generally and 
 voluntarily done with their frolicking and merry meetings: many of 
 them have appeared bitterly to lament their mifpenceof much precious 
 time in luch meetings: it hath been vei-y agreeably furprizing to ob- 
 ferve the refentment of themlelvcs, which fome of the late rint^-leaders 
 of their merriment exprefTed. Nor did they degenerate into juelan- 
 choly, or refufe company, but frequently would affociate themfelves for 
 religious cxercifes. Accordingly tlie religious focieties of yoimg people 
 that were before formed in the town, grew much more numerous; and 
 other focieties were fct up, and continu£ in various parts of the town, 
 both among young people and heads of families. And both family 
 meetings and young icens religious meetings are much frequented, 
 
 C4 c 2 
 
204 Succefs of the Ccfpcl /« America Book IV. 
 
 "We have great rcafon to rejoice in the ChrilHan conference that has 
 long been one flatcd part of the exercife of our young mens meetings; , 
 there being evident tokens of their gain in fpiritual knowledge thereby, 
 (lifcoverable when we had opportunity to converfe with them, and o- 
 thcrs in private about the itate of their fouls. Upon which we can 
 freely recommend it as a very proper part of the exercife of private 
 jneecings, wnere it has not yet been praiftifed. As we have alfo abun- 
 dant reafon to recoinmend it unto young people to allbciate themfelves 
 for religious exercifes, in proper time, and under due regulations ; i 
 from what we have heard of the advantage thereof to many of our 
 young people, when they have declared to us, and in the public con- 
 gregation, what God hath done for their fouls, at, and by fuch meet- 
 ings. And doubrlefs private focicties for religious exercifes among 
 heeds of families, under equally proper regulations, might be propor- 
 tionably beneficial; of which, we truft, God hath not left us without 
 witnefs in this town. 
 
 Before this bleded revival of religion in the town, there was very little , 
 to be heard, among old or young, of pious difcourfe, when they were ' 
 occafionally together; but it is now above two years fmce there has 
 been an happy reformation in this regard, though it hath not yet been 
 prevalent to the degree it ought in the town. It was very pleafant to 
 fee and hear the wonderful alteration in this matter among the youth, 
 and fome children of nine, ten, or twelve years of age. Many of our 
 young people who, whenever they vifited one another or met occafio- 
 nally, would fpend their time in meer vain and ufelefs difcourfe, if not 
 worfe, now grew much more defirous to be together than heretofore; 
 and the Bible, or fome pious author^ mufl: ordinarily, at fuch times, 
 be one of the com.pany, and their converfation would turn chiefly on 
 the ftate of their fouls, divine and eternal things: and many of their 
 minds feemed much more intent on thefe things than formerly on va- 
 nity. Such as would before purpofely avoid the company and difcourfe 
 of the godly, would now induflrioufly feek both, and would frequent- 
 ly apply to thofe, whom they thought more knowing and pious, with 
 ferious and weighty queflions about the things of God. Many of our 
 people living three or four miles or more from our places of public wor- 
 jbip, are neceiutated to tarry at or near about the meeting-houfes, 
 through the intermiffion between forenoon and afternoon exercifes, 
 and there ufed to be little elfe but vain and worldly talk among moft; 
 but upon the late remarkable divine influence on people's minds, there 
 was a wonderful change in this regard among (we think) the greatefl: 
 part of our people. It became a common thing for them to retire in 
 fmall companies, to diiilicnt places, for religious conferences, or read- 
 ing; and fometimes thefe exercifes were mixed. And m.ore lately there 
 are feveral focieties that fpend part of the intermiffion in praying, read' 
 ing, and finging together. So that on many accounts the intermiffion, ; 
 as well as time of public exercifes of God's worlhip, is very remarkab- 
 ly holy to the Lord, eftecmed honourable, and a great delight unto the 
 more ferious among us. And even the time of travel to and from our 
 places of public worfhip has often been fweetly redeemed for pious 
 
chap. 5. if* the eighteenth Century. 205 
 
 difcourfe between two or three, as they walk in company together. 
 W'c are lathficd that the general concern upon people's mincl<; which 
 prevailed among ns above two years ago, and has not ceafcd, did not 
 arife from a difpoiition to conform to the prevailing cuftom of people 
 around us; for this was the iirll town which was lb remarkably vifited 
 and blelfed by fovereign Grace within feveral miles: and it evidently 
 appeared that many would he under the fame concern at the fame 
 time, and would be agreeably furprized w hen they unexpecVedly found 
 one another uttering the fame complaints relating to the Hate of their 
 own fouls. It is alfo very evident that this general awakening wus not 
 from the influence of travelling minifters, ( though we are fatisiied God 
 has made ufe of fome of them for the revival of religion in many places) 
 for there was but one fermon preached in the town in fucha way, and 
 that to a fmall auditory, ( the warning being very /hcrt) and this fomc 
 months before the concern was very general through the town. And 
 here it is very obfervable that there was a fpirit of convidlion on the 
 hearts of many in the Winter before it was externally very evident; 
 when, by the extremity of the Winter and depth of the fnow, many 
 of our people could not, for many Sabbaths together, attend on the 
 ordinary and ftated exercifes of religion; io clearly was it the work 
 of God. Iscverthelefs we are glad to own that the news of many con- 
 verfions in Northampton and other towns in that part of the country 
 fome years before, and of fome remarkable fucceis of the gofpel in fome 
 parts of England and America, were means of llirring up thoughtfulnefs 
 in many, and encouraged godly perfons to pray with the more confi- 
 dence for the out-pounng of the floly Ghoft alfo on us. 
 
 Many came to offer themfelves to join in church-fcliowfhip, whom 
 we looked upon ourfelves obliged to examine particularly of their ex- 
 periences, which gave them reafon to hope that they could in fincerity 
 enter into folem.n covenant with God and his people. Our times for 
 the adminiltration of the Lord's-fupper in each church are two months 
 apart: and into the fecond church in the town (which before ccnfifled 
 of fixty-three communicants, and the parifh of about feventy families) 
 juft before the facrament May 3d, 1741, were admitted twenty-four 
 more : and between the faid 3d of May and the firit of July following, 
 were admitted thirty-feven more. And conjfiderable numbers after- 
 wards from time to time. Into the firft church in the town (which be- 
 fore confuted of ninety-two communicants, and the parifii of about 
 one hvmdred and twenty families) were admitted jufl before the facra- 
 ment June 7th, 1741, twenty more. And then before Augufl ift, 
 thirty-eight more. And tlien before October ift, eighteen more. And 
 before the adminiftration of the Lord's-fupper there have conffantly 
 been- -a confiderable number admitted ever fince; (never lefs than five, 
 except twice, and umaily more at a time.) So that now one hundred 
 and thirty-fix communicants are added to the firft church, and eighty- 
 nine to the fecond fince April 1741. Thus greatly are the numbers of 
 our communicants increafed, and we h?d opportunity to difcourfe 
 with each of thofe admitted into the rcfpcdtive churches under our par- 
 ticular watch, of the itate of their fouls, a»d with many pf them feve- 
 
2o6 Succefs of the Gofpcl in America Book IV. 
 
 ral timffs; as well as with a condderable number who were profeflbrs 
 before, and came to us in this remarkable day fuller of concern about 
 their fouls than ufual: and many that Have been brought under ibme 
 convictions, who yet Hand off from the Lord's table. Many (as each 
 of us can declare relating to fuch as one or other of us difcourfed with, 
 and to others that both of us difcourfed with, and many, of whofe dif- 
 courfe with their neighbours and acquaintance we had almoft daily an 
 account of) ufed to complain of their mifpending of time, efpecially 
 of Sabbath-time, and of their vain wandering hearts in time of religi- 
 ous worlhip ; they would lament over their whole life, as having been 
 filled up with fm, and complain of their own wicked hearts, as leading 
 them to all manner of abominations naturally: they would frequently 
 confei's it with apparent mourning, that they had fo long defpifed an 
 oifered and glorious Saviour; and exprefs their wonder and amaze- 
 ment that God had fpared them fo long, that he did not cut them off in 
 the midll: of their wickednefs; acknowledging that God would be infi- 
 nitely juft if he had done it, or if he ftiould Hill call them off for ever; 
 profe fling their fenfc that it muft, and would, be infinitely free grace, 
 if ever they were faved ; molt wonderful grace. They would frequent- 
 ly complain of themfelves as greater finners than any they knew of: 
 if others had been guilty of more open fcandalous fins, yet they hoped 
 that none had fuch wicked hearts as themfelves. They would often ex- 
 prefs it, that the finful ways, which they ufed to delight mofUn, were 
 now the moft loathfome and grievous to them ; together with very ear- 
 neft v/i(hes>. that they might be kept from all lin ; and would lament, 
 that they could not live without fin, bccaufe of in-dwelling corruption. 
 JVIany would ftill exprefs their hope of mercy through Jelus Chrifi, not- 
 withfianding all their vilenefs, and that they hoped they were enabled 
 to venture their immortal fouls on that chief Corner-Stone for fafety; 
 and that they found a free acquiefcence of foul in him ; that they de- 
 fired nothing fo much as to fubmit to him, and to live to his glory. 
 
 Some could tell the timewhen they firft became ferioufly concerned 
 about their fouls, and what was the lermon, or the particular paffage 
 in a fermonthat pricked them to the heart: and fome would afl^urcus, 
 that the news of many others brought under foul-concern, and as they 
 thought bringing home to Chrift, awakened them. It feemed as if al- 
 moft all their acquaintance would be faved, and themfelves left, which 
 would look very awful to them. Some could give a diftinft account of 
 the timewhen from great diftrefs, their fouls were enabled to venture 
 upon an infinite Saviour, and (if they deceived not themfelves) found 
 gofpel-refl; in him. Others could give a lefs diftinft account as to the 
 time of their greateft diftrefs, and firft finding reft in Chrift, and yet 
 perhaps equally diftin£t, as to the genuine fruits of the Spirit in their 
 hearts. Some have had, to appearance, much greater degrees of con- 
 cern and conviftion than others, and there has been a great variety as 
 to the degrees of pcrfons reft and joy of foul in fpiritual things. And 
 we have been ever careful to advife perfons to obferve, rather the fpring, 
 nature and effcfts both of terrors and joys, than the degrees of them : 
 and that the heart of a finner ipuft be fo broken for fin as to be broken 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century, 207 
 
 oti' from fin; and that every true convert hath fuch a difcovery of 
 Chrift as pciiuadcs the foul to chufe him in all his oiliccs. Some have 
 been mu^h lonj^er under n Ipirit of bondage than others, before ihey 
 have had any latisfyl.i^ tokens of having received a fpirit of adoption, 
 whereby ihey could cry, Abba Father. And fofne -who were early un- 
 der convictions of fin, fccm ftill to remain fo, without giving the dif- 
 tinguiibing marks ofafaving convcrfion; or without returning to 
 their former way of living, and frame of mind, now for above two 
 years. But we have awful reafon to fear that fom^e who were under 
 confidcrable awakenings at the beginning of this remarkable day, have 
 unburdened themfelvcs without finding reft in Chrift, by a true faith. 
 
 There was about a year ago, fome decay among us. There fecrned 
 to be IcTs foltmnity and iivclineis in the countenances and behaviour 
 of the generality of our congregations while in the houfe of Cod ; icfs 
 carnel'.nefs after divine inftructions, both public and pcrlonal; not fo 
 much favouiiners in private converlation ; but a greater cagernefs after 
 the things of the vv^orld, than in months before, oorae who had Teemed 
 to be under fome fmall awakening, feeracd to lofe theii" concern and 
 tendernefs; though we think that very few, if any fuch have returned 
 to fo great a degree of lewdnefs and vanity as they formerly lived in. 
 Some that appeared to be under great awakenings, as well as fome that 
 appeared to be hopefiiliy converted, leemed to lofe much of the lenfe 
 of divine things which they had before ; and many were fenfible of this 
 decay. But, bleifed be God, among all thofe, that we looked upon in 
 a judgment of charity, to be born from above, there has not one turned 
 an open apoftate, nor evidently and impcnitentiy fcandalous in their 
 behaviour : nor have the generality of thole who have been in any con- 
 fidcrable mcafure awakened, returned, in this time of decay, to their 
 former heedicls and airy way of living, their frolicks, or vain and merry 
 meetings; nor did they ceafe from their religious meetings, nor drop 
 any of them, unlefs on occafion of an extraordinary bufy feafon, and 
 fiiort evenings, and that only in one part of the town where they live 
 remote from one another, and for a fliort time. Although religion for 
 fome months about that time did not feem to be fo reviving as before, 
 nor the word to have fuch power, nor convictions nor converfions to 
 be multiplied; yet neither did the fiate of religion among us, nor the 
 face of the town appear to be at ail the fame as three years ago. And 
 we have reafon to think, that all this time converfions were more fre- 
 quent than for fome years before 1740. We have reafon to hope that 
 many prayers were afcending from among us daily to the throne of 
 grace for a greater plenty of divine and faving influences on the people 
 of the town, as well as for the profperity of Zion in general: and we 
 trufl: that many of the people of God were (and are IHII ; praying for 
 thefe things. 
 
 And the Lord, the overflowing fountain of grace, hath been pleafcd 
 to vifit us with another plentiful ihcwcr of grace, and fo flrengthen that 
 which he had wrought for us. It is now above half a year fince a fecond 
 revival of religion began to be very obfcrvable in the town ; firff, in the 
 firft pariih. in the town, and very ibon after in the fecond. As to the 
 
2o8 Succcfs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 fubftance of the work, it appears to us to be the fame as was remarkably 
 among ns above two years ago, of which there has never fince been a 
 ceflation. But there arc a few things obfervable, which are circumftan- 
 ces attending the work of God's grace now among us, in which there 
 
 is fomc uiliercnce. There have not been fo great numt)ers brought 
 
 under convi(^tions, and the fpirit of bondage now as before; according 
 fo our obfervation. Some who have of late been imder flrong convic- 
 tions, have been more fuddenly pricked to the heart, and brought into 
 greater difrrefs, than before. Some, who we have reafon to hope were 
 iincere converts unto Cod before the time which we are now fpeaking 
 of, havd now been brought into exceeding great diflrefs, at renewed and 
 clearer difcovcries of their own hearts, and a more bitter remembrance 
 of their fjns. Not a few of real Chriflians have been more remarkably 
 quickened now than before, in their Chriftian walk. Some who we 
 charitably hope have been lately converted to God, as well as fome who 
 we hope were converted a year or two ago, and fome who have been 
 looked upon as fincere Chriftians for a confiderable number of years, 
 have in this time been very much filled and feafted with the confolati- 
 ons of God, (as we judge from what they fay, and their after-life.) 
 Therchave been not a very few among us within feven or eight months 
 paft that have cried out with great agonies and diftrefs, or with high 
 joys on fpiritual accounts, and that in time of religious exercifcs. But 
 thefe two things we would obferve relating to what we have feen of 
 this nature, viz. i. That we are perfuaded that very few if any among 
 us have cried out in fuch a manner while they could refrain : and we 
 have ever caiitioned perfons againft making any outcries in time of re- 
 ligious worlhip, if they could avoid it, without doing too much vio- 
 lence to their nature, or turning their thoughts from divine things; 
 though we have not thought it ordinarily proper to leave offfpeaking, 
 or to have the perfons fo alie£led removed out of the houfe. And, 
 2. That we by no means account perfons crying out in time of worfhip^ 
 falling down, or the degrees of their joys or forrows, that might occa- 
 fion thefe etfefts on their bodies, to be any fign of their converfion, 
 when feparatcly confidcrcd ; and have carefully warned our people a-, 
 gainfl fuch a way of thinking: though at the fame time we cannot but 
 think that moft who have fo manifcfted their fenfe of things, were un- 
 der the operations of the Holy Gholl: at the fame time, which occafion- 
 ed thefe outcries; and that their inward experiences were fubftantially 
 the fame as theirs, who have been favingly converted to God (as we 
 hope) and have given no fuch tokens of their diftrefs or joys. 
 
 People have within this time appeared as defirous as ever, or more 
 fo (as to confiderable numbers) of fermons and focial worHiip, than e- 
 ver before. There have been a variety of inftances among us of per- 
 fons appearing in very great diftrefs, even unto agonies, for others 
 fouls, beyond what we have ever feen before. And fome among us 
 have not been fo well fatisfied, nor fo much delighted with this late re- 
 vival, as they feemed to be two years ago; and fome that feemed fome- 
 thing awakened then, have appeared to look fomething ftrange upon 
 what we take to be the fame work, now it hath been attended with fomc 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth CdUtut-y, 209 
 
 uncommon ciraimftances. And we arc concerned left fome have been 
 prejudiced againft the powerful nianner in which God hath been pita* 
 fed to carry on his own work; and fo have lain the Icfs open to con* 
 vi(5tions and benefit by gofpel ordinances. \\'e have not known tran- 
 ces, vilions, revelations, or the like< We hate had great freedom from 
 the appearances of a cenforious fpirit in the fubjedils of this bleHed 
 work; though fome tender and companionate exprcffions have beeit 
 mifconftrued. Chriftian conference ho;h been much encouraged and 
 praiSlifed among elder and younger people. 
 
 To conclude; we can, upon the whole, freely declare our opinion, 
 That almighty God hath bcgun^ and now, for more than two years, 
 been carrying on a glorious reformation and revival oi pure and un- 
 defiled religion among the people of our charge ; convincing, hope- 
 fully converting, and greatly fanftifying, quickening and comforting 
 many among us, by a wonderful effuilon of the Divine Spirit, accom* 
 panying the word, ordinances, and providences. And that God hath 
 been exceeding good to us in preferving us from fuch errors, feparati- 
 ons, and diforders, which we have heard have been in fome other pla- 
 ces. For which, raiay God have all the glory. Thus we have endea- 
 voured to give a juft account of the late remarkable revival of religion 
 in Wrentham ; with an exaft regard to truth, according to our obfer- 
 vation and remembrance, of perfons, converfations, and events. Now, 
 earneftly wifhing the profperity of /-ion ; and begging the prayers of 
 God's people for us, and the people under our immediate care, we 
 fubfcribe Henry Meffenger, pafbor of the firfl: church in VWentham. 
 Ellas Haven, paftor of the fecond church in Wrentham. 
 
 To this Letter may be added the follovjing Information from, the rev^ 
 Mr. Cotton of Newton, referring to one remarkable Infiance, which 
 fell under his Ohfervation^ when occafionally at Wrentham in Au^ 
 gufi 1742. 
 
 [ From Prince's Chriftian Hiftory, N ° ?2- ] 
 
 The firfl perfon that cried out under the preachina; of the word, iri 
 the firft parilh of Wrentham, was a man more than forty years old, at 
 a lefture, Auguft 19th, 1742, when Mr. Cotton was preaching from 
 Matth xi. 28. Towards the clofe of the lermon, the fald perfon fpake 
 out with much concern and diftrefs about the ftate of his foul. — Soon 
 after the congregation was difmifs'd, he went to difcourfe with Mr. Cot- 
 ton ; who alking him the reafon of his crying out in the affembly, in 
 the manner he had done, the man replied, That he could not avoid his 
 doing fo; though he had often fpoke againft other peoples crying out, 
 and had faid that they might, if they would, refrain from it, and not 
 difturb the congregation in hearing. He then added, that he went to that 
 lefture, with a more ferious concern upon his mind, than he had com- 
 monly done, that he might get good by that opportunity ; and he faid, 
 that the word he heard, came with fuch power upon him, that he could 
 not help crying out, and fpeaking as he did. — When inquiry v. as made 
 concerning his fpiritual ftate, he declared, he had bf en an honelt, moral 
 )iver; had prayed conflantly in his family, though not fo conftanilv ia 
 VOL. W. . l> di 
 
;: lo Succefs f>f the Co/pel in Anerica Book IV- 
 
 fecret;h3J mntle confcience of attending the pubDc worfliip of God, 
 loved to hear (as he thought) faithful preaching ;— and he had been ready 
 to conclude, he was in a good and fafe ftatc, and all was well with him. 
 But now he was brought to fee his fin, milery, and danger, in a natural 
 ftate, and his need of Chrift to help and fave him ; and to fee that if a 
 new and faving change was not wrought by the Spirit of God upon his 
 heart, he fliould be undone for ever ! — And he exprelTed his fears that 
 the day of grace was over as to him. — Upon which it was fuggefted to 
 him, that now the Spirit of God was fo driving with him, he might be 
 aHured, that there was hope concerning him ; and it looked as though 
 God was waiting to be gracious, if fuch conviftions were cheriflied. 
 Mr. Cotton gave him what advice and direction he thought needful, for 
 one in his ftate and circumftances, upon his firft coming to him. He 
 came again the next morning, and was in as great diftrefs as before, be- 
 caufe of the provocations he had given to the Spirit of God to forfake 
 him, and to ftrive no more with him ; but yet declared, he was refolv- 
 ed to feck and plead (as he was able) for the Lord's compaffion and 
 jnercy to him ; and faid, if God fl^ould not ftiew him mercy now, he 
 believed the Spirit would never fo ftrive with him anymore. After 
 confiderable time fpcnt in converfing with him, he remained greatly 
 concerned and difirefled, left: he fhould not obtain mercy from God: 
 but ftill refolved to feek and cry for it. And, upon inquiry, Mr. Cotton 
 has been informed there is now rcafon to hope and believe that God has 
 heard prayer for this man, and not turned away his mercy from him. 
 
 Section IX. 
 
 Jn March 1741, at Taunton in the County of Brijlol^ after Mr. Ten- 
 
 nenfs preaching there. — ■ — His Text Matth. xi. 28. Increafe of 
 
 religious Converfation. Mr. Crocker their Minijler excitedly the 
 
 News of the Revival in Conne^icut. Good Effe^s cf Mr. Daniel 
 
 Rogers' occaJionalPreachirtgfrcm John v. 40. And Mr. WheeloclCs 
 
 from Mark xvi. 16. which was attended with great Pozuer. 
 
 Awful Sole?nnity in hearing. A particular InJIance of one in 
 
 great Dijhefs.- Rev. iii. 20. The DeteSlion of Hypocrify 
 
 from Job xxvii. 8. Wonderful Power attending Mr. JVheelock's 
 
 loft Sermon on Ilofea xiii. 13. Mr. Crocker preaches to the Ne- 
 groes. Toung Children affected. Difputes did hurt. People 
 
 of all Characters wrought upon. Profligates^ Formalifis. 
 
 The good Fruits in their Lives. The Do£lrines preached during 
 
 this Revival at Taunton. Though fome made a Cry People would 
 
 be undone by fo many Meetings, God_gave as great or greater Plenty 
 than ever. Mijiakes re£itfiedy and Obje6iions anfwered. ■ 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Crocker, Minifler at Taunton, to Mr. Prince, Minifter at Bo- 
 flon, November 24th, 1744, Chriflian Hiftory, N "^ 93, &c. ] 
 
 R, D. S. According as you defired me fome time fince, I here prefent 
 you with fome account of the late remarkable vifit which the Lord 
 hsth made us by a marvellous eiiufion of the Spirit of grace, in his a- 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 2 1 j 
 
 wakening, convincing, humbling, converting, fan^lifying, and comfort- 
 ing influences. Whatever any may fay or think, I freely declare my 
 firm belief, that the great Jehovah has been remarkably prelcnt with his 
 people and ordinances in Taunton, in reforming his people, and in re- 
 viving and carrying on the power of religion among them; as is plain 
 to any, who arc acquainted with things of a religious nature here; un- 
 lefs their minds are blinded by infidelity and enmity, or awful and un- 
 juftifiable prejudices again ft the gofpel, or the fovereign and free Spi- 
 rit of grace, and his works of grace upon the hearts of his people. God 
 has been with them of a truth : many have felt his power, and feen his 
 glory ; the goings of our God and King have been glorious in the af- 
 femblies of his people in this part of his vineyard. And indeed I can 
 never be enough thankful to our divine Redeemer, I can never enough 
 adore and magnify his holy name for the late difplay of his almighty 
 grace in the midft of this dear people ! If the reformation of one pcr- 
 Ibn is matter of great joy among all the real friends of religion ; what 
 then is the reformation of the generality of a town ? If the effcdual 
 convcrfion of one finner to God is matter of exceeding great joy a- 
 mong the angels in heaven, and among the Bridegroom's friends here 
 upon earth; oh then what matter- of joy is there in heaven and earth, 
 when numbers are efTeiSlually converted even in one lingle town? 
 Wherefore, for my own part, I defire with humility, delight and gra^- 
 titude, to acknowledge to the praife and glory of free, fovereign grace, 
 that whillT: the Lord has been watering one part and another of his vine- 
 yard by the precious influences of his Spirit, in the late remarkable day 
 of his people's vifitation ; he has not altogether pafs'd us; but has 
 wrought marvellous things in the midft of us; his right hand and 
 his holy arm have gotten him the vidloiy, over a number of fouls a- 
 mong us. 
 
 Being diverted by one means and another, I have for fome time de- 
 layed writing to you; but (as I think) duty and gratitude to the blef- 
 fed God and our dear Lord Jefus, and likewife common juftice, which 
 we all owe to the world, and to the caufe of Chrift, and intereft of 
 vital godlinefs, in the late happy revival thereof (which has fuffered fp 
 much by thefe among other things, viz. the repeated mifreprefentations 
 which by fome feem to have been devifed and induftrioufly fpread, and 
 by others unwarily received and publiihcd abroad concerning it, as if 
 the whole, or moft thereof, was nothing but a wild fcene of enthuli- 
 afm, diforder, Src. whereby even fome good people, who either have 
 not had, or have negle(^ed to improve opportunities, impartially to 
 examine into the nature and evidences thereof, may either have been 
 prejudiced againft, or ftumbled at it; whilft others may thereby have 
 been confirmed in their infidelity and fecurity, and in their natural 
 enmity againft the power of godlinefs, and fo take up with a form, or 
 nothing in the room thereof; being frightened at, and carefirily avoid- 
 ing the leaft appearance of it, left they Ihould turn enthullafts, diftradl- 
 ed, or catch what may be looked upon by fome too iniich the prevailing 
 diftemper of the country, &c. I fay thefe things oblige me to declare 
 and publifti the con<jucfts and triumphs of the alraighfy Redeemer, 
 
 Dd 2 
 
1 1 2 Succefs cf the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 in the mldft of the deaj- people of my charge. It is indeed exceeding 
 difficult LG give a juii, Faithful and impartial account of what the Lord 
 has v/rcni;ht among this people in the late day of his great grace, (o as 
 not to wrong the caufe and intcreit of pure and undeliled religion, and 
 the methods which a fovereign Cod has been pleafed to take in reviving 
 and pi opagating it among them, either on the one hand or on the other, 
 eitlier by attributing that to it which belongs not to it, but is rather of 
 9 contrary nature and tendency, or by taking that from it which belongs 
 unto it, and is part of its real beauty and glory, i^ut relying upon the 
 Lord for his gracious aflifiancc, I fiiall endeavour to give a jult, faith- 
 ful and impartial account of the rife and progrel's, nature and elfec^ts, 
 together with fome circumiiances which have attended this work of 
 God's grace among them ; as in the fight and fear of God, before 
 whom I eiipecV quickly to appear and give up my account, and receive 
 of hjm according to the deeds done in the body, whether they be good, 
 pr whether they be evil. 
 
 That I may therefore give you a clearer and jufter reprefentation 
 of the late furpriling villt of the Spirit of Grace, it will be proper to 
 giveabrief account of the Hate of religion among them before the late 
 happy revival thereof. The number of families belonging to this con- 
 gregation is about two hundred and feventy or eighty. And the frate of 
 religion among them before the late happy revival thereof (as far as I 
 have learned) appeared to be very dark and awful. The church was 
 but fmall, copfidering the number of inhabitants; and deadnefs,dulnefs, 
 formality, fecurity, &c. too awfully abounded among them. Any who 
 were wife virgins (as I trult tliere were a fewO appeared to be number- 
 ing and flecping together with the foolilh, and Jinners appeared to be 
 pt eafe in Zion. In a word, it is to be feared that there was but a little 
 of the life and power of Godlinefs among them, and irreligion and im- 
 morality of one kind and another appeared awfully to increafe. Ta- 
 vcrn-hauntings, divifions and animollties, contentions, mprry-mcetings 
 and frolickings were much purfued and attended : yea, to that height of 
 wickednefs had they arrived, that (as I have been informed) they would 
 tven contrive them on theLord's-days ; and things of that nature were 
 much the fubjeft of their converfation upon holy time. Indeed vital 
 pnd experimental Godlinefs feemed to be almoll banKhed from among 
 both old and young. The holy Sabbaths were awfully mifpent by the 
 town in general; and their converfation chiefly turned upon worldly 
 ^nd vain topics, and much irreverence appeared in the houfe of Cod. 
 from whence it is Ibmething eafy to form a judgment how the remain- 
 ider of the week was fpent; in as much as the general and prevailing 
 bent and temper of the minds and converfation of a perfon or people 
 is more or lefs religious and fpiritual, according as they are more or 
 Jefs iinCt and confcicntious in their fanftiiication of the holy Sabbath. 
 As to doctrines, perhaps it did not fo openly appear what were the re- 
 ligious principles of many of them in the time of^ their fecurity, till they 
 came to be moved and roufed by the powerful influences of the Holy 
 Ghofl, which have accompanied the plain preaching of a crucified Je» 
 fus. For perfons may profefs to believe and efteem the felf-denying 
 
chap. 5. it the eighteenth Century. 213 
 
 doftrines taught us in the gofpel of Chrift, yea, they may think thcm- 
 felvcs that they really believe and efleem them, until by the powerrul 
 influences of the Holy Spirit accompanying them, they arc awakcnid 
 and arc led into fome meafure of an experimental acquaintance with 
 their own hearts; and then will they find their natural unbelief of, 
 and enmity againfl them ; they will find their carnal hearts riling up a- 
 gainfl, and cavilling at them ; yea, and come really and openly to ap- 
 pear againll them, if the grace of God, prevent not. Many may be 
 able to bear with thofe do6lrines of the gofpel in the theory, who 
 cannot endure the power of them, who cannot endure to lee them 
 exempUHed in practice, &c. as is too evident in this day. But indeed 
 other do(ftrines prevailed : doftrines exceedingly agreeable to the natu- 
 ral blindnefs, pride and haughtinefs of human nature in this its lapfed 
 and depraved ellate; dodlrines in their natuie and tendency, contrary 
 to the tenor and fpirit of the gofpel, and delhu(ftive to the fouls of 
 men. 
 
 Thus had this people degenerated from the primitive piety of their 
 anceftors! thus had they almoll funk into the very dregs of formality, 
 irreligion, &c. and feeined, according to an human view, to be almolk 
 ripe for the llgnal execution of divine vengeance upon them ! but God 
 (whole thoughts are not our thoughts) was pleafed to take this time 
 wherein marvelloully to difplay the unfearchable riches and adorable 
 fovereignty of divine grace among this people ! as God will be known 
 by the judgments which he executes, fo much more will he be known 
 by the aflonifhing a6ls of his grace among the apoftate fons of men ! 
 oh how glorious did the riches and fovereignty of divine grace appear 
 in vifiting this back-Hiding and rebellious people by a plentiful efuilion 
 of the Holy Spirit, in \nfiting them jufl: at fuch a time when they had 
 arrived at fuch a degree of wickednefs, and in triumphing over all their 
 fms and vilenelfes ! verily grace thus manifefted and difplayed eminent- 
 ly appears to be the grace of God, boundlcfs like himfelf, infinitely fur- 
 palling the underftandings of men and angels ! furely God is felf-moved 
 when he fliews mercy to any perfon or people ! he loves them from 
 himfelf; he loves them becaufe he will love them ; and he has compaf- 
 fion on them, becaufe he will have compailion on them: fo that it is 
 neither of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that 
 fheweth mercy ! God gives not his grace to us either becaufe -we are 
 good, or have done any good ! no, verily. But he gives us his grace 
 that we may be good and do good ! it is all from infinitely free, felf- 
 moving, and fovereign grace ^ ! 
 
 But to return The people began to be fomewhat reformed by 
 
 the blcffing of God upon the preaching of Mr. Guild (who is fince fet" 
 tied in the miniftry in the Jerfeys) and others; and before he left them 
 there appeared to be fomewhat more of a reconciliation among them 
 in general. >Jow in the time of hir. preaching among them, the rev. Mr. 
 Tennent in his journey from Boflon to !Ncw-Port, in March 1 740-1, 
 vifited and preached to them from Matth. xi. 28. He had a confiderable 
 jiumber of hearers, confidering the fnortnefs of the warning ajid the 
 a Sec Ezc'K- 2.vi. at t,he beginning. 
 
2 14 Siucccfs of ths Cofpd in America Book IV. 
 
 diiHculties of the fcafon. The effcdh of his preaching were not deep 
 and lading upon the minds of many of the people, as I have underllood. 
 Some were filled with wonder as if they had heard ftrange things to 
 day, and fome were brought under concern of foul: but I have not 
 found that it was deep and abiding, excepting upon one or two. Now 
 from about this time religious converfation increafed more and more 
 among fome of the people, by the bleffing of God upon the means of 
 grace, fome, at Icaft, appeared to be more thoughtful, and to confider 
 their ways: public exercifes were attended with more apparent dili- 
 gence, and ferioufnefs, &:c. About this time (I think) their frolicks were 
 abandoned^, and a number of young perfons formed themfelvesinto a 
 fociety for religious exercifes ; which focieties had been negle<5led for a 
 long time fince. Thus there appeared to be fome external reformation 
 among many. Sometime alfo this Summer, as I remember, one was a- 
 wakened by a fpecial difpenfation of providence, whofe awakenings, I 
 liope, ilFued in eiFeftual converfion. 
 
 In the beginning of Auguft 1741, they fent for me to come and 
 preach with them a few Sabbaths upon probation ; and I accordingly 
 engaged with them for two or three. I went and preached my firft fer- 
 mons to them upon Augufl 1 6th. I found that the people generally at- 
 tended the public worlliip with Ibnie meafure of heedfulnefs and feri- 
 oufnefs. They were much reformed in this refpeft. Some as I remem- 
 ber were affefled. I alfo heard of fome who were under more concern 
 of mind than they ufed to be: but I then obferved but very little ap- 
 pearances of vital and experimental religion among them, though in- 
 deed my obfervation was fhort and narrow. One Sabbath evening I vi- 
 fited, exhorted and prayed with the before-mentioned fociety of young 
 pciinns: and they feemed to be ferioufly afi'efled and concerned, tho' 
 not imder deep and clear fpiritual convidions as I could learn. About 
 this time, by rumours of the religious ftir and commotion abroad, and 
 tTpecially at Bridgewater, many of them were probably ftirred up to 
 talk more about thefe things,fome for and fome againll: them. At length 
 the church came to a choice of me for their pallor. And about this time 
 hearing how religion fiourifhed in many places in Connedlicut, (though 
 indeed I was fometimes ftumbled at fome things which I heard report- 
 ed from thence concerning fome parts of their conduft, yet I believed 
 there was a glorious remarkable work of God's grace revived and car- 
 rying on among the people there, and alfo in fome other places in the 
 land, and hope I was in fome meafure enabled to rejoice therein) I bad 
 fomefenfe of the awful (bteof religion in Taunton; and on a particu- 
 lar time efpecially was filled with diftrefs on that account, together with 
 earnefl: defires that God would alfo vifit them with his fpecial grace, 
 that he would revive and propagate the power of godlinefs among them, 
 and had fome hopes raifed in me that he would. After this, fometime 
 in Oftober, the rev. Mr. Daniel Rogers, having been preaching at o- 
 
 b Here obfervc, that as foon as the great 
 truths of our mod holy religion, nnJ the 
 great concern of our fouls and another world 
 arc ferioufly thought of and laid tc heart; 
 
 thefe curfcd frSlicks and merry meetings, 
 thofe nurferies of impieties and debauche- 
 ries are abandoned by us. 
 
Chap. 5. ifi the eighteenth Century. 21 ■J 
 ther places, came and preached a firrmon at Faynham, a town adjohi- 
 ing to this. I was there with I'ome of this people and heard him. There 
 appeared to me to be a favour of the Holy Spirit in his miniltrations, 
 which made me defi: ous that he Ihould preach here alio. Accordingly 
 I invited hiirr to go home and prcacli a lecture for me the next day in the 
 forenoon, to which he confcnted, and notice thereof was given among 
 the people a?; generally as might be. People began now to be more 
 fwift to hear, and there was a conliderable riumber attended the lec- 
 ture with fome from other neighbouring towns. There were feme who 
 came from Middleborough vVelt-Precinft, who being awakened before, 
 appeared to be under clear and deep fpiritual convictions of their liii 
 and danger, and in great diflrefs and agony of foul therefore, whom 
 Mr. Rogers obferving, he fpake to them, as I remember. I alfo fpake 
 to the people, defiring them not to be affrighted or difturbed in their at- 
 tention by thefe convinced and dlftrelled perfons, their agonies, groan- 
 ings. Having obferved thefe things to the people (becaufe they had ne- 
 ver feen the like before) he proceeded. And be gave us a fermon, 
 
 from John v. 40. His difcourfe appeared to be very fpiritual, and I 
 truft, was attended by the power of the Holy Ghoft. In his difcourfe 
 he openeJ to us and confirmed the Hate of legal and fpiritual death, 
 wherein all mankind naturally lye, as is implied in the text: he more- 
 over fhewed us what that life was for which v/e were to come to Chrifl:, 
 as itconljfts in a freedom from condemnation, and in a conformity to 
 the moral communicable excellencies of the blelTed God : he alfo men- 
 tioned fome of thefe reafons why finners will not come to Chrifl-, or 
 believe on him that they might live, &c. He applied his difcourfe; ur- 
 ging upon finners the abfolute neceflity of coming to Ghrift or believing 
 on his name, that thofe which were naturally dead in trefpafics and fins, 
 might live a life of j unification and fanftification, &'c. A folemn and 
 awful fcrioufnefs appeared among the people, and thofe beforementi- 
 oned who came from the Precinft appeared to be in awful diftreft and 
 anguilh of foul, &c. 
 
 The rev. Mr. Wheelock of Lebanon having preached at Norton (a 
 town adjoining) on the fame day, and, after exercife was over, being 
 invited by one of our deacons, came to Taunton : he appointed to 
 preach a le£lure at the meetmg-houfe the next day. Before meeting 
 he fent for me, but I being out of town, at the time appointed he went 
 to lecture, and preached to a confiderable number of people from Mark 
 xvi. 16. In his fermon, among other things, as I have been informed, 
 he opened the nature of gofpel-faith; gave fome marks and evidences 
 of it; ftiewedthe awful dangerofaflate of unbelief, &c. A confiderable 
 number, as I was informed, were awakened and pricked in their hearts 
 under his preaching : fome were conftrained to cry out, their convic- 
 tions of fin, and of their expofednefs to the immediate and a<Slual exe- 
 cution of the divii>e anger upon them being fo fudden and piercing^. 
 
 a Tlie firft wha manifefted their diflrefs, 
 by crying out this day, and indeed the firlt 
 >vho did fo of this people, had been much 
 Humbled at llic religious diArelTcs exprclTud 
 
 in out-cries, Sec. which (he had heard of 
 from abroad. The reports which flic had 
 heard, together with what people faid ta 
 her at home, tended much to prejudice h':: 
 
2i6 Success sfthe Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 A far greater number, who fecmed to be ferioufly concerned and dif- 
 trelfed, did not n-uinifcfl their diAicfres in fuch a public manner; whilfl 
 fome perhaps were inquiiing what thefc things meant. There was alfo 
 a word of exhortation given by a young candidate after Mr» Wheelock 
 was gone. Upon the whole, I do verily believe, that this day was a 
 ilay wherein God remarkably difplaycd his power and grace in the af- 
 fcmbly of his people here. 
 
 Upon my coming home that evening, and hearing what the Lord 
 had done among this people the day pad:; my thoughts were fixed up- 
 on Kev. iii. 20. Hrft claufe, (although I had deijgned to have preached 
 from another text I had wrote from.) Accordingly I minuted down 
 fome thoughts that evening, and hope had the gracious afliftance of the 
 Holy Gholl. The fubje^t appeared to me to be feafonable; it being a 
 time in which the glorious Redeemer was remarkably knocking at the 
 doors of llnners hearts, in this town, for admittance and entertainment. 
 I think indeed it is my duty to ftudy my fermons as well as I am able, 
 and to labour to feel the power of them upon my own heart before I 
 deliver them to tjie people; yet I believe miniflers may fometimes be 
 called in providence to preach when they have not had opportunity for 
 fuch preparatory ftudics as might be their duty at other times, and then 
 
 aRainft thefc things. She faid, flie was 
 hrou/^ht to think that it was an evil fpirit or 
 a fort of enchantment vhich caufed them. 
 However, when flic heard that the rev. 
 !Mr. Wheelock was cofiic to town, and was 
 to preach a lecture in the meeting- houfc; 
 notwiihdanding the prejudices which were 
 rnifrd in her mind againft thefc things, fhe 
 W.1S refolvcd to go and hear him if Ihc 
 could. Accordingly file went ; and as /lie 
 was going, flie fays, Osc fecretly wifhcd, 
 that if thcfe things were right, llie might 
 part-nkc in them. (Here oblerve that ihe 
 had for fome time been nnder fome concern, 
 ^but not under any clear, diltinft fpiritual 
 convi£>ions as I could learn of her.) Ac- 
 cordingly in fermon-time her eyes were im- 
 mediately opened to fee her guilt and dan- 
 ger : and it appeared to be all blackncfs and 
 darknefsunto her; fo that flie knew not 
 ■which way to turn, that fhe might efcape 
 the wrath of God ; which she faw hanging 
 over her. She fays that she had a fort of 
 knowledge and belief that Chrift was able 
 to favc her, but dare not believe in him, be- 
 ing fuch a finner. She was afraid of going 
 to hell every moment as she defcrved ; but 
 yet had a (ecrct hope kept alive in her foul 
 in all her diflrcfs, that it may be God would 
 have mercy on her, &c. On the Sabbath 
 after she was very much diftrcfTcd, cfpecial- 
 \j in the afternoon, trembling under the 
 word; di(\rcfs'd under conviftion of fin and 
 awful apprchenlions of the wrath of God 
 •due to her for fin. After the cxercife was 
 over, she came to Mr. Wheelock, as he 
 fiood ou( of tiK doors, inc^uiring what she 
 
 should do, &c. Pier diftrcfs and anguish 
 of foul becaufe of her fin and danger con- 
 tinued with many awful temptations, as 
 she fays, till the Sabbath fc'nnight ; when 
 being at meeting in the forenoon , she 
 thought she had Chrift difcovered to her by 
 fome paflagcs in the fermon. Upon which 
 difcovery, she fays her diftrefs was all re- 
 moved immediately : " I faw (fays she) 
 Chrift was a compleat Saviour; juft fuch an 
 one as I would have chofen, were I to chufc 
 a thonland times. Oh then I thought I 
 should have lived a heaven upon earth for 
 the time to come ; a blefTcd life indeed! My 
 fins feemed to be fubJucd and gone. After 
 this I was not angry and fretful under crof- 
 fes and oppofitions as I ufed to be before." 
 But by and by she finds her corruptions 
 flirring in her; complains of them, fays she 
 is burdened with them, hopes she hates fin, 
 her heart-fins, and longs after purity in heart 
 and life. She is examining herfclf, and in- 
 quiring left she should be decerved ; though 
 at the firft illumination she thought herfclf 
 fure, she ftill has her ebbings and flowings ; 
 her light and her dark hours; fometimes 
 diftrclTcd, at othcriimes rejoicing, &c. she 
 appears to live like a Chrillian for all that 
 I have heard: God alone knowsand fcarch- 
 es the heart! 
 
 One alfo received comfort this day (who 
 had been under more or lefs concern of foul 
 for fome time before) break'ing forth in the 
 language of the Spoufc, Cant. ii. 8. She 
 appears to walk anfwerably, and to have 
 her converfation as becomes the gofpcl; t» 
 live near to God. 
 
Chap. 5« in the eighteenth Centufy. 217 
 
 they may humbly look up to the Holy Spirit for, and expeft his gra* 
 clous afliftance anfwerable to their necefllties. And as rainiflers fhould 
 be co-workers with God; To, with humility, do I defirc to lay, that t 
 would always endeavour carefully to obfervc the particular frames of 
 my people, the particular difpcnfations of providence they may be cal- 
 led to pafs under, times of any fpecial and remarkable vifitation froin 
 the Spirit of grace ; the truths which, through grace, I may at any time 
 find peculiar light, liberty, flrength, fweetnefs and refrelhment in feed- 
 ing upon, and adapt my difcourft^s accordingly. The next day (which 
 was the Lord's-day) I went to meeting, and preached to a large, ferioud 
 and attentive aflembly. I have reafon to believe that fome were under 
 fpiritual and fcriptural convictions of their fins and mifery, and undei*^ 
 deep and ferious concern of foul, others who I believe were under* 
 more than ufual thoughtfulnefs and concern of mind either from what 
 they had feen or heard, or from both, might perhaps ll;ill be enquiring 
 what thefe things meant. In my fenuon, among other things, I endea- 
 voured to fpeak to finners of the aftonirtiing grace and condefcenfion 
 of the dear Lord Jefus in knocking at the door of their hearts for ad- 
 mittance and entertainment; of their own particular and great con- 
 cernment therein ; that now was the day of Chrifl's patience with them, 
 which would quickly be over unlefs they opened to him ; that finncrg 
 hearts were naturally barred and bolted againft the Lord Jefus; men- 
 tioning fome of thofe bars and bolts which kept Chrift out of their 
 hearts, and which muft be removed if ever he came in; fhewed them 
 what it was to open to Ghrift ; and improved the difcourfe, giving thena 
 fome rules and marks of trial, whereby they might examine thcmfelves,. 
 whether they had opened toGhrifl: yea or nay, and applied it asclofely 
 and pathetically to faints and finners according to their particular con^ 
 cernraents therein, as I could. 
 
 The word was attended with power, and fome were pricked in their 
 hearts by it, as I afterwards learned. Though indeed I obferved no vi* 
 fible manifeftations of their convidion of their fin, and diftrefs of mind 
 in the time of public exercife, other than an awful concern, and folem-' 
 nity which was evident in moft, or all of their countenances. I think 
 I never faw fuch an afiembly before ; fuch awful reverence, fuch feri- 
 ous concern of mind, under the word. Let all the praifc and honour 
 be given to the God of all grace, whofe glory filled the temple, and the 
 power of whofe word moft or all felt in a greater or lefs degree this 
 day ! I defirc not to fpeak of thefe things, and others of the like na- 
 ture which may hereafter be mentioned, that either I or others may 
 have whereof to glory fave in the Lord, who was pleafed to magnify 
 his grace and flrength in the weaknefs of the inftrument ! Oh may I 
 continually be humbled and broken under the workings of latent pride, 
 &c. May I for ever be made and kept humble under j fpiritual con- 
 viction of my own nothingnefs, vilenefs and unwortbinefs, and be e- 
 nabled to give the God of all grace all the honour and glory of any 
 thing he has been pleafed, or may ftill be pleafed, to work in me, by 
 me, or for mc. It is the plain preaching of the gofpel of a crucified 
 Jefus, not with words and reafonings which mens wifdom teacheth, 
 VOL. If, Ec 
 
2i8 Suceefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 but which the Holy Ghoft teacheth, that God has been pleafed to ho- 
 nour and blefs in the late remarkable day of his peoples vLfitation in 
 this town, and in other places fo far as I have been acquainted with 
 them. 
 
 At noon I went to my ufual place of retirement. Some of the peo- 
 ple came to the houfc alfo, and appeared to be under concern of mind. 
 I gave them a word of exhortation, and hope it was not in vain. About 
 this time nothing which was faid to people feemed in vain. In the af- 
 ternoon, at the ufual time, I went to meeting, and Mr. "VVheelock 
 preached to a crowded affembly from Job xxvii. 8. In his fermon, he 
 endeavoured to dete6l the hypocrite ; to fhew how far a perfon might 
 go, wl^t he might do, and what he might experience, and neverthelefs 
 be nought but a very hypocrite ; to reprefent to them the awful danger 
 and folly of hypocrify, &c. to urge it upon them that they would be 
 willing to know themfelves before it was too late; that whatever they 
 might gain by their hypocrify in this world, as credit among men, &c. 
 would be all loft in that day, when God Ihould take away their fouls, 
 and they be flripped and ftand naked before the inlightned and awful 
 tribunal of a holy God, to their everlafting Ihame and contempt, &c. 
 His fermon was clofe, fearching, experimental, awful and awakening. 
 The vifible effefts of it upon the people, were an awful concern and fo- 
 lemnity which appeared in their coimtenances in general, and one or 
 two trembled under it. Surely God was with him ; he appeared to 
 fpeak of fpiritual and divine things as awful realities. Many, I doubt 
 not, could witnefs to the truth of his fermon, by finding their hearts 
 difcovered and read to them therein. The kingdom of darknefs trem- 
 bled, I truft, before the gofpel of Chrifl, difpenfed by this his dear fer- 
 vant. He appointed to preach another fermon after a fmall intermif- 
 lion^ and accordingly did. Many of this. people tarried to hear him. 
 He preached from Hof. xiii. i^- He opened the connexion and the 
 text itfelf, and then obfcrved, that inafmuch as he was about to leave 
 them on the morrow, and there were a number imder conviftions, he 
 would point out fome things which were oftentimes means of hinder- 
 ing perfon s conviftions from ilFuing in converfion. Accordingly he 
 mentioned fome of them ; as the world, and putting ofFconviflions till 
 a more convenient feafon, &c. He gave fome account of the various 
 "workings and luftings of the fioncrs heart whilft under convidlions to- 
 wards forbidden objefts, towards falfe refting-places. He was deliver- 
 ing his difcourfe very pleafantlyand moderately; but oh an increated 
 power and authority accompanied it, a power and authority too big, 
 awful and majeflic, for any creature; it was the voice of God which 
 is powerful and full of Majcfty ! The great Comforter, whofe office it 
 is to convince the world of fin, of righteoufnefs, and of judgment, to 
 teach his difciples all things, and bring all things to their remembrance, 
 accompanied the word with his almighty and efficacious grace ! Oh it 
 difcovered the fecrets of mens hearts to them with irrefiftible energy, 
 light and evidence ! Indeed he fpake in the demonftration of the Spi- 
 rit and with power, fo that one muft fay, God was with him of a truth ! 
 By and by fome began to cry out both above and below in awful diftrefs 
 
chap. 5* in the eighteenth Century. 219 
 
 and angulHi of foul: upon which he raifed his voice, that he might be 
 heard above their out-cries; but the diflrefs and out-cry fprcading and 
 increafing, his voice was at length fo drowned, that he could not be 
 heard. Wherefore, not being able to finilh his fermon, with great ap- 
 parent ferenity and calmnefs of foul (having mentioned it to me) he 
 called to the diftrelfed, and dcfired them to gather themfelves together 
 in the body of feats below. This he did that he might with more con- 
 veniency converfe with them, coimfel, direft, exhort them, &c. Oh 
 how were finners in Zion afraid ! How did fearfulnefs furprizc the hy- 
 pocrite ! Whilft: they faw their (late, and faw no way opened to them, 
 how they could dwell with the devouring fire, how they could inhabit 
 with the everlafling burnings ! Whilft they faw no way how they could 
 approach unto the holy and jealous God ! Oh the diflrefs and anguiili. 
 of their fouls ! Oh the pains that were upon them, like as of a woman 
 in travail ; whilft they faw their jufl deferts at the hands of the great 
 God ; whilft they knew not but that, yea were awfully afraid left they 
 muft eternally dwell with devils and damned fouls in the lake which 
 burneth with fire and brimftone, and bear thefury of God, with whom 
 now they faw was terrible Majefty ! Seeing fomewhat of the awful- 
 rcfs of hell, and that they deferved it; feeing alfo that nothing but the 
 mere uncovcnanted good pleafure of God, who was very angry with 
 them, kept them out of hell every moment: no wonder that they cry 
 out, they fhould go to hell, they were going to hell, " What ftiall wc 
 do to be faved ? " &c. 
 
 Mr. Wheelock left the people generally if not univerfally impreffed 
 with a ferious and awful fenfe of invifible realities; convei^fing about 
 the important concerns of their immortal fouls; fearching into their 
 ftate towards God ; fearing, complaining, and inquiring what they 
 ft\ould do; longing after the word and ordinances. In a word, their 
 thoughts feemed almoft wholly taken up about the great things of a- 
 nother world, endeavouring in all appointed m.eans to fecure the one 
 
 thing needful. 1 found a few who had received comfort ; and many 
 
 others appeared to have fuch deep convi<Slions of their iinful condem- 
 ned ftateby nature, and fuch awful apprehenfions of the anger of God 
 due to them for fin, that they feemed like pcrfons who had received a 
 fentcnce of death, and had a gloominefs over-fpreading all their world- 
 ly enjoyments which they had fo inordinately placed their affedlions u- 
 pon and eagerly purfucd after. They feemed ftruck with amazement 
 at their danger; and the awfulnefs of a chriftlefs ftate, and their paft 
 blindnefs and ftupidity therein, and were feeking after Jefus, after par- 
 don, acceptance, &c. 
 
 This morning I with the rev. Mr. Wales went to Middleborough 
 firft precinft, to a ftated le6lure, where there was a fermon delivered. — 
 The fermon was plain, fearching, awful. Its chief tendency was to dif- 
 cover the danger of a Chriftlefs ftate — to open and explain the gofpel- 
 way of falvation by Jefus Chrift— to ftiew them that now was the day 
 of Chrift's patience with them — to give fome characters of thofe who 
 had opened to, or believed in Chrift — and to invite and befeech all to 
 opcii to, or believe in Chrift that they might be faved. There was » 
 
 E e 2 
 
410 Succefi of the Go/pel in America Book IV, 
 
 plentiful fliower of divine grace whicii fell upon the aflembly.— Num» 
 bershad their fins fet in order before their eyes, having the fins of their 
 lives, and the plague of their hearts difcovered to them, fearing, tremb? 
 ling, complaining and enquiring, what they fhould do to be faved. 
 They feeioed, from their natural legal fpirit, ready to catch hold of 
 any thing that they might be delivered from the wrath which is to 
 come, and to be oppofitc to fubmitting to the rightcoufnefs of God as 
 
 all natural men are Numbers,yca even fome young perfonshad fuch 
 
 difcovcries of their fin and mifery by nature, as could be given them 
 
 by none iuve the Holy Ghofl:, whofe office it is to convince of fin. 
 
 Indeed almoft the wholo afiembly appeared to be imprefiTed with a feri- 
 ous concern for the falvation of their fouls: but fome had clearer and 
 peeper conviftions than others, &c. O how feelingly did they fpcak 
 and complain of their fins, efpecially the fin of their nature; fuch as 
 pride, &c. Oh how earneft and follicitous were they in their inquiries 
 after Jefus Chrift and an interefi in him. How did they fear lell they 
 fliould fall fitiort of Chrift ; left their conviftions (hould wear off, &c.— 
 We tarried, after the exercife was over, fome time with them in the 
 jneeting-houfe that we might converfe and pray with them. "We left 
 them that evening and returned home. 
 
 The fpiritual concern fiill remained upon the minds of this people 
 end increaied if any thing. There were prefently feveral focieties of 
 young perfons formed in town for prayer, reading God's word and 
 good books, finging God's praifes: and fijme or all of them agreed to 
 taeet twice a week ftatedly, befides other occafional meetings, leftures 
 public and private. There were alfo in a little time one or two family 
 meetings fet up in tov/n for religious exercifes. I found little if any 
 open oppofition as yet among the people; though afterwards the re- 
 ligious concern among fome of the people wearing off or at leaft abat- 
 ing, they began to flumble at and oppoie more freely and openly thefe 
 appearances. 
 
 On Friday being defired by the Negroes, I preached to them with 
 many others that attended at my lodgings, from Rom. viii. i. " There 
 is no condemnation to them that are in Chrift Jefus." In my fermon I 
 endeavoured to open and confirm the ftate of condemnation in which 
 all mankind naturally lye; to open the way provided for the falvation 
 of finners by God, and exhibited to them in the gofpel, viz, through 
 the rightcoufnefs of Chrift imputed to them and received by faith alone; 
 to fhfw them the fafety and happinefs of thofe that were in Chrift by 
 faith, and the f\n and mifery of thofe who were unbelievers and in a 
 flate of condemnation, &c: to give fome marks and charafters of be- 
 lievers, and to urge upon finners to give themfelves no reft until they 
 had fecured an intereft in the rightcoufnefs of Chrift by a faith of God's 
 operation. Wchad a crowded affembly, and much of the gracious pre- 
 fence of God. The whole affembly feemed to be imder the influences 
 of the Holy Spirit. They appeared to come and hear the word in fome 
 meafure convinced of the great neccflity they were under of fecuring 
 an intereft in Chrift. They appeared not to be carelels hearers, but to 
 hunger after the word ; looking and waiting critically and earncftly for 
 
Chap. 5» in the eighteenth Century. 221 
 
 a word fuitcd to their particular cafes, and waiting for the power of the 
 Holy Ghoft to accompany and make it efieftual for their falvation. 
 Some were under confolation, joying and rejoicing, and appeared to 
 be filled with love to a precious Chrift, and to all men, efpecially thofe 
 who they hoped were of the houfl^old of faith, for ChriiVs fake. Others 
 appeared to be in deep diftrefs for lin, and for fear of the wrath to 
 come, enquiring what they ihould do ? Now Sabbaths were prized and 
 ferioufly regarded. More or lefs of the power of God accompanied the 
 public and private a(femblies of his people. There was often much of 
 the divine prefence with them in their private meetings, when they had 
 preaching, and alfo when they had not. I could and did preach fre- 
 quently with the people. They appeared to be fwift to hear, efpecially 
 
 young people they feemed to hear as for their lives. They were 
 
 wakeful, ferious, reverent and attentive in God's houfe; and gladly em- 
 braced opportunities of hearing hisword. Oh it is fweet preaching when 
 people are defirous of hearing ! fweet feeding the flock of ChrifV, when 
 they have fo good an appetite! yea fweet feeing it fed, if one is not 
 
 permitted to feed it. In thofe days furely the word of the Lord was 
 
 precious: many like new born babes defiring the fincere milk of the 
 word that they might grow thereby. Their merry meetings were turn- 
 ed into praying and finging alTemblies: their vain, foolifh and frothy 
 converfation into religious and experimental difcourfe. When people 
 occafionally vifited one another, or providentially met together, their 
 converfation turned on religious topicks. When I vifited them, or 
 they me, they would be converfing about religion, and aiking ferious 
 and important queflions about their fouls; about doftrinal and expe- 
 rimental religion. What a wonderful reformation was there in this 
 town ! it is impolTible fully to defcribe it. Moreover, I labour under 
 fome peculiar difadvantages, fo that I cannot give fo full and particular 
 an account of things of a religious nature, efpecially in the time of the 
 greatell out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, as otherwife I might have done: 
 being but a ftranger among and unacquainted with them, and not com* 
 mitting particular accounts of things to writing in the time of them ; 
 and labouring under many perplexities, particularly awful fpiritual 
 darknefs, defertion and temptation for the moft of that Fall and Win- 
 ter ; my memory alfo being impaired thereby. Indeed it was a wonder 
 of the power and grace of God, that I was carried through the fervice I 
 was called unto. 
 
 Sometime in November on the Sabbath, I preached to a full afjem- 
 
 bly. There appeared to be an awful concern continuing upon the 
 
 minds of the people in general ; though I feared not fo great as had 
 been ; and was fearing left God was about to depart from us : but when 
 the afternoon exercife was over, fome were in great anguifh of foul. 
 Being obliged to fet out on a journey the next day, I appointed to 
 preach another fermon at the meeting-houfe in the evening. Accord- 
 ingly at the time appointed I returned to the meeting-houfe, and found 
 that many were in great diftrefs. I preached to a confiderably large af- 
 fembly, from Rom. viii. i. Many among the aflembly were deeply af- 
 ff^pd, grg^ning and fphbing y though not fo as to. dilturb the people la 
 
22 z Succefs of the Cofpcf in America Book IV. 
 
 or hinder them from hearing, as I remember. After the exercife was 
 concluded, the diftrefs among the people appeared greater : many groan- 
 ing or crying out, complaining of their fins and danger, of their blind- 
 nefs, hard-heartednefs, &c : a great weeping and mourning. The whole 
 alFcmbly, old and young, feemed to be concerned in a greater or lefs 
 degree; though indeed feme were rejoicing in Ghrift in hopes of their 
 intereft in him, and alio to fee others in diflrefs for their miferable and 
 finful (late by nature: becaufe of the reafons of it, and becaufe they 
 hoped it would illue well. I prayed feveral times with the people, and 
 exhorted them, &c. I converfcd particularly with many young and old 
 as they were brought to me. We tarried in the meeting-houfe till nine 
 of the clock for what I know, and then retired. It was indeed a won- 
 derful evening of the out-pouring of the Spirit, as a Spirit of grace and 
 fupplication upon his people. 
 
 In the time of my abfence there was a ftated monthly lefture among 
 this people, preached by the rev. Mr. Tobey of Berkley. I heard that 
 God was gracioufly prefent. Upon my return the next week or the 
 week after, as I remember (having fupplied the pulpit in my abfence) 
 I found people were Humbling at thefe things and more openly cavil- 
 ling, and I found more difputing, &c. which was a differvice to the 
 work of God as it grieved the Holy Spirit, and kept people more from 
 converfing with their own hearts. 
 
 I continued preaching and converilng among them until the latter 
 
 end of January. But difficulties arifing and increafing about my 
 
 fettlement, and more appearing openly againft me; being fent for by a 
 
 relation of mine, I went to Ipfwich to take his advice. Upon my 
 
 coming to Ipfwich and converling with him, he faid he would go to 
 Taunton and preach for me a fortnight or three weeks, and fee how 
 things were circumftanced there, and I Ihould tarry and fupply a Win- 
 ter pariih which he had the charge of. Accordingly I confented. 
 
 But I was detained much longer from Taunton than I expefted by 
 rcafon of the difficulties of the feafon : fo that it was towards the latter 
 
 end of March when I returned to Taunton. Here I would juft ob- 
 
 lerve, that in this time I had opportunity to fee much of the glorious 
 work of God's grace which he was carrying on at Ipfwich and other 
 places at the eaftward. And furely there was a remarkable and plen- 
 tiful out-pouring of the Holy Spirit there. Upon my return to Taun- 
 ton , I found the religious concern upon people not to be fo great in 
 jieneral as it was when I left them, as I could learn : though the people 
 in general appeared ftill to be ferious and thoughtful, to be feeking to 
 fecure the one thing needful : The preached gofpel was fully attend- 
 ed efpecially on Lords-day, and attended with general ferioufnefs, con- 
 cern and a feeming appetite. Things remained much the fame 'till 
 May 19th, 1742. upon which day I was folemnly ordained to the paf- 
 
 toral office over them. Since that, there have been feveral times of 
 
 rcfrefliing, and fome revival of God's work. Several facramental occa- 
 fions have been fpecial feafons of refrefliment to the people of God : e- 
 fpecially thefirft facrament I adminiftred, I believe was a fweet and foul- 
 reviving feafl to many fouls j many I believe were brought into Chrift's 
 
Chap. 5' in the eighteenth Century. 223 
 banqucting-houfc, hk banner over them was love. Alfoat a catechifing 
 of the .children (after I had catechifed them) Idifcoinred to them from 
 Prov. viii. 17. and hi as familiar a manner as I was capable, taught theiu 
 the love of God to thofe who love him, and urged the ncceility and ad- 
 vantage of early piety. -Some of them were atiefted while 1 was dif- 
 
 courfing, and in prayer their diftrefs increafed. After which feveral 
 
 cried out in great diftrcfs of mind. They complained of fears of 
 
 hell, want of love to God; and that though Chrift was willing they 
 were unwilling, Sec. I fpake fcarce any terrible words to them, chuling 
 rather a foft and gentle mc*lhod of treating them. 1 fpake little of hell 
 and damnation ; but chieriy of the love of God, his rcadinefs to receive 
 little children, the advantages of loving him. Their concern appeared 
 rot to proceed from an affrightment but from a convi<ftion of fm; 
 though it is to be feared that their convictions have not iifued faving- 
 ly. And as to fome perhaps the unkind neglects, if not difcourage- 
 ments of their parents, have had an awful influence into their lollng of 
 their conviftions. — Neverthelefs in the general people have been grow- 
 ing more cold, dull and lifclefs in religion. — There have been but few 
 hopeful converlions fince my ordination, the mod who were brought 
 home, having been brought home in the Fall and AV inter. So that ge- 
 nerally fpeaking, there has been an awful withdraw of the divine in- 
 fluence both from faints and /inners. An occafion of which might be 
 the difputes about my ordination, and alfo for and againll thefe things; 
 as alfo falfe reports and prejudices thereby raifed in the minds of people: 
 whereby the Holy Spirit was grieved, and the Ipiritual concern of many 
 
 abated. Some of our private meetings have come to nothing, tho* 
 
 others are flill attended. Many who have been under the divine in- 
 fluences have fallen away, and fome I fear are more blinded and har- 
 dened than ever, cavilling and mocking. Some flill remain under 
 
 conviftions. Some it is to be feared who have reformed and return- 
 ed, have not returned to the Moft High, but to fome refuge of lies. 
 
 Others in a judgment of charity, have experienced a faving and tho- 
 rough work. Some few who were profeflbrs, I trufl, have been 
 
 plucked off" from their falfe foundations, and have been favingly con- 
 verted to God. An hundred and two have joined in full communi- 
 on with this church, though none lately. A few others of this people 
 
 in the time of the vacancy (who have been wrought upon in this day 
 of God's great grace) joined in full communion with other churcheSi-r- 
 Thrce or four have renewed baptifmal covenant. — Three or four more 
 have been baptifed. — So that upon the whole it is evident to the glory 
 of the God of all grace, that there has been a remarkable {hower of di- 
 vine grace among this people; the Holy Spirit has been poured out in 
 his common and fpecial influences upon them ; the moft or all of them 
 have firft or laft been under ferious concern of foul and fearchings of 
 heart. 
 
 Thus I have given you fome general and imperfeft account of what 
 the Lord has wrought among this people in the hte day of his great 
 grace. But, before I conclude my account, I beg leave to fpeak mori? 
 particularly to fome things, viz. Before the Lord wro<jghrin fikh ; 
 
224 Succefs of the Gojpel in AmeHca Book IV. 
 
 marvellous manner among this people, fome of them had, by degrees, 
 been brought to be more ferious and thoughtful, and to confider their 
 ways, (as I have before obfervcd) which in fome fort prepared them for 
 fuch a furprizing vifit from the Spirit of grace, as they were thereby ex- 
 cited to give the raoft diligent heed to the things which were fpoken to 
 them in the name of the Lord. The late work among this people, I 
 am fully perfuaded (according to the beft judgment I am capable of 
 forming of things of this nature both from fcripture and reafon) is the 
 fame as to its eifence and fubftance, which has been in all ages in the 
 application of the purchafed redemption to the fouls of finners by the 
 fupernatural and almighty operations of the Holy Ghoft. Though it 
 has been attended with fome circumftances which have not been fo com- 
 mon. The Holy Spirit has a£led like himfelf with a fovereign freedom, 
 as to thefuddennefsof his opening the eyes of fecure finners, and letting 
 them into a knowledge of their fin, mifery, and danger by nature; fome 
 being led into the knowledge of their fin and mifery more gradually 
 than others. As to the meafure and degrees of their convictions of fin 
 and wrath ; fome having clearer and more awful convictions thereof 
 than others. As to the length of time ; fome remaining longer under 
 a fpirit of bondage than others. And fo as to the degrees of confola* 
 tion, he gave them upon their flying for refuge to Jefus Chrift; fome 
 having flronger confolation than others, &c. But they fay they were 
 convinced of their fins original and aftual; had their fins fet in order 
 before their eyes in a clear and convincing light with particular applica- 
 tion; were convinced of the plague of their hearts, of their blindnefs, 
 pride, felf-righteoufnefs, enmity, oppofition to God's fovereignty'and 
 the way of life by jefus Chrift, unbelief, &c. of their being under the 
 "wrath and curfe of almighty God, and being continually expofed to 
 the immediate and actual execution thereof upon them in hell j of 
 their utter inability to deliver themfelves from thiswretched eftate; of 
 their loft and undone eftate in and of themfelves, their duties, tears, 
 rcpentings, &c. and being convinced of God's righteoufnefs, tliough 
 Jbe fhould caft them off for ever for all they had done or could do ; 
 having their way hedged up, and being brought into the wildernefs, 
 they were brought to fubmit to God's fovereignty with an, '* Who 
 knows but God may be gracious," &c. Upon their fubmiflion they 
 felt a calmnefs in their fouls, having done with quarrelling and dif- 
 puting with the juftice of God. Upon this, they fay, they had a dif- 
 covery of Chrift, and the new-covenant way of life in and through him ; 
 faw his glory, all-fufficiency, fuitablenefs and readinefs to fave even 
 the chief of finners, according to thegofpel; (thefe difcoveries were 
 generally given them in and with fome texts of fcripture : or if they 
 Had no text of fcripture as they remember at firft, there immediately 
 came many flowing in upon their minds) had their hearts fweetly and 
 freely drawn out to receive Chrift, and reft upon him, and him alone, 
 for falvation according to the gofpel ; being brought to renounce all 
 fclf or creature dependencies, accounting their own righteoufnefs as fil- 
 thy rags, they were brought to joy and delight themfelves in Chrift, 
 and in bis whole falvation^ found peace of confcience, and joy in the 
 
chap. ^. til the eighteenth Cent ioy. 11^ 
 
 Holy Ghofl, according to the meafure of thtir knowledge of and faith 
 in Ghrifl: and the new covenant way of life in and through him : had 
 their mouths filled with praifes of Chrift, glorying in him, comnend- 
 ing him to others; had their love drawn out to God and to all man- 
 kind, bv'i; efpeciaily to thole, who they thought be.'ongcd to th(* 
 houihoid of faith, for Gods-fake — loving and forgiving their enemies, 
 being filled with a concern for the falvation of precious and immortal 
 fouls, mourning fOr and hating fin as againii God, and as dilhonourable 
 to him. 
 
 Some, who we charitably hope are really converted to God, do- 
 not givefo clear and diflinft an account as fome others; forae pa/Hog 
 through more temptations and exerciJbs than others; feme perhaps not 
 fo diflinftly obferving or not rcmembring the various Heps of the Holy* 
 Ghofl: upon their minds as others, &c. But yet their accounts agree in 
 theeffential parts. They were brought to fee themfelyesfinners, and 
 lofl: in themfelves; to fee their natural impotence and enmity; fee 
 God's righteoufnefs though he (hould caft them ofiYor ever; brought 
 to fubmk to God's fovereigntyj had the way of falvation opened up 
 to them; brought to renounce all confidence in themfelves, lind re- 
 joice in Chrift Jefus. Moft of thofe who have been wrought upon 
 •were young, and had been very ignorant; and therefore tiiey Icarce 
 knew how to exprefs their conceptions of fpiritual and divine truthsy 
 fo as properly to convey their own fenfe of things to others; and did 
 one but captioufly converfe with and examine fome of them (without 
 making due allowances) one might gather ftrange accounts from themy 
 
 though they might intend honeftly aj^d orthodoxly. And perhaps- 
 
 fome of thofe frightful accounts which are told of abroad concerning 
 fome of the fubjects of this work have their rife here. Some give fuch 
 a clear and diftinft account of the work of the Holy Spirit upon their 
 hearts as a fpirit of bondage, and a fpirit of adoption enabling them td 
 cry, Abba, Father, and of their after-experience, &^c. that they even 
 command our charity: others leave me in more fufpenfe: and others, 
 for all the account they gave of their experiences, give awful grounds 
 to conclude that they had but a common work. But God is the fearcher 
 and judge of hearts: yet there is a judgment of charity we may, and, 
 upon fome occafions, ought to form concerning the ftates of others. — • 
 When I find a perfon habitually and vlfibly finful in his life and con- 
 verfation, or ignorant of the internal operations of the Holy Spirit on 
 his heart; I do not look upon it to be a breach of charity to fear or 
 <:onclude that he is unconverted, and in a proper manner to tell him fo. 
 
 ** By their fruits you fliall know them," fays Chrilh And I believe 
 
 much of the rafh judging wherewith the fubjeds of this work have 
 been accufed and branded about the country, has been only fuch a 
 
 judging as this. Not but that there has been too much ralh and un- 
 
 feafonable judging of perfons interior ftate. Thofe who I charitably 
 hope have experienced a faving change among this people having been 
 generally very ignorant, and being but babes m Chrift, having but little 
 experience in thefpiritual and divine life, having their affeftions much 
 raifed and inflamed with a new glorious ajid raviil\ing view of fpir ituai 
 VOL, II. F f 
 
226 Succefs of the Co/pel ht America Book IV^ 
 
 and divine things; No wonder that at firft they might, fome of 
 
 them at leaft, be carried out too rafhly and unfeafonably to judge the 
 interior ftate of others who were not in their frames, or efpecially if 
 they appeared luke-warm and indifferent in the prefent day, or to fpeak 
 
 againft thefe things. But further experience teaches them their ab- 
 
 folute inequality for fuch an important work as infallibly to judge the 
 interior ftate of others, and may and does fo more and more. But fome 
 of their judging was only a judging thofe who were vifibly irreligious^ 
 
 or unacquainted with the internal operations of the Holy Spirit a- 
 
 fifing from a love to their fouls, though they may not always have aft- 
 
 ed with that wifdom herein as might be defired. But doyouexpeft 
 
 children to aft like men ? 
 
 As for the character of thofe who have been favrngly wrought upon 
 
 in this day ; fome were openly vile and profligate ; others mora- 
 
 lifts; and others formalifts. If you now inquire into the reafons and 
 
 grounds of the terrors and diftreffes of thofe amongft us; thofe I 
 
 have converfed with, fay, they had their eyes opened to fee their fin 
 and mifery, their loft and undone eftate by nature, &c. agreeable to 
 the fcriptures, as far as I am capable of judging. If you enquire into 
 the grounds and reafons of the joys of many among us ; they fay, they 
 were from dlfcoveries of the all-fufficiency, fuitablenefs and readinefs 
 of Chrirt', to fave even the chief of finners; they beheld the tranfcend- 
 €nt glory and excellency of Chrift, and were conftrained to joy and 
 rejoice in him : the dying love of Chrift, the glory, excellency and 
 fafety of the way of falvation by Chrift: a gofpcl-hope and perfuafion 
 of their deliverance from hell, from the guilt and fpiritual defilement 
 of fin through Jefus Chrift, of their living a life of communion and 
 iellowftiip here by faith with the Father and his Son Jefus Chrift, and 
 of the everlafting vifion and fruition of <-jod in the coming world, &c. 
 Thefe are fome of thofe grounds which they give me of their joys, &c. 
 Oh how feelingly and experimentally do they fometimes fpeak of pre- 
 cious Chrift ! How do they exalt, admire, and adore him ! How do 
 they commend him to others \ As to out-cries, &c. I would obferve 
 that they might be occafioned by one of thefe things ; either by the fud- 
 dennefs of the difcovery of divine things ; or the clearnefs and greatnefs 
 of the difcovery; or their particular conftitutions; or by thefe feveral 
 
 things co-operating. And I verily believe from particular converfa- 
 
 tion with many of them, that the diftrefles and joys of moft, if not of 
 all thofe who cried out, &c. as well as the diftrefles and joys of others, 
 arofc from a fcriptural rcprefentation of truth to their undcrftanding, 
 and the application thereof to their own confciences. Many or moft 
 of whom I hope were converted, &c. did not raanifeft either their dif- 
 trefs or confolation by out-cries. 
 
 But what fruit of all thefe things ? Why, a chufing and eftceming 
 Cod's laws as holy, juft and good, and delighting in them according to 
 the inward man ; accounting Chrift's yoke eafy, and his burden light: 
 accounting wifdom's ways, ways of pleafantnefs,and all her paths peace- 
 ful : as new-born babes defiring the fincere milk of the word, that they 
 ^ay grow thereby: fearchijag and delightiDg in the fariptui;^s, and i» 
 
chap. 5. (ft the eighteenth Century, 227 
 
 fuch books as are the mod fearching, and experimental and awaken- 
 ing; longing for, and attending upon ordinances, and hungering and 
 thirfting after communion with God in them, delighting in Sabbaths, 
 and endeavouring to fanftify the Lord God in their hearts : examining 
 and trying themfelves by the fcriptures, and by what the moft fearching 
 
 and experimental authors have written upon that fubjeft : Reftitu- 
 
 tion made to any they have wronged : prayerlefs perfons turned pray- 
 erful : the fwearer fearing and reverencing that great and dreadful nanje 
 the Lord our God : the thief honeft : the merry and jolly turned grave 
 and fober : the dull formalifls made fpiritual, and breathing after com- 
 munion with God in ordinances. As far as I can learn, they are feeking 
 after knowledge in the ufe of ail appointed means: they are thirlling 
 after a fpeculative and experimental knowledge of fuch do£lrines as caft 
 contempt upon the natural pride and haughtinefs of man and exalt 
 free-grace ; fetting the crown on the head of the Lord Jefus Chrift, 
 where God has placed it. 
 
 And though many, who were awakened, have fallen away to their 
 former fecurity ; yet what wonder is it? is it any thing new ? or what 
 might not have been expefted ? is this therefore a reafon for conclud- 
 ing, that either thofe were not under fcriptural convidlions, or that o- 
 thers have not been converted ? And though further, a few that re- 
 ceived joy and comfort, give awful proof that they never experienced 
 a faving change ; and even fome that made a public profeflion of Chrift, 
 give awful grounds to fear left they are ftrangers to him ; yet are thefe 
 things fo ftrange and unheard of, as to give warrant to conclude that 
 none of them are any better ? there are, and have ever been hypocrites, 
 and ftony-ground hearers in the church ; and ihall we aft agreeably to 
 fcripture or reafon if we fay that therefore none are fincere? indeed 
 there is abundant reafon to blefs God, that fo few of the profe/Ted fub- 
 jedls of this work appear to apoftatize in proportion to the great num- 
 bers who give all the evidences of a fupernatural and abiding change 
 that we can reafonably expert. And though two, as I remember, for a 
 few hours whilft under conviftions of fin and wrath, were fo over- 
 powered as to lofe the free exercife of reafon ; yet is this fo anti-fcrip- 
 tural as to warrant us to conclude the perfons were not under the con- 
 viftions of the Holy Spirit, though diftraded by divine terrors, as He- 
 man was ? and though I believe, (ome have been tinftured with Enthu- 
 fiafm, which I believe they are come or coming off from, as they grow 
 more experienced ; yet is it at all wonderful that true Chriftians ftiould 
 be thus tinftured ; when we confider the remaining darknefs of their 
 underftandings, the malice and fubtlety of Satan, with our natural 
 pronenefs to run from one extreara to another? As to what has been 
 reported of the fubjefts of this work, that they negleft their fecular 
 bufinefs by going to fo many meetings; I would fay, it has not been 
 fo with us; but they have generally, and I know not but univerfally, 
 worked as much or more than ever, and with more cheerfulnefs and de- 
 light, and I truft fome of them from gofpel principles. They have in- 
 deed been more converfant in the duties of religion ; J>ut they have re- 
 <l€emed their time for thefe purpofes from idlenefs, ttvern-hauntlog, 
 
 Ff 2 
 
228 Succefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 froiicks, merry meetings, and vain convei^tion : and where is the harm 
 ol" this to the chiuxli or com men -wealth? indeed fome vvhiift under 
 jgreal cor viitions or llrong confolation might, and I believe did, in fome 
 nieafure ncglecfl: their bulincls; but what wonder of this? I would ob- 
 fcrvc here, that for all the cry there may have been about fo many meet- 
 ings of late 5'cars, as if fuch and^ich pjaces or perfons would be un- 
 done ; God has been pleated to load us abundantly with his benefits, to 
 give as great or greater plenty of proviilon thefe few years pad than e- 
 ver. — As for what is reported about divillons being occalioned by this 
 \vork; I uould fay. it has been I believe the accidental caufe there- 
 of, which I think is no juft ground of prejudice againfl it. It cannot be 
 expected that the power of Godlinefs thould flourifh in fuch a degree 
 as it has done, and not be oppofed by the devil and the lufts of men. 
 3ut the dotHrrines infilled on and blcifed here in carrying on this work, 
 h3"e no other than an accideijtal tendency to create divifions; the fub- 
 jcils of the work and fuch as appear friendly to it are united by thefe 
 filings. 
 
 To fum up all in a word there are many things reported of thp 
 
 fubjedlsof this work, about their imprudencies, irregularities, &c. forpe 
 of which are falfeor grofs mifreprefentations, or charging thole things 
 upon all which fome pretended ones are guilty of; or m;iy I think bp 
 accounted for by confidering either that many appear friendly to thi? 
 work who are unconverted, or that thofe who are converted, are in ^ 
 flate of imperfe6lion. But if perfons will receive none as Chriftians or 
 
 3S vioder a divine influence except fuch as they can fee no fault in, 
 
 Where will they find any Chriftians in their efteem then upon earth. 
 And ixow, if after the account I have endeavoured to give of the revival 
 and progrefs of a work of God among this people in the late day of his 
 great grace, any rejeft it for a wild fcene of enthufiafm ; give me leavp 
 to aik, " What true religion is, and where we fhall f.nd it ?" if true re- 
 ligion is not to be found in thefe things, where (hall we find any reli- 
 gion fave the religion of nature? I freely confefs, for my own part, 
 t|iat if thefe things are not true religion, I know not wliat it is either 
 jn theory or by experience. But who is the author of thefe things, and 
 what are their tendency ? is it not evident that they are from God and 
 lead direftly to God ? who is he that opens the eyes of blind fmners to 
 fee their fin and mifery by nature ? who awakens thofe who were at 
 pafe in Zion, making them earneftly follicitous to be brought out of the 
 kingdom of darknefs into the kingdom of God's dear Son? who dif- 
 covers to men the fecrets of their hearts exactly anfwering to what ^s 
 written in God's word concerning them; humbles them at the feet of 
 divine fovereignty, and brings thern to fubmit to the righteoufnefs of 
 God ; opens their eyes to fee the glory, all-fufficiency, fuitablenefs and 
 willingnefs of the dear Redeemer to fave even the chief of finners who 
 come unto God by him; giving them a fpiritual view of thefe great 
 truths according to the fcripture, efFe<flually pcrfuading and enabling 
 them to receive him and reft upon him and him alone for falvation ac- 
 cording to the gofpcl ? who makes finners fee and feel their fpiritual po- 
 verty, and mourn under it and veliemently and infatiably hunger anjl 
 
chap. 5. if the eighteenth Century, 229 
 
 thir^ ;ifter Chrifl: and his righteoufncfs, cftecming him as the chiefcft 
 »raong ten thoufand, as one altogether lovely, Src. Who opens the 
 eyes of finners to fee the odious nature and delcrts of fin, and the real 
 beauty of holinefs, and makes them prize and long and feek after 
 Chrill's whole falvation ? who makes them complain of indwelling fin 
 as their greateft burden, and long for perfect deliverance therefrom, for 
 purity of heart and life ? who clianges their tempers, fo that they come 
 to love and relilh thofe things which once they hated and difrclithcd, 
 and fo c contra? who makes them leave off their former linful ways, and 
 change their vain companions for the company of thofe who are molt 
 ferious and fpiri.ual; makes them delight in and attend diligently and 
 ferioufly upon ordinances, and yet mourn if they only meet with empty 
 ordinances, <Scc. Who is the author of thefe things ? but the eternal, 
 fovereigu and almighty Spirit of Grace ? for which for ever adored be 
 his holy name. 
 
 And what is the natural tendency of thefe things but to make men 
 holy, perfe<!:l: '^aid happy, according to the account given us of the re- 
 covery of fallen man in the gofpcl ? if thefe things are only the effefts 
 of an overheated imagination, how (hall I be certain of the realitj^ of 
 any thing, that I love any perfbn,or delight in any thing; but I forbear — 
 only I would fay to thofe who cavil at or rejecfl thefe things as the work 
 of Satan, idle dreams or imagination, Come tafieand fee: candidly and 
 impartially examine and let fcripture be judge, — It fcems if they would 
 
 do thus, rheir minds would be changed. But perhaps fome will fay 
 
 that thefe things which you have given us an account of and call a work 
 of God are right and fcriptural. — You have nothing againlf thefe things. 
 "Well, I have endeavoured to write the truth. — I have converfed with 
 the fubjedls of this work, and am bound in charity to believe what they 
 fay they have been convinced of, upon which their lives were changed, 
 which things I have endeavoured to give you an account of. My pray- 
 er to God has been that 1 might do it with uprightnefs and fincerity as 
 in his fight, and I hope I have had in fome meafure his gracious alfif- 
 tance. May God accept of it as a tefiimony for him, and accompany it 
 with his blefling, mercifully forgiving me all my infirmities which I have 
 been guilty of in writing it, for his names fake ! and thus defiring your 
 prayers for m.e that I may mcke full proof of my miniftry, &c. for my 
 charge, that God would gracioufly revive and carry on his own work 
 here more glorioufly. — That he would plead his own caufe and work 
 
 when men make void his law. 1 fubfcribe myfelf your younger and 
 
 wnworthy fellow-labourer in the gofpel of the dearefl Jefus, 
 
 JosiAH Crocker. 
 
 P. S. I have been in fome menfure acquainted with the late revival 
 
 of religion in many other places, as in M!ddleboroughbothparifhes,in 
 
 Plimouth, fome of the parishes in Bridgewater, Raynham, Berkeley, 
 
 ' Norton, Attleborough, Martha's-Vineyard, and other places. And as 
 
 , far as I am capable of judging, the revival appears to be the fame for 
 
 fubftance in every of thefe places. They appear to have the fame 
 
 grounds of difircfs and joy, the fame after-complaints and delights, e 
 yiclencing, that it is the fame omniprefcnt fovereign and eternal Spifjt 
 
330 Succefs efthe Gejpel in America Book IV. 
 
 of Grace, who is the author of thefe things, who gives forth his influ- 
 ences to what perfon or people, and whenfoever he will, and none may 
 flay his almighty hand, or fay unto him what doft thou, or why doft 
 thou thus. The fame Spirit our fore-fathers and we have been praying 
 for. As the perfonal coming of the Meffias in the flefh, which the Jews 
 had been praying and waiting for, was not according to the cxpeftati- 
 ons of the carnal Jews, yea, his own difciples laboured under much ig- 
 norance, and had many grofs apprehenfions of his perfon, manner of 
 coming, kingdom, &c. May we not therefore juftly expeft that Chrift's 
 coming to his people according to his promife by his Spirit, though they 
 have been praying for it, fliould be miftaken by many of his profefTed 
 people. John i. 12. We are fo prone to limit the Holy One of Ifrael, 
 through our natural ignorance, pride, &c. that we are for rejecting him 
 when he comes not to us and works not according to that plan we have 
 laid out in our own minds for him to work by. O let us judge of God 
 and his works by faith, according to the fcriptures. Yours, &c. 
 
 J08IAH GaOCKER. 
 
 Section X. 
 
 On the 2gth of March 1741, at Lyme in Conne6iicuty Wefl Parijh. 
 
 While their Mini ft er^ Mr. Par fans , narrates to his Congregation what 
 he hadfeen and heard of the Revival in other Places y from Ifa. Ix. 8. 
 — Mr. Tennent preaches on Ezek. xxxvii. 9. and Luke xiii. 4. — Re- 
 markable Power attending a Sermon of Mr. Parfons on Matth. xxiv. 
 
 37, 38, "^g, about our Lord's coming to Judgment. Minifters fend 
 
 for each other to preach. J Concern among the Children inTimeof 
 
 Sermon at New-London. Mr. Parfon's Itinerancy bleft infeveral 
 
 Places. And when he returned to his own Charge, fome manifeft 
 
 Tokens of the Prefence of God accompanying every Sermon for aTime. 
 — The fincere Complaints of fome were a Means of awakening others. — 
 Edifying Difccurfe in the Streets, Fields , and private Houfcs . Evi- 
 dences of aChriftianTemper. A wonderful Day ofChrift's Power 
 
 at a Communion. The Work chiefly among the Tout h; but fome 
 
 very old, two near feventy , and one ninety-three. Mr. Davenport 
 
 bleft among the Indians. Some Irregularities. Defence of the 
 
 Work iifelf. 
 
 .( From a Letter from Mr. Parfons, Minifter of the Weft Parish of Lyme, to Mr. Prince 
 Miniftcr at Bofton, April 14th, 1744, Chriftian Hiftory, N° 67, &c. ] 
 
 LYME is a town, I fuppofe, near feventy-feven years old: it was o- 
 riginally the fame with Saybrook, and is that part of it which lies on 
 the Eaft fide of Gonnefticut river. They called the rev. Mr. Noycs to 
 preach among them ; foon after they had town privileges bcftowed 
 "upon them. I was ordained among them in 17 Z^' The Summer fol- 
 lowing my ordination, there was a great eifufion of the Holy Spirit 
 upon the people. There appeared to be an uncommon attention to 
 the preaching of the word, and a difpofition to hearken to advice; and 
 a remarkable concern about falvation. It was a general inquiry among 
 <hc raiddle-aged and youth, ** What muft I do to be faved V great num- 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 2 Jl 
 
 bers came to my ftudy, fome almoft every day for feveral months to- 
 gether, under manifell concern about their fouls. I feldom went into 
 ahoufeamong my neighbours, but they had fome free difcourfe about 
 religion, or were fearching after the meaning of fome texts of fcripture. 
 Many of the young people were greatly reformed: they turned their 
 meetings for vain mirth into meetings for prayer, conference and read- 
 ing books of piety. There was a number of them kept a religious fo- 
 ciety about two years; and they not only behaved foberly, but took 
 pains to diffuade others from levity and frothy converfation. But, al- 
 though there was fuch a fair profpeifl of a confiderable harveft of fouls, 
 I have no fpecial reafons to make me think that many were favingly 
 converted to God in that fealbn of concern. 
 
 In that day I myfelf was greatly in love with dofflrines that tend to 
 gratify the pride of men, to give them exalted thoughts of their own 
 duties. I had a zeal of God, but not a laudable one, bccaufe it was not 
 according to knowledge. Being ignorant of God's righteoufnefs, I en- 
 deavoured to get others to eftablifti their own righteoufnefs, and to keep 
 them from fubmitting unto the righteoufnefs of God. 'Tis now more 
 than ten 5'ears fince I have feen caufe to renounce fuch principles, and 
 turn quite about in fome of the mofl important dodlrines of the Chrif- 
 ti:in religion : and confequently, you may well think, that there was as 
 great an alteration in my preaching : for I have all along preached, (as 
 I fuppofe other minifters do) agreeably to my own fentiments. But God 
 knows with how little fuccefs I infilled upon the things which I had 
 learned and been aflured of. Nothing feemed to make any deep and 
 lafting impreflions for good upon the minds of people in general: it 
 looked to me, they lived eafy without Chrift, and without God in the 
 world. Our young people took unwarrantable liberties ; night-walking, 
 frolicking, and lewd praflices, fome grew bold in, and encouraged and 
 corrupted others thereby ; others fell into party-quarrels, and grew un- 
 eafy with the plainnefs of the preaching, and were pleafed fometimes, 
 to call it cenforioufnefs ; efpecially if I told them, " that I could not, 
 upon our praftice, reckon converfions by the number of thofe that had 
 joined .to the church; or that I feared very few had been converted 
 flnce my miniftry among them ; and when I infifted upon it that an ex- 
 ternal profeffion of the true religion, joined with a good degree of doc- 
 trinal knowledge, external devotion, negative blamelefnefs, and the like, 
 were not good evidences that a perfon was a real Chriftian ; but infif- 
 tcd upon it that all were fpiritually dead by nature, muft have a prin- 
 ciple of fpiritual life implanted, muft be converted to God, have fenfiblc 
 communion with Chrift, and live a life of faith, as they would entertain 
 well-grounded hopes of Heaven." Thefe were hard fayings,and many 
 would not receive them. Thus it was with us for feveral years, until 
 I was awfully deferted of God, and got into a very dull, legal frame my- 
 felf, and then fome were better pleafed. 
 
 'Tis now almoft four years fmce it pleafed God to ftrengthen and 
 enlarge my defires after the increafe of Ghrift's kingdom, and to ftir 
 me wp to more ardent endeavours after the eternal welfare of imraorr 
 
232 Succefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 tal fouls. Chrifl: nnd his caufe grew exceeding precious; and one foul 
 appear'd of more worth than a thoufand worlds; the fouls that were 
 committed to my charge lay with vaft weight and tendernefs upon my 
 mind. The Ibtc of religion lookd difmal: b.4L few inftances of per- 
 fons that I could meet with among them, t^-at fcemed to be fuitably 
 aticdtcd with the miferies of a perilhing world, and the decaying ftate 
 of religion. The news of Mr. WhitPheld's rifing up with great zeal 
 for holincfs and fouls, had great influence upon iny mind: God 
 made ufe of frequent accounts about him to 'iwaken my attention, 
 to humble me for pa ft dcadnefs, and roufe mei:p to fee my own 
 Handing, and found an nlarm in fome poor fort, to a drowfy, car- 
 lefs people. When he came to Bofton, Dr. Colman wrote me an 
 account of his zeal and fucccfs in his daily miniftrations among them; 
 \vhich I freely communicated to one and another as 1 had opportunity ; 
 hoping that fuch accounts from a father of me coxuury, fo juftly ef- 
 teem'd, might have an happy ei{e£l: and doubtlcls it was made ufe of, 
 by a gracious God, to dr.^w the attention of many among us, and ftir 
 up their diligence in hearing the word preached. Some time after Mr. 
 "Whitefield had been thro' this colony (tho' he came not by the way of 
 Lyme) our people were more generally rous'd up to bethink them- 
 felves, and converfe about religion. Probably the frequent accounts 
 of the fuccefs he had in many places were ferviceable among us. But 
 more efpecially my going to hear him at New-Haven and fome other 
 places: this gave me a difierent turn of thought about him and his 
 preaching; and fatisfy'd me more fully that there were many mifrepre- 
 fentations of him and his views; and, I believe, ferv'd as a means to 
 take off the prejudices that fome among us had conceiv'd againft the 
 cffefts of his miniftry. 
 
 A little after he left New-England, I heard of a very great concern 
 upon the minds of many people at Hartford; efpecially among the 
 children and youth. The various accounts we have had about them 
 ifir'd me up to take pains, that, if it might be, I Ihould underftand 
 the true fpring of all their concern. To this end I frequently conver- 
 fed with perfons that told me they had feen very furprifing effefls of 
 fome caufe : they alfo told me the effects ; and, fome of them told me 
 of many queftions they allc'd the perfons under the furprifing operati- 
 ons, and the anfwers they gave them; which gave fome confiderabk 
 hope, that there was a glorious work of God's grace among them. 
 But I could not be eafy ftill for want of a further light; and therefore 
 I wrote feveral letters to gentlemen in that town, who I thought were 
 judicious and prudent, defiring particular accounts of the moft extra- 
 ordinary fa6ts obfervable among them : and one of them wrote me a 
 prudent and difcreetanfwer, relating to fome matters of fa 6f, and ad- 
 (ded, that it was his opinion the Spirit of God was pour'd out among 
 them very glorioufly. Yet ftill, I wanted further light if it waste 
 be had; and therefore on the nth of March 1740-1. I fet out upon 
 a vifit to that place and- people, and to converfe with the minifters 
 there. Mr. Wbiteman, oire of the nainifters of that towa gave me ;> 
 
Chap. 5. tn the eighteenth Century, 23'* 
 
 particular and furprifing account of fomc things he had certain know- 
 ledge of; efpecially of the llrong confolations of fome perfons, and 
 the great diflrels of others. He kindly related fome dilcourfe of a num- 
 ber once at his own houfe; and fome extraordinary diftrelfes of many 
 perfons at a religious meeting: fa6ls that he knew, and inquiries that 
 he made to find out the rife of them : and w hen I afkcd his judgment 
 upon the things he had related, he told, as I remember, that he did 
 rot doubt, but the perfons in general, who had been thus affecled, were, 
 at that time, under the iuHuence of God's Holy Spirit; and that a very 
 gracious manifeltation of mercy had been made among them. This 
 pains I thougnt necefl'ary to take, and much more that would be too 
 tedious to relate at prefent. I'he enemy of louls \va.^ very bufy, and 
 much pains were taken to reprelent the extraordinary things we heard 
 of from abroad, as the eifedl of an heated imagination, or meercnthu- 
 fiafm and diforder. 'Twas nois'd about, as if the country wou'd be 
 undone if fuch a fpirit Ihould have a general fpread ; and religioa 
 wciuld be banilh'd fro>n all the churches. I obferv'd that this was the 
 cry efpecially among thofe that had been the loofcr fort, and feem'd 
 now afraid of any concern about their eternal ftate; and that gave me 
 fome grounds to think that indeed the Lord was about to do fome 
 great things for the church which had been fo long funk down into al- 
 moft meer formality. 
 
 Upon my return home from Hartford, I had further accounts by 
 letters from Dr. Colman of the wonderful progrefs of the gofpel at 
 Bofton and at towns round about, by the blefling of God upon the 
 miniftry of Mr. Tennent, and their own paftors. So that by the latter 
 end of March I was furniAied with a confiderable hillory of the work 
 from many places, attelled by credible witnelFes; and from what I 
 received from their mouths and their hand-writing, I was able to re- 
 late certain matters of faft, in a light vallly different from what they 
 had been reprefented in among us; and to add the judgment of wife, 
 prudent and judicious minillers concerning them and the true fpring 
 of them. And therefore on the 29th of that Month I preached from 
 Ifa. Ix. 8. from which my fpecial defign was to redify thofe miftakes, 
 about the religious affairs abroad, that had been fpread among usj 
 and to give an hillory of certain fa(fts, together with the opinion of 
 thofe minifters and fome others, concerning the rife of thofe things, 
 that had been fo much the converfation and amufement of the people. 
 The hiflory and application of it in this fermon, had greater vifible ef- 
 fe<Sts upon the auditory, than ever I had feen before in the courfe of 
 my miniftry. 
 
 But before I give a particular account of thefe effefls, and other 
 things that have more lately fallen under my obfervation refpedtir ^ re- 
 ligion, either at home or abroad, I beg your patience a little, and your 
 leave alfo juft to mention four or five preliminaries which I have made 
 ufe of in this fcafon ; and which, I am humbly of opinion, others ought 
 to carry in their minds as true, viz. 1. 1 am humbly of opinion, that it 
 is not reafonabl? for any to conclude perfons to be under the inliuen- 
 «es of the Holy Spirit, either in convincing of fin or in fan<5lifying the 
 VOL. IL G g 
 
234 Succefs of the Cofpelin America Book IV.' 
 
 foul, mcerly becaufe they cry out aloud, faint-away, or the like; even 
 though this be obfervcd under the faithful preaching of the mofi: im- 
 portant truths of religion. Though it may look hopeful and encourag- 
 ing, yet it is not furficicnt to draw a conclufion : wherever men take 
 wpon them to judge in any matter, they ought, certainly, to look upon 
 themfelves obliged to get the belt evidence of the truth that can be had. 
 And who will pretend but that we may get clearer light of the reality 
 of perfons being under divine influence than what fpringsfrom bodily 
 agitations? nay it is a clear cafe that perfons may be thrown into hy- 
 fterifms, faintings, out-cries, &c. and that under the miniftratipn of 
 truth, by the meer power of imagination, a fudden fright, or bodily 
 difeafe. And this I have feen to my fatisfaftion formerly, before ever I 
 was a preacher of the gofpel, as well as more lately. As then, thefe bo- 
 dily feizures may arife from, or beoccafioned by many other things bc- 
 fides theiniiuence of the Holy Spirit upon the foul, it is not reafonable 
 to conclude that they do arife from that fourcc, without fome further 
 evidence to convince vis of it. Nor, 2. Is it reafonable, I think, for any 
 to conclude perfons are not under the convincing or fandlifying influ- 
 ences of the Holy Spirit, becaufe they tremble, cry-out aloud, fall down 
 as dead, or have great bodily diforders of fuch a nature. For although 
 thefe bodily commotions may be from another fource; yet, they may 
 alfo fpringfrom the operations of the Holy Spirit upon the mind. Nor 
 can I fee any need that the reafon of the greateft philofopher, or the 
 moft judicious divine fhoiild reproach him for believing a perfon to be 
 under the influences of the Holy Spirit merely becaufe of fuch eff'e^ls 
 upon the body. Have not the foul and body mutual influences upon 
 each other ? do not the daily occurrences of life make this manifeft ? 
 how common is it for perfons to cry out, fall into hyflerick-fits, and 
 bodily agonies, from worldly forrow ? why then fhould it be deemed a 
 flrong prcfumption of delulion, merely becaufe perfons have thefe a- 
 gonies under fcrmons ? is not the true difcovery of fin, and the confum- 
 ing vengeance of God moreftiocking and difmal, than any fad fccneof 
 temporal evils? if fo, then it muft be unreafonable for any man to ar- 
 gue againft the reality of fpiritual conviftions, merely becaufe perfons 
 arc thrown into theie bodily diflrefl'es. Certainly he would not fliew 
 himfelf a man, nor a(fl the part of a philofopher. And fo, how common 
 is it upon fome joyful occalions, for one to weep, another to faint and 
 be overcome, and a third cry-out aloud ? who is at a lofs for the rea- 
 fon ? And why a quick and aflefting fenfe of pardoning grace, and an 
 interefl in the favour of God, may not be fuppofed to have the like ef- 
 fects upon the body, is what no man, I believe, is able to fay. And if 
 Philofophers cannot difprove a work of the Spirit of God from fuch bo- 
 dily agitations, 'tis certain that a Divine will be as little able to do it. 
 
 Whoever will read the accounts of conviction recorded, A£ls ii. 37. 
 41. &c. Chap. xvi. 30. chap. ix. 4. Rev. i. 17. and other places, 
 mufl allow that perfons may be under all thefe bodily feizures when 
 the fpirit is convinced of fin, or rejeft the letter of the word. And 
 fo if we read, Pfal. Iv. 32. 63.-42. Cant. ii. and many other portir 
 9ns of fcriptuf e, we mult conclude that perfons may cry out, faint^ 
 
chap. 5. it the eighteenth Century. 2^^ 
 
 and have other bodily diftrefs flowing from thirfting for God or rejoi- 
 cing in him. — But I forgot that I was only to hint at things here. And 
 3, Much lefs is it reafonable for any to argue that men are not under 
 either the convincing or fanftifying influences of the Holy Spirit becaufe 
 they have none of thefe bodily agitations. God by his Spirit gives great- 
 er encouragements and fupports to fome men under convidtions than 
 he does to others: all have fome gleam of hope that it is poflible they 
 may be converted ; but fome have great refreshings and a great fenfe of 
 the glories of Heaven ; and hence they are not fo much borne down as 
 others: fome have fainter views of the grace of the gofpel, and are lefs 
 feniible of a work of grace wrought in their fouls than others, and are 
 proportionably lefs Jikely to be overcome or thrown into bodily agita- 
 tions, though the difcovery be effectual, and the grace fpecial. Some 
 have a work of the law and the gofpel carried on more gradually than 
 others, and therefore, though they have a thorough work, their bodies 
 are not fo fenfibly and fuddenly aflefled. Others are not fo eafily af- 
 fected and made to tremble, faint, fhriek, groan or the like, under the 
 fame views of fin and the wrath of God ; or the fame views of a God 
 reconciled in Jefus Ghrifl:, that would throw their neighbours into vio- 
 lent agitations of body or into a fainting fit. 'S'arious are the degrees 
 ©flight; various alfo the length of time the Spirit takes to let in that 
 light, and to give thofe influences which are neceflary to prepare and 
 bring a foul to Ghrifl: various are the difpofiti-ons and conflitutions of 
 men; various are the encouragements, difcouragements and impedi- 
 ments they meet with. And hence they may be varioufly afFefled, tho' 
 each one or all are brought to the fame happy ilfue, refpe(fting a law 
 and gofpel- work upon their fouls. 4. I think it is not reafonable to fu- 
 fpeft perfons are not under divine influence, or have not had a faving 
 change, merely becaufe we look upon them to be imprudent or irre^ru- 
 lar in fome refpeCls. Men are too apt to magnify every real or fuppofed 
 wry fl:ep, and at once call it difordcr, and repreicnt it as wholly incon- 
 fiftent with the being, or at leaft theexcrcife of grace. Thus a glorious 
 work or an excellent Ghriftian may be trod upon, and many real excel- 
 lencies over-looked, merely becaufe of fome real or fancied impruden- 
 cies and irregularities : yea, and in this way the innocent may be invol- 
 ved with the guilty, and a great multitude may fuflcr reproach for fome 
 iimprudent meafures of a Angle perfon : or a whole profefTion may be 
 (infulted becaufe a few particular men are detected in an unwarrantably 
 pradlice. If we take fuch meafures as any of thefe on either fide, I can- 
 
 ttot fee where any bounds can be left to cenforioufnefs. Is it to be 
 
 fuppofed that all the fubjefts of God's fpecial grace muft at once be- 
 
 :ome wife philofophers, or judicious divines ? If it were fo, yet do 
 
 lot the wifefl and befl of men differ in opinion and praftice in fome cir- 
 :umftantial things, and thofe that are of leffer moment i* And is tlie 
 
 cingdom of God meat and drink? Nay, are they free, entirely free 
 
 "rom all blame ? But if they, thebeft of them mifs it in fome things, 
 
 md precipitate into real faults ; why fhould others of far lefs advantage 
 ind opportunity, be cenfuredas enthufiafts, being led about by diabo- 
 "tal delufious; and what not, merely becaufe there are fome things ia 
 
2^6 Sucre fs of the G off elin America Book IV. 
 
 their condua which we do not lb well like ? indeed, if the courfe of a 
 man's life was plainly immoral, there would be enough to Ihut my 
 mouth fioiu fpcaking favourably of his ftate.- — But if that is the cafe, , 
 
 who are the perfons? And if that is not the plea, why fhould every. 1|, 
 
 imprudent a6t be deemed a fufficient argument againft the influences of 
 the Spirit of CJod ? Did our bleffed Saviour tell his apoftles that they 
 had not fan£lifying difcoverks of God in Cihrilt, when they were led 
 
 into a great milUke of judgment, and were fired with falfe zeal? 
 
 How common is it ; nay when is it otherwife, but human miftakes and 
 falfe fire mix themfelvcs in with our bell ferviccs? Should we wait for 
 the time when no dlforder, no irregularity, no falfe ftepis to be found 
 in fuch as may be caUed the fubjcfts of God's fpecial grace, we mufl ne- 
 ver expeft to fee the day upon earth, when we fhall be brought tocon- 
 St{% that verily God is in the midil of us, working in us, and in others,^ 
 that which is well-pleafing in his fight. " If allowances are to be made, 
 doubtlefs young converts claim our charity in the firft place, efpecially 
 when their difcrefs has been great, and their joy proportional : like men 
 coming into a new country, or rather a new world, they are not yet 
 
 acquainted with all the failiionsand decencies of it ; it is no wonder 
 
 every punftilio is not obferved, which after-experience, and cooler 
 rerieflion will dictate. Shall we pardon the learned Archimedes, thougb. 
 going beyond all the bounds of decency, when tranfported with a ma- 
 thematical difcovery, and fhall we make no allowance for illiterate coun- 
 try-men, and others of fm.all experience, when raviftied with the dif- 
 covcries of another world, and the knowledge of God and Chrifl, whom 
 to know is life eternal'' ?" 5. If perfons, in great numbers, are, in their ^^ 
 gener;il courfe, turned from a carelefs, vain and carnal, to a careful and \ 
 religious converfation ; from an immoral and loofe, to a moral and. 1 
 f^rift life; if they difcover by all reafonable evidence that they have a>i 
 deep fenfe of fm and the wrath of God, or afterwards, the confolations 
 of God ; if they are apparently changed from worldly purfuits to things 
 of everlafting importance; if from refling in felf-righteoufnefs and 
 blamelefnefs they are made fenfible of the necelTity of faith and holinefs, 
 ^nd cannot reft until they have what appears to us a good evidence of ■ 
 refting in Chrift; if they are turned from an apparent irreverence to 
 an apparent devout and reverent attendance on the inftitutions of the 
 Lord ; if from fpending Sabbaths in idlenefs, or mwch of their time in 
 worldly converfation, or difputes, which gender ftrife, they are turned 
 to fpend Sabbaths in public and private exercifes of worfhip with evi- 
 dent care and devotion, and in Chriftian conferences about the things 
 of God ; if there is, added to thefe things, a manifeft reformation in re» 
 lative duties, and perfons apparently grow in Chriftian knowledge at 
 an unufual rate, and really appear to have frequent and fenfible com- 
 munion with Chrift; if it makes men better hufbands, women better 
 ■wives, fathers and mothers better parents, children more careful in their 
 Aations, people more prayerful for and loving to their minifters (fuch- 
 as they think properly their minifters:) if this in general is true of any 
 people, all in a few weeks or months ; I think we muft conclude that 
 a Mr. Webftcj's Letter, p. 32. 
 
chap. 5* in the eighteenth Century. 237 
 
 fuch are under Divine induence, and God has gracioufly poured out his 
 Spirit upon them, even though they precipitate into many imprudent 
 meafures, or, througii wrong judgment, tiiey ditier from us in many 
 tilings that are not fundamental. What if they cry out, faint, fpeak a- 
 loud in a public allembly at an improper time, happen to think they 
 fhould tell their neighbours their fears that they arc Grangers to Chrifl: 
 what if they think themfelvcs called to rtay as long from their families 
 in the night to pray to and praife God, as they have heretofore tarried 
 to revel and drink, and to make themfelvcs merry with vain compani- 
 ons; what if in thefe and fome other things they believe differently from 
 others; and in fome other things they have, for want of dueconiidera- 
 on,run into fome indecencies, but upon ferious reflexion fee the mif- 
 takeand reform; I cannot think thefe things any good argument againit 
 their being under the influences of the Holy Spirit, either convincing 
 or fanctifying.— But I have exceeded my defign in hinting at prelimina- 
 ries, though i hope, you will forgive me, and carry thefe things in your 
 mind, while you read on in the fubfequent part of my account. 
 
 The effects of that fermon I fpake of, preached on the 29th of 
 March were then furprifing. Indeed there were no out-cries ; but a 
 deep and general concern upon the minds of the affembly difcovercd 
 itfelf atthat time in plentiful weeping, fighs and fobs. And what ap- 
 peared hopeful then, I found, upon converfing with many afterwards, 
 to be true, as far as I could judge. Many told me that they never had 
 fuch an awakened fenfe of the danger of putting off the grand concern 
 of their fouls to a future feafon before, as God gave them under that 
 fermon: they were furprized at their own paft carelefnefs, and allo- 
 nillaed that God had borne u'ith them fo long. Severals told me, that 
 tho' they had lived thirty, forty or fifty years under the preaching of the 
 gofpel, they had never felt the power of the word upon their hearts, fo 
 as to be long affected thereby, at any time as they did then. Before it 
 was the cry of their hearts, " when will the fermon be over, and the Srib- 
 bath be ended" ; but now the minifter always leh off too icon, and the 
 time between fermons was too long: they long for frequently retur- 
 ning opportunities to hear. Before, they did not love foul-fearching 
 difcourfes, but now never could hear too much of that natv»re; toge- 
 ther with many other things of the like import. 
 
 On the beginning of the following month, Mr. Tennent came thro' 
 this place, and preached two fermons among us: the firfl was in tlie 
 evening, from Ezek. xxxvii. 9. But he feemed to be very dull ; 
 and, I thought, feveral times, he would have had nothing almoft to 
 fay. Yet he got thro', and, I believe, he preached the truth, tho' 
 with no freedom ; nor had the people in general much fenfe of what 
 was delivered according to the befl obfervation I could make ; yet it was 
 not wholly in vain : one of our communion was convinced of fin, 
 which after fome days, ifTued, I trufl- in a faving converfion toGod.-- 
 The next morning he pi cached again from Luke xiii. 24. to a very 
 attentive and deeply affe^led auditory. Many that I heard lamenting 
 their own folly immediately after fermon, fpake as one would expeft 
 thofe to do that had the arrows of convifbion ihot deep into their 
 
238 Succffs of the Gcjpel in America Book IV. 
 
 hearts. I was not indeed fo fenfible of the exienfive cfTefts of that 
 ferraon in the time of it (tho' there was fo much vifible concern under 
 it) as afterwards. In a little while a confidcrable number came to mc 
 and confelfed that they faw themfclves undone, that earneftly enqui- 
 red what they muft do to be faved, who dated their firfl awakenings 
 from that fermon.— From us Mr. Tennent went over to Saybrook, 
 and many of the people of this place, and the neighbouring focieties 
 went with m€ to hear him. There he preached a rational, fearching 
 fermon, fuitcd to unconverted finners and drowfy faints. I faw but 
 few inftances of perfons much moved by it to appearance, in fermon- 
 time; but found fome very much enraged with the preacher afterwards. 
 Some that went from this town, fpcnt their time upon the way home 
 in cavilling, and finding fault with what had been delivered, and I be- 
 lieve did much hurt thereby. One efpecially who fhall be namelefs, 
 feemcd exceedingly difalfedled, and endeavoured to difaticf^l others. But 
 ftill he could not forget the fermon, efpecially that part of it which 
 was to backward Chriftians; and tho' he thought, or endeavoured to 
 think, that it was a cenforious difcourfe, yet, as he told me afterwards, 
 it never left him until he was made to fee that he was the very man to 
 whofe cafe it was fuitcd above any fermon that ever he had heard. 
 
 After this I obferved that our afFcmblies were greater and more at- 
 tentive at times of public worfhip than before. Sabbaths alone would 
 not fuffice for hearing fcrmons, but greater numbers ftill urged for fre- 
 quent IccSlures. I was well pleafed to obfervc fuch a flocking to the 
 windows, and a hearing ear become general ; and therefore 1 readily 
 confented, upon the requefl of the people, to preach as often as I could, 
 belides the Aated exercifes of the Sabbath. Once every week I carried 
 on a public lefture, befides feveral private ones in various parts of the 
 parilh. And I could not but obferve about this time, that an evening 
 le£lure I had fet up the Winter before in a private houfe, for the fake 
 of a young man that was a cripple, though at firft exceeding thin (but 
 feven perfons, as I remember, befides the family) was now greatly in- 
 creafed, and in about a month grew up to feveral hundreds, fo that I 
 was obliged to turn it into a public evening leflure. Now it pleafed 
 God to encourage my heart, give me unufual freedom, and fuch a firm 
 ftate of bodily health, that I could go through three times the fervice 
 I had been able to endure at other times; fo that I was able to ftudy 
 and write three fermons a-wcek, and preach feveral others of my old 
 notes (for I feldom in all the time preached without writing.) Some- 
 time in this month Mr. Grifwold invited me to preach a lefture for him, 
 and I confented. While I was preaching from Pfal. cxix. ^t^, 60, I 
 obferved many of the aflembly in tears, and heard many crying out in 
 very great bitterncfs of foul, as it feemed then by the found of voices. 
 When fermon was over, I could better take notice of the caufe; and 
 the language was to this purpofe, viz. Alas! I'm undone; I'm un- 
 done ! O my fins ! How they prey upon my vitals ! What will become 
 of me ? How fhall I efcape the damnation of hell, who have fpent a- 
 
 way a golden opportunity under gofpel light, in vanity ? And much 
 
 more of the like import. 'Tis true, out-cries were new and furprl-* 
 
Chap. 5. in ihe eighteenth Century. 2^9 
 
 fing at that time : but knowing the terrors of the Lord^ I was fatislkd 
 that they were but what might bereafonably accounted for; if fmncrs 
 were under a true fenfe of «.heir fuis, and the wrath of a fin-hating 
 God: and therefore 1 did not uf: any endeavours to reflrain them at 
 that time; but the greater number cried out of themfelves and their 
 vilenefs, the more 1 rejoiced in hope o: the good ifilie. As I was fatif- 
 fied that it was the tr^iih they had becii hearing, fo, by their complaints, 
 it appeared to be the ^orce of trutii that made them cry out, and threw 
 many of them into hyftenck-fits : and, if I miflake not, every one that 
 were fo violently feized tha' ni.^ ut, have fince given good evidence of 
 their converiion ; bit that their rev. pallor can give the belt ac- 
 count of. 
 
 But ray heart burned with love to and pity for the people of my pe- 
 culiar ch age: I nad con.'tan't fupplics oi argument riowing into my 
 mind, and ?e;il to urjcr a ipeedy anfwcr. By the latter end of April our 
 young people were generally fick of that va^in mirth, and thofe foolifh 
 amufements that had been their delight, and were formed into feveral 
 religious focieties for prayer and reading books of piety under my di- 
 rection: many of them were frequently in my ftudy for advice; the 
 bent of their fouls was evidently towards the things of another world: 
 whenever they fell into companies, the great falvation was the fubje<fl 
 of their converfation. They were fo generally difpleafed with them- 
 felves for palt carelefnefs, and fpending time in revels and frolicks, that 
 feveral, at the delire of others, came to me, and defired me, to preach 
 them a lecture upon the 14th of May (the day of our election in this 
 colony) which they had, for many years, accullomed themfelves to fpend 
 in fealling, mullc, dancing, gaming, and the like. I complied with the 
 requeft, and preached to a great affembly, from Matth. xxiv. 37, 38, 39. 
 Upon which I obfcrved, " That Jcfus Chrift would certainly come to 
 judge the world; and that when he did come, he would find it over- 
 whelmed in carnal fecurity;" and from thefe confiderations I applied 
 myfelf to thofe that had been fecure and unwatchful, both amongChrif- 
 tians and unconverted finilers, in a manner, which I thought proper to 
 awaken and convince. Under this fermon many had their countenan- 
 ces changed ; their thoughts feemed to trouble them, fo that the joynts 
 •• of their loyns were loofed, and their knees fmote one againft another. 
 Great numbers cried out aloud in the anguifh of their fouls: feveral 
 ftout men fell, as though a cannon had been difcharged, and a ball had 
 made its way through their hearts. Some young women ivere thrown 
 into hyfterick-fits. The fight and noife of lamentation feemed a little 
 refemblance of what we may imagine will be when the great Judge 
 pronounces the tremendous fentence of, *' Go ye curfed into everlaft- 
 ing fire." There were fo many in diftrefs, that I could not get a parti- 
 cular knowledge of the fpecial reafons at that time, only as I heard them 
 crying, " Wo is me ! what muft I do ? " And fuch fort of fiiort fentcn- 
 ces with bitter accents. 
 
 Now thofe that could not reftrain themfelves were generally carried 
 out of the meeting-houfe, and a fecond fermon was preached by Mr. 
 Jewet to others that were abk to attend ; after which the aficmbly was 
 
240 Succefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 dilmiired; and my houfe foon filled with wounded fouls: and I took 
 pains to fatisfy myfelf aud others, by inquiring into the reafons of the 
 trembling, crying, fainting, and other figns of fear that were fo ma- 
 nitelt in die affembly : and they declared, in their own words, all to 
 this purpofe, viz. that a deep fenit of pall: fenfualities, and carelcfs ne- 
 glects of the concerns of their fouls ; their (lighting frequent and folemn 
 warnings, and withllanding the calls of the gofpel; together with a 
 deep fenle of their liablenefs, every moment, to be arreiied and caft 
 into the prifon of hell, where thofe finiaers lay, that refufed to hearken 
 to the warnings given by Noah the preacher of righteoufnefs, was truly 
 the fpring of all thefe various figns of diftrefs. Some run back upon 
 the fins of riper years (for there were feveral perfons upwards of forty 
 and fome of more than fifty years old, that dilcovered great concern by 
 their pale countenances and tears, and trembling too.) Some cried out 
 of the hardnefs of their hearts, others of their unbelief; fome were cry- 
 ing, " God be merciful to me a finncr ; " ^nd others intreated Chriftians 
 to pray for them. Thus they continued, at my houfe, for feveral 
 hours ; and after I had taken what pains with them I thought neceflary 
 for that evening, and prayed with them, they were advifed to repair to 
 their own places of abode ; and accordingly all that were able went 
 home. 
 
 Now I thought the people in great danger, and efpecially thofe that 
 were mofl: deeply wounded. I knew, in all probability, that the Prince 
 of darknefs feeing his kingdom fliaking, and that he was in great danger 
 of lofing many of his obedient fubjefts ; therefore, if po Tible, he would 
 allure them back to former fidelity ; perfuade them to fettle down up- 
 on the foundation of their own works, or drive them to utter defpair 
 of mercy : and therefore I dared not fit in my ftudy the next day (tho' 
 that loudly called for me to be there,) but fpentmy time abroad among 
 diftreffed fouls, and others that fell in my way that were more lightly 
 touched. Nor were private Chriftians contented in their fields or Ihops 
 at home, but fome of them alfo, in their places, were helpers in the 
 work that feemed neceflary to be done. The following evening a re- 
 ligious meeting was attejided in a private houfe : I went to it, though 
 I could not pretend to preach a fermon. I offered a few words of the 
 niiferies of the unconverted, the price that was now put into their 
 hands, arid the greatdanger of not improving it; but was obliged in a 
 few minutes to defifl:, becaufe the houfe was filled with out-cries and 
 bitter lamentation. The complaint was much the fame with what it had 
 been the day before. I continued to preach and exhort publicly, and 
 from houfe to houfe, about fix times a week through this month at 
 home, befides attending upon diftrefled fouls upon certain appointed 
 days in my ftudy. And though I fpake to them with unufual modera- 
 tion, in my ftudy, (as well as in fermons about this time,) that I might 
 have greater advantage to inftruft their minds, yet I was commonly o- 
 bliged to make feveral ftops of confiderable length, and intreat them, if 
 poflible, to reftrain the flood of affection, that fo they might attend to 
 further truths which were to be offered, and others might not be difaf^ 
 feOed. Some would after a -yvhile recover themfelves, and othersj I'id 
 
Chap.'?. in the eighteenth Century. 241 
 
 fatisfied^ could not. I have thought fince, whether I did not do wrong 
 in endeavouring to reftiain them : the pains they took with themfelvej* 
 to keep from out-breakings was a greater hindrance to their hearing, 
 than their out-cries were: and it was lo far from fatisfying others, that 
 it was improved as an argument ngainft the reality of their concern, if, 
 •upon the utmoft violence ufed with them they could after fome time 
 hold in. I find no fuch rellraints laid upon diftreffed fouls in tl.e r- 
 portles days, though, wc muft allow, that they were as good judges of 
 what is right in fuch a cafe as other men : and iridecd, why might we 
 not expert ibme direclion from the infpired writers if it was our duty 
 to rcdrain them, and put them upon the torture to keep filence.' if the 
 Lord is pleafed to make this open fliew of the vlflories of his grace, his 
 ■will be done : let him take his own way. The fame thmgs that ferved 
 for the conviiftion and converfion of naany in our Saviour's and the a- 
 poltles days, were the occafion of blinding and hardning of others to 
 their utter ruin : and the diltreffing out-cries of awakened finners were 
 blelfed to convince many, tho' others cavilled and found fault. Tho', 
 I think, none o\ight to fpeak or pray with a loud voice in the timt of 
 public worihip, yet I am free to confefs that I miftook my duty in taking 
 ib much painD to prevent out-cries in the alfembly. 'Tis true, perfons 
 may, of dcllgn, cry out; but then, *tis like, they would generally be 
 deteflcd, and have their madnefs expofed. However, if our blelfed Loi"d 
 is pleafed to make bare his arm upon Ihibborn rebels, to the glory of bis 
 fovereign grace, why ftiould I fay that he Ihall not take this method to 
 bear witnefs before the ungodly world, of the dreadful miferies hafte- 
 ning upon them ? 
 
 On the 20th of this month I preached a fermon for Mr. Grifwolii of 
 Nahauntuc, from i Tim. ii. 5. upon the fufHcienc^' and excellency of 
 the mediation of Chrift : under which, as far as I could obfervc, many 
 Chriitians were fvvectly rcfrelhed with a deep fenfe of the truth, and 
 many finners as full of anguifh (though the fermon was not terrible) a? 
 at any time I had feen. The alfembly in general, were in tears, and near 
 one half, I fuppofc, crying out aloud in diftrefs. After fermon they 
 gave theinfelves liberty to (peak out the fentimeats of their fouls ; fome 
 "in thankful praifes to God and the Lamb; others in bitter complaints 
 of themfelvcs for defpifing the blelfed Mediate!*, and for the hardnefs of 
 their hearts, and the like. Several were, at that time, fl-vaken off from 
 the foundation of their own righteoufnefs, and afterwards, hopefully 
 converted. 
 
 I hope, rev. Sii^ you will pardon all my digreffions : I chufe to relate 
 the few things that I give an account of, in that order of time, in which 
 I obferved them, and noted them in my diary. About this time, the 
 rev. MeflVs. Lord of Norwich, Owen of Groton, and other miniflers ia 
 the Eaftern parts of this government, fent letters, inviting me to vifi^ 
 them, to fee the work of the Lord, and help them alfo ; (for it was com- 
 mon in that day for brethren to fend for each other to preach). After 
 fome ftruggles with myfelf, I confeuted togo ; and accordingly fet out 
 on the 8 th of June, intending to preach fome few fermons before I re- 
 turned. The fame day I preached for Mr. Lovett of New-Salciu at his 
 VOL. IL H h 
 
U42 Succefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 defire, and there I obferved a foleran attention ; concern in the counte- 
 nances of Ibme, and delight in others. I have had fome acquaintance 
 with the people in that place fince that time, and believe that there is a 
 conlidcrablc number of pcrfons favingly converted in the late feafon of 
 grace. From thence I went, the fame day at evening, over to the North 
 PariQi of New-London, and June the 9th preached two ferraons for 
 Mr. Jewett ; under which, but efpccially the firft, there was a great and 
 general concern villble in the faces of the people : weeping, fighingand 
 the like among the aged and the youth, while many of the children of 
 about ten, twelve, and fourteen years old, cried aloud, and fpakc fome 
 fuch fentences as thcfe, viz. " What muft I do? I never lionoured this 
 great King ^ ! Lord Jefus help me !" &c. From thence I haftened over 
 to Norwich, bccaufe Mr. Lord expelled me to preach a lecture for him 
 that evening. And when I came there, there was a great aflembly gather- 
 ed, to which I preached from Pfal. cxix. 59, 60. They gave very folemn 
 attention ; and there v. as a concern apparent, by tears and fighs, in al- 
 moft every corner of the houfe. The next day I preached another fcr- 
 mon for Mr. Lord, the viiible efFedls of which were not fo great as the 
 iirfl. I obferved a great iiocking of the people, not only to hear the 
 word, but to their paflor for advice. Mr. Lord gave me fcveral furprif- 
 ing accounts of converfions ; which, I truft, he will favour the public 
 with in his hiflory of the late revival of religion among them. From 
 thence I went forward to Stonington, and on the 1 1 th of June, preach- 
 ed two fermons for Mr. Eells : there feeraed to be tokens for good ; 
 an attentive audience, and much weeping in the aflembly; buti do not 
 remember any out-breakings in the extraordinary manner that I had 
 foraetlmes heard : yet Mr. Eells informed me afterwards in a letter, 
 that there were many inftances of particular perfons, unto whom the 
 mipiftry of that day was bleifed. I thought when I was with him, that 
 he had the blelling of fome excellent Ghriflians in his parifli. 'Twas 
 formerly, a place noted for profanenefs and other vices, but he faid 
 (and fo I thought) that there was a great reformation among them. 
 From Stonington I returned back by the way of Groton; and on the 
 12th of June preached a fermou for Mr. Owen, to a great aflembly of 
 people. It pleafed God to give me greater freedom of thought and ex- 
 prelfion than I had founJ in all my journey before. I preached from 
 liiii. Ixi. I; and the people to all appearance, were all attention. There 
 were no out-cries, but the countenances of many difcovered fweet re- 
 frcfhmcnt ; and others difcovered great difl:refs. And I had fomefatis- 
 fa(f>ion afterwards, by accounts from diverfe pcrfons, that the fpring of 
 comforts and concern was from the Spirit of God. I could not tarry, 
 indeed, to fpeak with many after fermon,becaufe I had encouraged Mr. 
 Crofwell to preach at evening for him. But I had the company of a cob- 
 liderable number up to Mr. Crofwell's parifli, which is five miles diftant 
 from Mr. Owen's. Upon the way they told what things were done, and 
 how Jefus had been made known to them, and their hearts burned with- 
 in them, while they fpoke of him. Jefus feeraed to be their delight, and 
 humility their glory. At Mr, Crofwell's I found great concern upon 
 a I was preaching upon tiic kingly office of Chrift. 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 243 
 
 the minds of people: it was apparent, in fermon-time, by their weep- 
 ing, and their looks : fome cried out, and from after-converfation T was 
 fatisfied that majiy were very fenfible of their finful and undone con- 
 dition, and fome others were really converted. I remember two came 
 to me, who had made themfelves cafy, for fome time, with a waj' oi 
 converfion, that fatally fettled perfons down fhort of Chrift; but now 
 they had ?.n awakened fenfe of their fin, and of the infinite hazard they 
 were in of periihing; yea, that they muft pcriHi unlefs God wa'i fclf- 
 moved to pity and fave them. From thence I returned to Norwicli on 
 Saturday, and kept Sabbath at Mr. Lord's. On June 14th, being Lord's 
 day, I preached again to a great, very attentive, and d<:cply aficfled af- 
 fembly. The concern of fome, and the delight of others, was manifeft 
 in their countenances: and by converfing with many afterwards, I was 
 fatisfied they were under the influences of God's holy Spirit. And fo 
 from time to time upon opportunities with that people, I believe, that 
 Mr. Lord has thcbleffing of many foul^ turned to rightcoufnefs aifiong 
 them; a confiderable number of old Chriftians, and many newly-born, 
 that are feeding upon the fincere milk of the word, and growing up in 
 Chrift. June 15th, 1 rode out to Mr. Troop's a new fociety in Nor- 
 wich, and preached a fermon for him, to a full affembly. There fccmed 
 to be great liftning to the word ; great concern appeared in the counte- 
 nances of many ; a great number were in tears,* and fcveral cried out; 
 fome fainted away, and one or two raged. After the fermon was ovci' 
 I took pains to find out the fpring of that diftrefs which appeared in 
 many inftances, and I think, they gave grounds to judge it was frorn 
 conviction oFfin ; except thofe inftances that were diftreifed with their 
 out-rageou6 pafTions. • One gentleman, who was a hearer, tho' hecare* 
 fully avoided difcovering his diflike before the congregation, expreffed 
 himfelf greatly dilfatisfied to me after meeting, at the out-crics and 
 faintings in fermon-time: he took fome pains to convince me that the 
 perfons were under ftrong delufions; tlio', I thought, he did not take 
 much pains, by difcourfing with them, to convince himfelf of the rife of 
 their diftrefs. He read me fome extra£l:s which he had taken out ofthe 
 excellent Mr. Flavel upon Mental Errors j which I was plcafed with ; but 
 did not fee that ihey were to the cafe before us. 
 
 Now I had accorapliihed the whole of my defign in this journey, both 
 in vifiting and converfing with my fathers and brethren in the miniftry, 
 and in feeing the difplays of rich and fovereign grace ; and much ex- 
 ceeded my firft defign in preaching. The next thing was to return 
 home as faft as I could; but the rev. Mr. Adams of New-London fcnt 
 me a letter, defiring that I would return that way, and give his people 
 fome exhortations. Having been there before in the time of the conr 
 cern among the people, I was unwilling to deny his requell, becaufe I 
 had found that there were peculiar difficulties rifing up, and I feared 
 my refufing might rather increafe them than otherwifc. There was a 
 number of new converts with a flaming zeal,- and jealous left the la- 
 bourers ftiould not bear a proportion to the Harveft : and fome others, 
 from what fpring I don't fay; (though fome have imputed it to the im- 
 
 nh2, 
 
2 44 ' Succefs of the Ccfpel in America Book IV, 
 
 prudence of thefe uew converts) who oppofed themfelves to the work 
 going on among them. Thus the kingdom feemed to be dividing a- 
 gainlt itfelf : and I was the rather inclined to gr^fy Mr. Adams on that 
 account, not knowing but that I might be innrumentalof fome good. 
 Accordingly I went, and,onJnne i6th, preached two fermops in that 
 place, befides ufing fome private endeavours to make things more ealy, 
 if it ihould plealc Cod to make ufe of me for that end : but the fuccels 
 was not according to my wiflies. I found mutual riling jcaloufies, and, 
 as I thought, groundlefs furmifingsin fome inltances, prevailing among 
 them. Thefe difficulties increafcd afterwards; and for want of charity 
 and mutual condefcenfion and forbearance, they have producpd an o- 
 pen feparation. I doubt not but there are excellent Chriftians on both 
 fides; and there has been a very great difplay of Divine Grace among 
 them ; but they are doubtlefs to be blamed for the manner of feparat- 
 ing. "What grounds the}' may have I don't know, but I am afraid they 
 have gone off upon a wrong principle. Unhappy cafe, when Chriflians 
 have fuch iharp contentions between them, as to part afvmderfrora one 
 another ! Yet foit has fomctimes been with the beft of Chriflians, Adks 
 XV. 38, 39. 
 
 Perhaps fome will think ftrange that I fhould be fo many days from 
 my particular charge, at fuch a critical feafon as this was, when a great 
 number were under diflreffifig concern, and the adverfary was very 
 bufy : but the people were not left without preaching: and we found 
 jt of real fervice to have our people partake of the various gifts of mi- 
 nifters; fome to reafon with them out of the fcrlptures; others to ad- 
 drefs their confciences ; others to apply to the afTe^ions; and all in 
 their manner and meafure to fpeak of the things of God. I found it 
 was eminently ferviceable many times, when I could obtain the help of 
 piy brethren. Indeed, there is fomething natural in it, befides what I 
 have obferved already : new faces ; new voices ; a new method, all tend 
 to draw the attention of hearers: and hence, they were fometimcs 
 caught, by the fame truths that had been offered them divers times be- 
 fore. I have reafon to biefs God that he has fent fo many of his fervanfs 
 along by us, and inclined them to help us from time to time. I have not 
 found it a difadvantage to keep open the pulpit door to minifrers; but 
 fee many ill confcquenccsof a contrary practice in other places. Thofe 
 that have received fpiritual benefit among us from the preaching of o- 
 thers, allow me as good a (hare of their good-will, as chofe that have 
 been more efpecially benefited by my preaching. But where all thofe 
 that were looked upon as favourites of the extraordinary work in the 
 land muft fland off; or through vafl difficulties liberty has been obtain- 
 ed for them to preach ; I think many ill things have followed that 
 ilrangencfs, and fear many more are upon the back of them. 
 
 Being returned again to my own particular charge, I endeavoured 
 to purfue the great ends of the miniflry in the bell manner that I could ; 
 and I don't remember that I preached a fermon through the month, 
 without fome manifcft tokens of the prefence of God in our aflem- 
 blies. Many were awakened and conviftions were deep: it plainly ap- 
 
Chap. 5. *» ike eighteenth Century. 24? 
 
 pcared by the diftirKH: accounts given, that the concern was no fudden 
 fright, nor the eHc<ft of fancy, nor yet the alone drivings of natural 
 conCciencc, but a clear and real fenfe of fin and its direful confequents, 
 raifed in the mind from a rcaliling fenfe of the majedy and holineis v( 
 God, the purity and IhicVnels of the divine law. i-'copic iiocked 10 my 
 ftudy daily, and in great numbers, deeply wounded, and the errand wjs 
 to lay open the Itate of their louls, and receive diredion. Somciinics 
 I had thirty in a day; and fometimcs many more, ail upon the grand 
 aliairs of their fouls. 
 
 Many with the greateft freedom confelfcd, that though they h.id a 
 name to live tkiey were dead in trefpa/fcs and ilns: and this not only in 
 private, but to numbers at once. They did not think it matter of t.f- 
 fence, if their neighbours believed them when they faid it: they Ipake 
 feniibly of it, as we might cxpc.51 a condemned miiiefacftor would do if 
 he was going to the place of execution. They would folcmnly declare 
 that they never knew what real union to Ghrift war,; that they were 
 Grangers to fcnlible communion with the Father and his Son Jefus, and 
 to the temper of the gofpel; and had refted eafy with merely external 
 communion, or the form ofGodlinefs. Their diiii cflcd countenances and 
 free and frequent confelhons that they were yet in the bonds of iniqui- 
 ty together with their warnings to others, never to rell until they knev/ 
 Chrilt was formed in them, proved awakening to many profelfors, and 
 put them upon the fearch, and inquiry into the reafons of their hope; 
 and fome were ihaken orf'from their old foundation, fuppofing they 
 had built upon the fand, whilA others had the more peace in belicvinr. 
 The like eficfts, fometimcs more, and fometimes kfs obfervable, con- 
 tinued through the Summer. There were alfo many inftances, (and the 
 number was daily increa(ing) of perfons filled with great joy and com- 
 fort. 'Twas common to hear of, and to fee them overcome, and faint- 
 ing under high difcoveries of God rjsjconciled in Chrift. Sofiie alfo I 
 have feen overcome with concern for others; and fonietimes their con- 
 cern terminated on particular perfons that they feared were in a fiate of 
 iin. 
 
 The converfation of the people in general was religious. If at anv 
 time neighbours met, the great arfairs of falvation were liio fubfcd oV 
 difcourfe. In the llreets, in the fields, and in private houfes the dif- 
 courfe was inlh-uclive : fome enquiring the way to life: others in their 
 proper fphere, endeavouring to help the difheifed by their humble ad- 
 vice and counfel : fome that knew the terrors of the Lord, would per- 
 fuade the carelels, and modeflly recommend the grace of God Kv their 
 acceptance, from their own experience of its fweetnefs.— And as there 
 were frequent inquiries about the things of infinite concern, fb theie 
 was a great increafe of knowledge in religious matters. Accordinf^ to 
 the belt obfervation I could make, I believe, the people advanced more 
 in their acquaintance with the fcriptures, and a true docrinal under- 
 flanding of the operations of the Holy Spirit in conviction, regenera- 
 tion, and fanftification, in fix months time, than they had done in the 
 
 \vhole of my miniftry before, which was nine years. Nor was ihi-^ 
 
 9II, but n>any evidently looked upon fjn with abhorrence : they appear 
 
24i> Succrfs Cff the Gofpel in /America Book IV. 
 
 ed to be renewed in the fpirit of tlieir minds : bittemefsjand wrath, and 
 anger, and clamour, and evil-fpcaking, feemed to be put away from 
 them, with all malice: their fruit was unto holinefs: love to God and 
 man, with their genuine fmits were increafing. Rough and haughty 
 minds became peaceful, gentle" and cafy to be intreated. Lowlinefsy 
 long-fu/fcring, forbearance, a courteous deportment, beneficence, and 
 tender-hcartcdncfs, njceknefs and moderation, to all appearance, feemed 
 to increafc abundantly. And alfo a delight in Chrifiian fellowrtiip, in 
 breaking of bread and in prayer. I think it cannot be expelled that 
 men, in their general courfr, (hould give clearer evidences of a Chrif- 
 tian temper formed in them, than many did in that feafon : their faith 
 worked by love, and difcovered itfelf in afts of piety towards God^ cha- 
 rity and righrcoufnefs towards men, and fobriety towards themfelves. 
 
 \Vc liad fome fpecial feafons of divine influence in that time, both 
 upon converted and unconverted, which I muft not now relate : it 
 •would make the account too long; but I cannot pafs over ourPente- 
 coll, on the i ith day of the following Oftober : I preached from Pfal. 
 ii. 12. upon the n^ature and neceflity of faith in Chrift; and then ad- 
 miniftred the facrament of the Lord's-fupper, to near three hundred 
 
 fouls, as I judge. 'T-was a day never to be forgotten; but, I think, 
 
 ought to be rcmembred with holy wonder and gratitude by all that wete 
 prei'ent. The houfe of the Lord was full of the glory of the Lord. It 
 pierces me to the heart, that any have ever attempted to throw darknefs 
 over the rich grace of God that was fo clearly difcovered ; or to mffre- 
 prcfent tiie gracious effefts of thofe difcoveries that were made to many, 
 
 Though we had enjoyed much of the gracious prefence of God in 
 
 ,our affemblies before, yet, I think, never faw fo much at any time as on 
 that day ; efpecially, when the Lord's fupper was adminiftred, God 
 ^po ired out his vSpirit in a wonderful meafure. I fpake a few things 
 i.o the communicants, as I remember, concerning the mediatorial ex- 
 cellencies and the Iovq of Jefus Ghrift, when 1 came down to tlie com- 
 munion table, and began to break the bread; and then invited them all 
 to come to him as well as to his table; and allured them in his name, 
 that they Ihould be welcome to the rich treafures of his grace which 
 were open and free to all that would come. I had no fooner offered 
 fome things of this nature in a few (hort hints, but feveral of the church 
 cried oHt in raoft bitter accents of their piercing the Lord Jefus Chrift 
 by their unbelief, and fliewed the figns of diftrefsin their countenances; 
 whilft many fcores were dilTolving in tears. A confiderable number 
 trembled in the anguilh of their fouls, as though they had heard the 
 thunderings and feen the lightnings from the thick cloud ; whilfl many 
 more began to put on immortality, almoft, in the look of their faces. 
 I could not but think that the Lord Jefus was come to his table, and 
 feafting their fouls with his love, difcovering his mediatorial glories to 
 them; letting them tafle of his precioufnefs, and opening to them the 
 my ftcrious wonders of his grace. Their looks were all love, adoration, 
 wonder, delight, admiration, humility. In (hort, it looked to me a re- 
 femblance of heaven; where the Ihining hofls of angels and glorified 
 faints are ever before the throne of God, in the loweft proftration, cry- 
 
 \ 
 
f 
 
 Chap. 5". in tf^s eighteenth Century. 247 
 
 ing, Holy, holy, holy Lord God, " Thou art worthy to receive glory, 
 and honour, and power, and blcffing, and thankfgiving." Some of 
 thofe in diltrefs, about the end of the diflribution of the bread, appear- 
 ed to be in a calm, and before the cup was poured they fccmed to have 
 a delightful fenfc of fomcthing upon their minds: their looks were 
 changed from anguiili to plcafurc and admiration, love and humility, 
 
 and the like. 1 made minutes of my remarks and fcntiments, in my 
 
 diary ; and Irnd that, upon the bcft evidence I could gain by convcrfing 
 with particular perfons afterwards, I had fallen far ihortin myobfcTva- 
 tionsat the rime, of what was really difcovortd to many fouls, and the 
 
 power of the golpd felt upon their hearts. Many old Chrifiians told 
 
 me they had never feen fo much of the glory of the Lord, and the riches 
 of his grace, iwx felt fo much of the power of the gofpel before: they 
 had never feen I'o clearly the inlinite ocean of divine love; never beea 
 fo fenfible of the love of God to them; nor had fuch flrong love fo 
 clearly in cxercife to him. Several of them had the full affurance of 
 faith, wlio had been feeking after it for many years, but^vere denied till 
 
 that time. New Converts were greatly refreOied and quickened. 1 
 
 cannot doubt whether they had the prefcnce of the Comforter: Chrift 
 then appeared more lovely than the princes of this world: they " fac 
 under his ihadow with great delight, and his fruit was fweet to their 
 tafte:" they were feafled in his banqueting-bonfe, and his banner o- 
 ver them was love : they could not fupport themfelves, many of them, 
 under the weight of it, they were fo deeply afRvted with it. Had not 
 Chrifl: put underneath his everlalting arms for their fupport, I know 
 not, but many would haVe expired under the weight of divine benefits. 
 
 And befides all this, I think, wc have a good evidence of the faving 
 
 converfion of feveral of the communicants at the fame time. The fc* 
 vcral difcoveries they gave an account of, together with the efl"e<fi:s thefe 
 difcovcries produced in a law-work, and a true clofure with Jefus 
 Chrill, gave me confiderable hope of it ; and a long time fince to obferve 
 their pious life and holy converfation, confirms my firfl: hope that \t 
 
 was a reality and no deception. 1 am perfuadcd the marvellous grace 
 
 of God appearing at that feafon, is admired by hundreds among us here 
 in time, and will be much more admired by the armies of faints and an- 
 gels throughout eternity. Chrift came like a roe or a young harf j 
 
 he looked forth at the window, 'a ndjhewed himlelf through the lattefs ! 
 I never faw fuch a love-feaft before ! he fpake the word and it was 
 done; he faid, " Rife up, my love, ray fair one, and come away:" and 
 lo, the Winter was part, the rain was over and gone: all invited us to 
 come and partake of the Divine joys which the near approach of th© 
 Sun of righteoufnefs produce. O that he would " return like a roe, 
 or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether ! " that he would make 
 hafte to perfefl his loving-kindnefs to us. 
 
 Since that time, we have had many refrediing fealbns, both in public 
 worfhip and more private alfemblies; and many hopeful converfions. 
 Nor are public and private meetings the only places.of thefe influences 
 and effefts; theclofet, the field, the ftiop, and the kitchen, areallwit- 
 ncfles to them. 'Twas no uncommon thi.ng for Chriftians to be over- 
 
248 Siiccefs cfthe Go/pel in America Book IV, 
 
 come in their private retirements, as they have told me : in meditation 
 at fometimes, and converfation at others, Divine truth has been fet in 
 a clear light, and they have been made to know the truth of the gofpel 
 of the bleifed God. But the work has not appeared in a general way, 
 fo powerful iince, as it did the Hrft eight or nine months; indeed God 
 gives witnefs to tlic truth of thefe things, at times, more or lefs, unto 
 
 this day; and will, I trult, until the end, The work, as I obferved, 
 
 began chieily among the youth, and fo it has been carried on chiehy a- 
 jnong them : they left their fports, aad grew flck of their youthful a- 
 mnfements: but it was not among them alone; the difeafe (as fome 
 called it in dcriCon) did not Hop here. Many of middle and old age 
 ■were alarmed, and fome of them, to appearance, favingly converted. 
 Three or four upwards of fifty, two near feventy, and one ninety- 
 three years old, I trufl:, were turned from darknefs to light, from 
 the power of lin and Satan unto God. Several perfons that were not- 
 ed for immorality and fome others that were not fo openly marked 
 out, were brought to confefs their finful deeds, not by conftraint but 
 of their own accord, and are now joined in our communion, and I 
 hope, are GhrilHans indeed. And there are fome few inftances of 
 the com.errion of thofe that bitterly oppofed the work at firft: 
 fuch as have gone to hear fermons, with delign, as they confefs, to 
 
 cavil and oppofe, have been taken. rOne or two, that fuppofed 
 
 thcmiclves converted, greatly rejoiced in the work at firft, when the 
 people were under deep convi(ftions *. the concern they well under- 
 ilood, and thought it rcafonable, and were pleafed to fee fo much re- 
 formation, they themfelves having gone fo far ; but when perfons came 
 to rejoice in God, and to be overcome with the love of God, and to 
 tell of the excellencies of Chrill, it was all foolilhnefs to them ; they 
 grev/ all enmity and oppofltion ; but were afterwards made to fee 
 that they fettled down upon their reformations; were -enemies to 
 God themfelves and Grangers to Chrifl ; and hnce then are brought 
 to rejoice in God alfo. Some others who M'ere under diftrelTmg con- 
 cern at firft, and very forward to promote eveiy thing that feemed a 
 probable jiieanspf good, are fmce turn'd zealoufly averfe to the work, 
 cfpecially to the comforts and joys of Chriftians. It has been ob- 
 ferved by many, that fuch as weremoft eminent for religion before, 
 have been friendly and forward to encourage this work ; and they have 
 been ?bundantly quickned and refrelhed. Several of them are fince 
 dead, and went oli' triumphing over the king of terrors, in full a flu - 
 ranee of hope. Many that were greatly affefted and concerned for a 
 while are grown eufy and corelcfs as formerly; tho' there is a number 
 
 tinto this day remaining under conviftions. 1 do not remember 
 
 any two inllances among us that ever gave me fatisfadion of their con- 
 verfion, but what flill raanifell comfortable figns of the truth and 
 reality of it. And if we may give credit to the accounts perfons give 
 of a clear law-work, and a work of effe6lual grace wrought upon 
 their hearts; after it has been ftrengthned by frequent repeated" ac- 
 counts of their communion with God, and a fpiritual converfation and 
 good life, in a geneial courfe, for feveral years together, I have reafon 
 
chap. 5. t» the eighteenth Century. 249 
 
 to hope above One hundred and eighty fouls belonging to this congre- 
 gation, have met with a faving change, fince the beginning of the late 
 glorious cffuiion of the holy Spirit among us; befides the frequent, 
 and more than common quicknings and refreQiings of others that were 
 hopefully inChrift fome years before. And, perhaps, we have a confir- 
 ming tcilimony of the truth of the work, above what fome others have 
 had, in the vifible mceknefs, forbearance, love, forgivenefs, and the 
 like, with which they h.ive generally behaved themfclves in the time of in- 
 jurious calumnies; when the.work of God, and their perfonalconduft 
 have been mifrcprefeiitcd. We have had times of lingular trial and 
 
 temptation: what would try every vein in a man's heart.' But in 
 
 all this day of difficulty, our new converts as well as others, in gene- 
 ral came tbrth as gold from the furnace. I would fpeak it to the 
 praife of free and rich grace that has abounded to them ; and hope they 
 will ever carry it in their minds that the Lord has been their Ihength 
 and their IhielJ, and their helper in a time of trouble. 
 
 But perhaps you are ready to wonder, and fay within yourfelf; 
 What, is all pure at Lyme? Has there been nothing from whence 
 thefe formidable accounts, we have had among us about that people, 
 PiOuld arile ? What means the xmhappy reprefentations that have 
 been given of us ? No doubt, Sir, there have been many things amifs : 
 I thought fo from the beginning, and I think fo IHU. The Spirit of 
 God has been grieved by queftions and ftrife about words ; by evil 
 furmifings and perverfe difputings; by many foolifti and hurtful lulls. 
 The work of God's grace has been oppofed by perfons under convic- 
 tions, by their ftanding out againfl: the calls given them to believe in 
 the name of him whom he has fent, and by perfons that have been 
 diffafFeclred to this rich grace. — Some were difpofed to cavil and find fault 
 with the work and all themcafuresufed for the carrying of it on from the 
 beginning. Some I thought a little intemperate in their zeal at times, 
 and for fome things that it was hardly worth while to contend about. 
 
 — 'I have feen reafon to alter ray own conduct in feveral things. 
 
 Particularly, to treat thofe that oppofe the work with great candour 
 and mildnefs, and to addrcfs myfelf to all conditions of men with 
 more tendernefs than I did feveral rimes. 
 
 But when 1 have taken theutmoft care that none might beofiended, 
 I have reafon to think that my unlkilfulnefs in and unworthinefs of 
 the great honour God has put upon me, in making me the father of 
 many fpiritual children, has prejudiced many perfons againft it. Yec 
 there was fo much purity, prudence and care in the condu£l of the 
 fubjedls of this grace, and fo little irregularity for four or five of the 
 firft months, that the mod prudent, obferving and judicious have 
 mentioned it to me with wonder and pleafure, as well as with thank- 
 fulnefs to God, that they could obferve nothing worth the notice of 
 any tho' watching to find an occafion. But towards the hitter end of 
 the Summer I obferved feveral things that fome perlbns were difpo- 
 fed to, which ftained the purity, and hindred the progrefs of the re- 
 jtiformation. The vaft elieem we had of Mr. Davenport, In fome mea- 
 '^'''fure prepared us to have a better opiniou of hiscondudt when became 
 VOL. II. I i 
 
25<3 Succefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 nmong us; tho' I do not remember that any of us were pleafed with 
 all his meafures. Some things which I have heard of his praftifmg in 
 other places, I know ivothing of his praftifing here. It was faid that he 
 judged of minifters, by name, as unconverted, in a publick manner, 
 but that I knew not of then, tho' I heard him do it in one inftance 
 fmce that time. It was faid that he ufed Ibange methods to fcare 
 people into fits, and did not take pains to inftru6t their minds; but I 
 cannot charge him with any fuch thing among us. I heard him preach 
 feveral fermons which were as inftruftive and fearching as any fermons, 
 perhaps, that ever I heard in my life. His zeal was great, and fo did 
 his charity appear to be. Vet I have fometimes thought that his com- 
 ing over to the Main that Summer of general concern was the occafi- 
 on of much hurt. Befure I have repented of exchanging pulpits with 
 him : many prejudices were flirred up and increafed againft the revi- 
 val of religion thereby. But after all I fee no more of a fauk in that 
 than in minifters admitting him into their pulpits: nor could 
 that be deemed a matter of public complaint when he was in a good 
 
 Handing with all the churches. And tho* he did, I believe, mifs- it 
 
 greatly in fome points, and greatly prejudice perfons againft religion, 
 yet it muft be acknowledged that he was made a great blelTmg to many 
 fouls; but efpecially to the MoheganandNahauntuc tribes of Indians. 
 Tho' much pains had been taken to win them to embrace the gofpel 
 before, yet nothing feemed to have any confiderable exTe<fl: until Mr. 
 Davenport came among them : But the pains he took were eminently 
 blelTed to incline them to receive inftrudlion, and to awaken a great 
 concern in many about their eternal welfare. I greatly love him for 
 his eminent piety, but I cannot juftify all his meafures. 
 
 I perceive that there are great complaints of vafl: miquities, error, 
 dlfcord, and enthufiafm generally prevailing among the new converts 
 in the land. But I hope the complaints are generally groundlefs, and 
 things have been mifreprefented. No people, I believe, have had a 
 larger fhare of fuch charges than thofe of this place : and knowing that 
 the complaints are generally without grounds here, I would perluade 
 myfelf that they are generally fo in other places. The new converts 
 are reprefented as guilty of monftrous uncharitablenefs and raUi judg- 
 ing fome among us, I think, have been to blame in their judging of 
 the ftate of others : but the error has been chiefly on tliat which 
 is called the charitable fide. Pretty much as it has been common 
 m fome places where relations have been offered by perfons in or- 
 der to their admilfioa to communion: if perfons could fay any thing 
 ^Imoft, about a divine influence upon their fouls, at once they were 
 ready to vote them converted. But, generally fpeaking, there has been 
 u great reformation of that evil: our new converts, as far as I can ob- 
 ferve, are very prudent on that account: they fufpend giving any judg- 
 ment at all, on either llde, before tliey have that which they think is 
 the amount of two witneiles. They do not judge of their neighbours 
 to be unconverted as the country has beeen amufed (and as I fuppofe, 
 Mr. Davenport did fome minifters) unlefs the courfe of their life is ma- 
 nifeilly carnal and vitious. But as vre do not look upon ourfelves 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century, 2CI 
 
 bound to judge a man converted becaufe he is a profefTor, and orderly 
 in his life, (efpecicilly if he declares himfelf unconverted, and by dis- 
 courfe feems to ihow himfelf a ftranger to Chrift) fo neither do any, 
 that I know of, allow themfelves to judge a man unconverted, who is 
 a profefTor, and of a good life and harmlefs convcrfatiou in his gene- 
 ral courfe. The country has alfo been ftrangely amufed with a notion 
 of trances, vifions, extraordinary miflions, and immediate revelati- 
 ons. It has been reprefented as tho' thefe were common among the 
 new converts. I have had a very extenfive and perfonal acquaintance 
 with the converts in the late feafon of grace ; and among the thoufands 
 that I have converfed with, I have not met with a fcore that preten- 
 ded to any fuch things : yea I doubt if half that number are to be found in 
 all the churches of this government ; but however there may be one 
 inftance of this nature, among a thoufand that are not chargeable there- 
 with, we have been free from them, and I hope ever fliall. It is infi- 
 nuated as tho' the fubjefts of the late work were generally chargeable 
 with error in the doftrines they hold ; and thofe among us have been 
 as feverely charged on that account as any, perhaps, in the country. 
 Therefore, I may be allowed to clear oiF that imputation fo far as 
 they are innocent. I do not know of an inftance among our new con-- 
 verts, but who difapproves all thofe doclrincs that lead to licentiouf- 
 nefs, by highly approving fuch as inculcate holinefs. It is true, fince we 
 have been told that there is a coniiderable harmony between the prin* 
 ciples of new converts, and fome people that were peils to the churches 
 a little more than an hundred years ago, there has been much art ufcd 
 to reprefent that to be the cafe with us: Butfalvation is of the Lord; 
 and I truft, he will fave us from thefe groundlefs imputations. One 
 complaint is that unconverted minifters are incapable of being inftru- 
 ments of the converflon of others. This doftrine, I never met with 
 more than one that would own it as his opinion ; and he does not 
 belong to this place. I am of opinion that forae two or three peifons 
 went a little too near fuch doftrine; but as to our new converts the' - 
 
 mlftake was foon rectified. Yet, tho' we do not hold that fa- 
 
 ving grace is neceiTary to the being of the miniftry, fo that if he 
 who is unconverted fhould adminiller ordinances, his adminillrations 
 would be a nullity; our new converts and many others among us 
 are of opinion that the cafe of a perfon is very fad indeed, not only 
 when their minifter has not a good flock of knowledge, or is er- 
 roneous in his principles, or is not of good life and converfation, 
 but alfo when he has not experienced a work of faving grace upon his 
 own foul, and that for this reafon, viz. Becaufe unexperienced mi- 
 nifters will be very unlikely to encourage the power of godlinefs and 
 very likely to keep their people eafy, (i. e. ufe their endeavours to 
 dofo) with the dull form of religion. We have none among us that 
 withdrew from minifters under i notion of their being unconverted : 
 but fome have declined hearing fome minifters that have preached 
 among us, becaufe they had heard that they were generally cavil- 
 ling againrt: the extraordinary work. Nor do I know of any one of 
 our new converts chargeable ^yIth defpifing humau learning ; lligliting 
 
 I i 2 
 
'.•52 Succefs cf the Go/pel in /America Book IV. 
 
 fchools or colleges; fo depending upon the fpirit as to make it a Ihel- 
 ter for idlcnefs, or a neglcft of the diligent ufe of means, or to rerieft 
 difhoriour upon the written word of God, M'hen fnall I have done? 
 Do they vilify good works too? This has b^en charged upon us as 
 "well as others, no doubt. And thus far is true that Ibme /ew have 
 fpoken of works before juftiHcation in unfuitable language, and a 
 bold manner of expreffion ; but even thefe infbncts have been rare, 
 and are, I think, reformed. But asto good works con fide red in a gofpel 
 fenfe, Iknowof none of our new convertsbutfpeak highly of them, in- 
 fift upon them as neceflary, and, in their general courfe, are careful to 
 prafVife them. They feem to have a godly jcaloufy Icfl ihey ft-.ould 
 at any time fubftitute good works in the place of Chril] ; but they 
 feem 19 be faved from their fins, and to be zealous of good works. 
 Suffer rae to mention one thing more; our new GhrilHans are charged 
 •with denying fanftification to be the evidenccof a juPrified Hate. If any 
 one has pleaded for fuch a tenet in the face of the world, letbim anfwer 
 for hirafelf. I dare venture to deny that it is the principle of any of 
 the new converts fo far as I know their opinion of fuch a principle; 
 and have often heard many of them among us fpeak freely to the con- 
 trary. 
 
 Upon the whole, I am perfwaded there has been a wonderful work 
 of God's grace among us, and in many other places where I have been 
 acquainted ; and the forrows and joys that have been fo common, 
 ■u'ere produced in general by the operations of the holy Spirit upon 
 
 the fouls of men. The joys were thejoys of theChriftian, and not 
 
 wild, enthufialVick whims. I have met with few, among the thoufands 
 that I have converfed with (fome at home and others abroad) but 
 could give a rational account of their joys. The foundation of them 
 appeared to be laid in faith, which flowed out in praifes to God; felf- 
 abafement ; godly jealoufy, &c. I mufl confcfs that I am a ftranger 
 to the religious joys of new converts among us, after th? flri<fteft in- 
 quiry, andlong obfervation, if thefe are not the concomitants of their 
 joys. And the fame Imay fay of others in other places (fome few ex- 
 cepted) where I have been moft converfant with the fubje(fts of this 
 grace. Perhaps, if thofe that have fet themfelves tofpeak and write a- 
 gainfl the times had acquainted themfelves more intimately with the 
 fubjefts of thefe forrpws and joys, and depended lefs upon accounts 
 from thofe that never cared to converfc much with them, they would 
 have given jufter reprefentations of thefe things, and not have borne 
 falfe witnefs againA the glorious work of the late work of grace. 
 
 If. you think it for the glory of the Redeemer to fuffer the whole or 
 any part of this account to be publiflied ; you have my confent. 
 That you may have much of the prefence of God, and a great blefling 
 attending your labours in the miniflry, js the prayer of, Your affec- 
 tionate unworthy Brother, Jonathan Parsons. 
 Attestation to the above Account by Richard Lord, Efq; and 
 others of the Church in LymeWeJi-PariJh. 
 
 AVe the fubfcribing brethren of the firft church of Chrift in Lyme, 
 having heard our rev. Paftor read over the preceeding account of the 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 253 
 
 revival of religion, and being much acquainted with the fubjc£l:s of the 
 late work, as alfo with the circumftances of the raofl extraordinary 
 particulars related in the account (i. e. thofe which relate to this place) 
 do give our attcllation to the truth of the account, fo far as it refpe(fls 
 this place, according to the beft of our knowledge and judgment; tho' 
 we can't but be of opinion that much more might have been added to 
 fhow the glory of it among us. Richard Lord, Zpch ariaMarvin,. 
 John Denison, Moses Noyes, Joseph Mather the 3d. 
 
 Section XI. 
 
 On the firj} of Jpril 1 741, in the Eafl Parijlj of Lyme. By Meant 
 
 of Mr. TennenVs Preaching, And Mr. Parfons'. Crying-out. 
 
 Strangers come to fee and hear. Neighbouring Minifiers 
 
 preach. The greater Part who get Benefit do not cry out. Jn 
 
 hundred Englifh and thirteen Indians admitted into Church-Commu- 
 nion. triumphant Death of a young Man. Mr. Davenport 
 
 bleft to the Neantick Indians in this Parifh Tvuenty or up-war ds 
 
 of them hopefully converted. 1 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Grifwold Minifter at the Eaft Parifli of Lyme, to Mr. Prince 
 Minillerat Bolton, April 3. 1744. ChrilUan Hiftory, N o'66, &c. ] 
 
 R. S. According to your deiire I fhall endeavour to give you a fhort 
 but true and juft account of the wonderful work of God's grace in this 
 parifli. We as well as the reft of the country were grown very carelefs 
 and ftupid in matters of religion : but little of the life and power of 
 godlinefs was to be obferved among us ; yea, as to fundry, the form was 
 wanting. And I had reafon to fear family and fecret prayer was ncgledt- 
 ed by too many. Many wei;e very flack in attending the preaching of the 
 word on Sabbath and other times ; the communion was thin ; the world 
 and the follies and vanities of it profecuted ; befides open lins and vices 
 that fome run into. There was butlittle of good difcourfe to be obferv- 
 ed on the Lord's-day. Thus things run, 'till the rev. Mr. Whitefield 
 came into the country, and people began to talk of religion and the beft 
 things; but it did not feem to be with a feeling fenfe of it; and I do 
 not know of any great concern about the ftate of their fouls, but in 
 three perfons who belonged to this place at that time, which I hope 
 were converted in the latter end of the year 1 740, or the beginning of 
 the year 1741, before the remarkable concern began among us. It was 
 obferved, that in the Winter 1740-!, there feemed to be a greater fe- 
 rioufnefs and thoughtfulnefs than ufual in the minds of people about 
 the ftate of their fouls. This Winter the rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent 
 went to the Eaftward; and on his return, he preached two excellent 
 fermonsin this place April ift, 1741, and the people of this parifh 
 came generally together, and many from other places. Thefe fermons 
 were blefl^ed to a great (if not a general) awakening among my people ; 
 
 flnd two or three were deeply wounded : fo that they plainly difco- 
 
 vered it in their looks and behaviour; and the concern fpread and in- 
 creafcd, and was vifibk in the f^^e pf the copgregatign on the Lord's- 
 
1^4 Sucre/} of the (Icfpef in America Book IV. 
 
 days, and other times of public worlhip; and Tome were diftreiied that 
 they were To llupid as not to be concerned. The concern fpread and in- 
 crcafed apace, and evening religious meetings v/ere let up. The 14th 
 of April in the evening, the rev. Mr. Parfonsminifter ofthc firft parifh 
 in this town preached at one of the evening meetings at a private houfe 
 in this place. The word fell with great power on fundry, who were 
 deeply wounded under a fcn(e of fin and divine wrath. Some had fits, 
 fome fainted; and it was obfervable, that God madeufe of the concern 
 in fome to create a concern in others: and fome that did not appear 
 much concerned when the public exercife was ended ; yet feeing others 
 diftreHed, fell into deep diftrefs under a conviction of fin and the fenfe of 
 Divine wrath due to them. Some hours were fpent in praying with and 
 counfelling the diftreffed; and cautioning them that they did not grow 
 carclefs as to the IVatc of their fouls, and to watch againlt the temptati- 
 ons of the devil; and tofeek carnellly to God to convince, humble and 
 convert them. After this, crynigs-out at the preaching of the word were 
 frequent. Thefe things being the firft that had been fo remarkable in 
 any town or pariih near us, were much talked of; and many perfons 
 from other places came to fee and hear, and diflerent were perfons ap* 
 prehenlionsof it; fome taking it for a work of the Divine Spirit; o- 
 thers fufpending their judgments: very few, if any at this time, would 
 fay that they believed it to be a dclufive fpirit. 
 
 from the firft appearance of it among us I was perfuaded, that as to 
 the fubftance of it, it was the work of God, though accompanied with 
 fome unufuiil circumftances. (i .) Becaufe the diftrefl'ed perfons expref- 
 fed the fame. con vi^fiion of lin and fenfe of the wrath of God, that I ex- 
 pected they would uo if tiiat God came to work favingly on them by 
 the Holy Spirit. And as convicVions were wont when in a lower degree 
 to produce tears from the eyes and fadnefs in the countenance; I was 
 fatisfied that if God gave a clear difcovery of lin and his wrath, it would 
 have this eflfeil to caufe crying out, fainting and fits. (2.) Becaufe this 
 concern put perfons on feeking after and inquiring what they fliould do 
 to be faved; the fime thing that genuine conviiVions of the Spirit of 
 God were wont to do. (3.) ^^ flirred them up to attend the mean sof 
 converfion ; as reading God's word, hearing it preached, and prayer. 
 And other reafons that might be offered, but I forbear ; becaufe my de- 
 fign is to give a brief account of the work, rather than now to confirm 
 It to be a glorious worl: of the Spirit of God. 
 
 One thing remarkable was; that foon after this, there was a great 
 concern at a private houfe, among about ten perfons, where there had 
 been no preaching, praying, or any thing of that nature. And as I was 
 riding by, I was called in to pray with and to counfel them ; and fome 
 that came in to fee them were ftruck under convi£lion, and the mofl of 
 thefe perfons were foon after hopefully converted. Upon the religious 
 concern breaking out fo powerfully among us, weekly leftures were fet 
 wp; and fundry neighbouring miniflers came and preached to crowded 
 aflemblies: and perfons feemed glad to have opportunities to hear the 
 word preached : and evening le6hires, and other religious meetings, 
 were frequent. Now out-cries, fainting and fits were oft in meetings ; 
 
chap. 5. ifi the eighteenth Century. jr r 
 
 though the greater part of them that I hope experienced a fa'^ing change 
 did not make any out-cries; nor did they faint or have fits. 
 
 The work went on; and at the latter end of April, May, and June, 1 
 had realbn to hope about forty peifons experienced a faving change. 
 Now perfons converfation at all feafons, but efpecially on the I^rd's- 
 day, was ;ibout religion and the concerns of their fouls; though they 
 did not ncgleft and throw by their worldly bufinefs; but generally 
 the labour went on as well as ever. Some froin the depth of their con- 
 cern were for a ftiort time taken off tloeir labour, tho' not many days. 
 Now the greater part of the people fcer»ed ferioufly to mind and dif- 
 courfe about Cod, Ghrifl, and heavenly things.' Now it was frequent to 
 fee and hear young ones converfing with pleafure about the eternal con- 
 cerns of their fouls and their Saviour ; who but a few weeks before were 
 ferving their youthful luftsand vanities. Great was the viliblechange that 
 was among us. Some that were church-members before and hoped they 
 wereeonvcrted, were thrown off their hopes, and 'tis to be hoped have 
 been led to build on JefusChri ft received by faith. Some that it Is to be ho- 
 ped were converted before, have been much inlightened, iniivened and 
 comforted. And as the law-work In the heart in thefe days hath been 
 more deep and (harp than ufual heretofore ; fo, generall}-, perfons have 
 fooner pnifed through it; and when they have received comfort, their 
 joys have for the moll part been higher than formerly perfons had. I 
 have often obfcrved perfons In diftrefs, greatly afraid that they (hould 
 take up with a falfe hope, and fo be eternally undone. And I have fomc- 
 tlmes obferved v'hen perfons have hopefully had a difcovcry of the 
 grace >3f God in Chril't, that they have faid, they law fuch glory, fucli 
 excellency and beauty in Jefus Chrill, that they could not exprefs it; 
 and their hearts have Teemed to be raifed w^^ in a fiame of love to Jefus 
 Chrift. The high experience of many in tins day of grace, hath caufed 
 fundry that were looked on as good Ghriftians to queftlon their own 
 eftate; and have thereby been put on a more careful examination of 
 themfelves. It hath been frequent for perfons to be in great dircrefsfoir 
 others, fo as to be overcome thereby. Many have had fuch difcoveries 
 of the love of God and Ghriff, as to be overcome, and to loi'e their bo- 
 dily ftrength thereby: not only perfons hopefully converted fincc 
 this remarkable i-eligious concern, but thofe that have been former- 
 ly converted. Though the work hath been chiefly among younger 
 people, yet fome of all ages have been hopefully wrought upon. Sun- 
 dry children feemed greatly moved, and fome hopefully converted. 
 From the ift of April 1741, for fome months, feldom a fermon was 
 preached here but there was fome viiible effe»St of it either in perfons 
 crying-out. under a fenfe of fin and divine wrath, or overcome with a 
 fenfe of the love of God and Chrift. Perfons long overcome with a fenfe 
 of the love of God, fo as to have their bodily ftrength taken away, has. 
 been a great llumbling to fome. They coidd not lee through fuch great 
 joys they never had felt, and were ready to think it was not of Gotl. 
 And indeed to fay, there was not any falfe joy, ICuinot; but I am 
 perfuaded from the account that fundry have given, nie as die fpring of 
 
456 Succefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 their joy, that they have been wonderfully filled with the love of God|*. 
 and have had joy unfpeakable and full of glory. 
 
 Since the remarkable concern, there hath been admitted into the 
 communion of the church in this fmall place an hundred Englifh, and 
 thirteen Indians; and all thefe, except two or three, give hopeful figns 
 of a faving work of God's Spirit on their hearts. A mercy for which 
 God be adored. 
 
 Sometime about the latter end of Auguft 1 741, to the beginning of 
 "Winter, the work of conyiftion ceafed in a great meafure; and in De- 
 cember it much revived again, and fundry were hopefully converted, 
 and faints edified. Indeed the work has not been fo powerful at any 
 time as it was the firfl: three months after it began fo remarkably, April 
 1741. I have all along taken care. to caution perfons againft laying 
 weight on crying out, fainting, and fits, as figns or marks of converfion. 
 Convcrfion may be and often is without them ; and people have been 
 put in mind, that extafics of joy, confidered in themfelves, are not evi- 
 dences of a faving change ; and have been taught, " That true conver- 
 fion is an inward work of the Spirit of God, turning the finner from 
 darknefs to ligbt, from Satan to God, and from fin to holinefs; it 
 brings the heart to embrace Jefus Chrift." And if thefe things are not 
 wrought in a perfon, he is not converted, whatever difirefs or joy he 
 may have had. The great imprelfion that divine things feemed to have 
 on perfons minds, fo as to engrofs all their converfation, feems to be 
 much abated. I don't know that I have reafon to think one foul hath 
 been converted in this place for more than a year paft. Thofe that I 
 have reafon to fear are unconverted, feem to be fiupid and unaffedled. 
 And fome of them to have loft the concern that they had when the re- 
 markable concern firftcame among us. And the faints are not fb oftca 
 filled with divine light and joy as was common about two years part. 
 So that the work feems to be declining, though means are ufed to pre- 
 vent it. Weekly lectures and religious meetings are kept up in the pa- 
 rilh ; but people don't flock to them as they did two years and an half 
 ago. I preach, and get fome of my brethren in the minifiry to preach 
 in fome part of the parifli once, twice, or jfometimes thrice in a week. 
 The intermilllon between the public exercifes on the Lord's-days are 
 generally filled up with praying, finging, and reading. 
 
 There h3th been but little of enthufiafm and extravagancy among 
 us. I have reafon to blefs God, that he hath fo much preferved the 
 people of my charge from extravagancies. I don't know of any of my 
 people that are difpofed to forfake the written word of God to follow 
 Impulfes and iraprelTions. We have had no feparations and divifions, 
 neither do this people approve of or encourage them that I know of; 
 though they have been difpofed to think charitably of fome that in o- 
 ther places have feparated. We have had very few that have openly 
 oppofed orTpoke againft the work that hath been among us, except it 
 be perfons of other perfuafions. 
 
 Here it may not be amifs to give a (hort account of a young man 
 that belonged to this pariQi, and died here laft Auguft. He was one 
 that was hopefully converted in the year 1 74 1 . lie appeared for fome 
 
chap. 5. ift the eighteenth Century. 257 
 
 time after his converfion very much engaged about religion ; and then, 
 by degrees, feemed to grow more cold and indifferent : but nothing in- 
 conflftent with grace appeared in him. Sometime in Augufl: laft he was 
 taken fick : great was the diftrefs of his mind : he bitterly bewailed that 
 he had To much forfakjen God. Before his death, the Lord was pleafed 
 to lift up the light of his countenance upon him; great was the joy of 
 his heart in the Lord. He fent for many of his acquaintance; and, 
 in a very moving manner, warned them not to depart from the Lord 
 as he had done. ' He defired his parents and relations not to mourn for 
 him; for he was allured that he was going to polTefs a crown of glory 
 that fades not away. For about twenty-four hours before he died, he 
 feemed to be in an cxtafy of joy, and fo remained till he could fpeak 
 no longer ; and, when he was fpeechlefs, he, by iigns, deflred the com- 
 pany to fing praifes to God ; and, when they feemed backward, he was 
 the more carneft, and took Dr. Watt's Hymns, and turned them to the 
 third Hymn of The fccond Book offpiritualSongs^, and by figns urged 
 them to fing, which they did ; and he endeavoured to join them as 
 well as he could : and then, with eyes and hands lift up, fell afleep. 
 
 Seeing I have mentioned fomething of the Indians, and the head 
 quarters of the Neantick Indians being within the limits of this parhh; 
 I (hall write a few things of the wonderful work of God's grace among 
 them : a poor ignorant people, that for ages part have lived without 
 God in the world ; that did not feem to have any thing of religion a- 
 mong them; generally given to Sabbath-breaking, but efpecially to 
 drunkennefs, and thereby kept themfelves very poor and low in the 
 world. Some years pall: there were attempts, by preaching the gofpel, 
 and a fchool among them, to bring them out of their heathenifh ftate, 
 to the knowledge of the true God, and the embracement of the gof- 
 pel of our Lord Jefus Ghrill;: but to fo little good cffedi, that it was 
 given over. After the remarkable concern among us 1741, I made an 
 offer to go among them, and preach to them ; but not receiving any 
 encouragement from them, that they would come to hear me, I did 
 not go. About the beginning of Auguft 1741, the rev. Mr. Daven- 
 port of Long-Illand came and preached to them; and fome of thcra 
 were hopefully converted by his miniffry, and fome others awakened. 
 And after that, the religious concern not only continued among them, 
 but increafed for a confiderable time ; and there are twenty, or upward, 
 of this tribe of Indians that have been hopefully converted. And fince 
 that time, the greater part of them have been careful to attend the 
 preaching of the word on the Lord's-day, and other opportunities. 
 When the religious concern came among thefe Indians, mcft of them, 
 and that even thofeof them that have not been thought to have expe- 
 rienced a faving change, very much left off their excelTive drinking and 
 Sabbath-breaking. Though of them that have not been thought to 
 be converted, a few of them feem to be returning to their old habit of 
 
 a Why do we mourn departing friends 1 
 Or fhake at death's alarms? 
 'Tis but the voice that Jefus fends 
 Tg call them to his arms, &c. 
 VOL. 11, K k 
 
258 Succefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 cxcefTive drinking. And of them that have been hopefully converted 
 and church-members, there hath been two or three inftances of excefe: 
 but they foon manifeltcd deep repentance for it. Thofe of the Indians 
 that have been hopefully converted, have feemed to live near to God, 
 and to have much of the Divine prefence with them ; and have been of- 
 ten comforted and refreilied, and filled with admiration of the wonder- 
 ful grace of God to them. It is to be obferved, that the great fenfe of 
 divine things feems to be in a great meafure abated among thofe Indians 
 as well as among the Englifli. The Indians not living all of them con- 
 flantly here (they not having a fufficient quantity of land to fupport 
 themfclves and families, but at times go from us where they can find 
 •work) fome of them have joined to other churches. And of them that 
 I hope have experienced a faving change, fome, through fears and 
 fcriiples of their own good eftate, are not, as yet, joined with any 
 church. Thus I have given a very fliort account of the wonderful and 
 remarkable work of God's grace. Let God have all the praife and glory 
 of it. And let us, with united hearts, fupplicate theGo4 of all grace, 
 that he v/iU not fulfer his own work to languilh and die: hut that he 
 will pour out his Spirit more plentifully than ever, in the awakening, 
 conviiStion and converfion of finners, and in the inlightening, quicken- 
 ing and confolation of faints. I defire your prayers forme, my people 
 and the Indians; and fubfcribe myfelf, Your friend and brother in gof- 
 pel bonds," George Guiswold. 
 
 S E C T I O H XII. 
 
 //; the fame Seafon (viz. Spring 1741J at Sutton in the County of 
 
 Worccfter in iht MaJJachufetts. Juf} -when their Minifler Mr. 
 
 Hall had Thoughts of leaving them through Defpair of Succefs. 
 
 The occafional Preaching of Mr. Edwards , Mr. Parkman 
 
 and Mr. Prentice hleffed to them. The concern feized on People in 
 
 the Houfe, in the Highiuay, in the l/oods, ^itc. while thinking onjpi' 
 
 ritual Things. Imprudent ConduSf of one or two did Hurt. 
 
 On Air. Daniel Rogers coming, the IVork was confiderably revived. 
 
 Not the Wifdom of Man's Words. The fure Proof of its bei»^ 
 
 from God, in its Fruits. Perfons of different J ges. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Hall Minlfter at Sutton, to Mr. Prince Minifterat Bofton, May 
 2«th, 1744. Chriftian Hiftory, N ° 73, &c. ] 
 
 " As to the matter you was pleafed fome months ago, to write to 
 me about, refpecling the rife and progrefs of the work of God among 
 lis, more efpecially in the late remarkable day of the Lord's vifitation 
 of his people : I have drawn up a brief account, which is as follows. 
 
 It is more than fifteen years fince I was fettled here in the miniftry : 
 when there were about eighty families in the town. When I firft came 
 among this people, which was in the year 1 728, 1 was wholly unappriz- 
 ed of their condition, both as to their moral and religious chara£lcr: 
 but before I was ordained their paftor, the fcene opened itfelf to my 
 view, in fundry refpefts, very dark and melancholy : which filled me 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 259 
 
 with many difcouraghig apprehenfions as to my fettUng with them: 
 and a fenfe of the grcatnefs of the work in general, and of fome pecu- 
 liar difficulties and hazards attending roy fettring among this people, 
 plunged me into deep diftrefs. But however, fome days before my or- 
 dination, I was made to hope, that as dark as things now were, I £hould 
 behold the glory of the Lord in this place, in the advancements of the 
 kingdom of grace among this people: and I believe it was from God. 
 And I frequently have experienced fupport and quickening from this 
 hope, in die midft of fome very gloomy paffages of providence, that 
 have iincc paffed over me. There was foon after my fettling here, by 
 the favour of God, fome confiderable abatement of that too common 
 profanenefs and fome other vicious practices vifiblc among us. And 
 within the fpace of two years we had a very large addition to the church 
 more than doubling the number of communicants. After this, there ap- 
 peared a gradual abatement of religious concern ; and for the fpace of 
 live years there was little appearance of the Spirit of conviftion among 
 this people. During this term, a raging fever fwept away a confiderable 
 number in a fudden and awful manner. Yet few if any were obferved 
 to Ihift their courfes: the filthy were filthy fiill; or rather growing 
 more fo, to appearance: and a vifible fymptom of a fpirit of fiumbring 
 attended profeffors among us. 
 
 In the year i 71,5, the great concerns of religion, in fome confiderable 
 degree appeared to move upon the hearts of many among us. At which 
 time it came into my mind, (and I truft it was from God,) to vifit the 
 people of my charge, and to apply myfelf particularly to every one that 
 was arrived to years of underfi:anding ; that I might know the fiiate of 
 the flock; and make particular application to theconfciences of young 
 and old among us. This appeared to be attended with fome very hope- 
 ful fymptoms of fuccefs. At this time, family meetings were fet up in 
 four parts of our town. Articles were alfo drawn up and fubfcribed by 
 fome, if not all of faid focieties, by which each neighbourhood or family- 
 fociety, were obliged to attend the fet times of their meetings which was 
 once a month: and alfo engaged themfelves to exercife a mofi: peculiar 
 watchfulnefs over each other ; to be free in brotherly admonition ; and 
 frequent in religious converfation one with another. A number of 
 young men among us alfo -about the fame time formed themfelves in a 
 fociety; to be helpers of one another in the way of the kingdom of Hea- 
 ven. At thefe meetings they frequently had a fermon preached to them. 
 And fome things now began for a while to look hopeful among us. 
 Thefe religious meetings, were moftly,if notall, continued, till the late 
 remarkable revival among us. Yet not fo but that in about five years 
 fpace, the general face of religion among us was funk dqwn to a very 
 low and melancholy ebb indeed. ' 
 
 God was pleafed wonderfully to convince me of this, on the latter 
 end of April 1740, and greatly to humble me; and with a moft fweet 
 and gracious band of love drew out my foul to look after my high cal- 
 ling in Chrift Jefus. Now I was again at this time filled with an encou- 
 raging perfuafion, that I fhould behold the power of religion reviving 
 among us in the convcrrion pf fouls to the LQfd Jefus Ghriil:. Toge-^ 
 
 Kk 2 
 
7 6o Succefs of the Co/pel itt America Book IV. 
 
 therwhh this perfuafion, a moft: ardent thirft, came upon mc, that I 
 might gain fouls for whom Chrift: died : to which end I longed for the 
 fanfluary. And from this time I had more knowledge than ever before, 
 what it means to preach with the Spirit and with the underftanding alfo: 
 although flill attended with great weaknefs. Soon after this, we had 
 le£lures here, ufually once a fortnight, to our young people. And riie 
 preaching of the bleJfed gofpel was* by times, my great delight. Our af- 
 fembly frequently .nppeared very folemnly .Tttentive; and kindly to ac- 
 cept, urgent and repeated aflurances of the necellity of a reformation: 
 but I could not prefently perceive that the word took any prevailing 
 hold upon their hearts. The Fall after this, the rev. Mr. Whitefield 
 preached in the neighbouring town. I perceived afterwards, that fome 
 of our people were brought tmder conviftion, by hearing the word from 
 him. And fome few the Winter following, appeared to remain under 
 concern : but in general there were great fymptoms of hardnefs of heart: 
 and this appeared more melancholy, becaufe it was a time of fore morta- 
 lity : for neither the word nor providences of God, to any genuine ap- 
 pearance, touched their hearts. Upon which I told one of our Chriftian 
 brethren (the Spring of the year following,) that I had it in my heart 
 to go preach the gofpel at Smithfield, or in fome place where they had 
 no rainifler ; for that I was upon the point of defpairing of fuccefs a- 
 mong my own people. 
 
 Butfo it was, that the very next Sabbath following, I faw confider- 
 able tokens of the goings of God in the congregation : our affembly was 
 generally fwallowed up in tears : and from this time, I perceived a more 
 general concern fet upon the countenances of this people. I had juft 
 been breathing out my complaints, with a " Who hath believed our re- 
 port," &c. But now on a fudden there were fome hopeful fymptoms 
 of life from the dead: for fundry perfonscame to me under foul-con- 
 cern foon after. Some of which I have fince reafon to think were about 
 that time brought out of darknefs, into marvellous light. Some of 
 whom were foon after viHblj^ added to the Lord in the way of his com- 
 munion among us. Many appeared under concern; and great atten- 
 tion, and great ferioufnefs hence-forward appeared in our public affem- 
 blies, and ufually much weeping. And bleffed beGod, a prevailing check 
 feemed to fall upon many kinds of evil-doers: and tavern-haim tings 
 and night-afTcmblings of young people for wanton paftime feemed at 
 once to difappear. Upon the eledlion day following our young people 
 defired a fermon ; which they had delivered them, from thofe words Jo- 
 fhua xxiv. 15. " Chufe you this day whom you will ferve." And foon 
 after the fun was down, I was informed that our public tavern was clear 
 of town people both young and old. 
 
 In the Fall of this year which was 1741, the concern feemed much 
 to increafe upon many people here both old and young, and fundry 
 pcrfons more gave grounds to hope they had received the Spirit of a- 
 doption. But as for the generality of fuch as had been brought under 
 conviflion, and fome amendment of life ; they ftill appeared under the 
 fpirit of bondage, and unexperienced as to any faving work : which oc- 
 cafioned me to write on Sept. 20th, 1741, concerning the vifible ap- 
 
chap. 5. »« tf}e eighteenth Century. 261 
 
 pearance ofconcern upon a frequently weeping aiTembly, thus, *' Many 
 feemed pierced with the arrows of conviction : but alas I have fecn it of- 
 ten, while convictions fall oH" and Ifrael remains ungathered ! hut I 
 will wait upon God, who is able to work eftectually. Oh ! when ftiall 
 it once be ?" The January following, there appeared hopeful fymptoms 
 of a broken fpirit and a bleeding heart. What I minuted down of that 
 
 date exprelfcs it thus, " Many indeed fpeak trembling. I hope an 
 
 hundred perfons among us are in a deep concern," &c. A few days af- 
 ter, thus, " Sure I never needed more of the divine help than now : 
 
 many are prelling after Heaven, and many in great diftrefs. Soon after 
 this we had a comfortable appearance of a confiderablc number offering 
 to full communion: they came as a cloud and as doves to their win- 
 dows. And my time was now almolt wholly taken up in difcourfing 
 with perfons feeking the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. 
 
 About this time the rev. Mr. Edwards of Northampton ; and the rev. 
 Mr. Parkman, and Mr. Prentice, neighbour miniiters preached here: 
 whole labours among us God was pleafed to Imile upon for good. 
 During all this, we had not any public out-cries in time of public wor- 
 fhip; although there might frequently be difcovered perfons under a 
 moft deep and folemn fenfe of the truths delivered unto them. It is 
 obfervable how at this remarkable day, a fpirit of deep concern would 
 feize upon perfons. Some were in the houfe, and fome walking in the 
 high-way: fome in the woods, and fome in the field: forae in conver- 
 fation, and fome in fecret retirement: fome children and fome adult, 
 and fome antient perfons, would fometimes on a fuddcn be brought 
 under the flrongeft impreflions from a fenfe of the great realities of the 
 other world and eternal things. But fuch things, as far as I can learn, 
 were ufually if not ever, impreffed upon men v.hile they were in fome 
 fort exerciling their minds upon the word of God or fpiritual obje6>s. 
 And for the moft part it has been under the public preaching of the 
 word that thefe lafting impreilions have been faftned upon them. Ke- 
 ligious focicties were now fet up in feveral parts of the town to be held 
 weekly. And reading, praying, fmging praifes, and fpeaking one to a- 
 nother of their particular experiences were frequently means of en- 
 largement of heart: and fome were by this means brought under con- 
 viftion who were before ftrangers to the power of godlinefs. (Nevcr- 
 thelefs the imprudent conduCt of a particular zealous perfon or two in 
 going beyond the proper bounds of duty and decency in fome of thcle 
 meetings, I do apprehend was very hurtful to the progrefs of this blefr 
 fed work among us.) Conviftions in this remarkable day of the Lord's 
 vifitation appeared to take hold of men's hearts with a permanent and 
 prevailing power: that many poor finners, were made to pant for 
 Chrift " as the hart panteth for the water-brooks ;" and I truit moft 
 of them found no reft 'till they found a Saviour. We have had a con- 
 liderable number vifibly brought home that were before not only dt- 
 jftitute of the form of Godlinefs ; but alfo fundry who were before of 
 but a poor characfter in point of morals. And I have reafon to think a 
 confiderable number of fuch were now brought home to Chrift who 
 were before vifible profeftbrs. 
 
162 Succefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 In the Summer 1742, but few perfons were brought under convic- 
 tion ; and from that time to this, converfions have not to appearance 
 been fo frequent among us, Mcverthelefs in the Fall of the year 1 742, 
 ■upon the rev. Mr. Daniel Rogers's coming to us, we had a confiderable 
 revival of the work : at, and after which, the Spirit of conviftion feem- 
 ed for a wliile very powerful among our children, from eight to twelve 
 or fourteen years of age. A fmall number of whom I would hope re- 
 tain abiding impreffions. But moft of them I fear are much the fame 
 they were before their concern. Alfo about this time, public cryings- 
 out under concern became fomething frequent among us for fome little 
 time: though indeed feldom when we had none but our own congre- 
 gation. But fuch things being cautioufly guarded againfl:, have never 
 here become common. And in my apprehenfion, the gofpel was at- 
 tended with lefs fucccfs afterwards, by reafon of the prejudices which 
 many among us conceived. But however, fuch things, I am fully con- 
 vinced, have been many times altogether unavoidable, from the over- 
 powering views of tTie great reality of the eternal world : and accord- 
 ingly, that it is a great fault in fuch perlbns as have conceived fuch pre- 
 judices againfl the work of the Spirit of God, becaufe fome perfons 
 under the operation thereof in ftrong conviftions or compunftion, 
 have loft the command of their own paffions; and have difcovered 
 themfelves when under the moft: proper concern as to the matter of it; 
 yet through the over-bearings thereof unable to command their own 
 faculties. Although of late this work of divine grace has been under 
 melancholy abatements; yet I am not without hopes, that fome fouls 
 have the year paft been favingly united to Jefus Chrift. And there hath 
 been very lately a comfortable inftance or two, to hopeful appearance, 
 that encourages me to hope ftill as for the latter rain, and for the great 
 rain of God's ftrength in due time. I was, juft now, obferving fome- 
 thing of this work attending children. So I would obferve, that altho' 
 the generality of fuch amongft us as have experienced this work were 
 between twenty and forty years of age; yet that there have been feve- 
 ral inftances of perfons older, yea, fome of them very remarkable in- 
 ilanccs; and one of about fevcnty-five years old; who lately, and a- 
 bout two years after her converfion, departed this life with joy and tri- 
 umph. 
 
 And now, before I clofe this relation, by way of acknowledgment to 
 the great God, and that he may have all the praife of his wonderful 
 works among us, I would obferve: That as it has been moft frequent- 
 ly under the preaching of the word, that fuch among us as have been 
 the fubjefts of this blefted work have received their firft convidlions; 
 that yet I feldom perceived a fcrmon that feemcd beft calculated ac- 
 cording to the wifdom of man's brain, that brought one foul under 
 lafting convi<5tions. It hath ever been, fo far as it hath fallen under my 
 obfervation, from the application of fome plain fcriptural truths; and 
 not from rhetorical phrafes, nor from the moft concife logical reafon- 
 ings; but moft ufually fome plain unpremeditated fentences that God 
 has owned and bleffed. While leaj-ned and moft ftudied fermons have 
 fometlmes fetched a flood of tears, and been followed with great apr 
 
Chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 263 
 
 plaufe; yet I cannot fay I ever knew fach a fermon gain fouls'. They 
 have infornycd the undefitanding, regulated the judgment: but to 
 humble, convince, and convert men from fin ,to God, hath not been 
 from hence*. So that I am convinced there has been much ^more at- 
 tending fome fermons than was devifcd by the heart of man or than 
 man could efFedt: when fometimes a fingle plain fentence or two in a 
 fermon has been conveyed from the golpcl-bow with fuch power, as 
 hath given fo deep a wound to ftout and ftubborn finners, that verily, 
 they have been no more able to cure themfelves than to create a world, 
 have gone forth trembling in the bitterncfs of their fouls, with abhor- 
 rence of themfelves and of their old courfes; and found no reft 'till 
 their whole foundation hath been plucked from them, and they have 
 been conllrained with bleeding hearts, to approach before an unknown 
 phyfician, Jefus Chrift. God's fovereignty has been as viable in the 
 time of improving the like means. As ^lain and'as folemn truths of the 
 gofpel have been fometimes delivered with abundance of earneftnefs and 
 affedlion; one would have thought furely linners will'ncvw hear, and 
 take it to heart ; experienced Chriftians have thought, verily it is full of 
 the Spirit of the Lord, and of power ; but finnf rs in Zion have not been 
 alarmed, nor, to appearance, touched thereby. Whereas fermons noC 
 feemingly for matter or manner, more likely, have been wonderfully 
 owned ; and the great God hath in fuch a triumphant manner eome 
 down upon the mount, that many have gone away heart-fick for Jefus 
 Chrift, and have had fuch a mighty change, as hopefully to have appear- 
 ed the fubjefts of divine grace. That it is the blefied v/ork of d>e great 
 Jehovah, I do certainly know. And notw'ithftanding the mockings of 
 many who have the fubje£ls thereof greatly in derillon ; and although 
 fome devout men may think it wovdd be fervice to God, to crufli them 
 under their feet; yet with them, let me live, let me die, and my foul be 
 with theirs after death : I am not afliamed die world ^ould know it. I 
 venture my falvation upon ir, that this is God's blefTed work*. And why? 
 For it hath the broad feal of heaven ftampfed upon it. Jefus, the faith- 
 ful and true witnefs, hath inftru6led us, how we (hall know his dif- 
 ciples from deceivers, viz. from their fruit, as Matth. vii. and whence 
 this fruit fprings, as John xiv. 21. "He that hath my commandments^ 
 and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." Now, if that faith which: 
 works by love, and which commands the heart and lifp into the ways of 
 obedience, be the fruit which cannot grow upon thorns, but upon the 
 heaven-born-plants, formed and fealed by God's own right-hand ; this is 
 then the work of God. For I am fure thefe three years, fince the work 
 took place powerfully amongft us, I have had the comfort of beholding 
 more appearance of fuch like fruit than ever before in all my life. 
 
 That I have known many weak and childifh things in the conduft 
 of our young Chriftians, I do acknowledge, and who could rationally 
 look to find fuch as are juft born, behave and aft like men ? Yet 'tis a 
 joyful thing to have children born in a church as well as in a kingdom, 
 or common-wealth: and a cruel foe is he, that, like Babylon of old, 
 will da(h their heads againft the flones, who are God's oftspriflg, ao^I 
 a See thcfc padagcs explained below, page 26J, 
 
264 Sue cejs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 have need of the breaft, and to be taught to go. An infant, ere it 
 can fpeak fenfc, will difcover as true a reliih for thebreaft, as the adult 
 can have to their food. And be our young Chriftians deftitute of that 
 ripenefs of judgment, and in want of that wifdom and prudence, which 
 'tis hoped they will grow up unto; yet fuch as experimentally know 
 what communion with God means, may difcover as true a reliih for di- 
 vine things in many of our young Ghriflians as can be found among the 
 mod folid of God's faints. Zion's children, in thefe remarkable days, may 
 frequently be obferved, not drunk with enthufiafm, as fome would fain 
 fuppofe, nor over-heated in their brain, as others would fain have it, but 
 overcome with the love of Chrift : raptured in the joys of believing. 
 The world efteems their life madnefs. But, if a gracious God would 
 plcafe to give thofe who now defpife them, a taftc of that joy unfpeak- 
 able and full of glory, they would furely fpeak of thefe things in another 
 ran.nner. See i John iv. 13. However, I am not unfenfible that fome 
 have been tainted too much with enthufiafm : but I am as fure it is not 
 generally the cafe with the fubjefts of this work. And when I find per- 
 fons that lome years ago were frothy, carnal, worldly, and vain in their 
 behaviour, who difcovered their hearts were all over in the world and 
 its lufts and vanities, who now are become fober, grave, their conver- 
 lation folid and fpiritual ; who, meet them when you will, feeni to have 
 no relidi for any difcourfe, but of the things of Ghrift and heaven, and 
 how they may get forward in the way of faith and holinefs towards 
 their blefled home ; and to whom, in every refpeft, the way of God's 
 commandments appears their delight: after all declaring themfelves 
 mean and miferable, manifelHng a broken fpirit, and a continual war 
 with remaining corruptions, adoring die do<51:rines of Free-grace, ever 
 admiring and rejoicing in Chrifr Jefus, declaring their whole life is up- 
 on him and in him. If this does not evidence them the fubjefts of 
 fomething higher than enthufiafm, I am much miftaken. 1 have been 
 aflonifhed fometimes to find even fome good men fo hard to bear 
 down upon this bleifed work, which hath fo glorioufly prevailed in 
 many places; and I doubt not hath brought forth, in this place, more 
 of Zion's children, in the fpace of two years, than ever were born here 
 before in the fpace of twenty years. The Lord make their number an 
 hundred times fo many more as they be. And I do folemnly profefs 
 it, that notwithftanding what fome wife men, and great men accord- 
 ing to the flefii have faid and done in order to crufti the fubjefts of this 
 grace, and to prevent the progrefs of this work ; picking up all the fail- 
 ings of its fubjefts, and I fear reprefenting fome things otherwife than 
 they ever were, and faftining upon the whole work what fome unguard- 
 ed perfons have finfully done; and perhaps moft of fuch no other than 
 pretended fubjefts of the work, whom the devil hath fowed as tares a- 
 mong the wheat to fcandalize God's blefi^ed work of grace, and to bring 
 a reproach upon the true lovers of Jefus Ghrifl:. After all the whole 
 world can fay to blemilli this blefled work of regeneration ; I had ra- 
 ther be only fo happy, as to be ufed in God's hand for a mere infi:ru- 
 mcnt to gain but one finner to partake of fo glorious a work, than to 
 gain the whole world. And I heartily defire I may ever be of the mind. 
 
chap. 5. ^« the eighteenth Century, 265 
 
 rather to fuftain the lofs of all things, yea, rather to fuffcr the cruelleft 
 of deaths, than to fpeak an unthankful word concerning what the moft 
 high God h:ith done for a poor Unful people, refpe«5ling the precious 
 fliower of h!5 grace that hath fallen upon us. /\nd if any man is fo 
 bold and profane, as to periift in ftriking at the power of Godlinefs and 
 the very life of the Chriftian religion ; he (hall anfwer it to Chrift- ; he 
 hath done it unto him. I doubt not you will pardon the freedom I 
 have taken in the clofe of this relation of what God hath done for us: 
 verily the reproaches of many have compelled me; and wo be unto mc, 
 if I fiinch in the caufc of Chrilt. So after alking your fervent prayers 
 for us at the throne of grace, I fubfcribe your unworthy Brother in 
 Chrift Jefus, Davjd Hall. 
 
 [ FoUows an Explication of fomc PafTagfs in the above Letter written about Half a Year 
 after', and publilheJ in th£ Chriliian Hillory, N ° 104. ] 
 
 AVhere^is fome pafTages in my letter concerning the late happy revi- 
 val of religion heie in Sutton, placed in the firft page of yowv Chrijii an 
 Hijhry of July 28 tb, 1744, (although I apprehend every candid reader 
 might eafily have perceived my true meaning in them) yet have by fome 
 been grolly mifunderftood : I now freely declare (as doubtlefs I have a 
 right to explain myfelf ) that I am far from deligning by thofe fentences, 
 to reflect contempt upon the proper ufefulnefs of human learning, or to 
 difcourage hard ftudy, clofe argumentative preaching, and fuitably im- 
 belliihed with acceptable words : which are ufeful in their place; al- 
 though, after our higheft encomiums upon external means, they are 
 not to have fuch virtue afcribed to them, as though fufficient to be- 
 get men to Chrift. In reference to this, I may, without difparagement 
 to human reafon and learning, fay with the apoftle Paul, i Cor. i. 20, 
 ** Where is the wife ? where is the fcribe ? where is the difputer of this 
 world ? Hath not God made fooliih the wifdom of this world ? " God 
 is not obliged to follow thofe means which to men appear beft, with 
 the mofl fucccfs. He is fovereign in all the difpenfations of bis grace; 
 fo then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, or rea- 
 foneth, but of God that iheweth mercy. I can uprightly fpeak it, that 
 my fole defign in thofe paiTages was this; that I might afcribe all the 
 glory of the late blefled work of divine grace among us, to the influen- 
 ces of the Spirit of God. And I cannot by any means difcover how 
 a full afcription of fuccefs to God fhould be any way prejudicial to hu- 
 man induftry. As for a rambling indigefled way of preaching, I do 
 freely teftify againft it: but yet I can by no means think it the duty of 
 minifters to confine themfelves invariably to their notes, or particular 
 ftudied fentences, fo as at no time to alter, add to, or dirainifli from, 
 what has been before penned down ; efpccially when in delivering God's 
 facred truths to men, their hearts and lips are, as fometimes, touched 
 as with a coal from his altar. Moreover, I am perfuaded God hath of- 
 ten owned and blefled fome new and prefent thoughts which have oc- 
 curred in delivering a fermon: and provided they have been fafely ex- 
 prelTed, and are no other than plain, folid, and fcriptural truths; I can- 
 not difcern, with what reafon in the world, any man ihould find fault. 
 VOL. U. LI 
 
266 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 There is another paflage in the page following the fore-mentioned, al- 
 low me to explain. The words are thefe, (" That I do venture my fal- 
 vation upon it, that this is God's blefled work") underftand me thus. 
 That I do rcfign myfclf to God, in hope of falvation, through the blef- 
 fed influences of the fame grace, that hath been through Jefus Ghrili 
 iQ abundantly in thefe years fhed abroad among us. David Hall. 
 
 Section XIII. 
 
 In the Beginning of November 1741, at Halifax^ in the County of Ply- 
 
 mouth. In Augufi they had kept a Day of Fa/ting and Prayer for 
 
 afking the Influences of the Spirit. Mr. Wheelock of Lebanon 
 
 preaches at Bridgeiuater. Religious Difcourfe. Meetings of 
 
 young Children. Remarkable Inflances of Perfons under Concern. 
 
 Seme Account of the Death of Mr. Thomfon aged Seventy-eight. 
 
 Of the Behaviour of another fick Perfon who afterwards unex- 
 
 petledly recovered. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Cotton Miniftcr at Halifax to Mr. Prince Miniftcr at Bofton, 
 dated Halifax, July 26th, 1743. — Chriftlan Hiftory, W 33. ] 
 
 R. S, According to your defire, I fend you the following account of 
 the ftate of religion among us. I am under fome difadvantage as to 
 this, not having kept minutes by me, as fome others have done ; there- 
 fore my account niuft be more general than otherwife it might have 
 been. 
 
 The town of Hallifax contains to the number of near feventy fami- 
 lies, and has been a towndiip about nine years: the people in general 
 have been a fober fort of people ; tavern-haunting, fwearing, and fuch 
 like vices have never prevailed among them to fuch a degree as in many 
 
 other places. But indifference and lukewarmnefs in religion have 
 
 had too much the afcendant. In the Summer 1741, there were many 
 jumours among us from diftant parts refpedling religion, fome good, 
 fome bad, by which we were fet upon a gaze, and knew not what to 
 think : thefe reports were fo blended together, that we were filled with 
 concern what would be the event of things. In fhort, the reformation 
 appeared like a dream to us, we could not realize it; it feemed as if 
 fome ftrange thing had happened. However, I did not fill my pulpit 
 with the cry of diforder, confufion, trances, vifions, exhorters, &c. 
 but thought it more rational to fufpend my judgment till I had oppor- 
 tunity of feeing for myfelf. 
 
 " In Auguft towards the latter end, we kept a day of farting and pray- 
 er, to aik the influences of the Spirit, and to implore his gracious pre- 
 fence among us. In the beginning of Novernber, the rev. Mr. Whee- 
 lock of Lebanon came to Bridgewater, which is bordering upon us, and 
 there preached feveral fermons, which were fet home with power on the 
 fouls of the hearers; many were pricked at the heart, fome in the time 
 of hearing, and fome through after-recolleftion as they were going 
 home, &c. Of which no doubt fome of the minifters of Bridgewater 
 will give you a particular account. J heard him preach three tiraes 
 
chap. 5. i*t ifjs eighteenth Century. 267 
 there, and feveral of my people, I think about forty or fifty, had the op- 
 portunity of hearing him once or twice. For my part, I never faw 
 
 fuch a folemn time in my life ; King Jefus fecmed to ride in triumph ; 
 concern appeared in almoft every countenance ; tears gulh'd from ma- 
 ny eyes ; fome were quite overcome with a fgnfe of guilt, and all feem- 
 ed to be alive in the worfhip of God: my doubts and fcruples refpec- 
 ting the work vaniftxed ; and I was obliged by inconteflible evidence to 
 fay, that this muft needs be the finger of God. Not only myfelf, but 
 almoft all my people prefent, were fully fatisfied with what they heard 
 and faw; they were convinced that it was God's doing, and they brought 
 home fuch a report as gave a wonderful turn to the courfe of thii?gs 
 among us : the fentiments and thoughts of people in the town, feemed 
 to be altered as it were at once: the evil reports foon loft ground. 
 Some few of the hearers prefent (who were moftly communicants) re- 
 turned home under ftrong conviftions ; fome of whom declared it at 
 firft, and others of them kept it to themfelves as long as they could : but 
 after fome time they ceuld not help fpeaking too, and declaring their 
 deplorable cafe. The difcourfe of thefe in a private way was very mov- 
 ing and alFefting, and was I think one of the greateft means under God 
 of fpreading the concern through the town ; though not exclufively of 
 other inftituted means; they all concurred in producing this aftonifh- 
 ing elfeft. Religion was the difcourfe in every company, the concern 
 was almoft general, and that inquiry feemed to be in every ones mouth, 
 ** What fliall I do to be faved?" About the middle of November the 
 young people fet up religious meetings with advice, in feveral parts of 
 the town ; there being no fuch meetings before this ; and almoft all of 
 them both male and female attended them : and even little children of 
 about nine, ten or twelve years of age fet up a meeting of their own ac- 
 cord*. And all frolicking and carouiing, and merry meetings were laid 
 afide : foolifti talking and jefting the young people could not endure ; 
 they defired to hear nothing but what was ferious ; they took more 
 delight in going to a meeting than ever they did to a frolick. But this 
 religious turn was not confined to thefe alone, though it appeared more 
 in them at firft; but perfons of all ages have been aifefted in a greater 
 or leffer degree, in the procefsof this work. 
 
 Friday, November 27. There was a private meeting at my houfe in 
 the evening, at which time after prayers, &c. I read to them Mr. Ed- 
 wards's Narrative. After the fervice was over, one that had been Mr. 
 "Wheelock's hearers cried out in great diftrefs, which was the firft in- 
 ftance of any crying out among us. This perfon when at Bridgewater 
 was very much difgufted with a perfon's crying out under foul concern 
 near her, and Mr. Wheelock's performances did not appear to her as 
 they did to others; flie had this thought while hearing him, as ftie de- 
 clared in her diftrefs^ " Ah you are an hypocrite, and you will be difco- 
 
 a When I heard of this vohmtary and 
 unexpcftcd meeting, I was under concern 
 left they by their mifmanagament fliould o- 
 pen the mouths of people; but I was quick- 
 ly better latisfied by the accounts of fome 
 
 who overheard them; they behaved with a 
 great deal of fcrioufnefs and regularity, and 
 the manner of their performances was be» 
 yond what could be cxpeftcd from fuch 
 children. 
 
 LI 2 
 
2 68 Succffs of the Cofpe! in America Book IV. 
 
 vered within this twelve-month." But however flie was not eafy in her 
 mind upon her return; Ihe could not reft contented in the condition 
 fhe was in; a concern feized her foul, which kept encrca^ng till this 
 time: and now her fins ftared her in the face; (lie trembl.cd under a 
 fenfe of guilt, particularly becaufeof thefin of unbelief and the hardnefs 
 of her heart; Ihe faid, *' That Ihe was the hypocrite, and that every body 
 was better than Ihe;" and fhe appeared under awful apprehenfions lell 
 ihe Ihould be left to grieve the Spirit of God, and that he would depart 
 from her, as he juflly might. I and fome others obferved her narrowly, 
 and difcourfed with her during her diflrefs; and it was evident to us 
 that fhe could not help pjanifelling her trouble in the manner flie did. 
 After about an hour ihe was fomething more compofcd, though weak ; 
 ihe then fat in her chair and made a peitinentpathetical prayer; ftie had 
 but little reft that night; the next day Ihe appeared very n:5elancholy, 
 her troubi.e contiiuiing thovgh in a leilcr degree. Oi) the Sabbath ftip 
 went to meeting with an eager defirc of hearing; ip the afternoon her 
 diftrefs returned upon her with a redoubled force ; this thought pierced 
 her foul, *' How in that place /he had djlhonoured Ghrift by receiving 
 the facrament unworthily;" ftie was afieftcd to fuch a degree as to 
 overcome her bodily ftrenglih, and (he cried out in the bitternefs of her 
 I'oul; and npw ai)d then ftie had power to utter hcrfclf. This fcenp 
 xvas very affefting to the congregation ; and fome that were under great 
 concern before, and were as full as they could hold, could not now 
 help manifefting themfelves, feeing one juft in their circumftances, op- 
 preft with a load of guilt like them. After we had waited fome time, I 
 defired the perfon firft afFe6led to endeavour to compofe herfelf, fo 
 that ftie might join with us in the wordiip of God ; fhe ftrove for it 
 with all her power, till Ihe became black in the facp, as thofe that fat by 
 her declared; but flie could npt help fetching fpmc groans now and 
 then, fo that all the congregation could hear her. After this fhe had 
 fome difcoveries of Chrift, and was fomething more comfortable ; but 
 ilill full of doubts and fears ; it was a confiderable time before her evi- 
 dences of receiving Chrift appeared clear to her. Since this wc have not 
 had any confiderable crying out under conviflion in the public afTembly 
 during fervice-time ; but fome have manifefted great diftrefs after \t 
 has been over: fome have cried out in their own houfes when ponder- 
 ing on religious things; fome in private meetings; and one young gifl 
 particularly of nine years of age when at play with her conforts out of 
 floors, though no body had fpoken to her of religions things that day; 
 fhe fell down in great diftrefs, and faid, " it fecmpd as if hell lay before 
 her, that fhe was ready to fall into it:" the wrath of God was dreadful 
 to her. Thefc perfons all declare with one accord, that they could not 
 polfibly help it; yea, one of them, if not more, have before their turn 
 came, faulted others for it, and faid, *' that they could help it if they 
 would." I do not mention thefe things becaufe I lay any ftrefs upon 
 bodily emotions, 5cc. It is the impreflion the foul is under, that I regar<f 
 and am fwayed by. But I think it neceffary that thefe circumftances be 
 related, in order to the giving a juft account. If any call this confufion, 
 i would to ftop their mouths declare further, that the greater part that; 
 
eliap. 5. »« the eighteenth Century. 269 
 
 Jiave been under impreHions at this day among us have been wrought 
 upon in a filent way : but then thofe that have cried out, and thofe that 
 have not cried out give the fame account of thcmfcives; and fome of 
 this latter fort, have declared, that they do not wonder at others being 
 in fuch an agony and crjnng out in diftrcfs, while under conviction ; 
 for if their own concern had prevailed one degree farther, all the world 
 could not have kept them from the like manifeAations. 
 
 But what is it iills them with fpch hprror and diflrefs ? IVhy, they 
 are convinced of their dreadful ftate by nature ; they fee thcmfelvts pf- 
 rifhing and undone; and nothing will fatisfy them but an intercA in 
 Chrift. They complain in fuch a manner as it is impollible it (hould be 
 feigned; many of them fecm to go beyond themfelvcs, and fpcak in fuch 
 a moving manner as fhey were never capaWc of before. Oh how do they 
 cry out of their former mifpence of time, their llighting of Sabbaths and 
 fermons, their contempt of good men, their frolicking, their gaming, 
 their tavern-haunting, their love to the world, their avcrfcnels to all 
 that is good, and all the fins they have lived in ! And how arc they 
 filled with wonder and amazement that God hath let them alone thus 
 long, that he hath not before this fent them to hell i and how fearful 
 are they that he will fuddenly cut the thread of life afunder before the 
 morning light, or that he will take his Holy Spirit from them, and feal 
 them up to perdition. This I certainly know to be the cafe ; and 1 fo- 
 lemnly declare further, that in the whole courfe of my miniliry I never 
 heard any under convidions fpeak fo feelingly and fenlibly as moil have 
 done in this prefent day; they indeed exprefs the fame things for fub- 
 flance that others have done formerly ; but they feem to be imprcired to 
 a greater degree, and to have more clear difcoveries of fin and hell, Sec. 
 than they. Some few that were before loofe and fcandalous in their 
 Jives have been under deep conviflions; but the greater number tliat 
 have been the fubje<fts of this work are fuch as did not appear openly 
 profane; feveral moral perfons and profelfors have been diifettled from 
 their foundation, 
 
 Whjen the work came near us and began to prevail among us, I made 
 it my bufinefsin many inftances to trace back to the fountain-head the 
 evil reports that flew about, where I had opportunity. Some of them 
 I found to be wholly groundlefs ; others were grofs mifreprefentations; 
 the bad circumflances of a ftory were picked up and related, and the 
 good all fupprelTed ; and fometimes when one only was guilty, the 
 whole body were charged: and when any particular perfon had really 
 faid or done amifs, and was foon brought to a fenfe of it and to a re- 
 pentance for it, I found that the repentance did not lly an hundredth 
 part fo faft as the fin : people did not appear fo zealous to tell of this. 
 In fiiort, every little, indifcretion was aggrandized and rendered moiir 
 flrous, and fome things that were innocent were firangc}y perverted 
 and diftorted, and made to appear in dreadful colour?. And when any 
 have endeavoured to wipe oflffuch afperfions, and to declare thetrutfi 
 from their own certain knowledge, people were fhy of hearing it; they 
 feemed loath to have the report contradifted ; by their management it 
 appeared thaf they had rather it fhould be true than falfe. Tcould (^y 
 
2 7^ Succefs of the GoJ pel in America Book IV. 
 
 a great deal here in order to fct the difingenuity of mtn in a proper 
 light, but I mull not be too lengthy. Only I think it neceflary to ob- 
 fervc further, that thofc that have been moft oppofite to this reforma- 
 tion, have all along betrayed an utter averfion to examine things to the 
 bottom; they have from the beginning avoided the company and con- 
 verfation of fuch as have been under concern, or of fuch as are capable 
 of folving their difficulties; yea, -when urged over and over to go and 
 difcourfe with the young converts, and that not only with one or two, 
 but with many of them, and examine thoroughly into their cafe, they 
 could not be prevailed with to do it, but flill keep aloof: fo that fome 
 that live in places where this reformation has been moft prevalent, know 
 as little of it as if they had lived fcores of miles oiF. Is this a rational 
 way of afting? 
 
 There were not many among us that received comfort before the 
 Spring of tiie year : but then a conliderable number did ; they had as 
 we have reafon to hope foul-faving difcoveries made to them ; they had, 
 as they declare, fuch a fenfe of Chrill's ability, fuificiency, and readinefa 
 to help, as drew out their fouls to him; they were made his willing 
 people in this day of his power ; they were enabled to clofe with him in 
 all his offices, upon the warrant of the word, as far as we can judge; 
 and the effeft of this was love and joy in the Holy Ghoft : and in about 
 three months time there were forty-four added to the church^. Some 
 few that have been under ftrong conviflion we have reafon to fear are 
 fallen away, and become as bad or worfe than ever: but we defire to 
 blefs God there are no more. And a few that we charitably hoped had 
 received the Spirit of adoption, have given us too much ground to think, 
 that they never went farther than common illumination, Hcb. vi. 4. 
 miftaking conviftion for converflon. There is one notorious inftancc 
 of this: but the much greater part continue ftedfaft to this day, and 
 bring forth the fruits of holincfs. As to oppofition, there are a few fa- 
 milies that have ftood out all along ; the greater part of whom never 
 made any profefTion : but through the blefling of God, we have had as 
 great peace in the town fince this religious concern, as any time fince 
 my fettlement. Ever fince laft Fall, the Spirit feems to be withdrawn 
 with refpc<fl to his convincing influences; there being no new convic- 
 tions among us that I know of; though fome that were under concern 
 before remain fo ftill. And true Chriftians, the greater part, feem not 
 fo lively as they have been: I frequently hear complaints of darknefs, 
 unbelief, hidings, doubtings, &c. Some have been too much led into 
 difputes, which tend to cat out the vitals of religion, and to draw away 
 the heart from the main concern. But yet my people's love to God's 
 houfe continues. IMay God yet again revive his work among us: may 
 he go on conquering and to conquer, till he has fubdued the land. Amen. 
 Thus I have given you fome imperfefl: account of the great things God 
 has. done for us : I defire an intereft in your prayers both for me and 
 my people, and reft Your friend and fervant, John Cotton. 
 
 P. S. I think it proper to add the following account, which I forgot 
 
 a The whole number that Avcre added before the dofc uf the year 1742, were fixty- 
 two, and fince this year came in, fcvcn. 
 
chap. 4. in the eighteenth Ctntwy. 27 1 
 
 in its proper place; Mr. Thomas Thomfon, aged feventy-cight years, 
 died here the 26th of Odlober laft: he was the wealthieft man in the 
 town ; but, what is more to his honour, he was rich towards God : he 
 had, as we have reafon to think, a principle of good in him many years 
 before his death. In his life he was eminently ferviceable ; it might be 
 faid of him as of old Jehoiada, " That he did good in Ifrael," 2 Chron. 
 xxiv. 16. He was jufl and exaft in all his dealings, and made confcicnce 
 of all his ways: he was food to the hungry, a father to the poor, and 
 an harbour even to the ftranger. His lall licknefs was very painful and 
 tormenting to him ; but the diftrefs of his foul in the beginning of his 
 illnefs furmounted his bodily pains ; God feemed to break him with 
 breach upon breach ; all his waves and billows pafTed over him. But 
 he was pleafed at lafl: to appear for his relief, and to fill him with joy 
 and peace in believing : and the two or three laft days of his life, he 
 feemed to be upheld only to fpeak forth the praifes of God ; he taking 
 fcarce any fuftenance. After this happy turn, be fpent his time wholly 
 in difcourfing of religious things; he would take an hour upon a 
 ftretch, and then would feem to faint and die away for fome time; 
 and as foon as he revived, he would return to fome religious topic, and 
 keep on difcourfing till his bodily ftrength was gone ; and this he kept 
 doing by turns from Saturday to Monday evening : fometimes he 
 would be blefling God for his goodnels ; fometimes giving advice to 
 his children and relations, or to thofe that vifited him ; for great num- 
 bers reforted to his houfe, being drawn by the fame of what they 
 heard : he had fomething to fay to every one, fome advice to give : he 
 took me by the hand that evening he died, and fpake to mc in particu- 
 lar about half an hour, and he concluded with thefe words, " I advife 
 you to go on, and to difcharge your miniftry with faichfulnefs, chear- 
 fulnefs, love and obedience." He fpake very favourably and honour- 
 ably of the prefent times, though he thought fome had gone too far ; 
 and he bewailed it, that while children and young people were boldly 
 praifing and glorifying God, he had come fo far behind them, and that he 
 was fo baftiful and filent in the caufc of God, and that he had been al- 
 moft afraid to fliew his opinion. In ihort, he feemed to be in Heaven 
 while he was upon earth ; he had glorious foretaftes of the blifs above ; 
 he departed with praifes upon his lips, and with a glorious triumph : 
 fome of the laft words that he fpake were thofe of Paul, " Oh death 
 where is thy fting," 8:c. This inftance put fome oppofers to a 
 ftand ; they could not but acknowledge that God was with him of a 
 truth. I would here add a few words of another perfon, who was dan- 
 geroufly fick the laft Summer; ftie had been under great fpiritual di- 
 ftrefs for three months before her ficknefs; but after the difeafe feized 
 her, the profpeft of death encreafed it; her trouble grew greater and 
 greater; horror and amazement poflliled her foul, and ihe could find 
 no relief; flie knew not which way to turn. At laft God was pleafed 
 to difpel the gloom upon her breaft, and to lift up the light of his coun« 
 tenanceupon her: upon which ft^.e fent forme; I found that ftiq wa5 
 ftill apprehcnfive that her great change was near, and others were fo 
 too, but this daunted her not; flie appeared perfectly cslm and eafyi 
 
272 Succep of the Gobelin America Book IV. 
 
 flie fald Chrift was willing, and fhe was willing; fhe called upon others 
 to praife God with her, and wondered how any mouth could be fhut 
 at fuch a time. Such things as thefe, methinks, are fufficient to con- 
 vince any of the reality of this work: what can be more fatisfying than 
 to fee perfons, while in the agonies of death, triumphing and rejoicing 
 and glorifying God ; than to hear them calling upon others (who it 
 may be are melted into tears) to join with them in this heavenly em- 
 ployment, and reproving them for their backwardnefs thereto ? Surely 
 nature can never carry perfons to fo high a pitch. This perfon after- 
 wards unexpectedly recovered, andflieis, I believe, zn. excellent Ghrif- 
 tian. J. C. 
 
 Section XIV. 
 
 On the twenty-third of November 1741, at MiddlehoroUghy Eafl Pre- 
 
 cin£l. Some Beginnings the Summer before. Imprejfions had 
 
 been made by the occafional Preaching of Mr. Tennent^ Mr, Rogers, 
 
 Mr. Moorhead, Mr. Shaw. But on November twenty-third the 
 
 Awakening great. The Lamps of many went out. Heart af- 
 fixing Cries and Confefions .- 
 of a Club to his Companions . — 
 like a Heaven on Earth. 
 
 ■A remarkable Injiance in the Head 
 -For about eighteen Months the Place 
 
 [ From Mr. Thatcher's Letters to Mr. Prince Miniftcr at Bofton, and Mr. Prince's own 
 Accounts, Chritlian Hiftory, N° 63, 64, ;2, 6s. 1 
 
 R . and D. S. The defign of the Chrifiian Hiftory feems agreeable to 
 the ancient fpirit of the truly godly: Pfal. Ixxviii 2, 3, 4,5,6, 7. 
 and tends to llrengthen the hands that hang down, and the hearts that 
 are fainting, on viewing the unfuccefsfulnefs of the gofpel on the hearts 
 of men. 1 widi my ability and leifure would allow me to contri- 
 bute at all hereunto. 1 dare not conceal what the Lord hath been do- 
 ing for this people of the firft Precinft in Middleborough. 
 
 It hnd been a long time of deadnefs; no ftirrings of the Spirit at- 
 tending the word in public, or private application; the prayerlefs were 
 prayerlcfs ftill; the drunkard and envious man went on frowardly in 
 their way ^ : many inward reflexions and fearchings of heart after the 
 caufe hereof: thither I turned, and oft almoft refolved, that I would 
 fpeak no more in the name of the Lord : for fome months before the 
 rev. Mr. Tennent came by us, I had fixed the time of taking my farewel 
 of that dear Hock with whom I had been almoft thirty-four years. A- 
 gainft his perfon and miniftry, I found fenfible prejudice, from the re- 
 ports of him which had reached mc : I rode fix miles out of town to 
 meet with him in his way from Plymouth to the rev. Mr. Campbell's 
 parilh. I defire to blefs God for that fermon, which was from Luke xv. 
 on the prodigal. I never faw more of the prefence of God with any 
 in prayer ^ and preaching, and never felt more of the power accompa- 
 
 a The author not living to finidi or rcvifc 
 this letter, here and in fome other places 
 feem to be a word or two wanting. 
 
 b The author told Mr. Ptincc, " Thattho' 
 
 he went with fenfible. prejudice; yetbythait 
 time Mr. Tennent had delivered three fei>- 
 tences in his firil prayer, his prejudice va- 
 niihcd away." 
 
Ghap- 5. in the eighteenth Century. *j*^ 
 
 •nying the word on my heart. Every word made its own way: I felt 
 the weight of it. This revived in me the miniftry I fat under in my 
 youth. Mr. Tennent preached that evening in my pulpit, from Rom. 
 vii. 9. He complained that he never was fo ihut up but once ; though 
 I fuppofe none were fenfible of it : this added greatly terror and difcou- 
 ragemcnt to me ; fearing the Lord had fluit up his tender mercies front 
 me and this people ; yea, that God had faid, " Pray not for this people." 
 I laid my cafe freely open to Mr. Tennent, and my difcouragements in 
 the miniftry: who feeraed tenderly afle^led ; yet on parting had fuch 
 a word as this, " Oft-times 'tis darkeft a little before day, therifingfun 
 
 will bring light." The alfenibly with us was Imall : no villble cf- 
 
 fe<5t ; yet from that day my people were more inclined to hear. 
 
 I tried them with le<Stures in publick and private ; and encreafed as I 
 fee their attention awakened, from one public ledlurc to two, befides 
 one or two monthly meetings: yet no vifiblefuccefs. Yetin the Sum- 
 mer months following, there were four or five of the church awake- 
 ned, who were before very blamelefs. There arc many among us will 
 blefs God I believe eternally for the miniftry of Mr. Da:niel Rogers ; 
 Mr. Moorhead preached in our fkirts; and fome were awakened there- 
 by. Some were awakened by an occalional fcrmon of Mr. Shaw. In 
 the beginning of October following, on a Tuefday I propofed a day of 
 prayer $ and ipake to my brother Shaw for his afliftance. This was our 
 errand to the throne of grace, to afk the outpouring of the Spirit on 
 this dry fleece. That week fome of my lately awakened brethren obtai- 
 ned a vifit from the rev. Mr. Crocker: they appointed a lefture fof 
 him the Friday; which pleafed me to hear of on my return from my 
 journey. He preached next morning : one cried out 3 the little ailem-' 
 bly was ftruck with a'.veand ferioufnefs; which gave fome hopes of a 
 revival. He promifes a vifit on Monday j of this public notice was given 
 the next day, the Sabbath. All that day my hearers feemed very atten- 
 tive, and fome meltings. The next day being the 2 3d day of November, 
 1741. Mr. Crocker came. We began about one: he preached from Rom. 
 8. I. This he opened largely; giving thecharaftersof them that were in 
 Chrift; and inferred the mifery of thoi'e who found not thecharadlers 
 in themfelves of their being in Chrift ; there was nothing but condem- 
 nation for them, fhewingwhat that damnation was, &c. After fermon 
 there was an exhortation delivered* : many now melted down. After 
 the blefUng, the people generally flayed; until fome cried out with 
 terror, which flew like lightning into every breaft ; 1 fuppofe none ex- 
 cepted. I have written accounts of feventy-fix that day flruck, and 
 brought firft to enquire what they flio\ild do to efcape condemnati- 
 on. This inquiry awakened many. There were a number of profef- 
 fors of religion that day whofe lamps went out: they difcovered there 
 was no oil of true grace in them. There were four pcrfons that this 
 day being left alone in the feveral houfes to which they belong, were 
 I fuppofe favingly awakened that day, by the confideration, that they 
 were left. After a flay with thediftrefled in public, many followed us 
 home : thofe that we had not opportunity to afk openly the flate of 
 a This was ddircred by Mr, Thathcr, tho' he modcflly forbore ta ir.crtioo .himfclf, 
 
 VOL. IL Mm 
 
i74 Succefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 their fouls and the realbn of their out-cry, repairing to us. They tell 
 us they fee now what they never did before; their original guilt and ac- 
 tual lins, and fear of the dreadful wrath of the Lord : this filled them 
 vith unutterable anguiih. They feemedto be ftepping into hell: this 
 drew trembling,- fear and cries from them. They complain of hard 
 hearts, and blind eyes ! That they could never fee before ! Efpecially 
 unbelief! O how dreadful to give the God of truth the lye! They 
 now complain they cannot believe, find their hearts full of enmity 
 to God, to Chrift, to his holinefs, his word, and faints. Scores, this 
 day, told me of their hatred of me above any one. But to hear the 
 young people crying and wringing their hands, and bewailing 
 their frolicking and dancing, tl,ieir deriding public reproofs therefore, 
 
 wasaliecling. O how heavy now did their contempt and neglect 
 
 of Ghrill appear to them, as the efl'efl of thefe corrupt principles of pride, 
 imbeliefand enmity, and vicious praftices of mirth and jollity. Their 
 mouths are at once filled with arguments to juftify God in their eter- 
 nal damnation, and condemn thofe principles and praftices they had 
 been ruled by and led into; and this from fcripture. This the peculi- 
 ar work of the Spirit to convince of fin and unbelief. 
 
 AVell, the next evening, we had another Icfture. Tho' an excef- 
 five rain, yet many came, and the word was powerful. Thus the 
 Lord began to hear, as foon as 'twas in our hearts to afk. From this 
 time, there was an uncommon teachablenefs among my people : fcarce 
 one word of counfel feemed loft, or a fermon in vain. From this time, 
 they muft have four ferraons in a week; two Tuefdays, two Thurs- 
 days: the word of the Lord was very precious in thofe days. In a 
 
 few days from that 2 3d of November, fo greatly to be remembred, there 
 appeared to be above two hundred awakened: and it was fome days, 
 and weeks, and months, before they were brought fenfibly toclofe with 
 Chrift : moft of them tarried long in the birth : and fo far as I am ca- 
 p.able to judge, gave as diftinft and clear an account of their efpoufing 
 to Jefus Chrift ; the means, his word of promife and time, as they 
 could of any action of human life. This not all in the fame manner 
 under the preparatory work: but all come to the fame efpoufing 
 clofmg aft; when they were brought out of darknefs into marvellous 
 light, when the prifon doors were opened, their captive fouls fet free, 
 when the Lord faid unto them Live. Now they underftood what it 
 was to have the everlafting gates and doors of their fouls fet open, 
 and the glorious King entring. How pleafantly aifefting to hear them 
 tell of their fubmiffion to God's righteoufnefs, refigning to the hands 
 of Juftice, and how fweetly and fpeedily in a moment they found them^ 
 felves inclofed in the everlafting arms of mercy ! Who would not be 
 encouraged to come to this fubmiffion ? To hear them fpeak of the 
 glories of the Redeemer and his infinite fulnefs; how oft would they 
 break out. Oh! we are fare, from God's word and our own expe- 
 rience, there is enough for all, every one in the world ! This awakes 
 profeflbrs very moral and blamelefs in life, to inquire into their own 
 fta^nding: the moft find they build on the fand, that they lived to 
 themfelveS) refted in their duties, were meer hypocrites > and after a 
 
Cjiap. 5. i't the eighteenth Century, 27 r 
 
 while, they joyfully tell me ; " I have found my feet on the rock ; I ne- 
 ver knew what it was to have my will fubdued and heart changed, and 
 Chrift there, till now : and now I know I have the witncfs in myfelf, and 
 the Spirit in the word witnefTeth with my fpirit : I am fure religion is re- 
 al, no fable, no delufion ! Ghrifl is meat indeed, and drink indeed : I ne- 
 ver knew what pleafure was before Chrift gave it me ; and what he hath 
 given is better than all the world." Such an account, Ifuppofe, there 
 are more than two hundred can give. The work grew daily ; the num- 
 bers were increafed ; near 1 70 the. following year, joined to the church. 
 
 Thus far the rev. Mr. Thacher proceeded in his account for fome 
 months before he died. And as the revival of religion has been fo very 
 remarkable in his congregation ; it is a thoufand pities that he did not 
 go on to finifh it. It was fo remarkable in his congregation ; that we 
 have been well informed by fome pious pcrfons there ; that though one 
 of the deadeil places for religion in the land before, yet for about eigh- 
 teen months after that fudden breaking forth on November 23. 1741, 
 the place became, for extraordinary lively and continued praying, read' 
 ing, finging, preaching, hearing and religious conferences, like a hea- 
 ven on earth. 
 
 InfteadofMr. Thacher's remaining defigned account; wenowpre- 
 fent fome letters of his : which, tho' two were wrote before the revi- 
 val, and they and fome of the others hint at fome things mentioned 
 before; yet becaufe they confirm the former accounts and breathe his 
 pious fpirit, we hope will not be unacceptable to the pious reader. 
 
 Middleborough, March 30. 1741. R. S. and D. B. Yours of the 
 
 2d inftant was thankfully received, with Mr. Tennent. V/e are thank- 
 ful to God who fent him into this fleepy, fecure and dead part of the 
 vineyard. I had the priviledge to hear him five fermons : at Lakenham, 
 from the prodigal fon ; in my own pulpit from that leffon, *' I was 
 alive without the law once," &c. That evening he had twelve of his 
 company lodged with us. I had the pleafure of his company to the rev. 
 Mr. Perkins's: where I heard three fernions that day and in the eve- 
 ving: the firft, the jailor; the fecond, Luke xiii. 24. the third, " All 
 things are ready, come to the marriage." I was compelled by pain to leave 
 him. Peter waited on him to Taunton : from whence he went to Berk- 
 ly : fince which, I have heard nothing. There were fome few voung 
 ones in my family and neighbourhood underawakenings; efpecially, 
 through God's goodnefs, among my children. His difcourfe in pub- 
 lic, and perfonalin private was melting to them. Oh ! let your pray- 
 ers be, that they may all be effe<n:ually called, foundly and favingly 
 converted. Oh brother and fifter ! I rejoice, I blefs God with you and 
 for you, for the pledges of covenant grace to your children. — ^My 
 
 love, my dear love to— and coufin— and . Let them ftand faft in 
 
 the Lord, watch and pray : they are but putting on the harnefs : and 
 
 my dear little too! Tell her that her coufin is under a- 
 
 wakenings : he leaves his play for his book, and his company for retire- 
 ment. Oh brother andfifter ! If God giveth our children covenant-grace, 
 it isourbeft portion. I blefs God, I hope every one of ray children and 
 ray two old negroe fervants are under awakening! Oh ! help by your 
 
 M m 2 
 
'2.'j(i Succefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 prayers, that they may uQt be like Felix or Agrippa's. Oh ! when 
 
 Chrifl: girds on his fword, it /hall conquer. This our Hate within doors; 
 ■wherein, iff have been freer intoyour boioms than you were of yours; 
 \% is but to magnify the grace of God, and to excite glories to that 
 grace. Our fhte without is fad; more dark than ever. It feems as 
 though God is sbout to break up houfe with us. Heartily thank you 
 
 Joryonrkindncfstoour fon who came home under great and deep 
 
 imprcdions, which feem deeper daily: may the ilfiie be glory to rich grace. 
 Thank you for every remembrance in your prayers. None can need 
 them more; nor we never more than now. 1 am your atfedionate, lov- 
 ing brother, Peter Thacher. 
 
 Middleboroygh, May 25. 1741. -R. andD. B. I defircto rejoice 
 
 to hear that the Lord Chrilt is carrying on his oun work with fuch a 
 jnighty arm in fo many places : I do moft earneflly requeft, you would 
 make all your interelt to engage the fervent prayers of all that have 
 any intercft in Heaven, for a poor unprofitable minifter, and his fc- 
 curp and hardned people ; that he may be inllrumental to fave hinifelf 
 9nd them that hear him, that there maybe the outpouring of the Spi- 
 rit of converfion on him and his dry fleece. O Sir ! this is the greateft 
 Kipdnefs you can do ! Nothing hath hindred my refigning the pafto- 
 ral office^ but my being at alols to fix on a farewell-fermon, that ma- 
 ny times within thefe three months I have laboured to engage in. Our 
 (divifions fwaljow all that is good. Amids all my difcqnfolate trials, 
 that yet are lefs than mine iniquities deferve ; I have fome comfortable 
 hopes that Go.d is beginning a good work on many of my children. 
 Oh ! who am I, and what is our father's hpufe, that the Lord fliould 
 fpeak good to our houfe for a great while to come ! While my child- 
 ren will not be heirs to the wealth of the world, if he makes them heirs 
 of the kingdom ; Oh the praife ! In this covenant is all my defire. I 
 rejoice with you and lifter and coufins: to each of whom I fend en- 
 i^eared falufations. In every adverfity I am your affcflionate brother 
 and fervant, Peter Thacher. 
 Thefe were Mr. Thacher's forrowful letters before the revival: but 
 
 how furprizing was the change in his next, as follows. 
 
 December 11. 1741, D. B. I thought not to have wroDe to you 
 
 ?gain till I bad time to write a particular and large account of the won- 
 derful work of God in both Middleborough precinds; cfpecially in 
 purs. Our frolicks are turned into prayers and praifes ! drinking mat- 
 ches at leaft wholly fufpcnded .' Many families that were Bcthavcns, 
 ore now Bethels ! Many fecure and hard'hearted (Inners, brought to 
 cry 0]it of their fins and dangers! Tho' none in the time of publick 
 wprfhip, yet as foon a= it is over. My public leisures twice a week ; 
 Tuefdays and Fridays. They are not fatisfied with one fermon: fill 
 jny houfe after public fervice, for a further word i and blcfled be God, 
 I have not yet font them gway without one. I fee not how a Jannes 
 and Jambrcs can doubt of its being the finger of God : efpecially 
 upon little children : fome not above fix or feven years old. One 
 laff night at the meeting-houfe door I believe would have fallen down 
 |n a fwoon, if J had not catched it in my armc. One thing I muft not 
 
Chap. 5. ift the eighteenth Century. lyy 
 
 forget 5 I think almofl: all the Indians that attend our aflemblies, are 
 deeply wounded ; and many I hope (hvingly and wondertully wrought 
 upon. Let me beg an intcrcft in your fervent prayers, that I may be 
 faithful and rKilful to fouls, and may be inftrumcntal to favc them, 
 and not afterwards myfcif be a caflaway. Your fincere and affiedtio- 
 nate brother Peter Thacher. 
 
 December 21. 1741. I take this opportunity to give you a more 
 particular account of the glorious work of the conviction and conver- 
 iion of fouls, the fovercign God is lately carrying on by the preach- 
 ing of the word. I do it. Sir, that God may have the fole glory of his 
 grace, tofilence gainfayers, and encourage the hearts of thole engaged 
 in and purfuing this work. It hath been a time, &c, [he mentions what 
 was faid above of Mr. Tennent's preaching, Mr. Rogers', Sec. and then 
 goes on] Though the convicflions of fomc were remarkable, they feem- 
 cd to give no addirjonal Ifrength to the power of religion; becaule a- 
 mong thof^ that had tlie form of godlinefi before. But hereby God 
 was preparing me fome fweet helpers ; though the devil from this eir- 
 cumflance took occalion to reproach this woi k : fo that from this time 
 I may date the open ftrife between the houfes of David and of Saul that 
 yet fubfifls'. The enmity and oppofition to this work in all the parts of 
 it, is with utmofl: art and indurtry propagated; fupported with the 
 moll palpable lies, falfe infinuations, and injurious reports, and many 
 other ways, to fcatter the feeds of divifion among us ; of which we were 
 languiihir.g by the deep wounds before. 
 
 To return, it was on a Tuefday, I bem.oaned my fad cafe to the 
 neighbouring miniflers at a public letfture; propofed a (aH the next 
 week on the Wednefday ; and had the ready promife of the company 
 of divers of them. The Friday after God fent that dear youth Mr. 
 Crocker. He preached two fermons : confiderable meltings. Saturday 
 morning preached another: after the exercife was over, one cricd-out 
 bitterly; that aflefted many. Divers more were wounded on the Sab- 
 bath : the evening after which, my room was filled with diftrelfed fouls. 
 Next day Mr. Crocker came again and preached : the affembly general- 
 ly melted, butfilent; 'till the blelhng given, and we had got without 
 doors, when there were many, I fuppofe I may fay near one hundred 
 cried out. We returned, and loudly invited them into the meeting 
 houfe again, which they crowded into with loud fcreiches, wringing of 
 hands, and Hoods of tears, that could not be altogether filenced to atr 
 tend the farther prayers made with and counfels given to them. Many 
 of thefe diflreircd were of the neighbouring parifhes. As I was turning 
 from the crowd, many whifpered thus in my ears, " O my dear mini- 
 fler I never loved you before, but now I do," &c. My rooms that 
 night were crowded. I preached to them ; to which they gave fllent 
 and ferious attention. But oh, after the fervice, what heart-alf edging 
 cries ! one crying to another, " O I am going to hell ! I have frolicked 
 with you and finned with you 1 O what difmal company fhall we be 
 one for another in hell J O the hours and nights we have fpcnt in fing- 
 ing and dancing and frolicking mirth!" On every fuch word, they 
 •rypuld a-new fcjelch, cry, condemn, and warn each other : and I thinly 
 
278 Succefi cf the Cofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 it went round the 100ms; " O the curfed frolicks! They had never 
 prayed in their lives ! had not harkened to any counfels, but fhunned 
 their minifler as a ferpent, for fear of fome counfel or reproof." Tuef- 
 'day night I preaclred again, being the evening before the faft. A tedious 
 ftorm it was : yet a confiderable aflfembly. The faft-day, a crowded af- 
 fembly : and many crying out after the exercifes were over. Since 
 which there have been ordinarily at every fermon more or lefs wound- 
 ed, as appeared afterwards. 
 
 I will now obferve, on whom chiefly this worJ< hath taken hold, and 
 how it operates. It hath in the firfi: place, awakened many church mem- 
 bers, where it lirft began. They were deteftcd of their hypocrify. One 
 told me, *' He did but delude me, when he offered himfelf to commu- 
 nion ; he took more pleafure in a frolick, tiwn at the Lord's table; ra- 
 ther be with fingers and dancers and rude jeftcrs than with ferious per- 
 fons." Another, ** That notwithftanding his profeflion, he was glad to 
 be diverted, as he often was, from fecret and family devotion." Others 
 convinced of fecret wrongs they had done to the name and eftate of o- 
 thers, of which they never were fufpcfted. More than a fcore of thefe 
 inftances. And can this be from any other than the Holy Spirit of God ? 
 Others confefhng their fecret prejudices to their minifiers; yet never 
 fufpe^led. Numbers brought to pray in their families, to inftruftand 
 catechife their children. The tavern clubs all divided. To give you a 
 feeling inftance. The laft Monday was a general military mufler of 
 three companies. I was told that one of the heads of thofe clubs got a 
 chamber full of his companions about him ; and there with many tears, 
 related the trouble he had endured for his fins with them In that very 
 chamber; and then, as well as he could, painted out his terrors for thofe 
 iins, begged and warned them to repent in time. That evening before 
 fevcn o'clock they were generally divided in the feveral neighbourhoods 
 into little praying affembUes. Can this be from any other than the Spi- 
 rit of God ? Thofe imder this work are exceeding full of love one to 
 another ; even v/hcre old grudges were before. Religion, efpecially the 
 nature, neceffity and marks of converfion, is become the general fubjeft 
 of converfation. But few have appeared with fuch tranfports of joy, as 
 Sn other places; but have attained to fome comfortable hopes that they 
 do not refl: ihort of Chrift. Thofe who have had fuch joys, tell me they 
 arrive to it in this way; firft awakened to fee the many and horrible 
 a6ls of fin through their lives; then led to a view of their original fin, 
 the guiltinefs and utter helplefnefs of their condition, of the fufficiency 
 of Jefus Chrift : they beheld him in his word, embrace and go out to 
 the promife, and Chrift in the promife; and this the foundation of their 
 comfort: they feel the change in their wills. Coming from an evening 
 le(5ture, I afked an Indian woman, " Well how is it with your foul" — 
 ** O Sir, (faid (he,) I am a finful, impotent, odious, wretched creature; 
 but when I can get to a promife, Chrill helping me, I find comfort and 
 reft." This is indeed a common anfwer I have from feveral Indians; 
 one child of about nine years old, another about feven, befides fome 
 grown perfons. The complaints of the awakened are various. Gene- 
 rally of heart-plagues. Some of fpiritual ignorance. Some of one fin, 
 
Chap. 5. in tb^ eighteetith Century. 2 79 
 
 fome of another. All of their pride and obftinacy of will, and enmity 
 of heart to an holy God. Again their help they feck by the reading 
 and hearing God's word : that it is now precious to them : they (ee it a 
 rule, a perfect rule of faith and practice: they are greedy to hear it 
 preached. I have public leftures every Tuefday and Friday: and from 
 the meeting houfe, they follow me to my own, for another fcrmon : fo 
 that one fermon doth not fatisfy them in a day, though often revolving, 
 and from a feeble weak decayed old man too. To conclude, where the 
 work is deep and effe<ftual, it appears with fervent devotion in and to 
 all the a£ts of focial communion with God ; praying, hearing, fingino-, 
 holy conference, ftrifl Sabbath-fandification, a new turn of thought 
 on fpiritual and eternal things, and a new flame of affcftion to them 
 and delight in them. I cannot defcend into particulars ; time is precious 
 with me, and I cannot attend all in their dellres. 
 
 Now if thefe inftances, which might be multiplied, are judged of in 
 a fcriptural light ; I think all the regenerate world, not bialfed and pre- 
 poffelfed, muft judge this to bear the true chara61erifticks of the genu- 
 ine work of the Holy Spirit, and cannot, without blafphemy againfl: the 
 HolyGhoft, be imputed to an evil fpirit. Oh that the defpifers would 
 believe Ghrift for his works fake : or doubtlefs if they do not, they muft 
 wonder and perifh. The holy God is making great hafle to encompnfs 
 hiseledl: and when that is. over, the door will be fhut! Wo to them 
 that fhall be left ! I'lay the word of the Lord run more and more, and 
 our Redeemer be more and more glorified ! Dear Sir, help me with 
 your prayers, that I may be found faithful, in every capacity, under 
 every trial and temptation, that annoys and follows me, even until 
 death. To the grace of our dear Lord I recommend you, and defire to 
 be by you recomm.ended, and am your unv/orthy yet loving brother, 
 
 Peter Thacher„ 
 
 So deeply affefted was the pious foul of Mr. Thacher with this won- 
 drous grace of God; that on Lord's-day, Jan. 31. 1741-2, he defired, 
 with the confent of his church, to keep a day of thankfgiving, Feb. 10. 
 for this extraordinary pouring out of the Spirit of God in the two 
 months preceeding: it being apprehended that within that time, there 
 were,inajudgmentof charity, near an hundred perfons effeftually con- 
 vinced and converted; and others, both younger, middle-aged and el- 
 der, in a hopeful way: and confidering alfo that this great grace of 
 God was given the people upon keeping a day of prayer; it wa^ an ad- 
 ditional argument for them to make their anfwerable acknowledg- 
 ments, in keeping a day of thankfgiving. Which they freely complied 
 with. "When the day came, there was fuchra great fnow ftorm as hin- 
 dered many living at a diftance from coming, tlowever a confiderable 
 number wading through the fnow, repaired to Mr. Thacher's houfe 
 and filled it, where they kept the day with great joy and praife: Mr. 
 Thacher preaching from Luke xv. 24. And fo joyful was the day tQ 
 thofe who were prefent and fo defirable to thofe who were hindered ; 
 as they could not be faiisfied without appointing and keeping another 
 in the meeting-houfe. For feveral years before the revival ; Mr. Tha- 
 cher coafiderijng the prevaUing dlfpoStion of many of thofe who- oj) 
 
2 So Succefs of the Cojpel in America Bot)k IV. 
 
 Lord's-day noons, in the interval of public worfliip, either tarried at 
 the nriccting place or repaired to the two or three neareft hoafes, to fall 
 into vain or worldly converfation, which both profaned the holy Sab- 
 bath and had a tendency to efface all ferious impreflions from the minds 
 of the people; he led the church to appoint fome of the graveft men 
 to overfee them in thofc intervals, prevent all vain difcourfe, and em- 
 ploy the time in reading, praying and finging: which was of confider- 
 able fervice; tho' then this method had rather only a retraining than a 
 quickening inhuence on the people. But upon this revival, fo many of 
 the brethren had made fo quick a progrefs in the experimental part of 
 piety, ?nd were fo furprizingly excited ; as they both prayed and read 
 and fang with fuch unufual freedom, life and fervour, as was very en- 
 gaging and affefting to others: far greater numbers chofe to ftay in 
 the houfe at noons : and the gracious prefence of Chrift was remarkably 
 with them, made them long more earneftly for the return of the preach- 
 er, and inclined them to receive him again with the greater joy. 
 
 On September 6. 1742, Mr. Thacher writes, " God's work yet 
 
 prevails among us: and blefTed be God, there are yet many tokens for 
 
 good in this Zion. Pray, pray for your unworthy brother;, that I 
 
 may be ilncere and faithful to the death," &c. We might give the read- 
 er extracts from others of his excellent letters; containing fome re- 
 markable inftances of the grace of God; especially one of an Indian 
 and another of achild. But we fhall now only give the lafl that ever 
 he wrote ; which was to two of his children, juft as he was going into 
 his fatal iihiefs; and wherein you will fee his ufual fpirit, as fellow?; 
 
 ■ Middleborough, April 9. 1744. " My dear Children, am glad to 
 
 hear of you by ^,who I hope the Lord makes a bleding to you. 
 
 May the Lord faniflify your frequent bodily infirmities to you; to 
 wean you from the world ; and engage you to fuch a walk after the 
 Spirit as may evidence your being in ChriH Jefus. This muft be the 
 Spirit's dwelling in you : if any have not this Spirit, he is none of 
 Chrill's: where this Spirit dwells, he fonftifies; there is liberty ; there 
 is prayer ; there is a conftant bent of foul to holinefs ; there is humility 
 and abatement; there is a fpiritual mind; there is a difpofition to live 
 and fpcak the praifes of God. Take heed of grieving the Spirit ; becaufe 
 be only can fanftify you, can feal you, can comfort you: you may 
 grieve him by not hearkening to his word, nor loving and meditating 
 on it. Take heed that you live together as heirs ; yea, as heirs together 
 of Heaven; foholily, temperately, blamelefly: conftantly realizing the 
 approach of death: get affurance where death will leave you: famili- 
 arize the thoughts of death * that you do not ftart at it when it comes, 
 though fuddenly. I fliould be glad to fee you here. May the Lord have 
 you always in his arms, and delight you with the confolations of his 
 chofen." I fubfcribe your loving father, Peter Thacher. 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 281 
 
 Section XV. 
 
 On the twenty-fifth of November 1741, at Pcrtfmouth in Ne-w-Hamp- 
 
 JJ}ire. A polite Sort of People. MeJJrs. IVhitefield's and Ten- 
 
 nenfs Preaching bleffedto them. — T-November t-wenty-fifth, a Months 
 
 ly Fafi to feek divine Jnfiuences. Different Exclamations, tike 
 
 luhat may be expelled at the lafi Day. A Circumflance that OC' 
 
 cajioned or heightened thefe. The Concern of the Hearers did not 
 
 always fallow the mofl pathetical Difcoiafs. One who was pre- 
 judiced at fpeaking out, forced to do it himfelf. Some Apof- 
 
 tates, <6t. but a confidcrable Number appear real Converts. — —Re- 
 
 formation as to Curjing and Swearing. Sabbath-Sanilification. 
 
 Family IVorfhip. Charity.. Reftifution. Pfalms and 
 
 Hymns, inftead of carnal Alirth.— — The Work revived again about 
 a Tear after, 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Shurtlcff Miniflcr at Portfmouth, to Mr. Cooper Minifter at 
 Bollon, June ilt, 1743. — Chridian Hiliory, N ° 48. j 
 
 R. and D, S. The following brief and general account, fuch as it is, 
 you may communicate to whom you pleafc ; and if you have not a 
 more particular and compleat Narrative from fome other hand, and 
 think the making this public will be of the leaft fervice to the caufe and 
 kingdom of our dear Redeemer; don't let the reproach it may upon 
 one account or other bring upon mc, be any obftrudlion to it. You 
 are doubtlefs in fome meafure acquainted with the charadler, which 
 the people of this town have heretofore generally fuflained, They 
 have, I think, been remarked by Grangers for their politenefs in drefs 
 and behaviour ; have been thoughAJb go beyond moft others in equal 
 circumftances, if not to exceed thnnfelves, in their fumptuous and e- 
 legant living, and things of a like nature: and while they have been 
 jultly in repute for their generous and hofpitable difpofition, and for 
 many focial virtues; diveriions of various kinds have been much in 
 fadiion, and the vices that have been ufual in fea-port and trading 
 places, have been common and prevalent among us. We have, I 
 truft, never been without a number of fincere and ferious Chriftians : 
 but even thefe wife virgins have flumbered and flept ; and, as to the ge- 
 nerality of profeflbrs, they have feemed for a great while to content 
 themfelvcs with an empty form, and there has been but little of the 
 life and power of religion to be feen. Indeed the great earthquake in 
 the year 1727, that put the whole country into fuch a furprize, was a 
 means of awakening a great many here : and, as to fome, there is reafon 
 to think the imprcilions have remained ; but, as to the bigger part, it 
 was not long before they evidently wore off, and before they fell into 
 their former fleepy and fecure Hate ; and this has been generally the 
 cafe till of late. 
 
 Mr. AVhitefield's coming among us, and alfo Mr. Tcnnent's, was, I 
 am perfuaded, -blefTed of God; and their preaching made inftrumental 
 of putting a great many upon fhaking off' their heavy {lumbers : and 
 VOL. II. N a 
 
282 Succefs of the Cojpel in America Book IV, 
 
 how reproachfully foever any may fpcak of them, and their itinerancy; 
 I mu(t needs look upon their travelling this way as a favourable provi- 
 dence, and that for which we owe abundant thankfgivings to the God 
 of all grace. 
 
 As there had been for fome time a growing concern among us, as 
 to things of a religious nature, and a remarkable work of God's grace 
 going on in many parts of the land ; the minifters of this, and fome o- 
 ther of the neighbouring towns agreed upon obferving a monthly faft, 
 in our refpeftive congregations, to fcek for the like bleffing. When 
 the foleranity was attended in this town, which was on Wednefday No- 
 vember 2^th, 1741 ; as foon as the afternoon fervice was ended, one 
 cried out in a tranfport of joy, and others difcovered a great deal of di- 
 llrcfs. The people did not care to difperfe; infomuch that there was 
 another fermon in the evening ; and a great number of them, and fome 
 of the minifters with them flaid till it was late in the place of public 
 worlhip. The next day a fermon was again preached in public, and 
 had an unufual efficacy upon the hearers. The da}'^ after we had two, 
 or three exercifes, and the congregation great part of it continued to- 
 gether till late at night. This Friday was the mod: remarkable day that 
 was ever known among us. The whole congregation feemed deeply 
 afFefted: and there was fuch a general out-cry in fome from a diftref- 
 fmg fight of their fins, and in others from a joyful fenfe of the love of 
 Chrift ; that could not but put a great many in mind of the appearing 
 of the Son of man, and of the different exclamations that Ihallbe heard 
 from the inhabitants of the world, when they fhall fee him coming in 
 the clouds of heaven, in power, and great glory. 
 
 And here, upon my making mention of this folemn and awful event, 
 I am led to relate a circumftance; which tho' but finalland inconfider- 
 tible in itfelf, feemed to be over-ruled by God to ferve great and good 
 purpofes; and upon this account may be worthy of notice. Late in 
 the evening of the iame day, before the body of the people had left the 
 place of public worflnip ; the chimney of an houfe that flood near to it 
 happening to take fire and blaze out to an uncommon degree: upon 
 the iudden appearance of the light breaking in at the feveral windows, 
 there v/as a cry made, that Chrift was coming to judgment : which be- 
 ing really believed by a great many, fome that were not before fo much 
 afteifted as others, were put into the deepeft diftrefs, and great num- 
 bers had their convidlions hereby ftrengthened and confirmed. I am 
 not fo unacquainted with the world as to be infenfible with how much 
 derifion fuch a relation as this is likely to be entertained by a great ma- 
 ny . But, I think this a thing little to be regarded : though I wilh to God 
 that fuch perfons might be brought, for their own fakes, to think more 
 of this great and terrible day of the Lord ; and that they would con- 
 fider, if the apprehenfion of its approach be fo very ftartling to a carnal 
 vorld, how vaft would be their horror and amazement when it ftiall ac- 
 tually arrive. This would be of good ufe to check their difpofition to 
 ridicule, to reftrain them from their vain and wicked jeftings, and from 
 a great many things which if indulged muft needs add to their terror 
 in that day. And however diftafteful the relating fuch low occurren- 
 
chap. 5. * in the eighteenth Century. 283 
 
 CCS, may be to fome now, I make no doubt but things of a like nature 
 will afford an infinite fatisfaftion to the faints hereafter: that it will 
 give them a vafl, and inconceivable pleafure, when they get to Heaven, 
 to fee how fome events that are feemingly infignificant have been made 
 fubfcrvient to very great, and excellent defigns: and how a bare ima- 
 gination, and miftaken apprehenfion of things has been fo far fct home, 
 and made fuch imprelFionsupon a great many, as to be a means of tbcii- 
 faving converfion to God. 
 
 As I was called abroad next day, it was furprizing to obferve the fe* 
 ribufnefs that appeared in the face of almoft every one I occaiionally 
 met with : and it feemed as if there was hardly a houfe in which there 
 was not fome poor wounded and diflrelfed foul ; and where there was 
 not a greater or lefs degree of concern in all belonging to it, as to their 
 fpiritual and eternal flate. It was very affefting to be called into. one 
 family after another, as I was going along the ftreet, and entreated not 
 to leave them till prayer had been folemnly offered up to God on their 
 behalf. A divine power was then fo plainly to be feen in what had come 
 to pafs among us, that there was hardly any that dared openly and ex- 
 prefly deny it. As for thofe who through their own prevailing corrup- 
 tions, or the infmuations and perfuafions of others foon grew into a 
 diflikeofit, and have fince gone fo far as to pronounce the whole of it 
 a fcene of enthuliafra, and to look upon all as a delufion; their very 
 countenance and behaviour then plainly fpoke the awful apprehenfions 
 they were under of its being from God. As we had preaching for fome 
 time upon every day ; fo we were greatly obliged to fevetal of the 
 neighbouring miniilers, who readily granted us their affiflance, till pre- 
 vented by indifpofition of body'', or till the ftate of their own flocks re* 
 quired them at home. 
 
 It was foon after this, having in a few lines acquainted you with our 
 flate, and requefted you would take this opportunity to make us a vifit; 
 that you came to us, and that as I trult in the fulnefs of the gofpel of 
 Chrift. As you were called to minifler in public almoft every evening 
 during your near three weeks /lay among us; you cannot but fee rea- 
 fon to acknowledge to the glory of God's grace, that he was pleafed to 
 own and blefs your miniftry : that as fome were pricked to the heart, 
 many others were filled with peace and joy in believing. And as the 
 people here have a grateful remembrance of your work of faith, and la- 
 bour of love ; I am well afTured they have fince been many of them niak- 
 ing mention of you in their prayers, as well as giving thanks to God on 
 your behalf. We continued in much the fame fiate through the Whi' 
 ter, that we were in when you left us. Our affcmblies were always 
 thronged, and the number of communicants from time to time greatly 
 increafed. 
 
 Sometimes when a difcourfe was very pathctical in itfelf, and in the 
 manner in which it was delivered, the congregation would be but little 
 moved ; and at other times when it was lefs fo, there would be a con- 
 fidcrable ftir. And here, as there have been various reports fpread a^ 
 
 * a Mr. Blunt of New-Caftlc, whilft labouring with great diligence and zeal, was taiielj 
 
 fick, and continued fo for fome time among us. 
 
 N n 2 
 
284 Succffs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 broad concerning the great ftrei's that many have laid upon out-cries, 
 and fuch like public appearances; I think it proper to declare that the 
 people here have been inftrurted to the contrary : that they have been 
 taught them from the beginning, that they ought always to avoid them, 
 when it could be done without great inconvenience to themfelves, and 
 never ncedlcfly obftru(fl the attention of others. That as perfons might 
 be effeftually wrought upon by the word, without any thing of this 
 nature; fo they maybe put into an uncommon degree of terror, and 
 filled with a great deal of joy, under the hearing of it, and yet con- 
 tinue Grangers to a real, and faving change. And iefi: any fhould be 
 fo horridly prefumptuous, as to feign any thing of the one, or the 
 other; they have been publicly and privately admonilhcd of the daring 
 uickednefs of fuch a praftice, and of the danger they would hereby 
 be brought under of being fuddenly made monuments of divine ven- 
 geance. But that fuch as have ever read the Afts of the Apoftles, 
 that have there fecn the Apoftle Peter's hearers fo many of them, 
 pricked at the heart, and heard them faying in the agony of their fouls, 
 *' Men and brethren, what Ihall we do ? " and that have fecn the Roman 
 governor trembling in the manner that he did under the preaching of 
 the Apoftle Paul his prifoner; or that any who have read the well- 
 attefted accounts of this nature that are related by the credible au- 
 thor of the fulfilling of the fcripturc; or that have fo much as feen a 
 poor linner deeply diitrefled under the burden of his guilt ; fliould think 
 it ftrange, and even a thing incredible, for any to be put under fuch 
 a commotion of foul under the miniftry of the word, as not to be able 
 to forbear making a public difcovery of it ; has fometimes filled me 
 ■with furprize. And yet I am fenfible that fome well-difpofed perfons 
 have been ftumbled at things of this kind. I know an inflfance of this 
 nature, in one of our own church; aperfon of a good capacity, and 
 of confiderable reading and knowledge of divine things, who for fome 
 time entertained latent prejudices againfi: the late religious commotions, 
 more particularly on account of perfons fpeaking out in public, and 
 could not be perfwaded but that they might eafily avoid it, till expe- 
 rience taught him to the contrary. Upon the morning of a Sabbath, a 
 day when the facramcnt of the Lord's fupper was to be adminiftred; 
 juft at the clofe of his fecret devotions, (as he afterwards told me) he 
 had his fins difcovered to him in fuch a manner as they never were be- 
 fore, and an uncommon darknefs and horror fell upon him. In this 
 forrowful and diftrcffed flate, he went to the houfe of God. When 
 the celebration of the facrament came on, he had confiderable reafo- 
 nings in his mind concerning his tarrying, and at length concluded 
 to ftay, but could not prevail with himfelf to receive. As foon as the 
 adminiftration was pver, he could no longer forbear fpeaking in the 
 grief and bitterncfs of his foul, and breathed out his complaints to God 
 in fuch a manner as drew tears from almofl every perfon prefent; and 
 has fometimes fince been con drained to break out into fome fhort ex- 
 prcfiions. He was under a great deal of concern for his foul while 
 young, and put upon an early reformation of his life: He has defer- 
 vedly had the charafter of being ftriclly juft in his dealings, and has 
 
Chap. 5. »« t^e eighteenth Century. 285 
 
 been a conftant and fteady obferver of the duties of divine worfliip, in 
 his clofet, in his family, and in public : but has been convinced that he 
 has built too much upon thefe things, and never till of late had the co- 
 rupt fountain of his own heart fufficiently laid open to his view. 
 And from what he has now feen of himlelf, he has declared to me, that 
 tho' he hns fomctimes been in fome meafurc arie<fted with the unkind 
 and cruel ufage of the bleffed Jelus, and not been without fome fort of 
 indignation againft his oppofers, perlecutors, and murderers ; that yet 
 if he had lived in their day, and been of the (anie temper of mind that he 
 was when this work firft began among us, he is perfwaded he fliould 
 have approved of them, if not made one among them. AV"e are not 
 without iijftances of other profeifors who have been put off from their 
 former foundation ; and others who if their hearts were before right 
 with God, have been greatly quickncd, and made more fervent in fpi- 
 rit ferving the Lord. But a great part of thofe that have been remar- 
 kably wrought upon, are fuchas before had very little if any thing of 
 the form and appearance of religion : and among thefe the divine fo- 
 verelgnty has been very illuftrioufly difplayed. Some of thofe whom 
 we truft are favingly brought home, are iuch as have wandered far from 
 God. Some that have been very ignorant, and unthinking perfons, and" 
 fome very young. They many of them, upon their firfl being brought 
 under convi<ftion, manifefled a deep fenfe of their original, as well 
 as aftual fins ; complained fadly of the wickednefs of their hearts, and 
 bewailed their fin in reje<5ling and making light of a Saviour. There 
 have been fome inftances of young perfons that have fpokc feelingly of 
 thefe things, who have feemed to have had but little human inftru6ti- 
 on, andfeldom to have been where fuch things have been the fubjccls of 
 difcourfe. As was at firft: feared and expected, it muft be confelfed 
 that fo it has happened to fome that were brought under a ferious con- 
 cern for their fouls, that they have fallen off from their good beginnings, 
 and are the fame perfons that they were before: and there are others 
 who continuing under convictions, feem to have proceeded no further. 
 But there is a confiderable number who are exhibiting all the evidence 
 that can be expefted, of a real converfion to God. 
 
 As to the place in general; that there is an alteration in it for the 
 better, muft I think needs be owned by every unprejudiced obferver. 
 That there is not that profane curfingand fwcaring, which has former- 
 ly been ufual, has been acknowledged by fome who are far from being 
 well affected to the prefent times. That the Sabbath is more ftriCtly ob- 
 fcrved, is out of all manner of difpute. Family worlhip where it was 
 neglefted, in a variety of inftances is now fet up. Some that were nia- 
 nifeftly of a narrow, felfifli and worldly fpirit, and feemed unwilling 
 to part with any thing of what they polfeffed to any good and chari- 
 table ufe whatfoever; appear now to have their hearts much enlarged, 
 and are ready to diftribute of their fubftance, as the honour of God 
 and the wantsof their fellow-Chriftians have called for it. Many that have 
 dealt dilhoneftly, have not only acknowledged the wrongs they have 
 done, bur made reftitution for them. WTiere you miglit formerly 
 have heard jovial, and it may be profane and obfccne fongs j you may 
 
286 Succefs of the Cojpelin America Book IV, 
 
 now hear Pfalms and Hymns of praife fung to God, and to our Lord 
 Jefus Chrift. 
 
 I have told you, that we remained much in the fame fituatlon thro' 
 the Winter after you left us, that we were in when you went from us : 
 but during the courfe of the Spring, and fo of the Summer 1742, and 
 Autumn following, tho' fome that had for a confiderable time been un- 
 der darknefs, and diilrefs, were brought into light and joy ; there was 
 but now and then one that was brought under any new concern. But 
 through the Winter 1742-3. inlhnces of this nature were fomething 
 more frequent, and lYs^rt feemcd to be a general revival of that feri- 
 ous concern as to eternal things which had appeared for fome time to 
 decline. Tho' at prefent there does not feem to be altogether that 
 life and fervor in religion as to fome, that has appeared in times pafl : 
 God is I truft pouring out a Spirit of fupplication upon many of his 
 people, which I hope may be a token of further good. Numbers meet 
 together to fupplicate the throne of grace upon the evening of every 
 day in the week, but Saturday, when there is no public lefturc. I have 
 foraetiraes been at one, and fometimes at another, of their meetings ; 
 and from all that I have feen, and all that I can hear, they are carried 
 on with a becoming folemnity and devotion. Thus I have given you 
 fome hints, and now I am confident that as you have been prailing 
 God on our behalf, fo we have had, and ftill have a remembrance in 
 your prayers, and earneftly delire the continuance of them. And may 
 you, dear Sir, have more and more of the prefence of God with you. 
 May you be carried thro' all the rcproachesand difficulties that your firm 
 attachment to your dear Redeemer's kingdom and intereff, may ex- 
 pofe you to. May none of thefe things move you ; and may you not 
 count even your life dear to you, fo that you finifli your courfe with 
 joy, and the miniftry you have received, &c. I am your very affe£lio- 
 nate brother, and fellow-fervant in the gofpel &c. 
 
 William Shurtleff. 
 
 Section XVL 
 
 About the loth of December 1741, at Neiv-London North Parlfl}. 
 
 Mr. Jewet their Minifter had exchanged Pulpits ivith Mr. Grif- 
 
 "iUold of Lyme. The Peoples Hearts wonderfully united after this 
 
 to Mr. Jewet y tho' before they -were at the Point offeparatingfrom 
 him. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Grifwold to Mr. Prince Minifter at Bofton, April 9. 1744.— 
 Chriftian Hiaory, N « 67. ] 
 
 R. S. *' Upon the report of the remarkable concern among us April 
 1 741 * ; the rev. Mr. David Jewet of the North Parifh in New-London, 
 in the beginning of May came here and preached two fermons to the 
 good acceptance of my people. And as a return for his good will, to- 
 ward the latter end of May I went and preached two fermons in his pa- 
 rifh. Before I went, there was a ferioufnefs on the minds of many therej 
 
 a See above Se£lion xi. 
 
Chap. S' ^" ^^^ eighteenth Century. ngy 
 
 though nothing of the vifible -appearance of a remarkable concern, like 
 what had been among us. I obferved that almoll all his people came to 
 meeting ; though on a week day. And I obferved a great ferioufnefs 
 and attention to the word preached, and many tears Ibed at the hearing 
 of the word ; though I did not hear of any faving eifeft of it on the 
 hearts of any perfons. But afterward I was told, there were feme that 
 received thofc imprellions and concern at the hearing thofe fermons that 
 ftuck by them till they hopefully experienced a faving change. 
 
 The Summer and Fall following, there was a concern among the 
 people; ynd as I have been told, about ten or twelve hopefully con- 
 verted. About the latter end of July Mr. Davenport came there; and 
 Mr, Jewet, as I was told, -refufcd to give him an account of his experi- 
 ences of the work of Gods Spirit on his heart : whereupon Mr. Daven- 
 port pub'iciy delivered as his opinion or at leafl; his great fears that Mr. 
 Jewet was unconverted. Upon this, there arofc an uneafinefs among 
 thofe of his people that had (perhaps too) great an efteem of Mr. Da- 
 venport: and about the beginning of the next Winter, a number of 
 his people feemed to be got almoil at the point of feparation from him. 
 I being invited by forae of my brethren in the miniftry to vifit them and 
 preach to their people ; about the latter end of November, I fct out on 
 a fmalljourney to preach; and almoft every day preached twice a day. 
 At this time people were exceeding greedy to hear the word, flocked in 
 great crowds where the word was preached. For near a fortnight I did 
 not fee much eifcift of my preaching that was remarkable for this day. 
 Indeed fome cried out under the fenfe of fin and divine wrath, and fome 
 •were overcome with joy and the fenfe of the love of God ; but the 
 moft of them had had thefe impreflions on them before in hcarincr the 
 word ; unlefs one or two perfons, as I heard afterward, that God was 
 pleafed to makcufeofmy miniftry as a means of their faving change. 
 As I returned homeward on Saturday the thirteenth day after my going 
 from home ; I called to vifit the rev. Mr. Jewet ; and in difcourfe with 
 him I found that he v/as defirous I fhould tarry and preach to his people, 
 and he would go and preach for me. I confented ; and we concluded 
 he ihould preach not only to my people on the Lord's-day, but alfo a 
 lefture about the middle of the day on Monday ; and that I ihould 
 preach for him not only on the Lord's-day, but on the Lord's-day e- 
 vening and Monday and Monday evening; and on Tuefday, Wednes- 
 day and Thurfday at fome other parhhes where I thought and partly 
 knew I was defired to preach ; and on Friday as I returned homeward, 
 that I (liould preach for Mr. Jewet again in the afternoon and in the 
 evening. I felt fomething of reluftancy to tarry another week from 
 home, and in fuch painful fervice as riding from place to place and 
 preaching twice a day, that is, once in the day and once in the evening: 
 but I thought there was the hand of God in it ; and it was not a thing 
 of my own chufing; and corapofed myfelf to be as quiet as I could. 
 But it feems God had fome work for me the moft unworthy of his fcr-» 
 vants to do that I did not know of. On the Lord's-day, which was a- 
 bout the pth or loth day of December 1741 (it is to be noted that in 
 the parifli the people live fo fcattered ajid remote that they have but one 
 
288 Succsfs of the GcJ)>el itt America Book IV. 
 
 fermon In the AVInter in a day) there feemed to be confiderable of con- 
 cern, and the movings of the Spirit of God among the people; and a- 
 bout the clofc of the fermon there was one Negroe that had hopefully a 
 faving difcovery of Jefus Chrill, and received confolation. I preached a 
 Icfturc in the evening of the fame day; and there feemed a very great 
 pouripg out of the Spirit ; many were in great diltrefs, crying out un- 
 der a fenfe of fin and the wrath of God ; and fundry that were hopefully 
 converted before, feemed to be filled with the Spirit, and with earneil 
 defire for the converfion of others, and a fpirit of prayer for it. After 
 fermon was ended, about two or three hours were fpent with the dif- 
 trelfed, in counfelling of them, and praying with and for them. This 
 evening about three or four perfons received confolation, and were 
 hopefully brought to receive Jefus Ghrift. On Monday I preached a- 
 gain at the meeting-houfe. Many were in diltrefs, and one hopefully 
 had a difcovery of Jefus Ghrift, and received confolation. On Monday 
 evening 1 preached again in the meeting-houfe: and the diltrefs of the 
 people was fo great among them that tarried in the raeeting-houfe the 
 fpace b>etween the public exercifes, that I was obliged to fpeak to the 
 people to compofe and ftill them, or I could not have had opportunity 
 to pray with or preach to them. Though there were out-crics in the 
 time of public exercife, yet not fo much as to interrupt the public wor- 
 ship. Within the fpace of about two or three minutes after the blef- 
 fing was given, many fouls were in great diltrefs; and thofc that were 
 converted before, much concerned for the good of fouls ; and about 
 three or four hours were fpent in counfelling the diftrelfed and praying 
 with them. 
 
 Mr. Jewet this evening returned home; and if I miftake not came 
 into the meeting-houfe in fermon time: and within a few minutes after 
 fermon was ended and the blcfling given, the Spirit of God came down 
 on him in a wonderful manner; he feemed to be full of fpirit and life 
 fit>m the Lord ; and this evening he fpent fome hours in praying with, 
 counfelling and exhorting of his people: and now they that before 
 feemed to be at the point of fep aration from him, had their hearts won- 
 derfully united to him : (a happy providence) and ever fince he has ap- 
 peared very lively and fervent in the Spirit of the Lord and in his caufe. 
 This evening, about feven or eight had hopefully a Xrue difcovery of 
 Jefus Ghrift, were converted, and received confolation. On Friday this 
 week, as I returned I preached a lefture; and there feemed to be (if I 
 do not forget) confiderable of the movings of the Spirit. I had thought 
 to preach a lefture this evening; but the diftrefs was fo great, that I 
 thought God called rather to fpend the time in prayer with and coun- 
 felling of the diftrefied ; and the evening was fo fpent. The number of 
 them that hopefully experienced a faving change in Mr. Jewct's parifh 
 this week, either at the public meetings, or in the fpace between, was 
 fuppofcd to be about twenty perfons. Let God have all the glory of it, 
 if he hath made ufe of me the Icaft of all faints and moft unworthy of 
 miniftcrs, as an infirument of good to any fouls." 
 
 GS0RG£ GrISWOLD» 
 
chap, ji in the eighteenth CeHtufy. 3^0 
 
 Section XVII. 
 
 ' About the Beginning of the Tear 1742, at Wefterly and ChdrtejiouH iri 
 
 Rhode-Ifland Colony. Mr. Pdrk's Minijiry for fome time unfuc* 
 
 cefsfid. He preaches the DoSirines of Grace. Is ajjifledby Mr* 
 
 Tennent. And Mr. Davenport. j4nd the People at Stoningtoni 
 
 And Mr. Eells Minijicr there.- Family Worjhip fit up. » 
 
 A Church gathered. A Number of the Indians Jiirred up to feek 
 
 after eternal Life. 
 
 £ From a Letter from Mr. Park Minittcr at Wefterly, to the Publilher of the Chriftlau 
 Hiftory, Auguft jll, 1743, N° 26, 27. 
 
 Sir, According to your dcfire, I here commuDicate to you fome gc-» 
 
 neral account of the Lord's vifltation of this place. And as it waS 
 
 the occafion of the firft planting of a church in this place, it may ferve 
 to give light, and to fet forth the glory of the Lord, to give fome ge- 
 neral account of God's providential dealings towards us from the be-* 
 ginning of my miniflry. 
 
 In May 1 733, 1 was fent by the commJlTioners for the Indian aiFairSjj 
 to preach the gofpcl to the Indians, and fuch of the English as would 
 
 attend. At my arrival I found a comfortable appearance of huma^ 
 
 nity and courtefy among the people : but a fpirit of profanenefs and 
 irreligion awfully prevailing. My judgrrient concerning myfelf is, that 
 I was a moral religious perfon,but extremely in the dark as to the way 
 of falvation by Chrift. I laboured in the work of the miniflry with 
 fome diligence, and faithfulnefs in the difcharge of my trufts endea- 
 vouring to reduce the people to order, and the pradice of the duties 
 of religion both moral and inftituted ; by proving both, and eftablifhing 
 them upon as firm a bafis as poflible, both from rcafon and fcripturej 
 and prefling them to praftke by the ilrongeft: motives I could. And in 
 that method I miniftred among the people for feveral years; but all in- 
 vain : there appeared no impreffions of religion and virtue upon their 
 minds. But the more I laboured and contrafted an acquaintance, tht 
 more I faw of their iniquity abounding : which was very difcouraging j 
 that I could by no means prevail upon them to be better, but that they 
 rather grew worfe. And God was gracioufly pleafed not to fuffer me to 
 overlook myfelf; but, by his Spirit made application to me, and led mc? 
 into the fecret imagery of my own heart : and there I had as hard labour' 
 to repair the breaches which fin had made, as among others. And though 
 I had been fomcwhat indoftrinated in gofpel-truths, and had a work of* 
 (JonvifVion fo far gracioufly carried oil iri me, yet fomething I had fe- 
 tretly imagining, that there was fom.ething m men to begin with, and 
 that gofpel-grace came to make pcrfeft : but could not get to that 
 pitch as to think myfelf ripe for grace, and with any confidence lay 
 claim to it; becaufe I found my works were no better before God* 
 But it pleafed God to come clofer to me ftill, and bring all into a rui- 
 nous heap, till God was gracioufly pleafed to give me to fee his glory 
 VOL, IL O o 
 
2C)0 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 in the face of Jefus Chrift, and difcover a new and living way to the Fa- 
 ther, which is Jefus Chrifl:. 
 
 The glory of a fovereign God fliined bright in difpofing the 
 interells of mankind, as he had done both in the firft and fecond 
 Adam. I fawthcn, that the way to help forward the good of man- 
 kind, was not to go to repairing and mending, but to pull down as fall 
 as I could, becaufe there was no foundation at all : and according to the 
 manifeftation of the Spirit given me to profit withal, I laboured to 
 fliew forth the total ruin of the firft Adam, and the compleat reflora- 
 tion !n the fecond. My miniftry then began to be more contemptible: 
 that i was fo much upon doftrines extremely abhorred by the people. 
 They could bear legal preaching, though it was a miniftration of con- 
 demnation; folong as they could keep any hope in thcmfelves, Satan 
 and a corrupt heart would carry men along pretty comfortably; by 
 flattering them either that what was prefTed upon them, was not a duty, 
 or not to be done by them who were not fully perfuaded in their own 
 mind, however obligatory to fuch as were, or that in due time they 
 would engage in the practice of their duty. But when they came to 
 be told, that they could do nothing ; that all they did or could do flg- 
 nified nothing toward their eternal falvation : but all the concerns of 
 their falvation were taken wholly out of their hands, and put into the 
 hands of the Lord jefus Chrifl, and that they mufl come to him, and 
 take that free grace that the gofpel of the blefled God fets forth in Jefus 
 Chrifl, or be damned to all eternity: this flirred up their indignation. 
 
 But I knew it was God's own fcheme, and mufl be man's, if ever he 
 attained to God or Godlinefs. And therefore, though in much weak- 
 nefs, unbelief and unfaithfulnefs, I was by the grace of God, enabled in 
 a meafure to contend for the faith, and aflert the great doftrines of 
 grace for fome years. And the more I continued therein, the more 
 God gave me to know the myfteries of the kingdom of heaven, the 
 more I faw the glory of God therein, and was enabled to fpeak with 
 more boldnefs. Yet Satan and a corrupt heart deceived me, and got 
 an advantage, and kept me from making full and particular application 
 to fouls, by declaring what their flate, according to their profefTion 
 and practice, was: but was ready to fay, when it came to that, that I 
 hoped better things, and things which accompanied falvation, tho' thus 
 I fpake ; left it fhould raife their prejudices, and they fhould wholly 
 fliut out the word. Such a fair fhew Satan put on. But a good and 
 gracious God, who leads his people through dark paths, would not fuf- 
 fer me to continue thus deceived; but taught me to bring his truth 
 more clofe, and minifter it for God, and according to his direftion, 
 and leave the event with him ; and convinced me, that truth muft be 
 brought to every man's confcience, or the foul could never be made 
 free. And therefore I now endeavoured to come to the confcience of 
 every man, and bring the truth of God there. And tliis fretted them 
 ftill more. 
 
 I had by my acquaintance with people, in fome meafure, recom- 
 mended myfelf to their affeflions and eftcem, fo far as to be accounted 
 an honed man, that meant well; but wild in my notions about religion : 
 
Ghap. 5. *« '^<? eighteenth Century. 291 
 
 that they did not wholly rejeft me, though they became apparently 
 more eftranged from me : but I was refolved, through grace, to go on 
 boldly in the caufe of God and truth, 'till I frw what the end would 
 be. And it pleafed God, in his providence, to bring Mr. Gilbert Ten- 
 nent this way, both going and coming in his travel through New-Eng- 
 land. Going he preached a fermon to a number of the people from 
 Matth, xi. 28. And coming back, to a number more, from Gen, iii. 9. 
 which laft more efpecLilly roufed up the people, and filled fome with 
 great wrath ; and it raifed the prejudices of people the moreagainft 
 mej for concurring in the fame teftimony ; but all fcrved to keep their 
 confciences fomething more awake. Now my hearers became very flack 
 about coming to meeting : feldom above ten, twenty, or thirty fouls 
 appeared at the public alfembly ; fometimcs not fo many ; and if the 
 weather was fo as they could have any excufe, many times none at all. 
 Yet confcience was ftirring. And if thefe things were true, they mult 
 be wrong they knew. And though they fought againll the truth, they 
 could not overcome. And the Lord enabled me, as I had opportunity, 
 more earneftly to maintain his truth, and give no place to oppofers, 
 'Till fomctime after God, in his providence, fent Mr. James Davenport 
 over to New-England. He preached at Stonington adjacent to us. I 
 went myfelf, and divers from this place to hear him. I had heard many 
 ftrange things of him, and flrange efFe6ls of his preaching. I went to 
 meet him fome way before he came to the meeting-houfe : and upon 
 their coming in folcmn procellion, finging an hymn, the dread JMajelly 
 of God feemed to fill heaven and earth ; and a folemnity appeared in 
 the countenances of all. He preached a piain and awakening fermon, from 
 John V. 40. I heard nothing extraordinary, but the wholfome truths 
 of the gofpel, and expefted no extraordinary effeft, when, to my fur- 
 prize, there was a cry all over the meeting-houfe. I went about, and 
 inquired of one and another the meaning of their out-cry : and when I 
 came to underfland -the inward and fecret fpring thereof, viz. A deep 
 convi6lion of fin; I could not but fay, " This is the Lord's doing, and 
 it is marvellous in our eyes." Several of our people were pricked to the 
 heart; who heard him give another additional teflimony to the truth, 
 and ^w the wonderful effedls of it. And feveral attended his miniflry 
 longer there, and returned deeply wounded. And though the fliining 
 light feemed to darken me, as to my own experiences; yet the Lord 
 ftrengthened me to plead for his truth, the witnefs of which I had in my- 
 felf. There continued a (baking among many dry bones : and fuch then 
 would generally come to hear me preach. 
 
 There continued much of the working of God's mighty power at 
 Stonington. And many were hopefully brought out of darknds into 
 God's marvellous light. And feveral of them were moved to teflify 
 and exhort others to fly for refuge to lay hold of the hope fot before 
 them. Upon firfl: hearing of this, I difapproved of it in myfelf, and had 
 diverfe objeftions againfl: it. But providentially a number of them 
 came to hold a meeting at a remote part of Weilerly : and one of my 
 friends who I truft had been under the faving operations of God's Spi- 
 rit informed me of his thoughts to go and hear them, and invite thera 
 
 O o 2 
 
' 59? Succefs sfthe GoJ^el in America Book IV. 
 
 to his houfc and hold a meeting there. I confcntcd provided he found 
 them to his liking: and propofed myfelf to come and hear them. Ac- 
 tordingly on the 2ift of January, 174 1-2. having had a le<51ure the 
 night before at a remote part of W'cflcrly, a number of the new born 
 children of God came to me : here they prayed and gave a word of ex- 
 hortation : they appeared humble, and the power of God feemcd to 
 occompany them. I went with them to the place, where they had ap- 
 pointed to meet in the evening. I joined with them and began with 
 prayer. They gave fome declaration of the work of God, upon their 
 hearts, in converting them to God, and exhorted the people to come 
 to the Lord Jefus Chrift. And I gave public tcftimony that this 
 was the true grace of God which they fibt forth, and encouraged 
 fhera to bear the teflimony of Jefus among the people. Many were 
 greatly enraged at them, and at me for countenancing them: but I 
 thought the true grace of God rauft not be oppofcd, but encouraged 
 where-ever God was beftowing it, and however he was fending it, 
 60 that none of tbefe things moved me. I was with them the next day 
 likewifes the power of God appeared accompanying them: and I 
 was n^yfelf ilrengthned and lifted up by their means. Upon the 28th 
 day of the month, having been to Stonington to vifit and afTift: the rev. 
 Mr. Fi(h, upon a le£lure, I was accompanied home by a number of 
 converts ; and there being a confiderable concourfe of people, we went 
 into the meeting-houfe, We prayed and feveral gave a word of ex- 
 hortation : and there was fome-what of the power of God vifible a- 
 mong the people; fome cried out imder a ^en^e of their finfuland un- 
 done condition. Upon the 29th of January, 1741^2, the rev. Mr. 
 Eells of Stonington came and preached an awakening fermon from A- 
 Xnos vi. I . After which I declared publicly, that if any had a word 
 of exhortation to fay, they were defired to fay oh. Several Chriftians 
 gave a word of exhortation. God began then to work more power- 
 fully ; feveral were pricked at the heart : two hopefully received light 
 ^nd comfort thgt day s the way was opened to the Father inChrift Jefus. 
 They had a meeting in the evening at fuch a diftance that I could not 
 attend it. The wonderful power of God was faid to be vifibly mani- 
 fefted : feveral were pricked at the heart, crying out, wo is me : and 
 feveral broken hearts were healed. Upon the 3 ift, being Lord's- 
 ^ay, fome brethren from Stonington returned to keep Sabbath with 
 MS, We had a meeting alfo in the evening. There was great oppofition : 
 but God fhewpd himfelf viftorious ; and feveral were wounded infpi- 
 xity and one Negro hopefully renewed. February ift. and 2d, we had 
 meetings. The Lord was prefent to kill and make alive. And in this time 
 the number hopefully converted was fifteen fouls. I continued frequent 
 |e£lures, (befidcs Sabbath excrcifes) among Englifli and Indians : had 
 frequent help from miniflers and exhorters. The Lord continuing to 
 :V/ork falvation among us. 
 
 Before this day of God's power, there was not (as far as ever I learnt) 
 pnehoufe of prayer in the place, in two large towns ^ containing fome 
 
 a We fuppofe, that Wcftcrly is lately di- 
 vitltd into two towns; one named Charlcf- 
 pun, and the pther retaining the name of 
 
 Weftcrly, and that Mr. Park's congrega- 
 tion confids of people belonging to Bath. 
 
chap. 5. '«« tffe eighteenth Century. 295 
 
 hundreds of Families, nor any that profefled the faith of God's own 
 operation, or the true doftrincs of grace. >Jow when the Lord fct up 
 his fan(5luary in the midil of us, thofe heads of families, who had been 
 the happy fubje<5ls of his grace, immediately ^ct up the woriliip of God 
 in their houfes ; reading, praying and linging the praife of Grid in 
 pfalms, hymns and fpiritual fongs. They were brought furprizingly to 
 know the do<flrine of the grace of God ; fuch as before had counted it 
 foolilhn^fs : and their fouls were thereby quickned towards God. They 
 became earneftly engaged to come into covenant with the Lord and one 
 another in the fellowihip of the gofpel. Accordingly upon the 29th 
 of April, I 742 . a number of them fet a-part a day of fafting and pray- 
 er, to implore the direction and blclling of God, in fettling gofpcl- 
 worihip and ordinances among them. And upon the 5th of May, 
 they were fornied into a church ihte, by the affiftance of a council of 
 miniftersand dclegaters from Stonington. And upon Auguft the 13th 
 1742. through much oppofition became an organized body : when by 
 the providence of God, I was ordained to the pafloral office over them. 
 May the Lord walk in the midft of this his golden candleftick, and hold 
 his ftar in his right hand, feed and lead and lift us up for ever. The 
 Lord has added daily to the church, fuch we hope as fliall be faved. 
 The number of profelfors firft entring into the bonds and fellowihip 
 of the gofpel, was fourteen fouls, eight males and fix females, all 
 Englifli : lince which time have been joined to our communion twenty- 
 two perfons, befides two that have been recommended from other 
 churches. Of thofe added fix are Indians, and two Negroes. I hey 
 all in feme good meafure appear hopefully to continue in the grace 
 of God, and with puipofe of heart to cleave to the Lord; approving 
 themfelves the true and faithful difciples of the Lord Jefus Chrili, thro' 
 manifold temptations prefling forward toward the mark, growing in 
 grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jefus ChrifL 
 None have run into fcandalous living, or heterodoxy oFopinion, to 
 bring any reproach upon Chriftianity, (the Lord have the praife) but 
 have manifeftcd, under all temptations and tolTings of the adverfary, 
 hopeful tokens of ftedfaftnefs of heart. 
 
 The Lord in the beginning of his vifitation, was gracioufly pleafed 
 to ftiew fome tokens for good towards the Indians, and fingled out 
 fomeof them for monuments of his free and fovereign grace. But the 
 power of God began to be moft remarkable among the body of them 
 upon Feb. 6. 1742-3. when upon the Lord's day, a number of Chriflian 
 Indians from Stonington came to vifit the Indians here : I went in the 
 evening after the public worfhip of God to meet them, and preach a 
 leflure to them. The Lord gave me to plead with him that his 
 kingdom might be feen coming with power among the Indians. The 
 Lord I truft began to anfwer even in the time of prayer. Aftpr which 
 we fung an hymn. The glory of the Lord was manifefted m.ore and 
 more. The enlightned among them had a great fenfe of fpiritual and 
 eternal things : a Spirit of prayer and fupplication was poured out 
 upon them; and a Spirit of conviction upon the enemies of God. I 
 ^attempted to preach frpra 2 Cor, vi, 2. but was unable to continue my 
 
294 Sue cefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 difcourfe by rcafon of the outcry. I therefore gave it up : And as I 
 had opportunity offered a word of exliortation, as the Lord enabled 
 mc. I fpent the evening until late with them. 
 
 The Indians continued together all night, and fpent the moll of the 
 next day and night together : And it continued a wonderful time of 
 God's power. And from that time the Indians were generally ftirred 
 up to feek after eternal life. They Hocked more to the houfe and wor- 
 fliip of God, than they were wont to do to their frolicks. They re- 
 main earneftly enquiring after God : and appear many of them hope- 
 fully to have found the Lord. And there are tokens for good that 
 the Lord is preparing the way, and gathering numbers of them into 
 the kingdom of his dear Son. Tho' the evidences of grace do not ap- 
 pear fo clearly in many of them, as through grace it has done in fome 
 others; yet they manifeft a fenfe of the darknefs and wickednefs of 
 their former ftate, and a deiire to live to God for time to come. They 
 have forfaken their dances and drunken frolicks, appear fober and fe- 
 rious, very diligently attend the preaching of the word of God and 
 prayer. And great encouragement appears that God is fliedding forth 
 among them more and more gofpel-truth and grace. There was not 
 above ten or twelve Indians that ufcd to come to meeting at all ; and 
 they very negligently. There is now near an hundred that come very 
 conltantly, and attend very ferioully, and I hope to profit. May the 
 Lord carry on this work to perfe<5lion. lam, Sir, yours, 
 
 Joseph Park. 
 
 "VVe the fubfcribers having had our birth and education in AV^eflerly 
 in Rhode-Illand Colony, and having had acquaintance with the Hate of 
 this place before, and through grace flnce the Lord's vifitation of it in 
 his mighty power; and having heard and confidered the [above] nar- 
 rative, do give our atteftation to the truth thereof, according to the 
 beft of our knowledge and judgment. Stephen Badcock, Jofeph 
 Penleton, Ezekiel Gavil, junr. ^yilliam Penleton. 
 
 Section XVIII. 
 
 Cn the lajl Sabbath of January 1742, at Clocejler (firjl PrecinSf) in 
 
 the County of Ejfex. Impreffions before by the Earthquake. By 
 
 the Account of the Work at Northampton^ he. A Day of Fajling 
 
 and Prayer for the Gift of the Holy ChofL A Religious Society 
 
 of Negroes. Scores favingly ivrought upon. Legalijls or Self- 
 
 Righteous convicted. Mourners comforted.- One Itinerant 
 
 Preacher. Several fettled Miniflers preached occafionally luhofe 
 
 Labours the Lord was pleafed to blefs. 
 
 [ From aLetter from Mr. White Minifter at Glocefter, to Mr. Prince Miniftcr at Bofton, 
 March 1744, — Chriftian Hiftory, N ° 58. ] 
 
 R. S. Being moved to give fome account of the work of God among 
 us, take it as follows. Glocefter (commonly called Gape- Ann) was fmall 
 in it's beginning, yet of late has greatly increafed. When I the fub- 
 fcriber was fettled in the miniftry here^more than forty-one years ago, 
 
Chap. 5. »« the eighteenth Century. 295 
 
 there was but one congrega:ion; and about threefcorc and eight mem- 
 bers. And the materials of three churches have been difmifTed from us, 
 in order to be incorporated and fettled in gofpel-order : to the lafl, 
 which is now the fourth church in this town, were difmifTed from us 
 upwards of fourfcore members. And there now remain about two 
 hundred and fixty. 
 
 I have not ordinarily fifhed for fouls with a net, but with an angling- 
 rod. God the Holy Ghoft has been pleafed in a more gentle and un- 
 difcernable way to work faith in the hearts of our people ; and they 
 came in one after another, not in troops, or clufters : except at two 
 fcafons, viz. after the earthquake, and about two years ago. Our people 
 by the earthquakes were (as their neighbours) greatly affrighted ; efpe- 
 cially the more rude, ignorant and wicked among us. But about a 
 month after the firft fhocks, when their terrifying frights were over; 
 it pleafed God by his Spirit to work kindly in a v/ay of convi£lion,and 
 I trufl of converlion. And there was a great harveft of fouls gathered 
 in to Chrift in a way of open profeffion ; and if we may judge by their 
 after-converfation, mofl: of them'were flncere : wliich brought to mind 
 what is written, i Kings xix. 1 1, 12. "■ And he faid,go forth and Hand 
 upon the mount before the Lord: and behold the Lord pafTed by, and 
 a great ftrong wind rent the mountains; but the Lord was not in the 
 wind; and after the wind, an earthquake; but the Lord was not in 
 the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not 
 in the fire: and after the fire, a ftill fmall voice." And this voice, this 
 ftill fmall voice was heard by many: and the powerful voice of the 
 Holy Ghoft was effectual for the faving converfion of fcores of fouls, 
 according to the judgment of rational charity. 
 
 Upon what I heard of God's marvellous works of grace at Nor- 
 thampton, and efpecially upon reading the furprizing and affedling ac- 
 count thereof, drawn up by their reverend paftor : I had at times fin- 
 cere, fenfible and fervent defires, that the God of all grace, would vifit 
 us with the like plentiful effufions of his holy, promifed Spirit: and 
 was wont in public addreffes to the prayer-hearing God, to afk the gift 
 of gifts, the Holy Spirit. Knowing that application-work in the con* 
 viction and converfion of finners would be carried on among a gofpel- 
 ized people, more or lefs as the Spirit from on high fhould be in lefier 
 or greater degrees, poured down upon them. And I looked upon it as 
 a farther ground of encouragement to wait upon God, that he had fb 
 remarkably added to his promifes under the Old and New Teftament, 
 his performance ; as in Hamplhire county. And at length I moved the 
 church to fet apart a day of fafting and prayer, to wait upon God for 
 this bleffing; viz. that the dews and fhowers of the Holy Ghoft might 
 fall upon us : and God did fpeedily and plentifully anfwer our prayers. 
 Of this wonderful work of God I have given the public an account in 
 an epiftle prefixed to a fermon preached by the rev. Mr. Benjamin Brad- 
 ftreet on this joyful occafion ; to which I refer the reader. [The faid 
 account was as follows:] " There have been unhappy controverfies 
 carried on wdth too much of heat relating to the good work in this and 
 the ueighbourlpg prpviaces and colonies. Some arcribing the whole to 
 
596 Succefs of the Go/pel in Jnierlca Book IV* 
 
 the devil. But how can we account for the reconciliation of perfons for 
 a long time at enmity, the reformation of profligate wretches, their 
 deep humiliation, their illumination, and found converfion, as the ef^ 
 feci: of Satan's operations? Surely 'tis a new work for Satan to wound, 
 and heal the confcience, to fill the fouls of men with love to God and 
 Chrift ; and their mouths with praifes to their taithful Creator, and dear 
 Redeemer ; and bring them to take inexpreffible delight in the ways of 
 Cod. Others on the contrary afcribing all the work done among us to 
 God' fome of which are fo new, ftrange, violent, that 'tis hard to con- 
 ceive' they are the effeft of the Holy Spirit's operations. I think we may 
 allow fome of them to be the natural effects of human frailty. And if 
 fome be allowed to be the efFefts of an enraged devil, I think it no un- 
 reafonable conceiTion. We in the firft parifli in Glocefler were fo defi- 
 rousof this work, as to keep a day of fading and prayer; to aflc of God 
 the bleifing of bleffings, the gift of the Holy Ghoft : and invited the reft 
 of the pallors of the town with the rev. Mr. Nathaniel Rogers to affift 
 in the work of the day. And it was not long after, that we found the 
 cood effefts of waiting upon God. Can any think it poffible that when 
 \ve go to our heavenly Father and a(k a fiili, that he will give a ferpent.'' 
 'Tis flrange, if irtimediately uponour afking the faving imprefTions of 
 the Holy Ghoft; God fhould take that opportunity to fend, or permit 
 the devil to come among us with his undoing delufions. But the firft 
 moft vifible and powerful effufion of the Spirit was on the laft Sabbath 
 in January, [i 741-2.] and efpecially as I was preaching in the afternoon 
 and in the evening in two religious focieties in the harbour; many 
 ■were imprefTed both with diftrefs and with joy, above raeafure. And 
 on Monday morning in the fchool of Mr. Mofes Parfons; a man dif' 
 pofed zealoufly to ferve the beft interefts of all he has to do with : and 
 being hired by a number of gentlemen, to train up their children in re- 
 lieious exercifes, and in fmging as well as other ufeful knowledge; the 
 Spirit of God came fo powerfully upon the fchool, that they could not 
 attend the ordinary fchool exercifes. But with their joyful mafter (with 
 whom I had left the care of my flock while I went a journey, which I 
 wasneceffitated to take) and a multitude of fped^ators, they prayed to, 
 and praifed God by fmging fpiritual hymns. And in the evening Mr. 
 Parfons preached a lefture in the meeting-houfe; and ih the clofe of 
 the excrcife, the Spirit fell upon a great part of the congregation to the 
 amazement of many: and people had fuch an appetite to the word 
 preached, that Mr. Parfons called in the help of the other minifters of 
 the town ; and on Tuefday evening the rev. Mr. Jaques (a faithful and 
 fucccfsful' preacher) preached : and on Wednefday evening the rev. 
 Mr. Bradftreet preached the fermon now put into your hands. Several 
 of the hearers deflred a copy of it for the prefs. And feveral evening 
 fermons were preached after this. And the good fruits of this vifit are 
 very apparent; no lefs than twenty-one had their experiences read the 
 laft Sabbath day." [Thus far the printed account.] 
 
 Now I (hall proceed to relate as briefly as I can the effefts. As they 
 were all amazed, faying in their hearts, and one to another, whatmean- 
 cth this ? My eyes never faw fuch Uanfaftions j my ears never heard 
 
chap. 5. »« the eighteenth Century. 297 
 
 fuch expreffions; and thus it was when the Holy Spirit was poured 
 down, A<5ls ii. 2. " And fuddcnly there came a found from Heaven, as 
 of a rulhing wind, and it filled the houfe where they were fitting." 
 And thus it was with us. But the impreffion was at firfl: principally on 
 the one fide of the meetisg-houfc. And there was poured down a Spi- 
 rit of prayer upon young and old, efpccially the younger fort. And 
 children of five, fix, feven years, and upward, would pray to admirati- 
 on. And in our parifh, there have fince been formed no lefs than nine 
 diftin(5t focieties, of young and old, male and female, bound and free, 
 (for one of them is a fociety of Negroes, who in their meetings behave 
 very ferioufly and decently. They have been greatly imprefled. One 
 of them gave a very fatisfying account of his experiences, and was taken 
 intochurch-fellowihip: moll of them entered into covenant, and were 
 baptized themfelves, and alfo their ifiue) who meet feveral of thena 
 twice in a week, to pray and fing, as well as to read books of piety, and 
 the reft once a week. And the younger fay their catechifm to the head 
 of the meeting. And feveral fermons have been preached unto them. 
 
 But another ti^e^ is a Spirit of grace. The work of converfion has 
 been carried on in an uncommon manner. But as to the degree and du- 
 ration of terrors, there has been a vaft variety. Some have been impref- 
 fed with deep terrors, and have continued for feveral months under 
 them. They have been greatly diftrefi^ed, and near to diftra^lion. 
 They have had fuch difcoveries of the greatnels of their guilt, and of 
 God's anger, of the badnefs of their hearts, as to make them cry out. 
 They have had difcoveries of their ignorance and unbelief, of their 
 hardnefs of heart, and enmity again ft God. '^rhey have feen not only 
 an utter inability to believe, but an averlion to believe. And when it 
 was God's time to comfort and heal their wounded hearts and fpirits, 
 their joys rofe proportionably to their dcpreffion, and their lifting-up 
 was in proportion to their dejedlion. And many a time have they been 
 fo full of fpiritual joys, as to fink and faint under the weight of them. 
 Others have been but a fhort time under a law-work, and then there- 
 have fucceedcd joys, under the fenfe that their fins are pardoned. But 
 of this fort, their religious impreiilons, I fear, have too foon wore off. 
 And many moved towards church-fcllowlhip, and joined to the churoii: 
 but fome have fadly apoftatized, and are become as vile, yea, more vile 
 than before. We find that ftrong but lliort terrors,^ fucceedcd with ra- 
 vilhing joys, are no certain evidence of faving converfion. 
 
 There has been an apparent reformation. Diverfions, though lawful 
 and innocent, have been almoft wholly laid afide, and the finging of 
 Dr. Watts's Hymns is the chief resreation of Chriftians when they con- 
 veen. There are no fcparatious among us. Little has been faid about 
 New Lights, (which I look upon as a term of reproach, as of old the 
 term Puritan was) and as little about Oppofcrs; the mentioning of 
 which is irritating, and tends to w^iden the breach ;• and foment divifi- 
 ons, contentions and feparations. As to vifions we had enough of them, 
 until fuch time as in a iedture fermon I declared ray fentiments con- 
 cerning them ; and fo far as I can underftand, tiwre has never been oae 
 fince. Our congregation has been difturbed and interrupted by out- 
 VOL. n. P p 
 
2g9 Succefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 cf ies, bur I laboured to fupprefs them. I would add; that as I believe 
 there have been (cores favingly wrought upon, who were ll^rangers be- 
 fore that happy day, fo much as to the form of godlinefs : fo fome pro- 
 fell'ors who refted in the form, and were but legalifts or fclf righteous, 
 have fecn that they built upon a fandy foundation ; and were greatly 
 dillreded under the convidtion; and by an earneft application unto 
 Chrift for wildom and righteoufncfs, have had a further difcovery of Je- 
 fus Chrifh ; and have been encouraged to venture upon him for the 
 complete falvation of their fouls ; and have had their hearts filled with 
 joy in bciicA'ing. So alfo, there have been fcores of perfons who had 
 truly doled with Chrift in time paft ; but have walked in darknefs, by 
 means of the withdraw of the Spirit, the weaknefs of their graces, and 
 prevakncy of their corruptions ; and have been for a long time as in a 
 wildcrnefs: thefe have been anointed as with frefh oil; their hearts 
 have oeen made glad, enlarged, quickened, and comforted by renewed 
 and continued fupplies of grace, have been enabled with enlarged hearts 
 to run the ways of God's commandments. One thing more I fee caufe 
 to^add ; that although properly fpeaking, we have had but one itine- 
 rant preacher with us: yet feveral eminently able and zealous fervants 
 of the Lord, fettled minifters, have occafionally preached to our con-. 
 gregation; and have been greatly alfifting in promoting this good 
 work. God has bleifed their hbours among us. And it is my hearty 
 defne, that the kingdom and intereft of our Lord may be promoted, j 
 and converts multiplied, although by other hands. Thus I have ra^ide 
 an impartial relation of what God has done amongft us, in the methods ' 
 of his grace: and to him be the glory in the church by Chrift Jefus 
 throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Yours, &:c. 
 
 JoHM White. 
 Section XIX. 
 
 In February 1742 at Plymouth Former Endeavours not bleft ivith 
 
 Succefs.- A Concern begins gradually to appear under the preach- 
 
 ^"S ^ffof^s Stranger Minifiers, and of their own Minifter Mr. Leo- 
 
 nard's .The SubjeSis he preached on.~ — -But the Concern greatefi 
 
 of all in February ly 42^ -when Mr. Crofwel came. Strangers 
 
 furprlzed at the Reformation in the Place. A diflinGi Society. 
 
 f From a Letter from Mr. Leonard, Miniflcr at Plymouth to Mr. Prince Minifter at Ko- 
 ilon, November i^d, 1744.— Chriftian Iliftory, N ° 92. ] 
 
 R. S. It pleafed Cod to caft my lot (who am the leaft of all faints) 
 in the firft church and town in the country above twenty years ago. 
 Religion was then under a great decay, raoft people feemed to be taken 
 wp principally about the world and the lufts of this life; tho' there ap- 
 peared fome ferious Chriftians among us that had the things of God ;it 
 heart*, who greatly bewailed the growth of impiety, profanenefs, fab- 
 
 a There is great caufe of gratitude to 
 God, that in this place, in the days of its 
 prpated degeneracy and lukcwarmnefs in 
 religion, God rclervcs to himfcif a remnant 
 piou% dilpofed, and of the fame fpirit with 
 
 our religious anceftors, who followed God 
 into this wafte and howling wildcrncfs, and 
 were the firfl fcttlers of thi« town and of 
 this land. 
 
chap. 5. «« tf}S eighteenth CerHury. 299 
 
 bath-breaking, gaming, tavern-haunting, intemperance, and other evils, 
 which threatened to bear down all that is good and facred before them, 
 "We were fenfible of an awful degeneracy, and keptxlays of farting and 
 prayer year after year, that God would pour out his Spirit upon us; 
 efpecialiy on the rifing generation : at thefe times we invited the mini- 
 flers of the county to join with us, who readily gave their allilbnce. 
 The authority of this town endeavoured to put a Hop to the growing 
 intemperance, by clearing the taverns at nine o'clock in the evening, 
 and punifhing loofe and diforderly perfons that frequented them. But 
 all the methods ufed one way and other, proved of little efiecl. Ini- 
 quity prevailed, and we were in danger of lofing the very form of God- 
 linefs. 
 
 Mr. Whltefield coming into tlieland, and the news we prefently had 
 of his preaching and converfation at Boilon and elfewhere, roufcd us 
 a little, and we fent to him to come and preach to us. AV"e expefted 
 him in Oc1:ober 1740, but were difappointed. In March following, 
 Mr. Tennent came hither and preached eight fermons to general ac- 
 ceptance, which by the bleffing of God greatly awakened this people, 
 and many have dated fuch religious imprefllons from that time,' as we 
 have reafon to believe iffued in a real conver/jon to God. After him, 
 fcveral minifters of the county and others vifited us, and preached with 
 us ; and wc often fpent whole daj's in prayer, finging and preaching, 
 and had frequently three exercifes in them. I often preached three 
 times on the Lord's-day myfelf, and fometimes three or four times in 
 the week befides. Altho' before this through bodily indilpofition, and 
 heavinefs of fpirit, I was not able to carry on the ufual dated exercifes 
 and my people had for fome years provided me an aiTiflanr. 
 
 The fubjefts chiefly infifted on were thcfe following, viz. The iln 
 and apoftacy of mankind in Adam ; the blindi^efs of the natural man in 
 the things of God ; the enmity of the carnal mind ; the evil of iln ; the 
 defert of it, and the utter inability of the fallen creature to relieve it- 
 felf: the fovereignty of God ; his righteoufncfs, holinefs, truth, power 
 eternity, alfo his grace and mercy in Ghrifi: JeCus: the way of redemov 
 tion byChrid:; juftification, thro' liis imputed righteoufnefs, received 
 by faith ; this faith the gift of God, and a living principle that worketh 
 by love; legal and evangelical repentance: the natureand nece/Hty of 
 regeneration ; and that without holinefs no man can fee God. h\\ 
 perfons were put upon examining themfelves, warned againfl truAing 
 in their own righteoufnefs, and telling in the form of Godlinefs, with^ 
 cut the power, &c. Thefe things, together with pathetical invitations 
 to finners to come and embrace the Lord Jefus Chrilt, as offered in the 
 gofpel, made a wonderful irapreffion on the minds of all (brts of peo- 
 ple at the firft. And men, women, and children were much awaken- 
 ed, and the outward face of things began exceedingly to alter. 
 
 In February 1741-2, the rev. Mr. Crofwel came hither, and conti* 
 pued in the town about a fortnight, preaching fometimes in this, and 
 (bmetimes in the other parifh. At this time, I think, I miiv fay as the 
 Apoftle does to the ThelTalonians : " The gofpel came unto us, not in 
 ?i'ord only, but alfo ip power, and in the Holy Ghoft, aud \i\ much af^ 
 
 Pp 2 
 
300 Succefs of the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 lurancc^. And we received the word, not as the word of man, but as 
 it is in truth, the word of God, which wrought effeflually in them that 
 believed''." Hundreds of fouls were at one time in the meeting-houfe, 
 Saturday February 1 3th, crying out in the utmoft concern, " What 
 they Ihould do "lo be iavcd ! " And many others rejoicing in the Lord, 
 in the fweet fenfe of his redeeming love and grace in Chrift Jefus, as 
 they declared. This day, and at fbme other times, converfions were fo 
 open and public, that we fcemed to fee fouls dead in trefpaffes and fins, 
 revive and Uand up monuments of divine grace, (I don't mean that we 
 had an intuition of their hearts, and knew infallibly the ftate of their 
 fouls, which is God's prerogative) but the appearance of con verfion from 
 one llafe to the other, and the alteration in the frame and temper of 
 their minds, which they difcovered in words and behaviour was admi- 
 rable. This day appeared to me in the time of it, and hath done fo 
 ever fince, a day of great grace, for which my foul giveth thanks ,to 
 God. After this for fome months tpgcther you fhould fcarcely fee any 
 body at the taverns, unlcfs they were ftrangers, travellers, or forae come 
 there upon neceflary bufinefs. Perfons of all denominations, except a 
 few, gave themfelves to reading the word of God, to meditation, pray- 
 er, conference, and other religious exercifes, and refrained from their 
 cuftomary vices. And many that lived at a diflance, (being acquainted 
 with this town in its former ftate coming hither) beheld us now with 
 admiration, faying, *' Surely the fear of Godis in this place." 
 
 As this prefent life is a ftate of imperfetfHon ; fo there v.^ere fome cir- 
 cumftances that attended this work, which, if they had not been, might 
 have prevented fome prejudice and oftence againft it. A violent op- 
 pofition prefendy arofe, and prevailed fo far, that a number of this 
 congregation w-ent out from us into a diftinif): fociety, and nine of the 
 brethren aflced a difmifTion from us to embody into a church by them- 
 felves. We readily granted their requeft, and they have lately had a 
 minifter fet over them. My prayer for him and them is, " That God 
 would pour out his Spirit abundantly upon them, greatly enrich them 
 with heavenly bleifmgs, and fill them with all the fulnefs of God." 
 
 As for the fubje£ls of this work ; it hath been here as in otlier places. 
 Some that were a while under awakenings, at length got rid of them, 
 and are now returned as the dog to his vomit. Some that we thought 
 at firft favingly changed, have fince given reafon to fear that they de- 
 ceived themfelves as well as others. But the far greater part of them 
 that were added to the church behave with fuchmeekncfs, humility, fo- 
 briety, and other Chriftian virtues; that I muft fay of them, as David 
 did of the godly of his day, " They are the excellent of the earth." 
 
 I have not been particular, either in defcribing the work with us, or 
 in giving examples of conversion ; which I (hould have done, were it not 
 that the work with us is the fame in fubftance, which is fo often defcrib- 
 ed in thefe papers. And the converfions with us (thofe we think ge- 
 nuine) agreeing with the accounts from other places. But thus much 
 I thought neccifary to fay, left I fhould be guilty of criminal filence, 
 
 a I Epift. i. r. b 2 Ch. 13. 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 301 
 
 being called to praife God for his wonderful works and his loving-kind- 
 nefs towards us. My foul mourns in fecret for them that oppofe or make 
 a deriflon of the glorious work begun in the land. As for myfelf, I defire 
 for ever to adore the great Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, for 
 the ftiare he hath granted me, of his mere mercy, in the grace fhed abroad 
 by the Holy Spirit, in thefe days upon the churches. I earneflly delire 
 the prayers of all Chriftians, that God would ftrengthen me in foul and 
 body, and make me ficdfaft, unmoveable, and enable me to aboimd in 
 the work of the Lord. Of myfelf I am nothing but weaknefs, fin and 
 rebellion againft God, but through free and undcfcrved grace, the Lord 
 Jefus is wifdom, righteoufnefs, fanftification and redemption to me. 
 The Lord is my ftrength and my fhield, my heart trufted in him, and 
 I am helped ; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my fong 
 will I praife him. I am fo confirmed in it that this work is of God, that 
 in my moft calm and fedate feafons my prayer is, not only that God 
 would lead me and guide me in his way, but enable me to endure all 
 manner of ill ufage in the world, rather than give up this caufe, which 
 I am fully perfuaded is his, to whom be glory and praife for ever and 
 ever. Amen. From your friend and fervant in the Lord, 
 
 Nathanael Leonard. 
 
 Section XX. 
 
 About the fame Time {viz. Spring 17 42. J at Somers in the County of 
 
 Hampjhire in the Maffachufetts. Reflitution. Reconciliation. 
 
 Various ImpreJJions . A remarkable Infiance of a Child nine 
 
 Tears of Age. Chriflians among them greatly quickened. They 
 
 are almofi in every refpeSl a reformed People. A Day ofThanhf- 
 
 giving. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. AUis Minifler at Somers, to Mr. Cooper Miniflcr at Boflon, 
 May 22d, 1742. — -Chriftian Hiflory, N° ji, J2. ] 
 
 R. and D. S. From the fmall acquaintance I have bad with yourfelf, 
 and knowing how much your heart is fet upon the advancement of the 
 intereft of Chrift, and his kingdom in the world; I perfuade myfelf it 
 will be grateful to you to hear of the flouriftiing of religion in any part 
 of the Land. God hath been in a moft wonderful manner pouring out 
 of his Spirit upon many towns in this county; but I think none have 
 ihared fo plentifully (I don't fpeak by way of boafting, but acknowledge 
 the fovereign grace of God) of the power, the grace, and mercy of God» 
 convincing of fin, of righteoufnefs, and judgment, and of being brought 
 to the embracement of the Lord Jefus Chrift upon the terms of the gof- 
 pel, as this people hath. To God be all the glory ! all the praife belongs 
 to him ! ■ There is fuch an evident and apparent alteration in the lives, 
 converfation and tempersof men, that lam fure nothing but the almigh- 
 ty power and grace of God could effeft. It fills me with tears of furpri- 
 zing joy to fee that l6ve to thehoufe of God and his worfliip, that feem- 
 ing pleafure and fatisfaftion there is in attending upon all religious du- 
 ties, even in thofe that in times paft feemed to live unmindful of God and 
 
V>J Siicce/s of ths Gojpel in America Book IV. 
 
 j)is woriiup. Some who fclclom came to the public worfhip of God on 
 the Lord's-day do now conftantly and devoutly attend thereupon : not 
 only on the Lord's-day, but on the week day. The houfe of God is 
 very much filled ; where a public ledlure hath been preached once a 
 fortnight for fome time ; and for fome months part almoft conftantly 
 once a week. And there is not only a devout attendance by thofeper- 
 fons that feemed to be almoil: without a form of religion ; but thofeper- 
 fons are conftantly meeting together once or twice a week on the eve- 
 ning, to feek God by prayer. There is but one night in the week as I 
 am informed, but what elderly or middle-aged or young people or chil- 
 dren meet together in different parts of the town in companies, to pray 
 to God and fing praifes to him. And, what is \^ry remarkable, children 
 that could notbepcrfuaded through fear without difficulty to ftep out 
 of the door in a dark evening, will now go alone two and fome three 
 miles thro' a thick wood, 'to join together in prayer, reading, and finging 
 pfalms : the dark night is no hindrance to them, nor the badnefs of the , 
 weather. Thofe youths that delighted themfelvcs in frolicking and mif- 
 chief, have wholly left it off; and fay, they take more pleafure and 
 fatisfaftion in ferving God, than ever they did in the ways of fm and 
 Satan. Yea, thofe things that were pleafing to them, are now as the 
 gall of afps and wormwood. Some heads of families, as far as I can 
 learn, that nevcr^ prayed m their families, are now conftant therein 
 morning and evening. Some that have wronged others in their names 
 and eftates, have freely and voluntarily confelfed their fartilts and made 
 fatisfaftion. Iknowof many fuch inftances. Quarrels and contentions 
 between neighbour and neighbour which have fubfifled for many years, 
 and no means could eft"e<ft a reconciliation, are now at an end ; and 
 there is fcenjingly an hearty love and affeftion to each other. Thofe 
 pcrfons who were fomevhat addiO:ed to fwearing and very much to 
 vain frothy exprefTions, have wholly left them off', and have a favour 
 of religion in all their dii'courfcs. 
 
 It would take up a great deal of time, if Ifliould attempt to let you 
 know the various impreflions that are made on the minds of profefTors, 
 whereby fuch a change is wrought. To inftance in a few particulars. 
 Some have a great fenfe of the majefty of God, which fills them with 
 fear and trembling ; and a fenfe of their own nothingnefs, which 
 makes them to cry out, I am a worm and no man. Some have a fenfe 
 of the holinefs of God, and for fl long time cannot be br®ught to 
 think that ever God will admit fuch finful and unholy creatures into 
 the heavenly world when they die. Some have a fenfe of the power of 
 God, and his ability to fave finpers. Some have a fenfe of the beauty, of 
 the excellency and love of Chrift, which draws forth their whole 
 fouls to him. Some have a fenfe of the evil and vile nature of fin. To 
 fome, particular fins are fo fet home to their confcienccs, as that they arein 
 dreadful diftrefs and anguifa of fpirit day and night for forae weeks to- 
 gether, before they find eafe for their burthened fouls. Some have a 
 fenfe of the evil of fin in general, and particular fins not fet home to 
 their confcicnces rernarkably. Others, particular fins fill with great 
 aiiguilli and diftrefs. 3uch an one I was fent for to conveffe with. It 
 
Chap. 5. *'J tf}^ eighteenth Century. jqj 
 
 was a child about nine years of age, which fGemcd to me to be in as 
 great anguilh and diftrefs by realbn of fome particular fins, as if it 
 had aftual iiames of fire feized on it. There were fevcral children in 
 the room and negroes : \into whom it addrcO'ed itfelf, particularly 
 warning them of thefe and thofe fins for which fhe faid fhe mufl: burn 
 in hell: it addrefied herfelf to the negroes, facing " Do not go to hell 
 with me, I would go alone, I do not defire Indians and negroes ihould 
 be as miferable as I lliall be by and by," 1 advifed her to lift up her 
 heart to God in prayer for mercy: and accordingly (lie did, and made 
 life of this exprelfion in the molt lively manner; " Good Lord fer me- 
 fee all my fins; but do not let me fee them all at once; let me fee 
 them, as I can bear them : if thoo letteft me fee them all at o«ce, I 
 fhall immediately go to hell." Some other infiances there have been a- 
 mong us of children and youth; whofc anguifh and diftrefs for fia 
 hath been fo great, that I can no ways defcribe it to you, to convey a 
 true and lively idea thereof. And ferae who have been in great dif- 
 trefs, have had in due time proportionable joy and comfort: and o- 
 thers again not. God hath infinite v,-ays almon, if I may fo t?xprefs it, 
 of beginning and carrying on his own work in the hearts of the chil- 
 dren of men. There have been fome among us of all ages and fexes 
 that have fiiarcdin the boundlefs riches of God's grace: middle-aged 
 perfons, elderly; and one of feventy-fix years of age hath been as I 
 am in charity bound to think, a fubje>fl of the amazing power and 
 grace of God, Chrifiians have been wonderfully filled, enlivened and 
 quickened by the Spirit of God. But the rifing generation hath in a 
 more general and remarkable manner ihared in the out-pouring of the 
 Spirit of God. 
 
 I have given jou a fhort but impeifeO: account of the wonderful 
 things God hath done and is doing among us. Byt you would think 
 (I may fafely fay) that the one half had not been told you, if yon 
 knew the circumftances of this people in times paA, and what they are 
 now. We are almofi in every refpe£l a reformed people. To God be 
 all the praife and glory. I would intreat your prayers at the throne 
 of grace,;, both forme and this people; that we may have fiill the to- 
 kens of the divine prefence,' and that we may five up to the peculiar 
 and diftinguifhing merci^esof God manifefi-cd toward a finful and back- 
 iliding people. From your unworthy fervant and fellow-labourer in 
 the gofpel miniftry, Samuel Allis. 
 
 N.B. Some months ago, we fet a-part a day of public thankfgiving 
 to God, for the revival of religion, and the remarkable out-pouring 
 of his Spirit. And I think there were evident tokens of God's owning 
 us and accepting of our facrifices. 
 
304 Succefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV, 
 
 Section XXL 
 
 Exfradfs of Attefiattons to the above remarkable Revival in New-En' 
 
 gland y <bc. 1. By fixty-eight Minifters at the Meeting in Bojlon^ 
 
 July yth, 1743. II' By tvjelve in ConneSiicut Colony , Norwich, 
 
 June 23^, 1743- III- By fix in the County of York, Scarborough^ 
 
 June 23^/, 1743- IV. By feven in the County of H amp/hire y June 
 
 20th, 1743. V. By eleven in the County of Fairfield, Woodbury , 
 
 06iober ^ih, 1 743. VI. The Names of twenty Minifters who 
 
 gave their fingle [_two of them their joint"} Attejlations,- VII. 
 
 ExtraSl of a Letter from Mr. Gilbert Tennent containing Atteflati' 
 ons from fever al Minifiers ; alfo fome Account of the Revival in the 
 Provinces of New- J er fey, New-Tork and Penjylvania, dated Augufi 
 
 l^th, 1744. VIII. Mr. William Tennenfs Jhort Account of fome 
 
 Places in thefe Provinces, dated October nth, 1744. IX. Some 
 
 Account of the Perfeverance of the Subjects of the above Revival who 
 lived in and about Bo [ton, in two Letters dated September ^d, iJS^t 
 and January 22d, 1 752 . 
 
 I. Extrat^ of the Tefiimeny and Advice of the AJfembly of Minifiers at 
 Bofion,July-jth,i-j^l. 
 
 [ Chriftian Hiftory, N ° 20, 21. ] 
 
 On Friday May 27th, 1743, ^ number of minifters belonging both 
 to Bofton, and divers towns in the country, conferring together and 
 judging that the honour and intereft of Chrift called them to make a 
 general inquiry into the ftate of religion in this land, and with others to 
 bear their teftimony to the wondrous work of his power and grace in 
 the late revival of religion among us ; agreed to publifh the following 
 invitation in one of the news-papers. Accordingly, in the Bofton Ga- 
 zette of Tuefday May 31ft, the faid invitation appeared in the follow- 
 ing terms 
 
 To the Publifhers of the Bofioti Ga:^ette. — Some ofyourCuflomers defire 
 you to infert this in your next Paper. 
 
 " It is defired and propofed by a number of minifters both in town 
 and country, that fuch of their brethren as are perfuaded there has of 
 late been a happy revival of religion, through an extraordinary divine 
 influence, in many parts of this land, and are concerned for the honour 
 and progrefs of this remarkable work of God, may have an interview 
 at Bofton, the day after the approaching commencement ; to confider 
 whether they are not called to give an open conjunfl teftimony to an 
 event fofurprizing and gracious; as well as againft thofe errors in doc- 
 trine and diforders in praftice, which through the permitted agency of 
 Satan have attended it, and in any meafure blemiftied its glory and hin- 
 dred its advancement: and alfo to confult the moft likely methods to 
 be taken, to guard people againft fuch delufions and miftakes as in fuch 
 a ieafon they are in danger of falling into, and that this blefled work 
 may continue and flourilh among us. But if any gentlemen who hear- 
 
Chap. 4. in the eighteenth Century, 30 5 
 
 tily concur in the end and defign of this propofal, may be hinder'd In 
 providence from giving their prefence at this defigned interview; it is 
 earneftly defircd they would fend their atteltations, and communicate 
 their thoughts feafonabiy in writing; though at the fame time it is ho- 
 ped, none will fufiTer fmall difficulties to prevent their attendance on an 
 affair of fuch importance to the intereft of Chrift's kingdom, both here 
 and in other parts of the world." 
 
 Agreeable to this invitation, a confiderable number of miniflersmet 
 at Bofton on Thurfday July 7th, in the forenoon : when the rev. Mr* 
 "White of Glocefler opened the alTembly with prayer; they had fome 
 difcourfe; and then adjourned (in order to attend the public lecture) 
 to half an hour part two in the afternoon. In the afternoon they met 
 to the number of ninety, chofe Dr. Colman moderator. Dr. Sewall af- 
 firmant, and Mr. Prince and Mr. Hobby, fcribes. But Dr. Colman ex- 
 cufing himfelf, Dr. Sewall afted as moderator. They then proceeded 
 to read letters from twenty-eight who were abfent, bearing their tef* 
 timony to this remarkable work ofGod in the land. And after further 
 inquiries, declarations, difcourfes and debates, a little after eight in the 
 evening, was read, propofed and put, without any objeftion, the fol- 
 lowing vote, viz. " We paftors of churches in the provinces of the 
 Maflachufetts-Bay and New-Hamplhire in New-England, met at Bof- 
 ton this 7th day of July 1743, being perfwaded there has of late been a 
 happy revival of religion, through a remarkable divine influence in ma^ 
 ny parts of this land, and apprehending it our duty to give an open 
 <tonjun(5l teftimony, to the glory of God, to an event fo furprizing and 
 gracious, as well as againft thofe errors in doctrine, and diforders in 
 praftice which through human frailties and corruptions and the per- 
 mitted agency of Satan have attended it, and in any meafure blemiftied 
 its glory and hinder'd its advancement; came to the following refoluti» 
 on, that a committee be chofen to conlider the premifTes and make a 
 report to morrow morning at nine of the clock." Voted in the affir- 
 mative generally. And chofe the rev. Dr. Sewall, MefTrs. Wigglefworth, 
 Prince, Adams, Cooper, Nathaniel Rogers, Leonard and Hobby, to be 
 faid committee. The rev. Mr. Moody prayed. And the}' adjourned to 
 meet tomorrow morning at nine of the clock. Friday morning about 
 ten, they met again, to the number of about feVenty. Dr. Sewall pray- 
 ed : and then prefented the committee's report : firft we read the whole 
 throughout: then began again, and read the introduflion: then read 
 and feverally confidered the following paragraphs: and after divers 
 amendments, proceeded to fubfcribe. Voted, " That MeiTrs. Prince^ 
 Cooper and Gee, be a committee to take care of publifhing the fub- 
 fcribed teftimony and advice, together with fuitable extrafls from the 
 letters communicated to us." Rev. Mr. Baxter returned thanks and 
 prayed. And about three in the afternoon we diflblve. 
 A true account according to the Minutes. Thomas Prince, Scribe. 
 
5o'(5 Succffs of the Cofpcl in America Book IV, 
 
 The Tt/llmony and Advice of an AJfembly of Pajlors of Churches irr 
 Ne^-England, at a Meeting in Bofton July ythy 1743. occafioned by 
 the late happy Revival of Religion in many Parts of the Land. To 
 "which areaddcdy Attefiations contained in Letters front a Number of 
 their Brethren -Mho- "were providentially hindered from giving their 
 Prefence. 
 
 " If it is the duty of every one, capable of obfervation and reflefti* 
 on, to take a conftant religious notice of what occurs in the daily courfe 
 of common providence ; how much more is it expef^ed that thofe e- 
 vcnts in the divine oeconomy, wherein there is a fignal difplay of the 
 power, grace and mercy of God inbehalf of the church, (hould be ob- 
 
 ferved with facred wonder, pleafure and gratitude ? Nor fhould the 
 
 people of God content thcmfelves with a filent notice, but publifh with 
 
 the voice of thankfgiving, and tell of all his wondrous works. More 
 
 particularly, when Chrill: is pleafed to come into his church in a plenti- 
 ful effufion of his F^oly Spirit, by whofe powerful influences themini- 
 ftration of the word is attended with uncommon fuccefs, falvation-work 
 carried on in an eminent manner, and his kingdom, which is within- 
 men, and confrfts in righteoufnefs and peace and joy in the Holy Ghoft, 
 
 rs notably advanced, This is an event which above all others inviter 
 
 the notice, and befpcaks the praifes of the Lord's people, and (hould be 
 
 declared abroad for a memorial of the divine grace; as it tends to 
 
 confirm the divinity of a dcfpifcd gofpel, and manifefts the work of the 
 Holy Spirit in the application of redemption, which too many arc ready 
 to repro^*ch ; as it may have a happy efieft, by the divine bieffrng, for 
 the revival of religion in other places, and the enlargement of the king* 
 
 dom of Chrilt in the world ; and as it tends to enliven the prayers, 
 
 ftrengthen the faith, and raife the hopes, of fuchas arc waiting for the 
 kingdom of God, and the coming on of the glory of the latter days. — 
 But if it is juftly expe(Sed of all who profefs thcmfelves the difciples of 
 Chrift, that tht-y fliould openly acknowledge and rejoice in a work of 
 this nature, wherein the honour of their divine mafteris fo much con- 
 cerned ; how much more is it to be looked for from thofe who are em- 
 ployed in the roiniftry of the Lord Jefus, and fo ftand in a fpecial re-< 
 lation to him, as fervants of his houlhold, and officers in his kingdom ? 
 
 . Thefe ftsnd as watchmen upon the walls of Jerufalem; and it is 
 
 their bufinefsnot only to give the alarm of war when the enemy is ap- 
 proaching, but to found the trumpet of praife when the King of Zion 
 
 Cometh, in a meek triumph, having falvation. -For thefe and other 
 
 rcafons, we, whofe names are hereunto annexed, paftors of churches 
 in New-England, met together in Bofton, July 7th 1743, think it our 
 indifpenfable duty, (without judging or ccnfuring fuch of our brethren 
 a-frcan^not at prefei^-t fee things in the fame light with us) in this open 
 and conjunct manner to declare, to the glory of fovereign grace, our 
 full perfuafion, either from what we have fecn ourfelves, or received u- 
 pon credible teftimony, that there has been a happy and remarkable re- 
 vival of religion ki many parts of this land, through an uncommon di« 
 
chap. 5- tit the eigljteenth €enfury. ^of 
 vine influence; after a long time of great decay and dcadnefs, and a 
 fenfible and very awful withdraw of the Holy Spirit from his fanftuary 
 among us. Though the work of grace wrought on the hearts of mem 
 by the word and Spirit of God, and which has been more or lefs carried 
 on in the church from the beginning, is always the fame for fubllance, 
 and agrees, at one time and another, in one place or perfon and ano- 
 ther, as to the main ftrokes and lineaments of it, yet the prelent work 
 appears to be remarkable and extraordinary — Onaccount of the number* 
 wrought upon. We never before faw fo many brought under foul- 
 concern, and with diflrefs making the inquiry, '' What raufl: wc do to 
 be faved .'" And thefe perfons of all chara6lers and ages. With re- 
 gard to the fuddennefs and quick progrefs of it Many perfons and! 
 
 places were furprized with the gracious vifit together, or near about the 
 fame time ; and the heavenly influence diflufed itfelf far and wide like 
 
 the light of the morning. Alfo in refpefl: of the degree of operation, 
 
 both in a way of terror and in a way of confolation ; attended in many 
 
 with unufual bodily efledls. Not that all who are accounted the fub- 
 
 jefls of the prefcnt work, have had thefe extraordinary degrees of pre- 
 vious diflrefs and fubfequent joy. But many, and we fuppofe the great- 
 er number, have been wrought on in a more gentle and lilcnt way, and 
 without any other appearances than are common and ufual at other 
 times, when perfons have been awakened to a foleran concern about 
 falvation, and have been thought to have palled out of a flate of nature 
 into a flate of grace. As to thofe whofe inward concern has occafloned 
 extraordinary outward diftrcfles, the mofl of them when we came to 
 converfe with them, were able to give, what appeared to us, a rational 
 account of what foafledled their minds; viz. a quick fenfe of their guilt, 
 mifery and danger ; and they would often mention the paflages in th© 
 fermons they heard, or particular texts of fcripture, which were fet 
 
 liome upon them with fuch a powerful impreilion. And as to fuch 
 
 whofe joys have carried them into tranfports and extafles, they in like 
 manner have accounted for them, from a lively fenfe oi the danger they 
 hoped they were freed from, and thehappinefs they were now polfefl^ed 
 of; fuch clear views of divine and heavenly things, and particularly of 
 the excellencies and lovelinefs of Jefus Chrift, and fuch fweet tafles of 
 
 redeeming love as they never had before. The inftaaces were very 
 
 few in which wehadreafon to think thefe affe£i:ions were produced by 
 vifionary or fenfible reprefentations, or by any other images than fuci^ 
 as the fcripture itfelf prefents unto us. 
 
 And here we think it not amifs to declare, that in dealing with thefe 
 perfons we have been careful to inform them, that the nature of con- 
 verfion does not confifl in thefe paflionate feelings; and to warn them 
 not to look upon their flate as fafe, becaufe they have pafied out of deep 
 diflrefs into high joys, unlefs they experience a renovation of nature, 
 
 followed with a change of life, and a courfe of vital holinefs. Nor 
 
 have we gone into fuch an opinion of the bodily efiefts with which this 
 work has been attended in fome of its fubjefts, as to judge them any 
 (igns that perfons who have been fo aflefted, were then under a faving 
 wwMrk of the Spirit of God. No ; we never fo much 3S called thefe i>o-> 
 
 Q.q 2 
 
3o8 Suceefs of the Go/pel in America Book TV. 
 
 dily feizures, convlftions; or fpake of them as the immediate work of 
 the Holy Spirit. Yet we do not think them inconfiftent with a work of 
 God upon the foul at that very time; but judge that thofe inward im- 
 preffions which come from the Spirit of God, thofe terrors and confo- 
 lations of which he is the author, may, according to the natural frame 
 and conftitution which fome perfons are of, occafion fuch bodily eifefts. 
 
 And therefore that thofe extraordinary outward fymptoms, are not 
 
 an argument that the work is delufive, or from the inliucnce and agen- 
 cy of the evil fpirit. 
 
 With refpe^i to numbers of thofe who have been under the impref- 
 Cons of the prefent day, we muft declare there is good ground to con- 
 clude they are become real Chriltians; the account they give of their 
 conviction and confolation agreeing with the ftandard of the holy fcrip- 
 tures, correfponding with the experiences of the faints, and evidenced 
 by the external fruits of holinefs in their lives : fo that they appear to 
 thofe who have the neareft accefs to them, as fo many epililes of Chrift, 
 written, not with ink, but by th€ Spirit of the living God, attefling to 
 the genuinenefs of the prefent operation, and reprefenting the excel- 
 lency of it. Indeed many who appeared to be under convictions, and 
 were much altered in their external behaviour, when this work began, 
 and while it was moft flourifliing, have loll: their impreffions, and are 
 relapfed into their former manner of life: yet of thofe who were judg- 
 ed hopefully converted, ^nd made a public profefFion of religion, there 
 Jiave been fevyer inftances of fcandaland apoftacy tlian might be expec- 
 ted. So that, as far gis we are able to form a judgment, the face of re- 
 ligion is lately changed much for the better in many of our towns and 
 congregations; and together with a reformation obfervable in divers 
 I inftances, there appears to be more experimental Godlinefs, and lively 
 1 - tChriftianity, than the moft of us can remember we have ever feen be- 
 fore. 
 
 Thus we have freely declared our thoughts as to the work of God Ho 
 
 remarkably revived in many parts of this land. And now, we defirc 
 
 to bow the knee in thankfgiving to the God and Father of our Lord 
 Jefus Chrift, that our eyes have feen, and our ears heard fuch things. — 
 And while thefe are our fentiments, vrt muft neceffarily be grieved at 
 any accounts fent abroad, reprefenting this work as all enthufiafm, de- 
 
 lufion and difordcr. Indeed it is not to be denied that in fome places 
 
 many irregularities and extravagancies have been permitted to accom- 
 pany it, which we would deeply lament and bewail before God, and 
 look upon ourfelves obliged, for the honour of the Holy Spirit, and of 
 his blefted operations on the fouls of men, to bear a public and faithful 
 tcftimony againft ; though at the fame time it is to be acknowledged 
 with much thankfulnefs, that in other places, where the work has great- 
 ly flouriftied, there have been few if any of thefe difordersand excefles. 
 -But who can wonder, if at fuch a time as this Satan ftiould inter- 
 mingle himfelf, to hinder and blemifti a work fo dire<ftly contrary to the 
 
 interefts of his own kingdom ? Or, if while fo much good feed is 
 
 fowing, the enemy fliould be bufy to fow tares P We would there- 
 fore, in the bowels of Jefus, befeech fuch as have been partakers of this 
 
chap. 5. «« tf>c eighteenth Century. 309 
 
 work, or are zealous to promote it, that they be not ignorant of Satan's 
 devices ; that they watch and pray againft errors and mifconduifl: of eve- 
 ry kind, leil they blemifli and hinder that which they deiire to honour 
 
 and advance. Particularly, that they do not make fccret irapulfes on 
 
 their minds, without a due regard to the written word, the rule of their 
 duty: a very dangerous miltake which we apprehend fome in thefe 
 
 times have gone into That laymen do not invade the miniflerial 
 
 office, and under a pretence of exhorting fet up preaching; which is 
 very contrary to gofpel order, and tends to introduce errors and con- 
 
 fuiion into the church. That miniflers do not invade the province 
 
 of others, and in ordinary cafes preach in another's priflij without his 
 knowledge, and againft his confent : nor encourage raw and indiicrcet 
 young candidates, in rufhing into particular places, and prcachinj^ pub- 
 licly or privately, as fome have done to the no fmall difrepute and dam- 
 age of the work in places where it once promifed to flourifh. Though 
 at the fame time we would have miniflers flhew their regard to the fpi- 
 ritual welfare of their people, by fuffering them to partake of the gifts 
 and graces of able, found and zealous preachers of the word, as God in 
 his providence may give opportunity therefor: being perfuaded God 
 has in this day remarkably blefled the labours of fome of his fervants 
 
 who have travelled in preaching the gofpel of Chrift. That people 
 
 beware of entertaining prejudices againft their own paftors, and do not 
 
 run into unfcriptural feparations. -That they do not indulge a dif- 
 
 putatious fpirit, which has been attended with raifchievouseffefls; nor 
 difcover a fpirit of cenforioufnefs, uncharitablenefs, and rafh judging 
 the ftate of others : than which fcarce any thing has more blemifaed the 
 
 work of God amongft us. And while we would meekly exhort bodi 
 
 minifters and Chriftians, fo far as is confiftent with truth and holinefs, 
 to follow the things that make for peace; we would moft earneftly 
 warn all forts of perfons not to defpife thefe out-pourings of the Spirit, 
 left a holy God be provoked to with-hold them, and inftead thereof to 
 pour out upon this people the vials of his wrath, in temporal judgments 
 and fpiritual plagues; and would call upon every one to improve thi; 
 remarkable feafon of grace, and put in for a ftiare of the heavenly blcf- 
 fings fo liberally difpenfed. 
 
 Finally, we exhort the children of God to continue inftant in pray- 
 er, that he, with whom is the refidue of the Spirit, would grant usfre(b, 
 more plentiful and extenfive effufions, that fo this wildernefs, in all the 
 parts of it, may become a fruitful field: That the prefent appear- 
 ances may be an earneft of the glorious things promifed to the church 
 in the latter days; when ihe fhall fhine with the glory of the Lord arifcn 
 upon her, fo as to dazzle the eyes of beholders, confound and put to 
 fhame all her enemies, rejoice the hearts of her folicitous and now fad- 
 ned friends, and have a ftrong influence and refplendency throughout 
 the earth. Amen ! Even fo come Lord Jefus ; come quickly ! 
 
 After folemn repeated prayer, free inquiry and debate, and ferious 
 deliberation, the above teftinjony and advice is figned by the following 
 paftors of churches : 
 
3i« Succcfs of the Go/pel in America 
 
 I. In the Province of the Massachusetts-Bav. 
 
 Book IV* 
 
 County of SufFOLK. 
 
 * Benjamin Colman. 
 
 Jofeph Sewall, To the fubftance, 
 
 fcope and end. 
 Thomas Prince« To the fubftance. 
 John Webb. 
 William Cooper. 
 Thomas Foxcroft. 
 
 * Samuel Checkley. 
 Jolhua Gee. 
 
 * Andrew Elliot. 
 
 John Moorhcad. £Thefe ten in 
 
 Bofton.] 
 James Bayley of Weymouth. 
 
 * John Fowlc of Hingham. 
 Thomas Balch of Dedham. 
 Jienry Meflinger of Wrentham. 
 Elias Haven of Wrentham. 
 James Allin of Brookline. 
 
 * Jofeph Baxter of Medfield. 
 
 * Ezra Carpenter of Hull. 
 
 County of Essex. 
 James Diman of Salem, To the 
 
 fubflance, fcope and end. 
 Samuel Wigglefworth of Ipfwich. 
 Nathanael Rogers of Ipfwich. 
 
 * Simon Braditreetof Marblehead. 
 John Chipman of Beverly, To the 
 
 fubftance, fcope and end. 
 Jedidiah Jewet of Rowley. 
 James Chandler of Rowley. 
 Samuel Bacheller of Haverhill. 
 John White of Glocefter. 
 John Emerfon of Topsfield, To 
 
 the fcope and fubftance. 
 John Warren of Wenham. 
 Ames Chcever of Mancheftcr. 
 County of Middlesex. 
 
 * Hull Abbot of Charleftoun. 
 
 Daniel Blifs of Concord. 
 William Hobby of Reading. 
 John Cotton of Newton. 
 Jofeph Emerfon of Maiden, To 
 the fcope and fubftance. 
 
 * Ebenezer Turell of Medford. 
 Daniel Emerfon of Dunftable. 
 Phineas Hemraingway of Town- 
 
 ftiend. 
 County of Worcester. 
 
 * Joleph Dorr of Mendon. 
 
 * Ebenezer Parkman of Weflbo- 
 
 rough. 
 David Goddard of Leicefter, To 
 
 the fubftance. 
 Solomon Prentice of Grafton. 
 John Seccomb of Harvard. 
 Nathan Webb of Uxbridge. 
 
 County of Plymouth. 
 Nathanael Leonard of Plymouth; 
 Jonathan Ellis of Plymouth. 
 
 * Nathanael Eells of Scituate. 
 Samuel Veazie of Duxborough. 
 Samuel Hill of Marchfield. 
 John Porter of Bridgewater. 
 Othniel Campbell of Plympton. 
 
 * Benjamin Bafs of Hanover. 
 
 ** Thaddeus Maccarty of Kingfton. 
 John Cotton of Hallifax. 
 
 County of Barnstable. 
 Francis ^Yorfter of Sandwich. 
 
 County of Bristol. 
 Jofiah Crocker of Taunton. 
 Habijah Weld of Attleborough, 
 To the fubftance, fcope and end. 
 Samuel Tobey of Berkley. 
 County of York, 
 Samuel Moody of York. 
 Samuel Chandler of York. 
 Thomas Smith of Falmouth, 
 
 * Thomas Prentice of Charleftoun. 
 
 II. In the Province of New-Hampshire. 
 "Ward Cotton of Hampton. Amos Main of Rochefter. 
 
 Jofeph Adams of Newington. Jofliua Tufts of Litchfield. 
 
 James Pike of Summer fworth. 
 
 III. In the Colony of R HODF. -Island. 
 Jofiah Cotton of Providence, To the general fcope and tendency. 
 
 N. B. They to whofe names *'s are affixed, figned the tcftimony 
 and advice \yith an exception in the following terms. " We concur 
 
-Chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. ^it 
 
 with the teftimony for the fubftance of it, excepting that article of 
 itinerancy, or minifters and others, intruding into other miniflers pa- 
 rifhes \^7ithout their confent, which great difordcr we apprehend nor 
 fufficiently teftified againll, therein." 
 
 N, B. By reafon of diftance, the niinirters of Conneflicut-Colony, 
 and of the county of Hampihire in the MaflTachufctts-Province coul^ 
 not conveniently attend the interview. 
 
 [ Chrirtian Hiftory, N ° aj. ] 
 We are informed by Mr. Prince one of the fcribes of the faid afTem- 
 hly, " That very fe^v of the minifters prefent in the [above] aflembly 
 complained of errors or diforders in the congregations they belonged 
 to: that feveral declared they had had none from the beginning: bnt 
 in the extraordinary revival of religion among their people, the work 
 had been carried on with great ferioufnefs and regularity: that others 
 declared, that where there had been fome diforders and miftakesat firft' 
 in fome, through the great numbers fuddenly and mightily awakened, 
 the great drftrcfs of fome in their convictions, the great joy of others 
 upon their laying hold on Chrift and finding a wondrous change withio 
 them, the frailties of fome, and the furprize of all ; yet in a little while 
 they faw and owned their miftakes, came into a more fettled way of 
 thinking, fpeaking and behaving, and the diforders ceafed; declaring 
 alfoihat both errors and diforders had been greatly magnified and mul- 
 tiplied above what they really were in the congregations they belonged 
 to: and that as far as they could learn the greatcfl: errors and diforders 
 Therein thofe places where the minifters oppofed the work, and thereby 
 loft much of their refpedt and influence. To this may be added, that 
 whereas feveral of the rev. paftors prefent in the faid affembly fubfcribed 
 tlie teftimony and advice, as to the fubftance, others to the fubftance^ 
 fcope and end ; and others without reftriftion : this feemcd chiefly tc? 
 arife from this particular palfage in the faid advice, viz. " That mini- 
 fters do not invade the province of others, a^d in ordinary cafes preacb 
 in another's parifli without his knowledge and againft his confent." In 
 which particular article fome of the paftoi-s thcRight that minifters and 
 others preaching in other minifters parilhes was not fufl^ciently teft/ficd 
 againft. Other paftors feared that this article was in danger of being 
 conftrued and perverted to the great infringement of Chriftian and hu- 
 man liberty of confcience. And other paftors apprehended that this ar- 
 ticle was fufficiently guarded by this limitation to ordinary cafes : leavr 
 ing it to the ferious confcience both of minifters and others to judge 
 when the cafes are ordinary or not ordinary. 
 
 II. Attefiai'tom of twelve Mtnijlers in Conned icut Colony , Norwich, 
 ^ June 2-^(1 y 1743. 
 
 [ Chriflian Hiftory, N <= 2? . } 
 
 We the fiibfcribers, minifters of the gofpel, in (and in the neighr 
 kourhood of) this town, being occafionally met here, have juft had a 
 fight of a paragraph in the weekly poft-boy of the joth of Msiy laft-,,. 
 
312 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV* 
 
 wherein It Is propofed by a number of minifters, that fuch of their 
 brethren as are perfwaded there has been of late a happy revival of re- 
 ligion in many parts of the land, might have an interviewr at Bofton 
 the day after the commencement approaching, and defiring that thofe 
 •who maybehinder'din providence, from giving their prefence at the de- 
 jGgned interview, u'ould fend their atteflations and communicate their 
 thoughts feafonably in writing. Since we are not like to be at the 
 propofed interview, we take this opportunity to fignify to you that, 
 for our own parts we are abundantly fatisfied that there has of late, for 
 about three years paft, been a great and wonderful revival of religion 
 in the fcvcral places to which we minLfler, and in divers others which 
 we are acquainted with ; wherein, through the mighty power and grace 
 of God, great numbers of perfons of ail forts, but efpecially young 
 people, have been greatly awakened, deeply convinced of fin ; and ma- 
 ny, as far as we can judge upon careful obfervation and examination, 
 truly humbled at the foot of a fovcreign and righteous God, and faving- 
 ly brought to believe on the Lord Jefus Chrifl for everlafling life : and 
 have ilnce lived fo as to give credit and confirmation to their pretenfi- 
 ons; and do now adorn their profeflion in an humble and holy life and 
 Chriftian converfation ; walking in the fear and love of God, and bring- 
 ing forth fruits meet for repentance, in the exercifes of the graces and 
 ■virtues of the Chrifcian life. 
 
 Although man}'^ who have made a profeflion ofChrlftianity and con- 
 verfion have run into imprudent things, and difcovered much fpiritual 
 pride, by raiTi ccnforious judgings, hafty feparations from their mini- 
 llers and brethren, and fome have embraced wrong notions and prin- 
 ciples in religion ; (though there has been little of that in the places 
 where we live) yet we know of great numbers who have been happily 
 preferred from fuch falls and failings, and who carry themfelves like 
 the meek and humble difciples of the blefifed Jefus; and fome who have 
 been led aftray through the fubtilty of Satan, have, by grace, been re- 
 covered and in a great meafure convinced of thofe follies and miftakes, 
 and humbled for the pride and naughtinefs of their hearts. And all of 
 a bad tendency and nature that we have feen does no»give us any rea- 
 fon to think that there has not been a great and glorious work of di- 
 vine grace carried on among us, and a great reformation and revival of 
 religion ; for which we defire to praife and adore the fovereign mercy 
 ofGod. 
 
 Our time is now iliort, and we cannot pretend to give a particular 
 account of the work of God among our people, or of the bad things 
 which have been the concomitants of this bleffed work; yet thus much 
 we thought ourfelves obliged to fay to the praife of divine grace, and the 
 glory of him who is the author of all good. We are your brethren, &c. 
 
 Jofeph Meacham of Coventry. John Owen of Groton. 
 Benjamin Lord of Norwich. Samuel Mo feley of Windham. 
 
 Hezekiah Lord of Prefton. Jonathan Parfons of Lyme. 
 
 Solomon Williams of Lebanon. Eleazer Wheelock of Lebanon. 
 Daniel Kirtland of Norwich. Benjamin Pomroy of Hebron. 
 
 Jabez Wight of Norwich. David Jewct of New-London. 
 
chap. 5- *" i^^ eighteenth Century, 3 1 3 
 
 III. Extra6l of the Attefldtlon affix Miniflers of the Eafiern Affoci- 
 aiioH in the County cfl'ork, iicarborought June l^d^ 1743. 
 
 [ Chriaian Plidory, N => 22. ] 
 
 "We the fubfcribers, paftors of the Eaftcrn alTociation, taking into fe- 
 rlou'^ conlideration the Itate of religion in our fevcral charges, and 
 throughout the land at this day, look on ourselves bound in the mofl 
 exprefs manner to declare ourfelves with rcfpeft thereto. And in as 
 much as it inconteftibly appears to us from what we have feen among 
 ourfelves and in other places, that by an extraordinary divine influence, 
 there hath been an happy revival of religion in our land ; we dare not 
 but publicly fpeak out our grateful fcnl'c thereof to the honour of the 
 free and fovereign grace of God. But whereas at the fame time there 
 have been great complaints of prevailing errors in dodlrine and diforders 
 in pra6lice, fuch as, aflerting, that fecret impulfcs on the minds of per- 
 fons without due regard to the written word of God may be depended 
 on as the rule of their condufl; that afTurance is of the elTcnce of fa- 
 ving faith; and, that fandification is no evidence of juflification: all 
 which we judge are contrary to the pure dodlrines of thegofpel: and 
 as to diforders in praftice; fuch as, perfons affuming to themfelves the 
 prerogative of God to look into and judge the hearts of others, cenfur- 
 ing and condemning their brethren, and efpecially their minillers, as 
 blind and unconverted, &c. and upon thefe pretended grounds making 
 an atflual feparation from their refpe£live paflors, though they openly 
 difavow the above mentioned-errors, and are regular in their lives: all 
 which errors and diforders being of pernicious confequence, as tendinc 
 to obfcure the glorious work of God, bring it into difrepute and ob- 
 flrucl the progrefs of it, we would in like manner bear our joint and fo- 
 lemn teflimony againO. And though we are fully perfuaded the humaa 
 mind under the operations of the divine Spirit, may be overborn with- 
 joy and terror ; yet the tranfports and agitations that have appeared in 
 fome places from the ungoverned paflions of people, and the excefsof 
 joy and forrow, we judge to be no certain indication of the fpecial pre- 
 fence or work of the Spirit of God. But at the fame time we lament 
 the impious fpirit of fuch as from hence take occafion to repioach the 
 work of the divine Spirit in theheartsof the children of God. 
 
 Benjamin Allen of Falmouth. Nicholas Loring of North-Yar' 
 Wm. Thompfon of Scarborough. mouth. 
 Samuel Jefferds of WtXh. Mofes Morrill of Biddeford. 
 
 John Hovey of Arundel. 
 
 At an afTociation meeting, Scarborough June 23d, 1743. Voted 
 " That the above declaration be delivered to the rev. Mr. vSmith to be 
 by him communicated at difcretion to theminiflers whoare to meet at 
 Boflon the day after the approaching commencement, as the fentiments 
 of the aflbciation with relation to the prefent religious appearancei ia 
 the country." Benjamin Allen, Moderator. 
 
 VOL. n. R r 
 
314 Succefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 IV. Extra6l of the Attefiation of feven Minijlers in the County of 
 
 Hmnpfttirej June '^oth, 1743. 
 
 [ Chriftian Hiflory, N ° 23. ] 
 
 Whereas an advertifement hath lately been publiflied, &c. We 
 
 whofc names are lubfcribcd to this, living at a great diftance, and our 
 circumlbnces not well allowing us to go fo great a journey at the time 
 propofcd, would hereby fignify ; that according to whatunderftanding 
 we have of the nature of Chriftianity, and the obfervation we have had 
 opportunity to make, we judge that there has been within the laft two 
 years and an half, a blcired out-pouring of the Spirit of Godiin this 
 county, in awakening and converting finners, and in inlightning, quick- 
 ening and building up faints in faith, holinefs and comfort; which has 
 been attended in great numbers with an abiding alteration and reforma- 
 tion of difpofition and behaviour. And particularly we would hereby 
 declare to the glory of God's grace, that we judge that there has been a . 
 happy revival of religion in the congregations that have been commit- 
 ted to our paftoral care, and that there are many in them that, by abid- 
 ing manifellations of a ferious, religious and humble fpirit, and a con- 
 fcientious care and watchfulnefs in their behaviour towards God and 
 man, give all grounds of charity towards them, as having been fincere 
 in the profeflion they have made. And however there has been, efpe- 
 eially in fome places, a mixture of enthuiiafm and falfe religion, and 
 fome have run into great errors in their conduct:, and fome have fallen 
 away, and there is a declenfion in others that is to be lamented ; yet 
 we think the efFe(fl: has been fuch, and ftill continues to be fuch, as~ 
 leaves no room reafonably to doubt of God's having been wonderfully 
 in the midO: of us, and fuch as has laid us under great obligations for 
 ever to admire and extol the riches of his grace in doing fuch great 
 things for us. 
 
 Begging of him that he would be with you in your meeting, and guide 
 you in your thoughts and conclufions with refpeft to thefe things, and 
 direft you to that which may be for his glory and the profperity of 
 Zion, and defiring your prayers to God for us, and the fiocks commit- 
 ted to our care, we remain, &c. 
 
 Stephen Williams of Springfield. Samuel Allis of Somers. 
 Peter Raynolds, of Enfield. John Woodbridge of Hadley. 
 
 Jonathan Edwards of NOrthamp- David Parfons, jun. of Hadley. 
 
 ton. Edward Billing of Cold-Spring. 
 
 V. Atteflation of eleven Minifters in the County of Fairfield in Connec* 
 
 ticut Colony y Woodbury y October ^th, ly^'^. 
 
 [ Chriftian Hiftory, N ° 91. ] 
 
 To the Publijher of the Chrijlian Hi/lory. 
 
 Sir, As fome of us, the affociated minifters of the Eaftern diftrift of 
 
 the county of Fairfield in Connecticut, have, with fenfible pleafure, read 
 
 the joint teAiinony of fo large a number of our rev, brethren, to the 
 
chap. 5' in the eighteenth Century. 315 
 
 glorious work oftheblefTed Spirit of grace and truth, in the late won- 
 derful revival of real religion in the land ; fo all of us would now joint- 
 ly, though brielly, declare that we look upon ourfelves, and allthe 
 minillers and people of God throughout the land, laid under infinite 
 obligations forever to admire and adore rich, free and fovercign grace, 
 fo amazingly difplayed in viilting a profeffing people, in a day of fuch 
 general fccurity, indolence and formality; cauling fo great an awake- 
 ning of all forts of pcrfons, convincing fo many of fin, righteoufncf<; 
 and judgment, and bringing fuch numbers, of different ages, hopefully 
 to clofe-favingly with the dear Jefus, on the felf-denying terms of the 
 gofpel, fo as that it hath far exceeded even any hopes and expeftations 
 of ours, as well as any thing of this nature, we ever faw in our day. 
 "We cannot but be fenflbly touched with forrow to fee, that there are 
 many, who (not duly diftinguilhing betwixt this blelTed work, and fome 
 evils that have attended it, by the mifconduft both of fome of the in- 
 flruments an4 fubjects) ftumble and are in hazard of falling : as well as 
 to find reafon to fear, that in fome places the work itfelf is oppofed. 
 But it moil of all affects our fouls with grief, to find, that God has fo 
 awfully withdrawn the influences of his Holy Spirit from the means of 
 grace. O that God in his infinite mercy would remove the prefent 
 dreadful fpiritual judgments, that in infinite juftice are fallen upon us 
 an ungrateful and gainfaying people; that in the midfc of wrath he 
 would remember mercy, and yet return in ioving-kindnefs and tender 
 mercy, and give us a latter harvefl more plentiful than the former; 
 would go on to accomplifh the glorious things fpoken of the city of our 
 God, until he make Jerufalem the joy of the whole earth ! To con- 
 clude, we cannot omit giving in our public teftimony, from our own 
 happy experience and obfervation, that the frequent interchange of mi- 
 nillerial labours has been remarkably owned arid blelfed of God to the 
 hopeful awakening of many fouls; and could heartily wifh that mini- 
 fterial commlmion, and an hearty reception as well as joyful improve- 
 ment of each other's miniflerial gifts and occafional labours, might flill 
 be encouraged and maintained amongft gofpel-miniflers throughout 
 the land, as that which would give an hopeful profpeft of the L'ord's re- 
 turn, and fo of the revival of religion from its prefent fad declining ffate. 
 Anthony Stoddard of ^Voodbury. Eliiha Kent of Philippi, in the pro* 
 Samuel Cook of Stratfield. vince of New-York. 
 
 John Graham of W'^oodbury. Benajah Cafe of Ncw-Fairfield, 
 
 Hezekiah Gold of Stratford. Jofeph Bellamy of Woodbury. 
 
 Jedidiah Mills of Ripton. David Judfon of Newtown. 
 
 Ebenezer White of Danbury. Reuben Judd of Woodbury, 
 
 VI. The Names of twenty Minijlers "who gave their Jingle {t-wo of 
 them their joint~\ Atteftations. 
 
 [ Chrinian Hiflory, N° 21, 22, 23, 24, is, 26. ] 
 John Rogers, fen. of Ipfwich. William ShurtlefF of Portfmoiuh. 
 
 Jeremiah Wife of Berwick. Jonathan Ruflcl of Barnftable. 
 
 Peter Thatcher of Middleborough. John Rogers, jun. of Kittery. 
 
 Rr 2 
 
3^6 Succejs of the Ccfpel tn Atnerlca Book IV. 
 
 Tim. Woodbridgc of Hatfield. \ Irory Hovey of Rochefler. 
 Chefter Williams of Hadlcy. 3 KathaniclAppleton of Cambridge. 
 Daniel Putnam of Reading. Jonathan Parker of Plimpton. 
 
 Oliver Pcahody of Natick. David M'Gregore of Londonderry. 
 
 John Tucke of Golport. John Blunt of New-Caftle. 
 
 David Hall of Sutton. Benjamin Rugglcs of Middlcbo- 
 
 Benjamin Bradftrect of Clocefter. rough. 
 
 John Wales of Raynham. 
 
 [For the Atteihtions thcmfclves, fee Prince's Chrlfitan Hr/lory, \n 
 the Numbers above referred to.— I conclude this Article with the fol- 
 lowing Extract: of a Letter from Mr. Allin, miniller atBr^)okline (one 
 of the fubfcribcrs to the Teftimony at Boflon>, mentioned Art. L of 
 this Section) to Mr. Cooper minifler at Boflon, wrote the day after the 
 meeting of the aflembly.] 
 
 f Chrirtian Hiaory, ■N° ^o. ] 
 R. and D. S. " Mr. Balch has been pleaftd to come thus far out of 
 his way, to bring me the glad-tidings of your united telVimony to 
 the work of God. I am not able to exprefs the joy with which I re- 
 ceived the news; and confequent upon it, I was not able to come to 
 town tO'day, being very much indifpofed by the head-ach, &c. But, 
 Sir, I was thoughtful of you, the committee I mean; and now thank 
 the Lord, that my fecret fupplications are fo fuddenly and fully an- 
 fwered. I did not give in, as fome did, a verbal teftimony yefterday to 
 the cffufions of the Divine Spirit in a work of conviction and grace a- 
 mong us : I thought my being prcfent was fufficicnt ; and then my na- 
 tural temper ever reftrains me from fpeaking upon fuch occafions be- 
 fore thofe much wifer and better than myfelf; but I have fince widied 
 I had, to the glory of free and fovereign grace, made a fhort declara- 
 tion in the following manner; That there has been a very diftinguifli- 
 infT and remarkable work of God going on in the land, I have been (o 
 much a witnefs to in many towns where I have occafionally been with- 
 in thefe two years; that I think I am as firm in the belief of it, as that 
 there is a fun in the heavens, or of my own exiflence. For what but 
 the God that formed it, can fo imprefs the mind with a fenfe of fin, and 
 its deflruftive confequents, as to caufe the greatefl forrow of heart, and 
 dreams of penitential tears to flow from the eyes? What can create 
 in the foul earncft, reftlcfs, and vehement defires after the love, grace, 
 and fcllowfl\ip of ChrifV, but that God, that firfl formed the fpirit of 
 man within him, and can turn the heart as a river of water ? W^ho but 
 the God of grace can make the drunkard temperate, and the prodigal 
 fon a fober ferious man, &c ? Which things have been common in o- 
 thcr place? to my frequent obfervation : nor are we deflitute of foqie 
 fignal inftances of free and fovereign grace among us here. There have 
 been.fcores of perfons under awakenings ; yea, I have fometimes thought 
 there has not been a fmgle perfon of my congregation, but has been un- 
 der more or lefs concern about the important matters of another world, 
 and what lie fhould do to be faved : though thefe impreffions, I fear, 
 are worn oif in many, but in others I have no reafon to doubt but they 
 
Ciiap. 5. »« the eighteenth Century. 3 1 7 
 have been carried on to a found and faving converfion. Additions to 
 the church have been confiderable for numbers, offuch as I hope thro* 
 grace ihall be faved, and chiefly of younger perfons, and one of but e- 
 leven years of age, and another in the eleventh and laft hour of life, being 
 above feventy ; three of a liberal education ; two of them fince hopeful 
 young preachers. In fome few the terrors have been fo great, that they 
 have cried out indiflrefs; in others the liberal communications of divine 
 light and joy have had the li.ke cfFe^V. One of our young converts died 
 the lafl: Fall in a very glorious and triumphant manner; the only one 
 that has died among us iince the blelFed work began. I was called to vi- 
 fit her about ten the evening before ihe died; and finding her very low 
 in fpirit as well as body, I tarried all the night, fometimes difcourfing, 
 and fometimes praying with her: but Ihe received no comfort. In the 
 morning after prayer, ihe turned her face to the wall, and lay ftill for a 
 little time; and then broke out, and faid, " Now^Iam ready to die ! now 
 I am ready to die ! " I immediately ftept to her, and faid, " Child, have 
 you found Chrifl ? Oh yes, laid ihe, I have found him, I have found 
 him \ " I allced her, " If Ihe was now aiTured of the love of Chrifl to 
 her ?" She anfwered, *' I am fure, I am fure! Now I can leave pa- 
 rents, and friends, and all for Chrifl ! Come Lord Jefus ! Oh fweet 
 
 Jefus! Oh the anthems of joy ! Oh fweet, fweet, fweet!" and o- 
 
 ther expreiTions of the like nature : in which happy fi-ame ilie conti- 
 nued about two or three hours, and then breathed out her foul into 
 the bofom of Jefus her beloved. Thefe things are the Lord's doings, 
 and loudly call for our admiration and praifp. 
 
 VII. Extra6i of a Letter from Mr. Gilbert Tennent to Mr. Prince at 
 Pofion, containing Atteftations from fcveral Minifiers ; alfo fome 
 Account of the Revival in the Provinces of Neiv-Jerfeyy Neiv-Torkj 
 andPenfylvaniay dated Philadelphiat Augufl i^th^ 1744. 
 
 I Chrinian Hiftory, N° 88, 89, 90. ] 
 R. and D. B, I fympathize with you in lamenting the lofs of fo va- 
 luable a relative as pious Mr. Thatcher of Middleborough ; whofcem. 
 ed to have as much at heart the interefts of vital religion as any I have 
 ever met with, and whofe diiHnguifiied exemplary ferioufnefs in reli- 
 gion was adorned with uncommon attainments in humility. The re- 
 moval of fuch a faithful and affectionate watchman is a public lofs, 
 which both deferves and demands our fincere but fubmiffive forroM's. 
 I am glad that it pleafed the fovereign God to make my poor labours 
 of any fervice among you ; I defire ever to blefs his holy name for 
 that undeferved mercy. I am thankful for the Chrijlian Hi/lory, and 
 well pleafed with the defign and management of that work; I hope it 
 will be a mean in God's hand of conveying with honour to pofteritya 
 memorial of the late bleifed revival of religion, which has been fo vi- 
 rulently oppofed, and unjuflly afperfed by many. As to my drawing 
 up any particular account of memorable things that have been this 
 way of a religious nature, my negleft of taking notes thereof in the 
 proper time, together with the brokennefs of my memory, an4 many 
 
3i8 Succcfs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 incumbrances forbid the attempt. I liiall therefore in the room there- 
 of fend you a prefatory atteflation, which I drew up and prefixed to 
 the fecoad edition of Mr. Dickinfon's Difplay of Special Grace <bc. 
 •which was figned by feveral minilters this way, [part of which fol- 
 lows] 
 
 '* We whofe names are iindei-written, with pleafure embrace the 
 prefcnt occafion, to give a joint and public teftimony to the reality 
 and truth.of the late revival of religion in this land; which is called 
 generally and juflly the work of God. If any lliould inquire what we 
 mean by the work of God, we think the judicious author of the fol- 
 lowing dialogue has given a plain and pertinent anfwer to this inquiry, 
 ■which we declare our high approbation of. A work of conviftion and 
 converfion fpread not long fince in many places of thefe provinces, with 
 fuch power and progrefs, as even filenced for a time the moft malig- 
 nant oppofers: they were then either afraid or aftiamed openly to con- 
 tradict fuch altonilhing difplays of the divine almightinefs, in alarming 
 multitudes of fecure linncrs out of their fatal (lupor, and exciting in 
 them the utmoft folicitude about the everlafling concerns of their fouls; 
 many of whom gave us a rational and fcriptural account of their dif- 
 trefs, and afterwards of their deliverance from it, agreeable to the me- 
 thod of the gofpcl of Chrift. Their comforts as well as forrows ap- 
 peared by all the evidences we can have of fuch things to be agreeable 
 to fcripture and reafon. It affefts us to think, how poor fouls flocked 
 to the dear Immanuel, the blelTed Lord Jefus, as doves to their win- 
 dows: what multitudes in our religious alfemblies, trembled like the 
 jailor, under the apprehenfions of God's dreadful vengeance : and how 
 many melted into the fofteil: contrition, or were tranfported into joy 
 and praife, while they beheld the amiable glories of redeeming grace 
 and love! And thefe fenfations have been followed in many by a gof- 
 pel converfation. What paflionate affections have in many been exci- 
 ted to the King of faints ! What tender concern have they exprelfed 
 for the honour of God's name, and the good of his kingdom ? What 
 bowels of pity have they had over the perilling fouls of others, and 
 what tendcrnefs and circumfpection has appeared in the courfe of their 
 behaviour! In Ihort, we are fully perfuaded that we have had all that 
 evidence of the reality of a work of God among us which can be rea- 
 fonably expefted in the prefent flate of things, fince miracles have cea- 
 fed. What if there were fome things exceptionable in the conduft of 
 fome of the inftruments and fubjefts of this work ? Is this fo Grange 
 an incident in a Hate of imperfection, as to give us ground of furprize 
 or prejudice againft the whole work ? But here we muft obferve, that 
 diverfe falfe reports have been invented and fpread induftrioufly both 
 by word and writing, in order to blacken the characters of feveral mi- 
 nilters whom God has been pleafed of his pure goodnefs to honour 
 with fuccefs; and other charges againft their conduCt have been invi- 
 dioufly aggravated beyond their proper foundation and fet in a falfe 
 light, and fome of the fubjeCts of this work have been doubtlefs treated 
 in the fame manner. 
 
 It is fhocking to think that any ihould dare to oppofe a work atten- 
 
chap. 5* in the eighteenth Century. ^ip 
 
 ded with fuch commanding evidence as has been among us! "VVe 
 would befeech all fuch to confidcr folemnly the following paragraph 
 of Mr. Robe minifler in Kilfyth in Scotland, in his preface to his nar- • 
 rative, viz. *'I ferioufly beg of any who are prejudiced;againfl: this dif- 
 penfation of God's extraordinary grace, and look upon it as a delufl- 
 on ; that they will fi-iew themfelves fo charitable and good, as to di- 
 rect me and other minifters, what we fhall anfwer diftrelfed perfons of 
 all ages, who come to us crying bitterly that they are loll: and undone, 
 becaufe of unbelief and other fins, what fliall we do to be faved ? And 
 as a young girl about twelve, who had been in diflrefs for fome time, 
 called for me to a feparate place in a houfe where I was, and aficed me 
 with great fedatenefs, what iliall I do to get Chrifl ? Shall we tell them, 
 they are not Chrifllefs and unconverted, when wcevidently fee many 
 to be fuch ! Shall we tell them that their fears of the wrath of God is all 
 but delullon, and that it is no fuch dreadful thing as they need to be 
 much afraid of it ! Shall we tell perfons lamenting their curfmg and 
 fwearing. Sabbath-breaking and other imm.oralities, that it is the devil 
 that makes them now fee thefe evils to be offcnfive to God and deftruc- 
 tive to their fouls ! Shall we tell them, who under the greatefl: unea- 
 linefs, inquire at us, what they flialldo to get an interell and faith in 
 Jefus Chrifl:, that Satan is deluding them when they have or fhev/ any 
 concern this way! In fine, fliall we pray, and recommend it to them 
 to pray (to God) to deliver them from fuch delufions! It would be 
 devilifli to treat the Lord's lighing and groaning prifoners at this rate ; 
 and yet fuch treatment is a natural confequence of reckoning this the 
 work of the Devil and a delufion." 
 
 We think that our brother, Mr. Jonathan Dickinfon of EHzabeth- 
 toun in New-Jerfey, who is the author of the following Dialogues, 
 has, with much judgment and folid reafoning therein, baffled the com- 
 mon cavils of oppofers againft the work of God, and anfwered the ob- 
 jedlions of the fcrupulous." 
 
 Philadelphia, Gilbert Tennent, "William Tennent, Samuel Blair, 
 
 June ifl, I74J. ^ Richard Treat, Samuel Finley, John Blair. 
 
 I may add that both our prefbyteries, viz. of New-Brunfwick and 
 New-Caftle, have, in their late declaration of May 26th, 1743, printed 
 at Philadelphia, manifefted their cordial concurrence with the protefla- 
 tion of the prelbytery of New-York, in which are thefe words, viz. " We ^ 
 proteft againft all thofe paffages in any of the pamphlets which have 
 been publifhed in thefe parts, which feem to refleft upon the work of 
 Divine power and grace which has been carried on in fo wonderful a 
 manner in many of our congregations ; and declare to all the world, 
 that we look upon it to be the indifpenfible duty of all our miniflers to 
 encourage that glorious work with their moft faithful and diligent en- 
 deavours." 
 
 This proteft was figned May the 29th, 1742, by the following mem- 
 bers of the Prefbytery of New-York, viz. 
 
 Jonathan Dickinfon, Ebenezer Pemberton, Daniel Elmore, Silas 
 Leonard, John Pierfon, Simon Horton, Azariah Horton, Minifters. 
 
 Nathanael Hazard, Timothy Whitehead, David Whitehead, Elders, 
 
20 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV^ 
 
 I truft I may 'fay to the glory of God's grace, that it pleafed the moft 
 high God to let me fee confiderable fucccfs in the places where I la- 
 boured ftatcdly many years before I came hither. 
 
 Ae"M-BriifiJu'ick in the Province of Ncxv-Jerfey, and Siaten-IJland 
 in the Province of Nevj-Tork. 
 
 The labours of Mr. Frelinghoufa, aDutchminifter, were much blef- 
 fed to the people of New-Brunfwick and places adjacent, efpecially a- 
 bout the time of his coming among them, which was about twenty-four 
 years ago. When I came there, which was about feven years after, I 
 had the pleafure of feeing much of the fruits of his miniftry : divers of 
 his hearers with whom I had opportunity of converfing, appeared to be 
 converted perfons, by their foundnefs in principle, ChrilHan experience, 
 and pious practice : and thefe perfons declared that his minifirations 
 vere the means thereof. This, together with a kind letter which he fent 
 me refpefting the neceffity of dividing the word aright, and giving to e- 
 vcry man his portion in due feafon, through the divine bleffing, excited 
 me to greater earneftnefs in miniflerial labours. I began to be very 
 much diibelfcd about my want of fuccefs; for I knew not for half a 
 year or more after I came to New-Brunfwick, that any one was con- 
 verted by my labours, although feveral perfons were at times affected' 
 tranficntly. 
 
 It pleafed God to affliftmeabout that time with iicknefs, by which I 
 had aifcfting views of eternity. I was then exceedingly grieved that I 
 had done fo little for God, and was very deflrous to leave one half 
 year more if it was his will, that I might ftand upon the ftage of the 
 world as it were, and plead more faithfully for his caufe, and take 
 more earneft pains for the converlion of fouls. The fccure ftate of 
 the world appeared to me in a very affefting light; and one thing a- 
 mong others prelfed me fore; viz. that I had fpent much time in con- 
 verfing about trilies, which might have been fpent in examining people's 
 Hates towards God, and pcrfuading them to turn unto him ; I therefore 
 prayed to God that he would be pleafed to give me one half year more, 
 and I was determined to endeavour to promote his kingdom with all 
 my might at all adventures. The petition God was pleafed to grant 
 manifold, and to enable me to keep my refolution in fome meafure. 
 
 After I was raifed up to health, I examined many about the grounds 
 of their hope of falvation, which I found in mofl: to be nothing but as 
 the fand : with fuch I was enabled to deal faithfully and earneftly, in 
 warning them of their danger, and urging them to feck converting 
 grace. By this method many were awakened out of their fecurity; 
 and of thofe divers were to all appearance effedlually converted : and 
 fome that I fpoke plainly to were prejudiced. And here I would have 
 it obferved, that as foon as an effedlual door was opened, I found many 
 adverfaries, and my charadler was covered with unjuft reproaches, 
 which through divine goodnefs did not difcourage me in my work. I 
 did then preach much upon original fin, repentance, the nature and 
 neceffity of converfionin a clofe examinatory and difiinguilliing wayj 
 labouring in the mean time to found the trumpet of God's judgments, 
 aad alaroa the fecurg by the terrors of the Lord, as weU as to aiFedt 
 
Chapi 5* iH the eighteenth Century i ^ti 
 
 them with other toplcks of periuafion ; which method was fealcd by 
 the holy Spirit in the conviftion and converlion of a confiderable num- 
 ber of perfons, at various times, and in difierent places, in that part 
 of the country; as appeared by thtir acquaintance with experimental 
 
 religion, and good converfation. 1 may further obferve, that 
 
 frequently at facramental feafons in New-Brunfwick, there have been 
 fignal difplays of the divine power and prefence : divers have been con- 
 vinced of fin by the iermons then preached, fome converted, and ma- 
 ny much affected with the love of God in Jefus Chrifl^ O the fweet 
 meitings that I have often Icen on fuch occafions among many ! Ncwr 
 Brunfwick did then look like a field the Lord had blelfed : it was like a 
 little Jerufilcm, to which thefcattered tribe?with eager haflc repaired at 
 facran)ental iblL-iJmities; and there they fed on the fatnefs of God's 
 houfe, and drunk of the rivers of his plcafures. But alas! the fccncis 
 now sitered. \yhile I lived in the place aforefaid, I do not re- 
 member that there was any great ingathering of fouls at anyone time; 
 but thro' mercy there were pretty frequently gleanings of a few here 
 and there, which in the whole were a confiderable number^ But hav- 
 ing never taken a written account of them, I cannot offer any precife 
 con jec^lure at their number. But at Staten-ifland one of the places 
 where I ftatedly laboured, there was, about fifteen oj:fixteen years ago, 
 a more general concern about the affairs of falvation, which hopefully 
 iffbed in the converfion of a pretty many. Once in the time of a fer- 
 men upon Amos vi. i. (beforewhich the people were generall}' fecure,) 
 the Spirit of God was fuddcnly poured down upon the afiTembly; the 
 people were generally affecled about the Itate of their fouls; and fome 
 to that degree, that they fell upon their knees in the time of the fcrmon% 
 in order to pray to God for pardoning mercy: many went weeping 
 home from that fermonj and then the general inquiry was. What fhall 
 
 I do to be faved? 1 may farther obferve that ibmefew of thofe 
 
 that I truft were converted in the places atbrefaid long fince, were com- 
 pelled to cry out in the public affembiy, both under the impreflions 
 
 of terror and love. During the late revival of religion, New-Brunf-* 
 
 wick felt fome drops of the fpreading rain, but no general fl^ower. 
 Philadelphia and other places in the Province o/^Pensylvania. 
 As to the city of Philadelphia, where now by the providence of God 
 I labour ff^tedly, many have been hopefully converted here, during 
 the late difplay of God's grace in this land. Mr. Whitefield was the 
 inflrument that God was pleafed to improve principally, in the awake- 
 ning and converfion of finners here : yet the labours of others have 
 been alfo attended with fome fuccefs. This town by all that I can learn, 
 was in a deep fecurity generally, before Mr. Whitefield came among 
 them ; but his preaching was fo bleffed, that a great number were 
 brought under a religious concern about the falvation of their fouls} 
 
 a June ift, I7J4, Mr. G. Tenncnt, (who 
 •was in Scotland this Summer, as agent for 
 the truftecs of the college of New- Jcilcy, a- 
 Jong with Mr. Davies) when 1 read this 
 part of the letter to him, faidthe dcfcription 
 
 VOL. II, S f 
 
 was rather too low, for that the people gc^ 
 ncrally fell upon their knees, and that 'it 
 was one of the tnoU affcdting fights he ev« 
 faw. 
 
322 Succefs of the Co/pel in Jmerica Book IV 
 
 multitudes were enquiring the way to Zion with tlieir faces thither- 
 ward, weeping as they went. Some years fince, there were fo many 
 under foul-ficknefs in this place, that my feet were pained with walk- 
 ing from place to place to fee them ; and there was then fuch an ea- 
 gerncfs to hear religious difcourfe, that when they faw me going to a 
 houfe they would iiock to it; and imder what was fpoken, they were 
 fomerimes generally and to all appearance deeply afiedled: and thus 
 it was in more public alfemblies; there were fometimes general mel- 
 tings. And altho' feveral perfons have loft their religious impreffions, 
 and returned with the dog to his vomit, and fome others have fallen 
 into erroneous fentiments; yet God has preferved many from thofe 
 evils, who give a rationai' and fcriptural account of their converfion, 
 and crown the fame by their praftice. Neither is it ftrange that fome 
 fbould be carried away here, by the fair fpeeches and cunning crafti- 
 nefs of thofe that lie in wait to deceive ; feeing that the greater part 
 of this place have never had the benefit of a ftrift religious education, 
 and therefore were never well fixed in the thorough knowledge of a 
 confiftent fyftem of principles. None that I know of in this town, who 
 •were well acquainted with the doctrines of religion in their connexi- 
 on, and eftablKhed in them, have been turned alide. The laft Sabbath 
 of May laft, I gave the facrament of the Lord's fupper the firft time 
 that ever it was difpenfed to the fociety to which I belong, (confidered 
 as a fociety:) the number of communicants was above one hundred 
 and forty. Thefe perfons I examined about their gracious ftate, as 
 well as doctrinal knowledge; and upon trial, almoft all of them gave 
 a fcriptural and fatisfaflory account of the grounds of their hope. 
 Now thechief part of thefe, according to their own account, have been 
 
 brought to Ghrift during the late revival of religion. And there 
 
 are divers other perfons in this city, who, in a judgment of fcriptural 
 charity, have got faving benefit during the late marvellous manifeftation 
 
 of God's grace, who do not join in communion with us. Tho' there 
 
 is in many aconfiderabledecay as to their livelinefs and affeftionatenefs 
 in religion; yet through divine goodnefs they grow more humble and 
 merciful, and it is evidentby their converfation that the general bent of 
 
 their hearts is for God. Since I have come here, my labours feem 
 
 to be chietiy ferviceable toinftruft andeftabliih in the great truths of re- 
 ligion, and to comfort pious people : there have been but a few inftan- 
 ces of conviclion and converfion of late in this town that I know of. 
 
 In fome places of this province fome years ago, particularly in Not- 
 tingham, Fogs-Manor, Whitelecreek, Nifhamine, and elfewhere, there 
 have been fuch general lamentations in the time of preaching, that the 
 fpcaker's voice has been almoft drowned with the cries of the diftrelfed, 
 even after they have been entreated again and again to reftrain them- 
 felves; yea and fometimes when the fpeaker difcourfed in a gofpel- 
 ftrain, divers perfons in fome places in this province have fallen down 
 to the ground, in the time of fermon, as tho' they were ftabbed with 
 a fword : and what tho' fome have loft their impreffions, and relapfed 
 into their fordid impieties; this is no more than what the fcriptures 
 inform us did happen in the apoftolick times : yet it is well known that 
 
 ] 
 
chap. 5. »» the eighteenth Century. 323 
 
 many of them (fo far as we are capable of judging by mens fpeech and 
 practice) have been brought to a found converfion. 
 
 I think it needlefs here to offer a reply to the cavils of oppofers, -which 
 are as numerous as invidious and impertinent: but thisl mull: fay, that 
 mine eyes and ears have feen and heard fo much of the appearances and 
 fruits of the late revival of religion, that I mull rejecl religion altoge- 
 ther, and turn infidel, if I Ihould difpute and oppofe the lame. May 
 it pleafe the gracious God to pardon thofe unhappy men, who have 
 fet ther^felves in oppofition to the work of the molt high God, and 
 painted it in black and odious colours, and let them fee their fin and 
 danger before it be too late. 
 
 Dear Sir, I did not think, when I began to write, to offer any more 
 than our prefatory attefi;at!on ; but being urged to mention fomething 
 of what I had feen and heard, and finding a pleafure in the fubje<ft, I 
 have added (with the ftriftell regard to truth and fobernefs) thefe few 
 hally hints concerning fome matters of faft which I know to be true; 
 and Ihall leave to your own difcretion to do with them as you Ihall fee 
 meet. Yours, &c. Gilbert Tennent". 
 
 VIII. Mr. William Tennenfs Jhort Account as to feveral Places in the 
 Provinces of New -York, Ne-w-Jerfey, and Penjylvaniay in his Let' 
 ter to Mr. Prince at Bojhn, October nth, 1744. 
 
 [ Chrrftian Hiftory, N « 91. ] 
 
 About four weeks fince, at the invitation of the people, and defire 
 of our prelbytery I gathered a church, and celebrated the Lord's Supper 
 at a new eredled congregation in the towns of Maidenhead and Hope- 
 \<rell, about thirty miles North-wefterly from hence. In examining 
 fnch as offered themfelves to the holy ordinance, as to their Chriftiait 
 experience, I was agreeably furprized to find fo many on whom (in 
 the judgment of charity) the blelfed Spirit had wrought a faving change, 
 in this late glorious day of grace. Their account of the Lord's dealing 
 with them was fcriptural, free from enthu/iafm. It was foul-refre(hing 
 to behold the beautiful variety, and yet fweet harmony, that was in their 
 relations : efpecially, becaufe all their exercifes which they fpoke of, di- 
 re6lly tended to abafe themfelves, and exalt the Lord j to break them 
 off from the corrupt root of Adam, and ingraft them into the ever glo- 
 rious Stem of Jelfe. God's method of working with them, to bring them 
 to himfelf, was much the fame as in this place : only that fome of them, 
 when under conviction, were fo violently exercifed, as that they cried 
 out publickly; which circumftance fome there have endeavoured to 
 abufe, to the difparagement of the whole work. The perfon that the 
 Lord faw caufe chiefly to ufe in this work, as hismellengcr to the people, 
 was his truly faithful fervant Mr. John Rowland, who for his painful 
 labours and plain dealing was counted by many as an enemy, and treat- 
 ed as fuch ; fo that at length he was forced to remove into Penfylvania. 
 
 a June 3d, 17^4, Mr. G. Tenncnt fays, that the fubjefts of the revival la the places 
 mentioned in this letter, fo far ^s he knows, do gcRcr^lly perfevcre, 
 
 Sf2 
 
'^1 
 
 ^24 Succefs of the Gcfpel in America Book IV. 1 
 
 May the Lord forgive ilx'm for Chrill's fake. The facramental feafon 1 
 was blcircd to the lelreibing of the Lord's dear people there, as well a? \ 
 to others of them who eai-ne from other places. So that fome who had 
 been much dillrtlicd with doubts about their Hate, received foul-fatif- 
 fying fealiugs of God's everlafliiig love: others were fupported and 
 quickened, lb that ilicy returned home rejoicing and glorifying God. 
 Ne-iV-Tork, Nciv-Jerfiy, and Pcnfylvania. 
 I can frcdy declare that I have feen God's Spirit accompanying his 
 preached word in many places belonging to thefe three provinces, of " 
 t^ew'York, New-Jcrfey and Penfylvania ; by which precious ibuls have 
 been fubdued to himfelf : which I apprehend is only an earnefl: of much 
 greater bleffing^ to his church : /or he has faid, that he will make " the 
 knowledge of himfelf to cover the earth as the waters do the fea." 
 J^ion ihall yet " look forth (out of all the clouds of contempt caft on 
 her) as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the fun, and terrible as 
 fin army with banners." I doubt not but ^^ the light of the gofpel-fun 
 (liall yet increafe as the light of feven days ; " for the mouth of the Lord 
 hath fpoken it. Even fo come, Lord Jefus, come quickly. Yours, &c. 
 
 Wm. 1 ENNENT. ' 
 
 f >J. B. The account of Mr. Rowland's fuccefsin Amwell,&c. is to be 
 found in Se6i. L of this chapter, taken from his letter lo Mr. Prince, 
 minifler at Bofton, printed at Philadelphia 1 745, which Letter contains 
 alfo the following Qiort account of hisfuccefs in Penfylvania. ] 
 
 " In the year '174--, I came and lived in Charlelloun in Chefter 
 county, in Penfylvania, and have continued, according to the order of 
 the prefbytcry, prea(:hing among them and the people of New-Provi- 
 dence. But as my miniftry has been chiefly fucceeded at New-Provi- 
 dence, fmce I came into thefe parts, I (hall only fpeak of what I have 
 bbferved of the work of God in this town. 
 
 The people of New-Providence, before I came into thefe parts to 
 preach, were but an ignorapt fort of people, unacquainted with reli- 
 gion, both as to principles and practice; though they would pretend 
 fpme to be of one denomination, and fome of another, yet a vain name 
 was all. Loofenefs prevailed much in the place; and there was not 
 pne to fpeak to another in a fuitable way and manner, neither of the 
 yilenefs, deformity, and unprofitablcnefs of the ways of fin, nor of tho 
 glory, and excellency, and profitablenefs of the ways of God. I knew 
 pot if any of them obferved family-prayer, or afked a bleffing on their 
 food. This was the cafe among them, as they told me themfelves at 
 feveral times j and I inquired of them again, when I began to write this 
 account. 
 
 The conviftion and converfion of the people of New-Providence, 
 was within about two months of one another: it was the time of my 
 travelling among them into thefe places, that the Lord chofe to blefs for 
 their ingathering to Jefus Chrift; and fince I have laboured ftatedly a- 
 mong them, it has been as much my endeavour to build up thofe, who 
 were called into the fellowfliip of God, as to convince finners of their 
 piifery; and to this end my labours were ble/Ted again among them 
 throughout the year 1 74-. As to their convidlion and converfion unto 
 
Chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. 325 
 
 God, I may fay that th^ey arc aipable to give' a fcriptural account of 
 them. I forbear to fpcak of many extraordinary appearances ; fuch as 
 fome fcores crying out at one inllant, falling down and fainting. 
 
 Thefe people are ftill cncrcafing, bieflcd be the Lord ; they are la- 
 bouring to walk in communit)n with God, and with one another ; and 
 for this end they meet, by way of fociety, in the raeeting-houfe two or 
 three hovir- at a time in praife and prayer; and they find this an excel- 
 lent mean to prepare them for the holy Sabbath. They are careful tO) 
 maintain the worfhip of God in their families, and to ufe all agreeable 
 means to encreafe their knowledge in the things of God. 
 
 I chufe to fpeak no more, though I may truly fay, that what I have 
 fpoke of the glorious work of God, both in this place and in the towns 
 of Amwell, Hopewell, and Maidenhead, is but a very littLe to what I 
 might have faid." J. R. 
 
 IX. Some Accci:nt cf the Perftvcrance of the Subje^s of the above Re-^ 
 vival, ivho lived in and about Bojhn, 
 
 £ From two Maniifcript Letters from A — W in Bofton, to a Minirtcr in Glafgow. ] 
 
 Bofton, September 5th, 1751. — ^R. and D. S. " 1 have communi- 
 cated your requell; to Mr. Hobby, and others, for their atteftations of . 
 the continuance of thofe who were the fubjefts of the work, who af- 
 fure me, they can and will do it, and forward it to you. 1 can give 
 teftimony of great numbers who fell under my own cblervation, mea 
 of vile principles, of very loofe morals, that in that day were remark- 
 ably wrought upon, and now are very exemplary Chriflians, and have 
 lived fo for many years paft. Some particulars I ihall fend by another 
 opportunity, if it pleafe Go4.to grant it." Yours, &c. A. W. 
 
 Bofton, January 2,2d, 1752. — R. and D. S. " Ipromifed to an.- 
 
 fwer that part of your letter defiring teflimonies of the perieverance 
 of fuch as were awakened in the renfarkable day of God's grace in this 
 
 land. Some miniflers have promifed me to give you an account 
 
 thereof, and as far as ray teftimony vail go ; I will mention a fev/ of 
 the inftances who fell withjn my own obfervation. 
 
 The firft I (hall begin with is a man who always lived a very vicious 
 Kfe, as hard drinking, profane curfing and fwearing, S<c. He fcldom at- 
 tended on public worlhip, and when at meeting on the Lorc'/s-day, he 
 endeavoured to fet himfelf to ileep away the time; and if, when awake, 
 the minifter faid any thing that touched his confcience it generally fet 
 him in a rage at him. Thfs was his courfe of life till by the preaching 
 of Meftrs. Whitefield and Tennent he was brought to lerious confide- 
 ration of his ways, thrown into great concern, under ftrongco^viilions 
 of confcience for his wicked life. The bleffed Spirit never left him till 
 it effectually did the work ; and manifefted the love of God to his fouljj 
 as he apprehends; and he has ever fince brought forth fruit unto holi-r 
 nefs, and lives to this day a moft pious and devout life, broke off from 
 his old companions (who very frequently feoff at him) and converfes 
 gnly with the people of God.— —He lives about five miles down oui 
 
3:6 rjurcefs of the Gcfpelin Atncrlca Book IV. 
 
 river on a farm; and every year invites to his houfe a minifler who 
 preaches, and fome Chriftian friends,and entertains them generoufly— 
 I have been there feveral times. The lalt year Mr. Moorehead preached 
 there. 
 
 The next I fliall mention is more remarkable. He had lived a moral 
 life for the fake of reputation among men, but had no fear of God; 
 for he hardly believed there was one, and for many years ufed his ut- 
 moft endeavours to bring his acquaintance to be atheilb. VV hen about 
 ten years ago (there being a remarkable iHr, anfi many awakened, and 
 it is hoped converted) he heard many give account of the manner of 
 God's working on their hearts, he ridiculed them and the work. In this 
 time he was riding by a meeting-houfe where people were at worlhip; 
 he had a mind to go in, but then he relu£ted, and agitated for fome time; 
 but, at laft, went in with this refolution he would not be overcome; 
 but it pleafed the Lord, foon to touch his heart, and he felt aflrange e- 
 motion of fpirit, fuch as he had bantered and ridiculed; broke out of 
 the allembly, and endeavoured to get rid of his concern ; mounted his 
 horfc and was refolvcd he would ride it away. But his concern increaf- 
 ed, and was fo powerful even on his body, that he was forced to alight 
 off his horfe. Then he proftrated himfelf on the ground ; and cried, 
 for mercy to Cod whom he lived in defiance of. With help he got 
 home to his own houfe, and when he related what was the matter with 
 him, it aftonilhcd all who beheld him. He laid afide all thoughts of 
 worldly bufinefs, and continued in a .defpairing condition for fome 
 months, crying out for mercy, till it pleafed God to let in fome gleam 
 of light, which advanced till it came to a hopeful converlion ; and now 
 hefpeaksof the wonderful goodnefs of God to fovile a wretch as him, 
 and lives an exemplary holy life, declaring his experiences to all who 
 will attend thereto. When he gave me the account, it was with many 
 tears of joy, and greatly afiected my heart. 
 
 Now I will give you a relation of one in my own family, a Negroe 
 man whom I had about ten years; a ftupid ignorant creature; no 
 pains were wanting to learn him to read, but all ineffectual ; he feemed 
 to have very little fenfe of religion, although much pains were taken. 
 When Mr. Whitefield was firll here, our dear friend Mr. AVilliam 
 Cooper fcnt to me to fend him my chaife and fcrvant to carry him and 
 Mr. Whitefield to Cambridge. Accordingly I complied.— Mr. White- 
 field preached at the college on thofe words, " Come unto me all ye 
 that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you refl." When they 
 returned in the evening, he (the fervant) repeated a confiderable part 
 of tlie fermon to the other fervants in the kitchen, fome part of which 
 I over-heard as I fat in my own room, and indeed it was a very pleafing 
 furprize. This fermon took fuch hold of him to bring him under ftrong 
 conviflions of his finful miferable ftate by nature, as well as praftice, 
 that he grew very thoughtful about his foul, earneftly feeking an in- 
 tercft in the Lord Jefus Chrift, which we have abundant reafon to hope 
 he obtained. Mr. Whitefield thought fo, and Mr. Cooper alfo, for he 
 frequently convcrfed with them about divine things. In fome months 
 Mr. Cooper admitted him to the Lord's table, and faid to me of him. 
 
chap. 5. i>i the eighteenth Century. 227 
 
 that he never had from any pcifon ui his liie a more rational and fcrip- 
 tural account of converfion than from him. And he evidenced it by a 
 fober life, and fidelity as a fervant, which continued during life, which 
 was about ten years; then he was feized ^ith a confumption and died; 
 
 he lingered fome months A few days before he departed, on being 
 
 inquired of as to hiswillingnefs to leave the world, hefaid in a rapture 
 he was willing to go, that he might be with his Saviour, who had made 
 him many a Iweet vifit for whole nights together, by themanifcftation 
 
 of his love to his foul, &c. So Ethiopia ftrctched forth her hands. 
 
 There are many like inlbncesofthat nation. One man I know who 
 
 had lived a very proliigate life, frequently attended on Mr. Whitefield's 
 preaching with no other view but to take part of fcntences, go to the 
 tavern and repeat them to make nonfenfe, falfehood, <S:c. But it pleaf- 
 ed a fovereign God, to ftrikehim home under one fermon that brought 
 him down to the duft; he loft his ftrength in the meeting-houfe that 
 he could not walk, but was carried home; and it worked well, even to 
 
 favinggood to his foul. Hasbeei;i ever llnce an exemplary Chriftian, 
 
 often expreffing the dilVmguiihing mercy of God towards him fo vile a 
 finner. 
 
 I will now pafs from the open profane to fome more civilized and 
 moral in their behaviour; and firft, I v/ill mention a number of mini- 
 fters, more than twenty, who all declared that P.Ir. Whitefield'C mini- 
 ftry was fo fet home upon them, that they look on him as their fpiri- 
 tual father. One of them has faid to me, he believed he fhould foon 
 have arrived to deifm; but God had mercy in florefor him. He went 
 once to hear Mr. Whitefield preach with no other defign than to picJj 
 a hole in his coat; but God picked a hole in his heart, which was after- 
 wards healed by the blood of Chrift. He lives as a Chriftian, and preach- 
 es in the moft lively manner the great doftrines of thegofpel, viz. ori- 
 ginal fin, free juftification by Chrift alone, eledion, &c. things that he 
 formerly defpifed and meddled not with, and is very fucccfsful. Talk- 
 ing with him lately, he faid (on my inquiring how the awakened and 
 as he hoped the converted, held out) that but one perfon in his congre- 
 gation that he efteemed favingly wrought upon had fallen back : and 
 he had a goodly number of them perfevered. 
 
 I know four fifters, moral, gay, polite perfons, who indulged them- 
 felves in what they called innocent diverfions of life, thought abftaining 
 from grofs fins, and being courteous, aftable, and doing no-body any 
 harm was all was required. This they did, and thought they were fwim- 
 ming away to Heaven in a life of pleafure. But God in infinite mercy 
 convinced them of their folly and danger, and flaewed them religion 
 was quite another thing. They can now talk of divine things in an ex- 
 perimental manner. One of them in the time of their awakening was 
 addrefled by a young gentleman for marriage; fi\e refufed to let him 
 proceed, faying ftie would firft make fure ihe was married to the Lord 
 Jefus Chrift; and there is the higheft ground to believe ftie is {o. 
 
 I will clofe with one as remarkable as any, and mention the namej 
 Ihe was grand-daughter to that Mackintolh taken in the rebellion a- 
 gainft king George the firft, and fentenced to perpetual iraprifonment. 
 
328 Sfuccsfi of the Gofpel in Amn'ica Book IV. 
 
 That gentleman's fon came into this country to marry his uncle's 
 daughter, by whom he had this and another. Father and mother died 
 when they were young. She married a young gentleman of a good fa- 
 mily, and having a plentiful eftate (her income was about five hun- 
 dred pounds flerling per annum) bred in the beft manner among us; 
 fhe appeared morally virtuous and difcreet, though indulged in dan- 
 cing, S^c. little or no thought of any fort of religion ; being carelTed 
 in all gay company. She was going one day to pay a ceremonious vifir, 
 and in her way thither fhe palled by Mr. Prince's meeting-houfe, where 
 ihe faw great numbers of people flocking in; llie afked of fome of 
 them what the occallon was; they told there was a lefture there; fhe 
 ftood flill and paufed a while, having fome curiofity to go in and fee 
 what fuch folks did there, but relufted and was off and on, but at laft 
 went ii>, which was before the worfliip began ; but in fome little time 
 I\Ir. liur (now prefidcnt of New-Jcrfey's college) mounted the deik. 
 W hen Jhe faw him (he dcfpifed his looks being fmall of flature, and 
 wilhtd herfelf out of the meeting-houfe, thinking fuch a perfon could 
 rot fay any thing worth fuch crowding after; but llie thought it would 
 be indecent to go out, and fo tarried; but fhe foon found that which 
 fhe never felt before; the Spirit of God accompanied the word in a 
 moft powerful manner, and ihe brought to think of taking care of her 
 foul, and how flie fhould obtain an interelt in the Lord Jefus Chrift. 
 Soon after this Mr. Whitefield arrived here; him fhe followed in pub- 
 lic and private, and by his preaching and frequent converfing, I believe 
 
 /he obtained a gocd mcnfure of knowledge and grace. She foon was 
 
 fick of her gay company and their way of living; got acquainted with 
 the vitally pious; in this way the continued four or five years, when it 
 plcafcd God to lay htr on a bed of licknefs for fome months ; with 
 which her life ended. She had been frequently at my houfe with Mr. 
 AV'hitefield, fo I had great opportunity to hear her talk. She was 
 naturally of a modelt meek difpofition, and when it came to be 
 fwectened with grace, fi\e was very amiable. She was foon ripe for 
 Heaven at little more tlian twenty years old., The day before flie 
 died, ihe fent a fervant to me and defired I would come and fee 
 her, I cheerfully embraced the opportunity and went immediately. 
 "VV^hen I got to the houfe, I was immediately carried into her chamber, 
 vhere I found her jull ready to leave the world, with her loins girt, 
 and her lamp trimmed, waiting for the Bridegroom. As foon as flie 
 cafl her eyes upon me, flie reached out her hand, which I took hold 
 of; fhe grafped it, and, with a faint voice, faid, I fent for you to thank 
 you for all your afts of friendfliip, and the notice taken of me at your 
 houfe, and take leave ; I am going, I am going to leave a vain world ; I 
 have had clear views of a better. Oh now I want fome advice and di- 
 rection from my dear foul -friend Mr. Whitefield. But then flopped 
 
 and faid, " Why fhould I do fo? he is gone about his Lord and Maf- 
 tcr's work, and it will be but a little time, and we fliall meet, where we 
 {hall be eternally employed in finging praifes for redeeming love and 
 grace, and never part more," &c. &c. There were prefent fome young 
 perfons of her relations and friends, to whom fhe gave excellent ad- 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century, 059 
 
 vice to have dot\e with the gaieties and plcafures of the world, and 
 wiftied they coulJ have fiKh a view of them as flie then had : think 
 only of taking care of your fouls: look upon me, a poor hclpieis ob- 
 ject, and think it may foon be your ttnn to be in the fame coi,dition ; 
 and added, " I never found fitisfaftion in worldly pleafurcs; but in 
 religion I have had the highell delight." This, and fucii-Iike, was all 
 her talk. She defired I would pray, " That it would pleafe ti^e Lord to 
 be with her in her lafl moments, that fhe might hold out fpeaking for 
 his caufe, and manifeft his love to her foul, and take her to himfelf." — 
 So we parted. The next day ihe took her Hight (I doubt not) to the 
 
 regions of glory. Although {he had not the benefit of Mr. "Whitc- 
 
 iield, ihe had of Mr. Prince, who for more than a month vifited her e- 
 very day, prayed and converfed with her. She would not be content- 
 ed without him. He fpeaks highly of her grace". 
 
 Now, Sir, I will clofe with faying, 'tis a great pleafure to be re-col- 
 lefting the. wonderful work of God in thofe times ; but I alfo would la- 
 ment the fmall appearance of fuch things at this prefent day ; but prayer 
 
 is duty, and another fuch time may come.- Thofe inftances which I 
 
 have mentioned are all fallen within my own knowledge, and I have 
 kept clofe to flri£l truth, and could mention fcoresmore of as remark- 
 able inftances. May God have the praife ! Yours, &c. A. W, 
 
 a [Here he adds] I cannot conclude, •with- 
 out mentionins^ a very remarkable occur- 
 rence in her life, though a fhort one, viz. 
 Koon after her lather and mother dcccafed, 
 there came from Scotland a man who calkd 
 
 himfelf Shaw Mackintofh ; faid he 
 
 was uncle to this young gentlewoman, and 
 a filler (lie had; iinitiediatcly got acquaint- 
 ance with and carcdcd them highly; af- 
 fured them he made his voyape to New- 
 England purely to take care of them; for 
 there was great danger of being inade a prey 
 of, being wholly dellitutc of friends, and 
 having no relations. He continued here 
 fometime, cndeavouringtp infinuatc himfelf 
 into their affeftions by loft and tender words 
 and carriage. He propofed to them, that 
 he would carry them to Scotland among 
 their relations, where there ■would be care 
 taken of their education, &c. but they could 
 not be prevailed with, faying they chufed to 
 flay among people they had been brought 
 up with, who were very kind to them. 
 Finding thct would not do, he contrived 
 
 this Ilratagem to force them away. He 
 
 made an entertainment for them at his lodg- 
 ing one Saturday evening, the moft quiet 
 in the week always with us ; and, after fu p. 
 per, he would wait on them to their lodg- 
 ing, which was near the water-fide : but, 
 before they reached quite home, fome ruf- 
 fians be had provided took each of thefe chil- 
 dren into their arms, run down to ihcwater- 1 
 
 fide, threw them into a boat, and carried 
 them about nine miles down the river, put 
 ihcm on board a fliip he, their uncle, laid 
 he was going in, and told them he had pro- 
 vided all things neceflary for them. The 
 
 fliip was to come to fail that night ; but, as 
 providence ordered it, the wind came about 
 contrary. After they got on board, a florra 
 enfued, the children diflrelTed almoft to 
 death. But, being mifTed from their lodg- 
 ings late at night, a fervant was fent to their 
 uncle's lodgings to fetch them home, but 
 wa^ informed they had been gone from 
 hence fome hours: fo flir was made, and 
 inquiry after them; and fome people dwel- 
 ling near where the boat lay, informed, that 
 in the evening they heard childrens voices 
 crying as if in great diftrefs, and the uncle 
 not to be found neitiier; it wasfufpeded he 
 had. conveyed them away. — The governor 
 was applied to, who granted warrants to 
 fearch every fiiip, and the next morning 
 they were found, as above, and brought up 
 to town; the uncle alfo, who was commit- 
 ted to prifon for fometime, but never had 
 
 his defcrved puniihment. But they were 
 
 releafed, and he went off without his pri- 
 zes. — There was reafon to fcai, from many 
 circiur.ftances heaid afterwards, the defigu 
 was to make away with them, and then the 
 father's relations would have been heirs to 
 their cftate, which is more than a thoufacd 
 pounds Sterling per annun: 
 
 VOL. U. 
 
 T t 
 
33© Succcfi of the Cofpel in America Book IV. i 
 
 Section XXII. 
 
 /;; 1 743, the fame Work fpreads to Virginia. The uncommon Manner 
 
 in -which it begun. Mr. Robinfon's preaching greatly bleft. 
 
 And Mr. Blair's. Jnd Mr. Roan's. Oppojition. The Sy- 
 nod of New-Tor k applied to. Mr. Tennetit and Mr. Finley come. 
 
 . Then Mr. IV. Tcmtent, and Mr. Sam. Blair.-. The Lord's Sup- 
 per given. Mr. Davies is fent to them in 1747. Next Tear 
 
 he has ftven meeting-houfes to officiate in. Three of them in Ha- 
 nover, the other four in the Counties of Henrico y Caroline y Louifa, 
 
 and Goochland. Three Himdred Communicants. A Number of 
 
 Negroes. Their artlefs Simplicity, and pajfionate Afpirations af- 
 ter Chrift. Strange Hiflory of Ifaac Oliver deaf and dumb from 
 
 his Birth. Itinerant Preaching bleji where fettled Pafiors want- 
 
 j,i^^ Severals awakened in Lunenburgh and Amelia under the Mi- 
 ni /hy of Mr. Robin fon An Awakening in Angufta under the Mi- 
 ni fhy of Meffrs, Dean and By ram. And in Frederick County. — 
 
 And in Alary lamf. And in Kent County and ^een Anne'Sy under 
 
 the iMinifiry of Mr. Robinfon. But efpecially in Somerfet County in 
 
 Maryland. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Davies, Miniftcr at Kanover in Virginia, to Mr. Bellamy of 
 Cctliltm in New-Jinglaiid, dated June 28th, I75'I. ] 
 
 R, and D. S. If the publication of a narrative of the rife, progrefs, 
 and prcfent fituation of rehgion in Virginia, may not only gratify good 
 people, bnt (as you give me reafon to hope) animate their prayers for 
 xis, and alfo encourage preachers to come into thefe parts, I fhould 
 charge myfflf with a criminal ncglc<fb if I refufed to publilh the marvel- 
 lous work of the Lord among us. 1 hope I may obferve without the 
 
 imibragc of calumny what is but too evident to ferious people of all 
 denominations among us^ that religion has been, and in moft parts of 
 the colony Hill is, in a very low ftate. A furprizing negligence in at- 
 tending public worlhip, and an equally furprizing levity and unconcer- 
 Ticdncfs in thofe that attend. Family religion a rarity, and a folemn con- 
 cern about eternal things a greater. Vices of various kinds triumphant, 
 
 and even a form ofgodlincfs notcominon. Butuniverfal famemakes 
 
 it needlefs for me to enlarge on this difagrecable fubjeft. Before 
 
 the revival in 1743 there were a few who were awakened, as they have 
 told me, either by their own ferious reflexions, fiiggeftcd and infor- 
 ced by divine energy, or on reading fome authors of the laft century, 
 
 particularly Bolton, Baxter, Flavel, Bunyan. There was one Mr. 
 
 Samuel Morris, who had for fome time been very anxious about 
 his own falvation, who after obtaining bleffed relief in Chrifl: became 
 zealous .for the falvation of his neighbours, and very earnefl to ufe 
 means to awaken them. This was the tendency of his converfation ; 
 and he alfo read to them fuch authors as had been moft ufeful to himfelf, 
 pnrticularlyLutheron theGalatians, and his table difcourfes, andfeveral 
 pieces of honeA Bunyan 's. By thefe means fome of his neighbours were 
 
Chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century. ^ -^ i 
 
 made more thoughtful about their fouls ; but the concern was not very 
 extenfive. I have prevailed on my good friend jult now named, who 
 was the principal private inftrument of promoting the late work, and 
 therefore well acquainted with it, to write me a narrative of its rife 
 and progrefs, and this, together with what he and others have told me, 
 
 I (hall prefent to you, without any material alterations. " In the 
 
 year 1740 ^Ir. Whitefield had preached at Williamfburg at the invi- 
 tation of Mr. Blair our latecommiirary. But wc being fixty miles dif- 
 tant from Williamfburg he left the colony before we had an opportu- 
 nity of hearing him. But in the year 43 a young gentleman from Scot- 
 land had got a book of his fermons preached in Glafgow, and taken 
 from his mouth in fhort hand, which after I had read with great be- 
 nefit, I invited my neighbours to come and hear it ; and the plainnefs 
 and fervency of thefe difcourfes being attended with the power of the 
 Lord, many were convinced of their undone condition, and conftrai- 
 ned to feek deliverance with the greatelt follicitude. A confiderable 
 number met to hear thefe fermons every Sabbath, and frequently on 
 week days. The concern of fome was fo pafTionate and violent, that 
 they could not avoid crying out, weeping bitterly, &c. And that, 
 when fuch indications of religious concern were fo ftrange and ridicu^. 
 Ions, that they could not be occafioned by example or fympathy, and 
 the affectation of them would be fo unprofitable an infi:anceof hypo- 
 crify, that none could be tempted to it. My dwelling-houfe at length 
 was too fmall to contain the people, whereupon we determined to build 
 a meeting-houfe, meerly for reading. And having never been ufcd to 
 
 focial extempore prayer, none of us durfi: attempt it. By this fingle 
 
 mean feverals were awakened, and their conduft ever fince is a proof 
 of the continuance and happy ilfue of their impreffions. AVhen the 
 report was fpread abroad, I was invited to feveral places to read thefe 
 fermons, at a confiderable diftance, and by this means the concern was 
 
 propagated. About this time, our abfentingourfelves from the ef- 
 
 tabUfhed church, contrary, as was allcdged, to the laws of the land, 
 was taken notice of, and we were called upon by the court to affign 
 our reafons for it, and to declare what denomination we v/ere of. As 
 we knew but little of any denomination of difienters, except Qiiakers, 
 we were at a lofs what name to affume. Atlength recolle(5ting that Lu- 
 ther was a noted reformer, and that his books had been of Ipecial fer- 
 vice to us, we declared ourfelves Lutherans; and thus we continued 
 till providence fent us the rev. Mr. William Robinfon. This Mr. Ro- 
 binfon was a zealous, laborious rainlfter of Chrifi, who by the per- 
 miilion of the prelbytery took a journey through the new fettlements 
 in Penfylvania, Virginia, and North-Carolina. He founded a congre- 
 gation at Lunenburgh. In Amelia alfo, a county fomewhat nearer us 
 than the former, his labours were extenfively biefl: ; and while he Mas 
 there, fome of our people fent him an invitation to come and preach at 
 our reading-houfe. Being fatisfied about the foundnefs of his principles, 
 and being informed that the method of his preaching was awakening, 
 we were very eager to hear him. On the 6th of July 43 he preached his 
 firft fermon to us fro.na Lukexiii. 3. and continued with us preaching 
 
 T t2 
 
332 Succefs of the C'ofpelin America Book IV. 
 
 four days fucceflively. The congregation was large the firft day, and 
 vaftly increafcd the three enfiiing. 'Tis hard for ihediveliell imagina- 
 tion to form an image of the condition of the affembly on thete glori- 
 ous days of the Son of man. Such of us as had been hungring for the 
 word before, were lofl in an agreeable furprize and aftonifnment, and 
 Tome could not refrain from publicly declaring their tranfport : we were 
 overwhelmed with the thoughts of the unexpected goodnefs otGod, in 
 allowing us to hear the gofpel preached in a manner that furpalled 
 our hopes. Many that came through curiofify were pricked to the 
 heart, and but few in the numerous alfemblies on thefe four days, ap- 
 peared unaffected. They returned alarmed with apprehenfions of 
 their dangerous condition, convinced of their former entire ignorance 
 of religion, and anxioufly enquiring what they fliould do to befaved. 
 And th.ere is reafon to believe there was as much good done by thefe 
 four fermons, as by all the fermons preached in thcle parts before or 
 
 fmcc. Before Mr, Robinfonleftus, he fuccefsfuUy endeavoured to 
 
 corre<^ fome of our miftakes, and to bring us tocarry on the worship 
 of God more regularly at our meetings. After this wc met to read 
 good fermons, and began and concluded with prayer and finging of 
 pfalms, which till then we had omitted, The bleiling of God re- 
 markably attended thefe more private means, and it was really afto- 
 nijhing to ohfervc the folemn imprcilions begun or continued in many 
 by hearing good dilcourfcs read. 1 had repeated invitations to come to 
 many places round, fome of them thirty or forty miles diftant, toread. 
 Confjdcrable numbers attended with eager attention and awful folem- 
 nity, and feverals were in a judgment of charity turned to God, and 
 thereupon ere-fled meciing-houfes,and chofe readers among themfelves, 
 
 by which the work was more extenfively carried on. Soon after Mr. 
 
 Jvobinfon left us, tlie rev. Mr. John Blair paid us a vifit; and truly he 
 came to us in the fulncfs of the gofpel of Chrift. Former imprcilions 
 were ripened and new ones made on many hearts. One night in parti- 
 cular a whole houfe-full of people was quite overcome with the power 
 of the word, particularly of one pungent fen tence, and they could hard- 
 ly /it or ftand, or keep their pafFions under any proper reftraints. So ge- 
 neral was the concern during his flay with us, and fo ignorant were 
 we of the danger of apoflacy, that we pleafed ourfclves with the 
 thoughts of more being brought to Ch rift at that time, than now ap- 
 pears to have been, though there is ftillthe greateft reafon to hope 
 that feverals bound themfelv^es to the Lord in an everlaftlng covenant, 
 
 never to be forgotten. Some time after this, the rev. Mr. Roan 
 
 was fent usby the pre%tery of Newcaftle. He continued with us long- 
 er than any of the former, and the happy efirec1:s of his rainiftrations 
 are ftill apparent. He was inftrumental in beginning and promoting 
 the religious concern in feveral places where there was little appearance 
 of it before. This, together with his fpeaking pretty freely about the 
 degeneracy of the clergy in this colony, gave a general alarm, and fome 
 meafures were concerted to fupprefs us. To incenfe the indignation 
 of the government the more, a perfidious wretch deponed he heard 
 Mr. Roan utter blafphemous expreffions in his fermon. An indiftment 
 
chap. 5. in the eighteenth Century . 333 
 
 was thereupon drawn up againft Mr. Roan (though by that time he 
 had departed the colony) and fome who had invited him to preach at 
 their houfes were cited to appear before the general court, and tuo of 
 them were fined. While my caufe was upon trial, I had reafon to re- 
 joice that the throne of grace is accelTible in all places, and that helplefs 
 creatures can fend up their defires unfeen, in the midlt of a croud. Six 
 witnclfes were cited to prove the indidlment againfl Mr. Roan, but 
 their depofitions were in his favour; and the witnefs who accufed him 
 of blafphemy, when he heard of the arrival of Meflrs. Tennent and 
 Finley, he iied, and has not returned fince; fo that the indictment was 
 dropped. But I had reafon to fear being banifhed the colony, and all 
 circumftances fecmed to threaten the extirpation of religion among the 
 
 dilT'enters in thefe parts. In thefe difficulties, having no perfon, of a 
 
 public character to appear in our favour, we were determined to ac- 
 quaint the fynod of New-York with our cafe. Accordingly four of us 
 X went to th€ fynod, May 1745, when the Lord favoured us with fuc- 
 ccfs. The fynod drew up an addrefs to our governor, the honourable 
 Sir William Gooch, and fent it with Melfrs. Tennent and Finley, who 
 were received by the governor with refpcdV, and had liberty granted 
 them to preach among us. By this means the dreadful cloud was fcat- 
 tered for a while, and our languid hopes revived. They continued with 
 us about a week, and though the deluge of palfion in which we v/ere at 
 firll overwhelmed, was by this time fomewhat abated, yet much good 
 was done by their miniftry. The people of God were refrelhed, and 
 feveral carelefs iinners were awakened. Some that had trufled before 
 in their moral condudl, and religious duties, were convinced of the de- 
 pravity of their nature, and the neceflity of regeneration, though in- 
 deed there were but few unregenerate perfons among us at that time, 
 that could claim fo regular a chara<fler, the mofl: part indulging them? 
 ielves in criminal liberties, and being -remifs in the duties of religion, 
 which, alas ! is too commonly the cafe ftill in fuch parts of the colony 
 
 as the late revival did not extend to. After they left us, we contir 
 
 nued vacant for a confiderable time, and kept up our meetings for 
 reading and prayer in feveral places, and the Lord favoured us with his 
 prefence. I was again repeatedly prefented and fined in court for ab^ 
 fenting myfelf from church, and keeping up unlawful meetings, as 
 
 they were called ; " but the Bufh flourifhed in the flames." 
 
 The next that were appointed to fupply us, were the rev.Meffrs. Wil- 
 liam Tennent and Samuel Blair. They adminiftered the Lord's fuppep 
 among us ; and we have reafon ever to remember it as a mofl^ glorious day 
 of the Son of Man. The alTembly was large,and the novelty of the man-» 
 ner of the adminiftration did peculiarly engage their attention. It apT 
 peared as one of the days of Heaven to fome of us ; and we could hard- 
 ly help wifhing we could, with Jofhua, have delayed the revolutions of 
 the heavens to prolong it. After Meffrs. Tennent and Blair were gone, 
 Mr. Whitefield came and preached four or five days, which was the 
 happy means of giving us farther encouragement, and engaging others 
 to the Lord, efpecially among the church people, who received the gof^ 
 pd more readily from him than from rainjfters of the Prefbytcrian de» 
 
334 Succefs cf the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 nomination. After liis departure, we were deftitute of a miniller, and 
 followed our ufual method of reading and prayer at our meetings, till 
 the rev. Mr. Davies, our prcicnt paftor, was fent us by the pre(bytery to 
 fupply us a few weeks in the Spring 1747, when our difcouragements 
 from the government were renewed and multiplied : for, upon a Lord's- 
 day a proclamation was fct up at our meeting-houfe, Ihiftly requiring 
 all magiftratcs to fupprefs and prohibite, as far as they lawfully could, 
 all itinerant preachers, &c. which occalloned us to forbear reading that 
 day, till we h.id time to deliberate and confult what was expedient to 
 do; but how joyfully were wefurprized before the next Sabbath, when 
 we unexpe(fl€dly heard that Mr. Davies was come to preach fo long a- 
 mong us, and efpecially that he had qualitied himfelf according to law, 
 and obtained the liccnfing of four meeting-houfes among us, which 
 had never been done before. Thus maa's extremity is the Lord's op- 
 portunity. For this leafonablc inierpofition of Divine providence, we 
 dcfirc to oifcr our grateful praifes, and wc importune the friends of 
 
 Zion to concur with us." (Thus far Mr. Morris' Narrative. Then 
 
 the rev. Mr. Davies proceeds to give account of the ftate of their affairs 
 fince he came among them in April 1747-) Upon my arrival, I pe- 
 titioned the general court to grant me a licenfe to officiate in and about 
 Hanover, at four meeting-houfes, which, after fome delay, was granted, 
 
 upon my qualifying according to the act of toleration. 1 preached 
 
 frequently in Hanover, and fomc of the adjacent counties; and though 
 the fervour of the late work was'confiderably abated, and my labours 
 were not blefled with fuccefs equal to thofe of my brethren, yet I have 
 reafon to hope they were of fervice in feveral inftances. The impor- 
 tunities they ufed with me to fettle with them were invincible; and, 
 
 upon my departure, they fent a call for me to the prelbytery. After 
 
 I returned from Virginia, I fpcnt near a year under melancholy and 
 confumptivelanguilhments, expelling death; in the Spring 1748, 1 be- 
 gan flowly to recover, though I then looked upon it only as theinter- 
 miffion of a diforder that would finally prove mortal. But upon the 
 arrival of a mcflenger from Hanover, I put my life in my hand, and de- 
 termined to accept of their call, hoping I might live to prepare the way 
 for fomc more ufeful fucceflbr, and willing to expire under the fatigues 
 
 of duty, rather than in voluntary negligence. The Hon. Sir William 
 
 Gooch, our late govcrnour, always difcovered a ready difpofition to al- 
 low us all claimable privileges, and the greateft averfion to pcrfccuting 
 meafures; but, confidering the ftiocking reports fpread abroad concern- 
 ing us by officious malignants, it was no great wonder the council dif- 
 covered a confiderable reluflance to tolerate us. Had it not been for 
 this, I perfuade myfelf they would have fliewn themfelves the guardians 
 of o\ir legal privileges, as well as generous patriots to their country, 
 
 which is the character generally given them. In Oftober 1748, be- 
 
 fides the four meeting-houfes already mentioned, the people petitioned 
 for the licenfing of three more, which with great difficulty was obtain- 
 ed. Among thefe feven, I have hitherto divided my time. Three of 
 them ly in Hanover county, the other four in the counties of Henrico, 
 Carolina, Louifa, and Goochland. The nearcft are twelve or fifteen 
 
Chap. 5- ifi tha eighteenth Century. ^^^ 
 miles diftant from each other, and the extremes about forty. My con- 
 gregation is very much difpcrfcd, and notwithftanding the number of 
 the meeting-houfes, fome live twenty, fome thirty, and a few forty 
 miles from the nearefl-. Were they all compaf^ly fjtuate in one coun- 
 ty, they would be fufficient to form three diftin(fl congregations . 
 
 Many of the church people alfo attend when there is fermon at any of 
 thefe houfes. This I looked upon at firft as mere curiofity after no-s 
 velty, but as it continues, and in fome places feems to increafe, I can- 
 not but look upon it as a happy token of their being at length through- 
 ly engaged. And I have the greater reafon to hope io now, as experi- 
 ence has confirmed my former hopes. Fifty or fixty families having thus 
 been happily entangled in the net of the gofpcl by their own curiofity, 
 or fome fuch motive. -There are about three hundred communi- 
 cants in my congregation, of whom the greatefi: number are, in the 
 judgment of rational charity, real Ghriftians. Befidcs fome, who, thro' 
 
 cxcefiive fcrupuloufnefs, do not feek admiffion to the Lord's table. 
 
 There is alfo a number of Negroes. Sometimes I fee an hundred and 
 more among my hearers. (Pfal. Ixviii.v3 1 .) I have baptized about forty 
 of them within thefe three years, upon fuch a profellion of faith as I 
 then judged credible. Some of them, I fear, have apoftatized ; but o- 
 thers, I truft, will perfevcre to the end. I have had as fatisfying eviden- 
 ces of the fincere piety of fcverak of them, as ever I had from any per- 
 fon in my life, and their artlefs fimplicity, their paffionate afpirations 
 after Chrifi, their incefiant endeavours to know and do the will of God, 
 have charmed me. But, alas! while my charge is fo extenfive, I can- 
 not take fufficient pains with them for their infcruiftion, which often op- 
 
 preffes my heart. There have been inftanccs of unhappy apoftafy 
 
 among us; but, blefl: be God, not many in proportion to the number 
 
 brought under concern. Atprefent there are a few under promifing 
 
 imprefiions; but, in general, a lamentable fccurity prevails. Oh for 
 a little reviving in our bondage ! 1 might have given you a particu- 
 lar account of the converlion of fome perfons here, as indeed there are 
 fome uncommon inllances of it, but I faall only obferve in general, 
 that abltrafling from particular circurofiances, the work of converfion 
 has been carried on in fuch fteps as are defcribed by experimental di- 
 vines, as Allein, Shepherd, Stoddard, Flavel^ &c. And nothing con- 
 firms me more in the truth of their opinions concerning experimental 
 piety, than this agreement and uniformity as to the fubftance, in the 
 
 exercifes of thofe that can make the faireft claim to faving grace. . 
 
 There is one Ifaac Oliver here, whofe hlftory, could I write it intelli- 
 gibly to you, would be very entertaining. He has been deaf and dumb 
 from his birth, and yet I have the utmoft reafon to believe he is truly 
 gracious, and alfo acquainted with moft of the dodlrines, and many of 
 the hiftorical fads of the Bible. I have feen him reprefent the cruci- 
 fixion of Chrift in fuch fignificant figns, that I could not but underftand 
 them. Thofe that live in the houfe with him can hold converfation 
 with him very readily. There is fo much of the devout ardour of his 
 foul difcovered at times, as is really affeding, and I have feen him con- 
 verfe in figns about the love and fufferings of Chrift, till he has been 
 
33<^ Succefi of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 Uanfported into carneflnefs,and diifolved in tears. The above Mr. Mor- 
 ris, with whom he lives, has told me, that eight years ago he appeared 
 remarkably changed, and ever iiuce is very confcientious in the whole of 
 his behaviour; generally delights to attend both public and family- 
 worfliip, though he cannot hear a word ; and is obferved fometimes to 
 retire to fecret prayer, though he fignifies that he is praying with his 
 heart, when abouc his bufinefs, or in company, which is peculiarly 
 
 {>rafticable to him, as in all places he enjoys retirement. 1 could re- 
 ate feveral peculiarities about him; but as they are unintelligible to 
 myfelf, or might leem incredible to thofe that are unacquainted with 
 him, I omit them. So much, however, I know of him, that I cannot 
 but look upon him as a miraculous monument of Almighty grace, that 
 can perform its purpofes on men, notwithftanding the greateft natural 
 or moral impediments; and I fubmititto the judgmentof others, whe- 
 ther a perfon fo incapable of external inftruolions, could be brought 
 to know the myfleries of the kingdom of Heaven any other way than 
 by immediate revelation. Befides the people here, feverals of my bre- 
 thren, who have been here, particularly Meffrs. Samuel Blair and John 
 
 Roin can atteft this relation. 1 forgot to inform you, in its proper 
 
 phce, that the rev. Mr. Davenport was fent by the fynod to fianover 
 lail: Summer, and continued here about two months. And, bieil: be 
 God, did not labour in vain. Some were brought under concern, and 
 many of the Lord's people much revived, who can never forget the in- 
 
 ftrument of it. Thus, dear Sir, I Ijave given you a brief account of 
 
 what I am perfuaded you will readily own to be the work of the Lord, 
 "VVe claim no infallibility, but we muft not fall into Scepticifm. If we 
 could form no judgment of fuch a work, why Ihould we pretend to 
 promote the converlion of men, if we cannot have any fatisfying know- 
 ledge of it, when it appears ? Indeed the evidence of its Divinity here 
 is fo irrefiftible, that it has extorted an acknowledgment from fome, 
 
 from whom it could hardly be expected. Were you, Sir, a narrow 
 
 bigot, you would, no doubt, rejoice to hear that there are now fome 
 hundreds of difTenters in a place, where, a few years ago, there were not 
 ten ; but I afliire myfelf of your congratulations on a nobler account, 
 becaufe a confiderable number of perifhing finners are gained to the 
 bleded Redeemer, with whom, though you never fee them here, you 
 
 may fpend a blifsful eternity. After all, poor Virginia demands 
 
 your compaffion, for religion at prefent is but like the cloud which E- 
 lijah's fervant faw. Oh that it may fpread and cover the land ! 
 
 As to other counties where diifenters are fettled. There are two 
 
 congregations, one in Albemarle, and one in Augufta county, belong- 
 ing to the fynod of Philadelphia, that have minifters fettled among 
 them : but thofe that have put themfelves under the care of Newcaftle 
 prefbytery (which are vaftly more numerous) notwithftanding their re- 
 peated endeavours, are flill deftitute of minifters. There are as many 
 of them as would form five diftinifl: congregations, three atleaft in Au- 
 gufta, one in Frederica, and one at leaft in Lunenburgh and Amelia. 
 Notwithftanding the fupplies our preftjytery have fent them, fome of 
 them, particularly Lunenburgh, have been above a year together with- 
 
Chap* 5. ift the eighteenth Century. 307 
 
 out one fermon. I hope one of them may foon be provided by a pious 
 young man, Mr, Todd, fent by Ncw-Brunfwiclc prcfbytery, but I have 
 no profpeft as lo the reft ; for I can now count up at Icait fix or ft.\ en 
 vacant congregations in Penfylvania, and two or three in iMaryland, bc- 
 lides the five mentioned in the frontier counties of Virginia, and a p^rt 
 of my own congregation, which I would willingly declare vacant, liad 
 they opportunity of obtaining another minirtcr. And there arc but 
 twelve members in Newcaftle preibytcry, and two or three candiJnes 
 that are preingaged to vacancies in Penfylvania. We have indeed of 
 late licenfed fevcrai pious youths, but our vacancies increafe alnn;ll as 
 fait as our minllters, by the fcttleracnt of new placet?, or the breaking 
 out of religious concern in pLices where there was little before; and 
 fome of our molt ufcful members are lately called home by death; 
 fuch as IMelTrs. Robinfon and Dean, and now Mr, Samuel Blair. May* 
 the Lord induce faithful miniftcrs from New-E;igland, or where-evei* 
 they might be fpaied, to come and help us! While thefc congre- 
 gations have been deltitute of fettled paltors, itinerant preaching a- 
 mong them, has, by the blelfing of God, been very ufeful. Mr. Ro- 
 binfon underwent great hardfhips in North-Carolinst without much fuc- 
 cefs, by reafon of the fewnefs and favage ignorance of the inhabitants? 
 but the cafe is now happily altered. A new congregation, I think upon 
 Pce-dee river, fent a petition lately to our prelbytery for aminiaer. — ■- 
 Befides this, I hear of feveral other places in North-Carolina, that are 
 ripening very fall for the gofpel. " O that the Lord would km\ forth 
 faithful labourers into his harvcft! " — ^Mr. Robinfon was the inftru- 
 ment of awakening feverals in Lunenburgh and Amelia, with whom I 
 lately fpent a fortnight, at their earneft defire; and there is a profpeft 
 of doing much fervice, were they furniOied with a faithful minifter.-^ 
 I met with molt encouragement in a part of Amelia county, where very 
 few had heard any of my brethren. The aflemblies were large even 
 on week-days, and fometimes there appeared mucli folemnity and af' 
 fe(ftion among them. There appears great probability of fuccefs, if they 
 had a faithful minliter. It was really afflidting to me that the nece/Iity 
 
 of my own congregation conftrained me to leave them fo foon. In 
 
 Augufta there is a great number of folid lively Chrifiians. There was 
 a pretty general awakening there fome years ago under theminiltry of, 
 Melfrs. Dean and Byram. I believe three miniftcrs might live very com- 
 fortably among them,— — In Frederick county there has alfo been (as 
 I am informed by my brethren who have been there) a confidcrable a- 
 wakening fome years ago, which has had a blelTed ifTue in many, and the 
 
 congregation have been feeking a minifter thefe feveral years. la 
 
 Maryland alfo, there has been a confiderable revival (lliall I call it ?) or 
 firft plantation of religion, in Baltimore county, where I am informed 
 Mr. Whittlefey is like to fettle, — =— In Kent county and i)iieen Anne's, 
 a number of carelefs finners have been awakened and hopefully brought 
 to Chrift. The work was begun and chiefly carried on by the inftru- 
 mentality of that favoured man Mr. Robinfon, whofc fuccefs, when- 
 ever I refletH: upon it, aftonifh.es me. Oh ! he did much in a little 
 time, and who would not chufe fuch an expeditious pilgrimage through 
 VOL. IL U u r 6 6 S 
 
338 Succefi 6f the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 this world ? There is in thefe places a confiderable congregation, and 
 
 they have made repeated clfays to obtain a fettled minill:er. There 
 
 was a great iVir about rehgion in Buckingham, a place on the fea-fhore, 
 about four years ago, which has fince fpread and iffued in a hopeful 
 
 converfion in feverai inllances. They alfo want a minifter But the 
 
 moft glorious difplay of Divine grace in Maryland has been in and a- 
 bout Somcrfct county. It began, I think, in 1745, by the miniftry of 
 Mr. Robinfon, and was afterwards carried on by feverai minifters that 
 preached tmnfiently there. I was there about two months, when the 
 work was at its height, and I never faw fuch a deep arid fpreading con- 
 cu-n : the aifemblies were numerous, though in the extremity of a cold 
 Winter, and imwearied in attending the word; and frequently there 
 were very few among them that did not give fome plain indications of 
 diflrefs or joy. Oh ! thefe were the happiefl days that ever my eyes 
 faw. Since that, the harveft feems over there, though confiderable 
 gleanings, I hear, are ftill gathered. — They have of late got Mr. Henry 
 for their minifter, a young man, who, I truft, will be an extenfive blef- 
 llng to that part of the colony.-;*-! fhall prize ic, dear Sir, as a great blef- 
 fing, if you and others of the Lord's fervants and people in diftant parts, 
 
 favour us with your prayers. And fhall be glad to corrcfpond with 
 
 them. Our acquaintance with the various parts of the church qualifies 
 
 us to adapt our prayers to their ftate. May your Divine Mafter blefs 
 
 you and fucceed your miniftrations, and pour out his Spirit on the 
 land where you refide. I am, &c'. 
 
 a May 22 J, 17J4, Mr. G. Tenncnt ancl 
 Mr. Davics being at Kdinburgh, as agents 
 for the truflces of the college of Ncw-Jer- 
 fey (an inflitution that promifes well, if the 
 Lord vouchfafe it hisbleffing.for the fuccefs 
 of tlic gofpel) Mr. Davics informs, that one 
 Mr. Brown is lately ordained in Augufta 
 county, where there were fundry congrega- 
 tions vacant ever fince their firlt fettletpent; 
 that he has the care of two meetings, and as 
 he is a youth of piety, prudence, and zeal, 
 there is reafon to expcft that his labours 
 will be of extenfive fcrvicc in that wilder- 
 ncfs, not only in his own more peculiar 
 charge, but in the neighbouring places that 
 have no minifter of their own. — Alfo, that 
 Mr. John Wright, who fupplicsMr.Davies^ 
 charge in hisabfencc,haswrotc,thatfincehc 
 
 has officiated In his place, there arc confider- 
 able appearances of fuccefs in Caroline and 
 Hcnrica, where Mr. Davies was apprchen- 
 
 five he laboured much in vain. When 
 
 Mr. Davies left Virginia in Auguft laff, 
 there was a hopeful appearance of a greater 
 fpread of a religious concern amongft the 
 Negroes. — A few weeks before he left home, 
 he baptized in one day fifteen Negroes after 
 they had been catcchifed for fome months, 
 and given credible evidences of their fin- 
 cerely embracing the gofpel. — He alfo fays, 
 that Ifaac Oliver, the dumb man mentioned 
 in his letter above, has behaved as one 
 would expeft from fuch promifing begin- 
 nings, his conduft being fuch as becomes 
 the profclfion of the gofpel. 
 
chap. 6. i» the eighteenth Century. 379 
 
 C H A P. VI. • 
 
 In ^Scotland 1742, &c. 
 
 Section I. 
 
 Of the JVork at Cambujlang. Care to deted hnpoftors. Things 
 
 previous to the IVork, viz. Preaching on Regeneration :' A IVcekly 
 
 Lecture: Meeting of the Societies for Prayer. Feb. iZth, 1V42, 
 
 About fifty Perjhns brought under great Concern. Numbers re fort 
 
 to the Place. In a few Weeks the Number of the Awakened above 
 
 three hundred. The good Fruits, fuch as Reformation, Remorfe^ 
 
 Forgivenefsj Rcfiitution, Family-worjhip, Love to the Scriptures y ^c. 
 
 TheSubje6is of this Work of different Ages and Char a6lers. 
 
 Atteflations by Mini/hrs, Preachers and others. 
 
 [ From the Narrative printed at Glafgow 1742. ] 
 
 Attefiation to the Fads in the following Narrative, by Mr. MCuUoch 
 Minifler at Cambufiang, May uth, 1742. 
 
 I Have perufed the following faort narrative, and can attefi: the facl:s 
 contained in it; partly from perfonal knowledge, partly frora the 
 mofi: credible informations : but think it a lofs, that it is not more full„ 
 I have feen a larger paper compiled by diiFerent hands; which bciides 
 the fa<fb related in this, contains feveral ufeful reafonings, tending 
 to prove, that the favourable judgment formed by many, and even by 
 fome, who through want of due information, hefitated at firft, about 
 this work, is fupported by all that kind of evidence, that things of this 
 nature are capable of, in fuch a fpace of time. And confequently, that 
 there is good ground to hope, that by the divine blefung, the confirma- 
 tion ariling from perfeverance, will be daily encreafing, as hitherto it 
 has been, &c. &c. William M'Culloch. 
 
 A Narrative of the extraordinary Work at Cambufiang, in a Letter to 
 a Friend, May Zth, 1742. 
 
 Sir, As the report of the good work at Cambuflang, which has for 
 feveral weeks engaged the attention of numbers in this city and country 
 in the neighbourhood, is now fpread over a great part of the nation ; 
 it is no wonder that one who lives at the dillance you do, fhould be 
 curious to have a true relation of it : and as I would be glad of any op- 
 portunity to fcrve you, it is very agreeable to me, to think I can gra- 
 tify you in this matter j- efpecially in what concerns the people in that 
 paridi, and fome other parifhes near it; having had opportunity tocon- 
 verfe fully with the minifter of Cambuflang, and with many of the 
 people there, who arc under this fpiritual exercife, and alfo with fome 
 
 Uu 2 
 
340 Succefs of the Cofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 other minirters, who have feverals in their pariihes that appear to be 
 under the famehapi>y imprellions. 
 
 There is'one thing in the entry I muft apprife you of, viz. that I am 
 to confine myfelf to a fimplc narration of fa<5ls, as the evidences on 
 which the opinion of many concerning the prefent happy change that 
 is wrought on that people, is founded: without entering into any rea- 
 foning, but leaving it to yourfelf to draw proper concluHons from the 
 f'acfr?, after comparing them with fcripture ruleo and inftances. 
 
 I nnift alfo acquaint you, as it was natural to cxprdt, when, on a 
 lingular occallon of this fort, great numbers of people from adjacent 
 towns and country, came (locking to a place that became fo remark- 
 able; that in fuch a promifcuous multitude fomc counterfeits would 
 readily happen ; it was the early care of minifters who interefted them- 
 fclves moft in that matter, to enter into a ftrifr examination of thofe 
 wJ;o appeared to be under a more than ordinary concern, fo as to ob- 
 tain fntisfaction to thcmielvcs, whether the work was folid; being juftly 
 npprchenlive, that the powers of darknefs wi>uld not fail to employ 
 their devices, to bring contempt on what might tend fo much to the 
 honour of the gofpel. In thofe watchful endeavours it muft be owned, 
 that fomc impoftovs were found to have mixed with thefincere; but 
 there is rcafon tobkfs God, that, fo far as yet appears, they have been 
 very few; and as thcfe have been Icvcrely rebuked, fo the moft awful 
 warnings have been given, againfl all fuch infincere protenfions, which 
 warnings, there is ground to believe, havehad very good effcfts. 
 
 Now, Sir, to give the fhort hiftory of this m^atter. The minifter of 
 thatpariili, in his ordinary courfe of fermons, for near a twelvemonth 
 before this work began, had been preaching on thefe fubje<fl:s which tend 
 jnofl; directly to explain the nature, and prove the neceffity of regenera- 
 tion, according to the different lights in which that important matter is 
 reprefented in holy fcripture : and for fome months before the late re- 
 markable events, a more than ordinary concern about religion appeared 
 among that people; one good evidence of which was, that about the 
 end of January iaft, a petition was given in to the minifter, fubfcribed 
 by about ninety heads of families, defiring a weekly lecture ftiould be 
 fet up; which was readily granted, and the day fixed on Thurfday, as 
 the moft convenient for the temporal intereftsofthe parffh. On Mon- 
 day the 15th of February 1742, there was a general meeting, at the mi- 
 niftcr's houfe, of the particular focieties for prayer, which had fubfifted 
 in the parifh for fevcral years before. On Tuefday there was another 
 meeting for prayer thefe, the occafion of which was a concert with fe- 
 veral ferious Chriftians elfewhere, about folemn prayer, relating to the 
 public interefts of the gofpel ; in which concert only a fmall number of 
 people in Cambuflang were engaged at firft, biit others getting notice of 
 it defired to join, and were admitted : the people who met for prayer 
 thefe two days, apprehended that they had been fo well employed, and 
 found fomuch leifure for it, that they had a third meeting on Wednef- 
 day : but on all thefe three days they returned tiraeoufly in the evening 
 to their own houfe?, fo 'I'^v is it fropi being true that they ruftied from 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. -^^i 
 
 fome of thcfc meetings to the church and continued immured there for 
 fome days and nights, ns was reported. 
 
 Before Thurfday, February i8th, they had week-days fermonsonly 
 on Thurfdays according to the above-mentioned dcfire of the parifh ; 
 and before that day, though fcvcral particular pcrfons came to the mi- 
 niiier, from time to time, under deep concern about their falvation, yet 
 there came no great numbers together. But on that day after fcrmon 
 a conliderable number of people, reckoned by fome prefent about fifty, 
 came toj^ether to the minifler's houle, under convi^ions and alarming 
 apprehenlions about the Irate of their iouls, and defiring to fpeak with 
 him. From this unexpefted number, coming in an evening, in fo great 
 dilbefs, and the necellity of the minifter's exhorting them in general, 
 and converfing with many of them feparatcly, you will cafily perceive 
 that he behoved to fpcnd that night with them, ns he did mofi: part of 
 two or three more lince this work began, which is now about twelve 
 weeks. 
 
 After this, numbers dailj'' reforted to that place, fome to hear the 
 word, fome to converfe with people who were under this remarkable 
 concern, and others with different views : and the defires and exigencies 
 of thofe were fuch that the minifter found himfelf obliged, without any 
 previous intimation, to provide them daily fermon, a few days except- 
 ed, and after fermon ufually to fpend fome time with them in exhorta- 
 tions, prayers and finging of pfalms, being efpecially encouraged thereto 
 by the extraordinary fucccfs with which God was plcafed, from time to 
 time, to blefs his own ordinances, in fo much that, by the beft infor- 
 mation that could be had, the number of perfons awakened to a deep 
 concern about falvation, and againft whom there are no known excep- 
 tions as yet, has amounted to above three hundred. And, through di- 
 vine mercy, the work feems to be ftill making confiderable progrels e- 
 very week, and more for fome weeks of late than fome times formerly. 
 Of the number jull now mentioned the far greater part have given al- 
 ready, both to minifters and other ferious Ghrifllans, a good account 
 of what they have felt in their conviftions and humiliation for lin, of 
 the way of their relief by faith in the mercy of God through Jefus Chrift, 
 and of the change they feel in the prevalent inclinations and difpofitions 
 of their hearts. As to their devotion and other parts of their pra6lice, 
 which is that which chiefly attrafls the attention and regard of this 
 country; there are comfortable accounts given of it, by thofe who 
 have the befl: and moft frequent opportunities of knowing their daily 
 behaviour. The parifh of Cambuflang being of fo fmall extent, that 
 moft of the people live within a mile of the church, and fome who 
 have the beft intelligence, being almoft every day with the minifter, he 
 and they have abundant opportunities to know the pradiices of inch of 
 the people I am fpeaking of, as live within their bounds. And the ac- 
 count they give of it is, that they appear to be in a very hopeful way; 
 and the like good accounts are given by feveral minifters and others, of 
 fuch of thofe people as belong to other neighbouring parirties. 
 
 Among the particular good fruits, already appearing, both in Cam- 
 buflang and ell'ewhere, the following inftances feein very encouraging ; 
 
^42 Succefs cfthe Co/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 a vifiblc reformation of the lives of perfons who were formerly note 
 rious finners; particularly, the laying afide of curfing and fwearing, 
 and drinking to excefs, among thefe who were addi6led to that praflice: 
 rcmorfe for afts of injuflicc, and for violation of relative duties con- 
 felfcd to the perfons wronged, joined with new endeavours after a con- 
 fcientious difcharge of fuch duties: reftituiion which has more than 
 once been dilHnftly and particularly inculcated in public, fince this 
 ■work began ; forgiving of injuries; all defireablc evidences of fervent 
 love to one another, to all men, and even to thofe who fpeak evil of 
 them; and among thofe people both in Cambullangand other pariihes, 
 more arfcclionate cxpreffions of regard than ever to their own mini- 
 fters, and to the ordinances difpcnfcd by them ; the keeping up divine 
 worfliip in families, where it was ncgleded very often by fomeand in- 
 tirely by others; the crefting of new focieties for prayer, both of old 
 and young, partly within the parifli, where no lefs than twelve fuch fo- 
 cieties are nc>*Iy begun, and partly elfewherc, among perfons who have 
 been awakened on this occafion : and, together with ail thefe things, ar- 
 dent love to the holy fcriptures, vehement tliirfting after the public or- 
 dinances, earnell defires to get private inftruftions in their duty from 
 mlnifters and others, with commendable docility and tradlablenefs in 
 receiving fuch inflru6lions. This thirfl after knowledge is particu- 
 larly remarkable in thofe who were more ignorant; feverals who can- 
 not read, and fome of them old perfons, being fo defirous to be better 
 acquainted with the word of God that they are refolved to learn to 
 read, and fome of the younger fort aflually putting themfelves to 
 
 fchool. 1 would farther add, that thefe good imprelTions have been 
 
 made on perfons of very different charafters and ages; on fome of the 
 moft abandoned as well as the more fober : on young as well as old ; 
 on the illiterate as well as the more knowing; on perfons of a flower 
 as well as thofe of a quicker and more fprighrly genius; and, which 
 feems to deferve fpecial attention, on perfons who were addifted to 
 fcoffing atfacred things, and at this work in particular at the beginning 
 of it. 
 
 The fum of the fafts, I have reprefented to you is, that this work 
 has been begun, and carried on under the influence of the great and 
 fubrtantial doftrines of Chriflianity, preffing jointly, the neceffity of re- 
 pentance towards God, of faith in the Lord Jefus Chrift, and of holi- 
 nefs in all manner ofconverfation ; that it came after fuch preparatives 
 as an extenfive concern about religion gradually increafing; together 
 with extraordinary fervent prayer in large meetings, particularly re- 
 lating to the fuccefs of the gofpel; that great and fuccefsfiil pains have 
 been taken, to difcoverand difcountenance hypocritical pretences, and 
 to warn people againft what might have the leaft appearance of enthu- 
 fiafm. or dcluflon : that the account given by a very large number of 
 people of their inward exercifes, and attainments, feems to agree with 
 the fcripture flandard ; and are bringing forth in practice, fruits meet 
 for repentance, comprehending the feveral branches of piety, and of 
 the moft fubflantial morality, that can intitle men, to the regards of 
 the friends of religion and virtue. 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 343 
 And now, Sir, I have given you a plain, and fimple account of the 
 moft material fafts, relating to this extraordinary work at Cambuflang, 
 and thefe awakened there belonging to other pariihes; together wirli 
 the proper documents by which thefe fads are fupportcd ; in all which 
 I have avoided difputing, and Itudied brevity. I leave it to you to judge, 
 how far fuch fafts make it evident, that this work is from God; when 
 (to ufe the words of a pious divine treating of a fubjec^ of the fame na- 
 ture) * " He that was formerly a drunkard lives a fober life ; when a 
 vain, light and wanton perfon becomes grave and fedate; when the 
 blafphemer becomes a praifer of Cod ; when carnal joy is turned into 
 heavinefs, and that profefledly on account of their foul's condition; 
 when the ignorant are filled with knowledge ©f divine things, and the 
 tongue that was dumb in the things of God fpeaks the language of Ca- 
 naan;" When fecure finners " have been roufed with a witnefs 
 
 about the ftate of their fouls, Luke xi. 2 r, 22; thefe who were ignorant 
 can fpeak fkilfully about religious things ; and even the gracelefs are 
 increafed in knowledge; Swearers drop their oaths and fpeak reve- 
 rently of God ; vain perfons who minded no religion, but frequented 
 taverns and frolicks, pafTing their time in filthinefs, foolifh talking and 
 jefHng, or Ringing paltry fongs, do now frequent Chriftian focieties 
 (for prayer); feek Chriftian converfation and talk of foul-concerns, 
 and chufe to exprefs their mirth in pfalms and hymns and fpiritua! 
 fongs; they who were too fprightly to be devout, and efleemed it an 
 unmanly thing to ihed tears for their fouls flate, have mourned as for 
 an only fon, and feemed to be in bitternefs as for a firfl born, Zech. 
 
 xii. 10. And perfons who came to mock at the lamentations of o- 
 
 thers, have been convinced, and by free grace profelyted to fuch ways 
 as they formerly defpifed." I am, &c. 
 
 It may be of ufe to readers, who live at a diftance, in perufing the 
 following atteflations, to know, as to the fituation of Cambuflang, that 
 it lies about four miles from Glafgow ; the feveral pariflies, whofe mi- 
 nifiers, heritors and elders, fign moft of the atteftations, ly very near it, 
 viz. the parishes of Kilbryde, Bothwell, Old Monkland and Barony. 
 That Mr. Matthew Connell and Mr. William Hamilton live but about 
 three miles from Cambuflang, and are the eidefk minifters of the pref- 
 bytery of Hamilton, in whofe bounds that parilh lies. That the two 
 preachers who fign a joint atteft:ation, and are young men of known 
 probity, have frequently aflifted Mr, M'CuUoch of late ; that Mr. Dun- 
 can refides in the parifh, and Mr. Young has refided a confiderable time 
 in the Gorbals near Glafgow, where many of the awakened people 
 dwell. Alfo that Mr. AVillifon and Mr. M'Kneight who live at a good 
 diftance from Cambuflang, fpent fomc time there, inquifing into this 
 work as their atteftations bear. 
 
 a Ssc lyir. Finlcy's fcrmon, intituled Qhrl^ Triamtijft^^ &c. 
 
344 Succefs of the Go/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 Extra^s of Atteftatiom. to the Fads in the Narrative, relating to 
 
 the I'ridts of this IVork. 1. By Mr. Willifon one of the Minijkrs 
 
 of Dundee, dated Glafgow, April le^ihy 1742. 
 
 R. D. B. Seeing feme are defirous to have my thoughts of the 
 woik at Cambullang, I am willing to own, that I have travelled a 
 good way to* enquire and get fatisfadlion about it. And having refi- 
 ded feveral days in Mr. M'CulIoch's houfe, I had occaflon to converfe 
 ■with many who had been awakened and under convicftions there; I 
 found icverais in darknefs and great diftrefs about their fouls con- 
 dition, and with many .tears bewailing their fins and original corrup- 
 tion, and efpecially the fin of unbelief, and llighting of precious Chrill, 
 and fome who had been in this cafe for thefe feveral weeks paftj yet 
 1 faw nothing in any tending to defpair, but on the contrary their 
 exercife pointed rtill at the great remedy, for oft they would be break- 
 ing out in hopeful exprellions, fuch as, " Tho' he llay me I will trufl 
 
 in him."^ Others I found in a moil defirable frame, overcome with 
 
 a fenfc of tb.c wonderful love, and lovelincfs of Jefus Chrift, even fick 
 
 of love, and inviting all about them to help them to praife him. 1 
 
 fpoke alfo with many who had got relief from their foul-trouble, and 
 in whom the gracious work of the Spirit of God appeared in the fruits 
 and effects of it, according to my apprchenfion; fuch as their ingenu- 
 ous confeffing of their former evil ways, and profefling a hatred of fin ; 
 very low and abafing thoughts of themfclves; renouncing the vanities 
 of the world, and all their own doings and righteoufnefs, and relying 
 wholly upon Chrift for righteoufnefs and flrength; and expreffing 
 great love to Chrift, to the Bible, to fecret prayer, to the people of 
 God, and to his image in whomfoever it was, without refpeft of per- 
 fons, or parties; and alfo love to their enemies ; and wheft they heard 
 
 of fome who called the work at C g a delufion of the devil, they 
 
 fhewed no refentment againft them, but wiflied their eyes might be o- 
 pcned, and carnefily wilhed they could bring all their enemies, and 
 
 all the world to their dear Redeemer. 1 converfed with fome who 
 
 had been very wicked, and fcandalous, but now wonderfully chang- 
 ed : tho' fome ,were very rude and boifierous before, they now had 
 the mildnefs, and meeknefs of the lamb about them. "When they fpoke 
 of their former ways they bluihed, and wept, and faid, none in all 
 the country round were fo vile as they, and earnefi^ly defired to exalt 
 free grace: and when I was cautioning them againft new temptations 
 and relapfes, they fhewed a fenfe of their own weaknefs, and were a- 
 fraid on that account to come near their old companions, tho' they 
 would fain had them alfo brought to Chrift: they faid, they would 
 wifh rather to die than go hack to old fins, and if ever they fhould 
 be left to any of them, they would incline to leave the country, becaufe 
 of the dldionour it would bring on the work of God, which they 
 
 could not bear to fcc.^ Tho' I converi'ed with a great number both 
 
 men and women, old and young, I could obferve nothing vifionary or 
 enthufiaftic about theiji ; for their difcourfes were folid, and experien- 
 
Chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. ^ac 
 
 ces fcriptural ; and all the comfort and relief they got from trouble, 
 ftill came to them, by fome promife or word of Icripture call into 
 their minds, and it was pleafant to hear them mention tiie great vari- 
 ety of thcfe words up and down the Bible. And fome who could not 
 read, told their words of confolatlon, not knowing well if they were 
 in the Bible or not, and upon aiking if they were Bible words or not, 
 
 they greatly rejoiced to find they were, 1 had heard much of 
 
 this furprifing work by letters, and from cye-witnclfes before I came, 
 but all that made flight imprcllions on me, when compared with what 
 
 I was eye and ear-witnefs to myfclf. Upon the whole, I look on 
 
 the work at G g, to be a molt lingular, and marvellous otit-pour- 
 
 ing of the Holy Spirit; and I pray it may be a happy forerunner of a 
 general reviving of the work of God in this poor decayed church, and 
 
 a blelfed mean of union among all the lovers of our dear Jefus. 
 
 lam forry I cannot ftay toaffiftyou further in this good work j my bu- 
 finefs, andcircumflances oblige me to return homewards. May the 
 Lord himfelf ftrengthcn and encourage you in his work, and graciouf- 
 ly carry on what he has begun, and take to him his great power, that 
 he may reign glorioufly thro' all the land. I remain with all llnccrity, 
 
 R. D. B. &C. Jo. WlLLlSON. 
 
 II. By Mr. Connell, Mini ft er at Kilbrydcy dated Kilbryde, 19. 1742. 
 
 R. D. B. Many have aflced my opinion of the work at Cambuflang 
 which I freely gave (as now I write to you) that I looked upon it as 
 a work of God's Spirit: when I compared the exercife of feveral per- 
 fons that had been there, with the fcripture accounts of convidion and 
 converfion, I have been under a necelfity to conclude that it is neither 
 delufion nor impofture, as has been given out by thofe who are un- 
 acquainted with the dealings of God of that kind, or under the influ- 
 ence of party zeal. Some I have fcen crying out of the evil of fin 
 
 and of their danger by it, fadly bewailing their guilt and mifery, ex- 
 prefling a moft earneft defire of an interefl in ChriH:, which they faid, 
 they would value more than all the world, but bitterly complaining of 
 want of love to him, want of faith in him, and undutjful carnage to- 
 wards him through their part life; and if now it migltt be their at- 
 tainment, for former coldnefs and deadnefs to have love to Ghrilh'; 
 for unbelief faith in him; and for an imdutiful behaviour towards 
 him, a fincere and hearty embracing of him in the gofpcl oner; and 
 living the reft of their time to the praifc and glory of his nam.e.- 
 this they would account their greateft happinefs, and the remedy 
 of all the evils in their cafe; and, for this elfe£l, they begged the help 
 
 of prayers. Others I have feen who lamented their loft time 
 
 and opportunities, and the vanity and folly of their youth, fay- 
 ing, many good fermons and prayers they had heard, but all iiad been 
 loft to them, and had no good efleft upon them, being wholly car- 
 ried away with youthful vanities and follies; but added, now we 
 are refolved in the ftrength of the grace of Chrift (for, faid ihey, 
 .of our felves we can do nothing) to improve time and opportuni- 
 VOL. 11. X X 
 
346 S'uccejs of the Gofpelin Scotland Book IV. j 
 
 ties better, to value fcrmons and prayers, to read the fcriptures, to | 
 keep company with the fearers of God, and to Hum fellowihip with , 
 the wicked as much as poflible, blefling God that be had not taken 
 
 them away, before they faw the ncceflky of all thcfe. Others I 
 
 have convcrfed wich, who, like doves of the vallies, were mourning 
 for their iniquities, principally becaufe they did flrike againfl God and ! 
 wound their redeemer, uling the expreflions,Pfal. li. 4. and Zech. xii. \ 
 10. Bur with good hope through the merits of Chrift and mercy of' 
 
 God in him, that it would be well with them. Others I have obfer- 
 
 ved at one time much dejeftedand under a cloud, at another time pof- 
 fcfled of a good meafure of fpiritual joy, as it happens with the beft 1 
 
 of faints. Others T have heard cry, they had fpent their money for 
 
 that which is not bread, and their labour for that which did notfatisfy, j 
 having given their time and ftrength to the world and the things of it^ 
 which now they refolved againfl, there being matters of greater mo- '\ 
 menr, which they faw and were convinced, they fliould be mainly I 
 
 taken up about. And to trouble you with no more (for I could ; 
 
 write you a volume on this fubje6l) a young woman, after having ^ 
 given me a diftinft account of her diftrcfs and outgate, faid, I have 
 lived above twenty years in the world, and all that time the devil 1 
 had polfefTion of my heart, and I am fure he is a bad gueft, but blefl'ed 
 be God, I hope he is now in a great meafure difpoffeiTed, and fliall never, 
 through the Ilrcngth of Chrift, recover that power over me that for- 
 merly he had. Mean time I obferve to you, this perfon had all along 
 beenof ablamelefs life, and not chargeable with any fcandal, but with 
 tears regretted her carelels way of going about fecret duty, reading 
 the fcriptures and hearing fermons, or neglecting thefe altogether; but 
 W'ith much humility and ferioufnefs, in the ftrength of divine grace, 
 
 exprelfcd her refolution, that fhe would do fo no more. Upon the 
 
 whole, in moft of all I have feen and converled with, I obferved, and 
 have daily occafion to obferve, the effedls of Godly forrow mentio- 
 ned by the apoffle, 2 Cor. vii. 11. &c. Praying the pleafure of 
 
 the Lord may more and more profper in your hands, and begging the 
 help of your prayers for me and this people, I am, &c. 
 
 Matthew GoNNEL. 
 
 \X\.. By Mr. John Hariiilton, Minifter of Barony ^ dated GlafgoiU) A- 
 
 ■pril 26th, 1742. 
 
 I underffand it is expe^ed from me, that I fhould declare my fenti- 
 ments of the extraordinary work at Cambuflang ; as a good many of 
 my parilhioners have lately been awakened there, to a great concern a- 
 bout their fouls happinefs. As foon as I was informedof their con- 
 dition, I made it my bufincfs, to wait on them, and found a good ma- 
 ny perfon s under the deepeff exercife of foul, crying out mofl bitter- 
 ly, of their loft and miferable eflate, by reafon of fin ; of their unbe- 
 lief, in defpifing Chrifl, and the offers of the gofpel; of the hardnefs 
 of their heart and their former grofs carelefTnefs and indifFerency a- 
 bout religion : and tho' fome of them faid, they had regularly attended 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 347 
 
 the preaching of the gofpel, yet they acknowledged with much regret, 
 their mifimprovement of it; how many fwcet fcrmons they had heard 
 without any benefit, and they came to a church with nodclign to be in- 
 
 ll:ru£led, but only, as they faid, to fee, and be feen. 1 have heard 
 
 them expreifing a great deal of forrow for thefe things, and feemingly, 
 in the moft fenous and fincere manner ; and not fo much, as fome of 
 them have told me, from the fear of punifhment, to which they had 
 thereby expofed themfelves, as from a fenfe of the dilhonour they had 
 done to God, and the blelfed Redeemer; and frequently aggravated 
 their fins, from this confideration, that they had been the betrayers, 
 
 and murderers of the Lord of glory, And tho' I have feen Ibme of 
 
 them under extreme affliftion and diftrefs, I could never obferve the 
 lealb diforder in their judgments: but their complaints were always 
 fuitable to their condition. Neither have I obfervcd any of them carri- 
 ed away with defpairing thoughts of the mercy of God : but all of them 
 learned to be fceking relief, in the method the gofpel propofes ; and 
 cxprelfcd the warmeft delires after an iriterefl: in Chrifl:, to obtain 
 which they faid they would cheerfully lay down their lives, and part 
 
 with every thing, that was dear to them in the world. 1 have at fe- 
 
 veral different times convcrfed with many of thefe perfons, and have 
 received no fmall fatisfaftion from fuch converlations. AVhen fpeaking 
 of prayer, they have told me, how much that duty had been neglefted 
 by them, and in what a cold lifelefs manner it was performed; from 
 which therefore, they neithe,r did nor could reap any fatisfa(St:ion: but 
 now they faid, it was an exercife, in which they found much fweetnefs 
 
 and comfort. Their love to the holy fcripture all of them exprefs 
 
 in the moft lively and moving manner, frequently calling it a precious 
 and invaluable treafure; greatly furprized how they could poffibly 
 flight it fo much in time paft, and declaring they now fawmany things 
 in it, highly ufeful and comfortable to them which they never imagi- 
 ned had been there. They exprefs a great deal of love to, and de- 
 
 fire after the public ordinances; when I have zikcd fome of them, if 
 they had fuch affedfion as the pfalmiftfpeaks of in thebeginningof cxxii 
 Pfalm, when it was faid to him let us go up to the houfe of the Lord, 
 they have told me, that tho' it was quite otherwile with them before, 
 yet now they found a vaft plcafure in attending the church, and pub- 
 lic worfliip of God, and a great unwillingnefs in them to withdraw from 
 
 it, when the fervice was over. They are likewife exceedingly defi- 
 
 jrous of more private inftruftion in their duty, and take all opportu- 
 nities of waiting on thofe, that can be of ufe to them, and fuch of 
 them as are near at hand, do frequently come to my houfe, and receive 
 my advice and affiftance; and I never faw pcrfons more docile 
 than they are. I mufl: own indeed that when I firft converfed with them 
 I found fome of them pretty ignorant of the principles of religion : but 
 this was what they feemed deeply grieved and affli<fl:ed for, and much 
 condemned their former floth and negligence; and fince that time, 
 have been making ufe of the proper means of knowledge, and I think 
 I can fay, with no contemptible fuccefs, confidering the lliort time they 
 
 feavehad. -Some of them feem to difcoverdevouthreathingsof foul 
 
 Xx 3 
 
348 Succefs of the Go/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 after God, and thebleircd Redeemer, and rcfolutions thro' grace, to de- 
 pend upon him in the worft of circiimftances, often making nfe 
 of thele words of Job xiii. 15. " Though he Hay me, yet will I truft 
 in him." I have been much furprized to fee how readily, nay even ju- 
 dicioufly, fomeof them who had been formerly ignorant and uncon- 
 verted, have fpoke of the moft important points of pra(ftical religion, 
 and with what facility they have adduced pafTagesof fcripture very fuit- 
 
 nbie to what they were fpeaking about. -There is another branch of 
 
 Chrirtian duty, that I do think ihcy arc likewife ftudying a conformity 
 to; andthatislovetomankind. Ihnveheard them often whhing, andde- 
 firing that all men might be brought to Chrifl, and the knowledge of the 
 truth ; and particularly exprelling a great regard for all that are the* 
 Lord's people. So far as I have yet acCefs to know them, they feem to 
 be of a meek and quiet fpirit, and willing to forgive ; telling me they dc- 
 fire to wifh well, and to pray even for the happinefsof thofe who had 
 
 been injurious to them. More might be faid upon this fubjeft, but 
 
 I chufe rather to be fparing, till time make a clearer difcovery of them. 
 
 The pcrfons I have converfed with, were of different characters: 
 
 fome of them had all along been pretty fober and regular in their lives, 
 and duly enough attended the ordinances of thegofpel, others of them 
 wereverycarelefs this way, andaddi£led to many fins: but even thofe 
 who were more blamelefs in their lives, have declared, that their hearts 
 till now were never touched with any thing they heard from the word 
 of God ; that they had never lived under the influence of religion, and 
 
 were grofly unconcerned about their falvation. Thefc now are the 
 
 appearances, I obferve among forae of my people, who were awaken- 
 ed to a concern about their fouls atCambuflang ; which do ilrongly in- 
 cline me to tliink that it is the work of God. John Hamilton. 
 
 IV. By Mr. William Hamilton Minijier at Bothiuell, May jth, 1741. 
 
 R. and D. B. I have feen the atteftation by Mr. Matthew Connell 
 jn Kilbryde, as alfo that by Mr. John Hamilton in Barony of Glafgow. 
 As I have no new thing to add, lb I heartily join in the fame fentiments 
 with my above-named brethren, as to the reality of that extraordi- 
 nary work atCambuflang, being in very deed a gracious work of the 
 iSpirit of God, defigned, I firmly believe, for the faving conviftion and 
 converfion of many perifliing fouls, not only in that parifti, but in the 
 neighbourhood. May the Lord, in his infinite mercy, flied abroad the 
 
 influences' of his faving grace through all the corners of the land. • 
 
 There are a good number of my people, mofliy young people, who 
 have been awakened at Cambuflang, and have much the fame account 
 to give of them with my above-named brethren : all of them are very 
 fcrious and concerned about their fouls cafe, and are very folicitous to 
 have others brought to acquaintance with Chrifl^, and the way of falva- 
 tion through him : which has had this (I hope) blefl^ed effedV, that there 
 feems to be a more than ordinary ferioufnefs among a goodly number in 
 feveral corners of this congregation, more confcience made of family- 
 uorfliip, in feveral families who made but too little account of it before ; 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 349 
 
 as likewife there are fome new focieties for prayer and Chrlftian confe- 
 rence fet up in this congregation, wherein feveral perfons, befides thefe 
 awakened at Cambuflang, have joined. I hope thefe things, through 
 the blefling of God, may prove the beginning of much good in this and 
 in other places. May that blelTed God, who has begun a good work, 
 either with you, or any other place, carry on and perfe<fl: the fame until 
 
 the day of Jefus Chrift. May the Lord direft and afhft you and all 
 
 his fcrvants, to a right and faithful management of our great Mailer's 
 work amongft our hands. I add no more, but am Your's, &c. 
 
 William Hamilton. 
 
 Y. By Mr. JVilliam Hamilton Minifler at Douglas y May 6th, 1742. 
 
 R. and D. B. While I was with you, it gave me great pleafure to fee 
 fo much concern upon peoples fpirits about the falvation of their preci- 
 ous and immortal fouls, a thing very rare amongft us : fome whom I had 
 occafion to difcourfe with, appeared to be in the utmoft diftrefs upon 
 account of fin, both original and aftual, and that principally as it is that 
 abominable thing which God hates. Others, whofe consciences God 
 had awakened with a fenfe of guilt, but had now got believing views of 
 Chrift Jefus, as a moft complete Saviour, both able and willing to fave, 
 and whom God had determined, by the power of his Spirit, to yield 
 themfelves to the Lord. They, in a very ftrong manner, expreffed 
 love to their God and Saviour, and to all his commands, both of the 
 firft and fecond table of the law ; and declared, that it was their firm 
 purpofe and refolution, through the afhftance of the Holy Spirit, to 
 walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelefs; 
 and feemed more afraid of offending God, than of any fufferings they 
 might be expofed to in a world : and their praftices, fo far as I can hear, 
 are, as yet, agreeable to their refolutions ; fo that I not only hope, but 
 think I have good ground to believe, that work begun and for fome time 
 paft carried on amongft the people of Cambuflang, and ftrangers that 
 have reforted thither from many diftant parts, ftiall appear, to the con- 
 vidlion of all good men, to be the work of God, from the after holy 
 life and converfation, of not a few of thefe, whofe confciences have at 
 this time been awakened to a fenfe of their loft and undone ftate by na- 
 ture. That the Lord may more and more aflift, ftrengthen, and fup- 
 port you, and give you and all faithful minifters of the gofpel many feals 
 of their miniftry, is the hearty prayer of, D. B. &c. 
 
 William Hamilton. 
 
 VL By Mr. M^Kneight Minifler at Irvine y May 6th, 1742. 
 
 R. and D. B. As I had by information from letters, conceived a good 
 opinion of the extraordinary and furprizing work at Cambuflang be- 
 fore I went thither, upon an invitation from you to preach there laft 
 Sabbath ; fo my faid opinion has been very much confirmed by what I 
 was eye and ear-witnefs to, during ray abode with you, from Saturday 
 to Tncfday laft ; being ftill more and more perfuaded that it is the 
 
35© Succifp of the Gcfpd in Scotland Book IV. 
 real work of the Spirit of God.— While I joined with your congrega- 
 tion in pubHck worlhip, I obferved amongll the vail numbers that hock- 
 ed to hear the gofpel preached at Cambuflang, not only the lerious looks, 
 the grave deportment, and the clofe attention to what was fpoken, but 
 alio the weeping eyes of many that appeared to be in the greateft di- 
 flrefs and trouble.— Again in the evenings, after publick worlhip was 
 ended, and wiicn I had occafion to converfe with leveral of thefe afflic- 
 ted pcrfons, I found their wounds and anguilh of foul, togettier with 
 their tears, did proceed not from a whimlical and enthulialtick imagi- 
 nation, but from a deep convi<^ion of the great evil and demerit of iin 
 original and aiftual, particularly of their Iin of unbelief, and flighting 
 precious Ghrift, and gracious offers of falvation by him; and when I 
 exhorted and direfted them to believe in the Lord Jefus Chrift, as the 
 apoflle Paul did the convinced and trembling jayior. Acts xvi. 31. 
 they anfwertd, ''Lord, help me to believe; gladly would I believe, 
 but I cannot." However, while under their foul-exercifes for fin, and 
 becaufe of God's wrath, I heard them expreffing ardent defires after 
 Chrift, and an intereft in him, and falvation by him; and a great thirfl 
 after the word, the knowledge of God and of divine things, and after a 
 faving faith in a crucified Jefus, which gave me ground to hope that 
 our dear Redeemer Jefiis, would foon accomplilh thefe longing defircs 
 in relieving them from their diftrelfes of both body and mind. Like- 
 wife, I converfed with others who w^ere under piercing and deep con- 
 viftions of fin, and have felt the Iharp arro^vs of the Almighty flicking 
 fall in their fouls, and to whom the Spirit of God had, upon their be- 
 lieving in Jefus Chrift, applied his precious blood to heal thefe wounds, 
 and hereupon hath granted them relief and comfort, hath delivered their 
 fouls from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from falling ; 
 for which diftinguiftiing mercies, they were exalting irtt grace, faying 
 with the apoflle Paul, *' It is by grace we are what we are; and blelfed 
 be the God and Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, w^ho hath blefl^ed us 
 with all fpiritual bleflings in heavenly places in Chrift." — —They, when 
 I converfed with them, declared diftindlly the way and manner, how 
 their conviftions began and Wrought, and how the relief they got from 
 foul-troubles came to them. They alfo difcovered the gracious work 
 of the Spirit of God upon their fouls, in their confeffion of fin with 
 fliame, ibrrow, and blulhing; in their profeffing a hatred of it, and 
 loathing therafclves on the account thereof, crying out, " Behold, we 
 are vile, we abhor ourfelves, and repent in duft and afhes;" in their 
 love to God, and his ordinances; in renouncing their own righteouf- 
 refs, and relying wholly on Chrift for righteoufnefs and ftrength; in 
 their high efteem of, and ardent love to their dear Redeemer; in their 
 charity and love to one another, and efpecially to thofe who are the 
 |-eal difciples of the Lord Jefus, and bear the image of their hea- 
 venly Father; in their tender fympathy with, and affeflionate concern 
 for thofe that fa^ under diftrefs and anguilli of fpirit for fin ; and in 
 their endeavours to relieve them, by good advices and proper ex- 
 hortations, and to comfort the dejefled and difquieted in mind, with 
 the cpnfolatipns ^hercw'f th they therafelves had been comforted. Thefe 
 
.chap. 6. in the eigkeenth Century. ,ri 
 
 are a few of the good fruits of the Spirit of God I obferved amon^ fe* 
 
 verals I converfed with atCambuflang. Therefore I cannot but bear 
 
 a teftimony, that, in my apprehenfion, the furprifing work with you 
 dear brother, for thefc leveral weeks pall, is of God. And if the work 
 be of God, then neither the devil, nor all his agents, fliall be able to o- 
 verthrow it, &c. &c. Will. M'Kskight. 
 
 VII. By Mr. I\fLauriij, cnc of the Mini/icrs of Glafgo-w, May i2th, 
 
 1742. 
 
 Having had occafion not only to converfe with feverals in this city, 
 *who have been lately awakened at Gambuflang, to a deep concern about 
 falvation; and upon inquiry to get good accounts of their behaviour; 
 but alfo to bedow fome pains, in converfations and inquiries of that 
 kind, in the parilh of Gambuflang itfelf ; by thefe means, I am in a 
 condition to affirm on good grounds, feveral of the mofl material 
 things in the above Narrative and Atteflatious : but in regard of the 
 intended brevity of this paper, I judge it proper, to avoid too particu- 
 lar repetition of things already attefted by fo many good hands. By 
 
 the accounts which feveral of thefe people give of their impreffions of 
 things of eternal importance, vrith great appearances of fincerity, fup- 
 ported by the accounts given by others of their conduft', they feem, in 
 the judgment of charity, to be perfons to \9hom the following fcripture 
 characters agree; viz. that *' they are of broken hearts and contrite 
 fpirits; that they come to God through Jefus Ghrift as the way, the 
 life, and the truth; that they endeavour, by the grace of God, to give 
 all acceptation, to the true and faithful faying, that Ghrift came to fave 
 finners; that they have the love of God (hed abroad in their hearts, and 
 earneft deCres to have his law written on their hearts:" while they are 
 flill deeply fenfible of the remainders of evil, that cleave to them and 
 others in this imperfe£l: ftate. By the accounts given of their prac- 
 tice by thofe who have the neareft view of it, they appear to have for- 
 faken the fins to which they were addiifle^l ; to delight in the duties to 
 which they were averfe; to watch againfl: tentations, to which they for- 
 merly yielded; and inftead of feparating one part of religion from a-, 
 nother, to have a ftri^l regard to the precepts of both tables of the di- 
 vine law : herein exercifing themfelves to have confciences void of of- 
 fence toward God, and toward men. From the beft oblervations I 
 
 could make on their dilpofition and behai'iour, compared with the ob- 
 fervations made by others, they feem, in a particular manner, to exceU 
 in mecknefs, humility, felf-denial and charity : in the wifdom from a- 
 bove, defcribed in fcriptuVe (James iii. 17.) as " firft pure, then peace- 
 able, gentle and eafy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits," &c. 
 in averfion from things that tend to Itrife rather than to edification : 
 
 and in ardent defire of the converfion and falvation of others. 1 
 
 would not be underftood to afTert fuch things of all whom I know to 
 have pretended to ferioufnefs about religion on this occafion ; being 
 particularly concerned to atteft from perfonal knowledge, in conjunc- 
 tion with Mr. M'CwUoch, that part of the above Narrative which re- 
 
352 Succefs of the Co/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 lates to pains taken, with fome fuccefs, in detefting deceivers: a cor- 
 refpondence having been {et on foot, and being indeed kept up flill, and 
 feverals here having begun and refolving to continue a proper fcrutiny 
 from time to time, in order to fuch dilcoveries. Mean time, what- 
 ever ungrateful discoveries may have been made already, which indeed 
 are not many, or may hereafter be the refult of fuch inquiries; people 
 of candour will own, that the faults of a few particular perfons ought 
 not to be charged on a body of ferious people, who to other evidences 
 of fmccrity, add that of a hearty concern, that deceivers or backfliders 
 
 maybe detefted, admonifhed and by the divine blefTing reclaimed. 
 
 Whereas an unknown perfon very lately wrote a letter to Mr. M'Gulloch, 
 dated April 29th, (in which was inclofed another letter with a twenty 
 fhillings note to Mr. J. J. merchant in thi^ city, on account of wrong 
 done to his father of two or three fhillings value many years ago) and 
 that unknown perfon defires that in the printed account, that was ex- 
 pelled of the work at Cambuflang, there might be fome inftruftions a- 
 bout reftitution ; it is thought fufficient, in regard of the fliortnefs of 
 this paper, to refer that perfon and others, to the fcriptures cited ,in 
 our larger Catechifm, where it treats of the eighth commandment ; and 
 •o approved commentaries on the ten commandments in general, af- 
 
 fertingand proving the neceffity of that duty*. While friends of 
 
 religion will judge thcmfelves obliged to defire, that all who have been 
 awakened to ferious concern about it, may prove real converts, perf^r 
 vering to the end : they and others fhould remember, that tho' feverals 
 fhould backflide, which God of his mercy prevent, it can be no argu- 
 ment againft the fincerity of the reft. So far as we have credible ac- 
 counts of works to which this bears a refemblance, it does not appear 
 by what I can recollect or learn from perfons well fkilled in church-hif- 
 tory, that ever there were fo great numbers awakened to fo deep con- 
 cern about their fouls, attended with fo promifing evidences, as thefe 
 mentioned in the above Narrative and atteftations, without a happy if- 
 fue: it appears therefore agreeable to the rules of charity and juft rea- 
 foning, to hope for the like good iffue as to this prefent cafe. It con- 
 lifts with my knowledge, that as to fuch of the people whom this paper 
 treats of, as feem to have attained to joyful hopes, on which fome par- 
 ticular fcripture promifes appear to have a remarkable influence ; care 
 is taken to examine them, and to direft them to examine thcmfelves a- 
 bout the eflential evidences of intereft in Chrift and fo all the promifes 
 ingeneral. John M'Laurin. 
 
 VIII. By Mejfrs. Toung and Duncan Preachers of the Gofpel, May — - 
 
 1742. 
 
 Having had accefs to examine feveral perfons that have been awake- 
 ned to a ferious concern about falvation, by means of the miniftrations 
 of the gofpel at Cambuflang, we find with many of them what we can- 
 not but conftruft, in the judgment of charity, to be promifing appear- 
 ances, or hopeful beginnings of a good work of grace j fuch as, a deep 
 a Sec Mr, Durham on tlie Ten Coinmands. 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 3^5 
 fcnfe of their finful and guilty (late, and apprchenfion of the extrcrnc 
 need of the Saviour Jcfus Ghriil, to be juilificd by his blood, and fand^i- 
 fied by his Spirit: their plain confeffion of their great ignorance, and 
 blindnefs in the things of God, and myfterics of his kingdom, and ear- 
 neft defire to know the truth as it is in Jcfus; and laborious diligence 
 to be better acquainted with the lirft principles of hisdocftrine: deeply 
 lamenting their heart pollutions and abominations, as well as their great 
 negle*^: of God's worihip, and carelefs regard of the great falvation for- 
 merly ; and with fome, their grofs vices, and fcandalous profanations of 
 God's name and day; their frequent complaints of the fin of unbelief 
 in Chrilt, and of the deadnefs and hardnefs of their hearts, and anxious 
 concerns and prayers to have them foftened with the fpiritual views of 
 Chrift as crucified, into the exercifes of godly forrow and repentance, 
 and reduced in captivity to the obedience of the faith: their cautious 
 guard againft: fin and temptation: their tender circumfpeflion over 
 therafelves, left the corrupt converfation of others, the hearing of 
 which fometimes is unavoidable, might ftifle their ferious concern, and 
 extinguiih religious imprelTions: their frequent watchfulnefsunto the 
 duties of worlliip, reading the fcriptures, &c. Src. And being tenderly 
 fenfible when the Spirit breathes on their fouls in fuch exercifes, as a 
 Spirit of life and liberty; and anon when he with-holds his fenfible in- 
 fluences and confolations of grace, their hearts are troubled. And 
 
 when we confider that the young are early inquiring the ways to Zion, 
 feeking the Lord with weeping and fupplication; that finners are taught 
 God's ways; the openly profane and profligate, who were running 
 headlong in the paths of the deftroyer, and enticing and corrupting o- 
 thers into the fame pernicious courfes, ftopt in their carreer, and re- 
 formed by fovereign viftorious grace, frequenting Chriftian fellow- 
 fliips, and abounding in Chriftian conference, and heartning and en- 
 couraging others to walk in wifdom's ways : we have good ground to 
 rejoice at this remarkable ibccefs of the gofpel, and to blefs the name 
 of God for giving fuch a fenfible tcftimony to the word of hi's grace, 
 and to plead in prayer to him, that he would fpread it far and wide, 
 &c. &c. James Young, Al. Duncan. 
 
 At Cambuflang, May 6th, 1742. In regard the parift\ of Old 
 
 Monkland at prefent wants a minifter, we fubfcribing heritors and el- 
 ders of the faid parifti, hereby teftify, that there is a confiderable num- 
 ber of perfons belonging to this parilh, who have been awakened at 
 Cambuflang, to a deep concern about their falvation ; and that we have 
 converfed with feverals of them, who, to our apprehenfion, I'eem to be 
 in a hopeful way, Robert Donald and Alex. Scott, Elders. 
 
 IX. By Mr. D. Connel Preacher of the Co/pel, Kilbryde, May 14th, 
 
 1742. 
 
 You defire fome account from me of what I have obfervcd or know 
 with regard to the work at Cambuflanq, which I Ihall give withput arc 
 VOL. 11. Y y' 
 
o^^ Succefs cf the Go/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 or dlfguife. 1 have converfed with a good many in this parilh that 
 
 have been afle£lcd there. Some have told me that by what they heard 
 in fermon, they had great dcfire raifed in their minds to be burdened 
 \vith fin, that fo they might come to Chrifl : and then have got fo great 
 a fenfe of fm and guilt as they could well bear. Others that have come 
 to me in great diflrefs, when I afkcd them how they came to be in that 
 condition, anfwcred, that while they were hearing fome private exhor- 
 tations of the miniller, a great many of their fins were brought to their 
 remembrance. They thought they had been doing nothing but finning 
 all their days; that they were empty of all good, and that they were 
 imdone without Ghrifi. Some have told me, they met with great op- 
 pofition in going to attend upon the ordinances, but they became rc- 
 folutc and went: and what places of fcripture firft faftened any fenfe 
 of fin upon their minds; how this was more and more increafed, and 
 what text kept them from defpair amidfl: the greatefi: terror one could 
 readily be under. Others, that all things in the world were now be- 
 come taflelefs to them, feeing the danger their fouls were in. I have 
 feen fome fitting alone all in tears, and when I aflced them what was the 
 matter ; they faid, they were afraid left their conviftions fhould go off 
 without any good eiieft ; and exprefled a ftrong defire after Chrift. 
 Cthdrs that feemed to be under great concern, being afkcd what they 
 wanted ; faid, conviction of fin and faith in Chrift. I have been greatly 
 furprifed, to hear fuch a difiindl account of the provoking nature of 
 fin, and the terms of oiu" acceptance with God, given by thofe that are 
 reputed the moft ignorant, and who I believe knew fcarceany thing at 
 all of religious matters till this work began. I cannot fay that among 
 all I have converfed with here, I have found one in defpair, but have 
 
 heard them expreffing a great fenfe of their inability to believe. 1 
 
 have heard them expreffing the higheft efteem of the mercy of God, and 
 the mediation of Chrift ; the moft earncft defire after an intereft in him; 
 and telling the promifes and declarations of mercy, and reprefentations 
 of Chrift in the fcripture, that were the foundation of their hope, and 
 praifing Chrift as one altogether lovely. 1 have heard them expref- 
 fing a fenfe of the evil of fin, and their own vilenefs by it; earneft de- 
 fires after perfeftion in holinefs, and fears left they fhould fall back in- 
 to their former finful ftate; mentioning the promifes that fupported 
 them under thefe fears, and telling what love and joy and praife thefe 
 produced, when caft into their minds. Their earneft defires and di- 
 ligent endeavours after more knowledge; the deep fenfe and fweet 
 relidi of divine truths they feem to have ; their readinefs to apply what 
 they hear to thcmfelves, even thefe things that difcover more of the 
 corruption of their hearts, or errors of their lives to them ; the pouring 
 out of their fouls to God in prayer, which they fpeak of; the perplexity 
 and dejeftion I have feen them in, when, as they told me, they have not 
 been able to do this; the fteddinefs and fixednefs of their minds on fpi- 
 rirual things, not only in ftated duties, but when about their worldly 
 affairs, that they inform me of; their grief when vain thoughts filltheir 
 aninds, and reftlefnefs till they recover their former fpiritualityj their 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. -,^5 
 
 charitable difpofitions towards men, of which I could give a variety of 
 inftances; their great care to do the will of God, and fear left: they 
 trult in their own righteoufnefs. Thefe and other things I have obferved 
 in or heard from them, and about them, put it out of doubt with me, 
 that the finger of God is in this work, which I pray may more and more 
 appear. lam, &c. David Connel. 
 
 Section II. 
 
 Of the Work at Kilfyth, <bc. Subje^s of Sermons previous td it . 
 
 News of the Work at Cambuflang. April 1 6th, Mr, WilUfoK 
 
 preaches on Pfal. xl. 2, 3. — —Next Sabbath, Mr. Robe on Gal. iv. 19. 
 
 Sabbath, April l^th, one awakened. A religious Meeting of 
 
 Children at Kirkintilloch. May 1 6th, an extraordinary Power at' 
 
 tends the Word. Extra£ls of Letters from Mr. Robe to Mr. 
 
 M^Laurin, giving an Account of the Progrefs of the Work. The 
 
 yfwakening in fever al other Parifjes, viz. Cumbernauld, St. Ni~ 
 
 nians, Gargunnock, Calder, Campfie^ Badernockt and Muthilj . 
 
 Attejlation of the good Fruits at Kilfyth. 
 
 [ From Mr. Robe's Narrative. ] 
 
 In the year 1740, 1 began to preach upon the do6lrine of regenera- 
 tion. The method I followed, was firft: to prefs the importance and 
 neccflity of it, which I did from John iii. 3. " Except a man be bora 
 again, he cannot fee the kingdom of God." Next, I fliewed the my- 
 fterioufnefs of the way and manner of the Holy Spirit in efFefting it, 
 from John iii. 8. " The wind bloweth where it lifteth, and tliou hear- 
 "eft: the found thereof, but canft: not tell whence it cometh, and whither 
 it goeth : fo is every one that is born of the Spirit." 1 proceeded, 
 thirdly, to explain and apply the various fcripture views and exprefU- 
 ons of it: as, ift:, being born again, from the fore-quoted John iii. 3. 
 2dly, A refurre<flion, from Rev. xx. 6. " Blefted and holy is he that 
 hath part in the firft refurreftion. 3dly, A new creation, from Eph. 
 ii. 10. " For we are his workmanftiip created inChrift Jefus unto good 
 works." 4thly, Chrift's conqueft of the finner to himfelf, from Pfal. 
 ex. 3. " Thy people fliall be willing in the day of thy power." 5thly, 
 The circumcifion of the heart, from Ezek. xliv. 9. " Thus faith the 
 Lord God, no ftranger uncircumcifed in heart, nor uncircumcifed in 
 flelh, fliall enter into my fanftuary, of any ftranger among the children 
 of Ifrael." This was alfo intended to Ihew the neceffity of regenera- 
 tion, in order to the receiving the Lord's fupper worthily, to be difpen- 
 fed in the congregation about that time. Here this proje(5l was inter- 
 rupted until the end of laft year; when I, refuming it, preached rege* 
 neration as it is, 6thly, The taking away the ftony heart, and the giving 
 the heart of flefli, from Ezek. xi. 19. /thly, The putting of GocTs la\v 
 
 in the mind, and writing it in the heart, fromHeb. viii. x. 1 fome- 
 
 )times could obferve, that the doftrine of thefe fermons was acceptable 
 to the Lord's people, and that there was more than ordinary feriouf-' 
 
 Yy 2 ' 
 
256 Succefs of the Cofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 nefs in hearing them ; ^et could fee no further fruit. But now I find, 
 that the Lord, who is' infinitely wife, and knowcth the end from the 
 beginning, was preparing feme for this uncommon difpenfation of the 
 Spirit that we looked not for; and that others were brought under 
 conviftions, ifluing, by the power of the Highelt, in their real conver- 
 fion, and in a filcnt way. 
 
 When the news were firfl brought me of the extraordinary out- 
 pouring of the Holy Ghoft at Gambuflang, I rejoiced at them. I pray- 
 ed continually for the continuance of it there, and that the Lord would 
 thus vifit us in thefe bounds, and fpake of it fometimes to the congre- 
 gation, which was not without fome good fruit, as I have learned fince. 
 Particularly, 1 was informed by the minifter of Gambuflang, and ano- 
 ther brother, that a young man from the parilh of Falkirk, who had 
 been awakened at CarAbuflang, and was in a hopeful condition, faid, 
 that the occafion of his coming there, was his hearing me the Sabbath 
 immediately preceding praife the appearance of the Lord at the forefaid 
 
 place ; and that this flrongly inclined him to go thither. There were 
 
 few of the people under my charge went to Gambuflang, notwithfland- 
 ingof what they heard me fay of it. Some of the better fort went 
 once or twice : but I fcarce heard of any who needed mod of the work 
 of the Comforter, to convince them of fin, righteoufnefs, and judg- 
 ment, that went there, until the i 3th of May, when there were a good 
 many; but came all away, as far as I knew them, without any deep or 
 lading imprefTions upon them. It was matter of difcouragement to 
 me, when I heard that my brethren in Cumbernauld, Kirkintilloch, 
 Calder, and Campfie, had feveral pcrfons in their pariflies awakened at 
 Gambuflang, and that I had not one fo much as the Icaft touched to my 
 knowledge. A\'hat appeared the mofl hopeful mqs, that there appear- 
 ed a concern more than ordinary among the hearers of the gofpel ; 
 and that thferc were propofals for fetting up focieties for prayer, which 
 had been long intermitted. 
 
 Upon the Thurfday's evening, being the 15th of April lafl, Mr. 
 Willifon, minifter at Dundee, came to my houfe in his return from 
 Gambuflang, whither he went the Saturday before. I defired him to 
 preach to us upon the Friday morning, which he readily complied with ; 
 a great multitude of people met, tho' the warning was very fliort. He 
 preached a diflinft, plain, and moving fermon, from Pfal. xl. 2, 3. " fj[» 
 brought me up alfo out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and 
 fet my feet upon a rock, and eftablifhed my goings. And he hath put 
 a new fong in my mouth, even praife to our God : Many fhall fee it, 
 and fear, and fliall truft in the Lord." Several of thefe now awaken- 
 ed date their firfl ferious concern about their fouls from their hearing 
 this fermon, and the blefTmg of the Lord upon it. 
 
 The following Sabbath I entered upon the view of regeneration, as 
 it is expreffed, Gal. iv. 19. " My little children, of whom I travail in 
 birth again until Chrifl be formed in you," I had more than ordinary 
 tendernefs in reading of that text, and could fcarce do it without tears 
 
 and emotion. I obferved much ferioufnefs among the hearers. Laft 
 
 Sabbath of April, being the 25th, one woman was awakened in this con- 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. ;^57 
 
 grcgation to a very diftreffing fight of her fin, and danger thereby. She 
 lived in the pariHi of Campfie, which lieth to the Weftward of this pa- 
 rifh. She was obferved by fome under great uneafinefs in the congre- 
 gation, but made no out-cry. She went away when the congregation 
 was difmilfed, but was not able to go far: Ibe was found foon in the 
 fields in great diftrefs, and crying out, What (he fliould do to be faved ? 
 She was brought back to me, and I converfed with her all that evening 
 in the prcfcncc of fcveral judicious perfons. She fainted once or twice. 
 I obferved every thing narrowly and exaftly about her, becaufe it was a 
 new thing to me, and I knew the obje(ftions made againft the work at 
 Cambuflang. She feemed to be a healthy woman, and about twenty 
 years of age. She faid, that, in hearing the fermon, flie was made to 
 fee that fhe was unlike Jefus Chrifl:, and like the devil, and in a fiate of 
 unregeneracy. She had ftrong impreflions of the greatnefs of the 
 wrath of God flie was lying under and liable to. She went away com- 
 pofed and calm, in a hopeful condition. She continued many weeks, 
 now and then much difirefTed; but hath fome time ago attained, thro' 
 grace, to fcnfible relief; and, by the teflimony of the neighbourhood, 
 her converfation is fuch as becometh the gofpel. 
 
 About this time fixteen children, or thereby, in the town of Kirkin- 
 tilloch, were obferved to meet together in a barn for prayer ; the oc- 
 cafion of which was, that one of them faid to the reft. What need is there 
 that we (hould always play ; had we not better go and pray ? wherewith 
 the reft complied. [Their minifter,] Mr. Burnfide, as foon as he heard 
 of it, carefully enquired after them, met frequently with them, for their 
 direftion and inftruftion. And, as I am informed, they make prcgrefs, 
 and continue in a hopeful way. This made much noife in the country 
 fide, and deep impreffions both upon j'oung and old. 
 
 This week I vifited the families of a part of this parifh, where I ob- 
 ferved more than ordinary ferioufnefs amongft the people, and more 
 than ordinary libert}^ freedom and earneftnefs in my dealing with them. 
 However, it was matter of trouble and exercife to me, that none un- 
 der my charge, that I knew of, were awakened ; and I was much, in 
 my way of thinking, like feveral of thefc now awakened, who were con- 
 cerned at firft, left the Lord had pafled them by, when he was awaken- 
 ing others. Such were my fears about this parifh. Nothing appear- 
 ed more than ordinary upon the firft Sabbath of May. Near this 
 time, and a little before, there were focieties for prayer created in the 
 parifti. I was alfo informed that feveral young girls in the town of 
 Kilfyth, from ten to fixteen years of age, had been obferved meeting 
 
 together for prayer in an out-houfe they had accefs to. May 9th, 
 
 being the fecond Lord's-day of that month, were four or five awaken- 
 ed, to a diftreffing fight of their finful and loft eftate, though only two 
 of them were known to me upon the faid day. I prayed, and hoped 
 
 that this might be like fome drops before a plentiful rain. May 1 1 th» 
 
 there was a great and a good day of the Son of Man at Auchinloch, in 
 the parifh of Calder, which lieth four miles North and Eaft from Glaf- 
 gow. Mr. Warden their minifter preached at the aforefaid place. There 
 ■was a great cry in the congregation, and about fourteen brought under 
 
-jS Succefs of the Go/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 great concern and anxiety about their fpiritual and eternal ftate. 
 
 May 1 2th, I went to Cambullang, and preached there, as did alfo 
 fome other minifters upon the next day. I was witnefs there to a great 
 day of the Mediator's power, and learned much, that, by the Lord's 
 bk-fiin:^, hath been ufeful to me in aflifting the Lord's people brought 
 
 under Spiritual dilbels here. May 14th, being Friday, I left Cam- 
 
 buflanc in the morning. I met an event in my way homeward, which 
 much fiirprjzcd me; and I could not but obferve the Lord's hand re- 
 markably in it. I came to a houfc, which I was told belonged to Meffrs. 
 Gray, and that their bleachfield was there. I remembered that thefe 
 gentlemen were married to the daughters of a gentleman whom I knew, 
 ^nd highly efteemcd from my youth ; and, fmce I found myfelf at their 
 gate, I inquired for them, with a purpofe not to alight. One of the 
 gentlemen and his lady were at home ; they urged me to come into their 
 houfc, tho' it Ihould be only for a little; which I did. They told me, 
 that fix of their fervantshad been awakened at Cambuflang fome days 
 fince, and defired me to converfe with them. I had fuch a ftrong in- 
 clination to get forward in my journey, that I declined it. They de- 
 fired me to pray in their family, which I chearfully complied with. Af- 
 ter prayer, I fpokea few words, as the Lord helped me, to their nume- 
 rous fervants who were prefent, relating to the cafe of thofe who were 
 imdcr foul-diflrefling conviflions of their fin and danger, as alfo of 
 thcfc who never had been under them. Having difmifled them, I went 
 to take my horfe. Ere I got to him, a noifc was heard among the fer- 
 vants; and we were told that one of them was fallen into great uneafi- 
 nefs, and was crying bitterly. I returned to the houfc, and flie was 
 brought to me. I had converfed but a very Ihort time with her, when 
 a fecond was brought to me, then a third, in a little after that two to- 
 gether, lail of all a fixth, crying out of their loll: and undone ftate, 
 and what they fliould do. I prayed and converfed with them for fome 
 time. I was much moved with this providence. " The Lord, who leads 
 the blind in a way they know not," led me to this houfe without any 
 thought or purpofe of mine, yea, contrary to my inclination, which 
 was to hafle forward. He managed my averfion (which I now fee to 
 have been fmful) to converfe with the firfl: fix under diftrefs; to bring 
 about his own holy and glorious ends : for, if I had converfed with 
 tiiem, I had not (cen the other fefvants. 
 
 May 1 6th, I preached, as I had done for fome time pad, from Gal. 
 iv. 19. In the forenoon I infilled upon an ufe of confolation, and in 
 the afternoon prefTed all the unregenerate to feek to have Chrift form- 
 ed in them. An extraordinary power of the Spirit from on high ac- 
 companied the word preached. There was a great mourning in the 
 congregation, as for an only fon. Many cried out, and thefe not only 
 women, but fome ftrong and flout-hearted young men, and fome be- 
 twixt forty and fifty. After the difmifTion of the congregation, an 
 
 eflTay was made to get the difireffed into my barn ; but it could not be 
 done; the number of them, and of their friends attending them, were 
 fo many, I was obliged to convcen them in the kirk. I fung a Pfalm, 
 and prayed with them ; but, when I elfayed to fpeak to them, I could 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. -ii-fx 
 
 not be heard, fuch were their bitter cries, groans, and the voict of their 
 
 weeping. After this, I ordered that they Ihould be brought unto 
 
 me in my clofet one by one. I fent alio for Mr. Oughterfon, minifter 
 at Cumbernauld, to affift me in dealing with the diftrefled that evening, 
 who readily came. In the mean time I appointed Pfalms to be fung| 
 with thefe in the kirk, and that the precentor, with two or three of the 
 elders, fliould pray with the diftreded; which the extraordinarinefs of 
 this event feemed tome to warrant. At the fame time I difcharged any 
 to exhort or fpeak to them in the congregation, that I might cut off oc- 
 cafion of calumny and objection from them who feemed to defire it. — 
 .The noife of the diftreffed was fo great, that it was heard from afar. 
 It was pleafant to hear thefe who were in a ftate of enmity with God, 
 defpifers of Jefus Chrift, and Satan's contented flaves, fome of them 
 crying out for mercy ; fome, that they were loll and undone; other?, 
 •* What (hall we do to be faved?" others praifing God for this daj', 
 and for awakening them; and others not only weeping and crying for 
 themfelves, but for their gracelefs relations. And yet it would have 
 moved the hardcll heart, that, as the children of Ifrael under Pharaoh's 
 oppreifion, when I fpakc unto many of them, they hearkened not, for 
 anguilh of fpirit, and the fenfe of the cruel bondage they were un- 
 der. There appeared about thirty awakened this day, belonging to 
 
 this and neighbouring congregations. About twenty of thim belonged 
 to this parifh, fome few to the parifh of Campfie, and the remainder 
 to that of Kirkintilloch: but I have found fince, in convcrfing with 
 
 the diftrelfed, that the number of the awakened far exceeds thirty. 
 
 "VVednefday 19th, We had fermon, for the firft time, upon a week-day. 
 I preached, as did alfo Mr. Warden, miniiier at Campfie, and Mr. 
 M'Laurin, minifter at Glafgow, who had come hither the night before, 
 upon my invitation. The number of the awakened this day were as 
 many as were upon the Lord's-day. The greateft number was from the 
 parifh of Kirkintilloch ; there were alfo fome from the parifhes of Camp- 
 fie and Cumbernauld. The number of the awakened, belonging to this 
 
 parifh, amounted this week to forty. May 20th, The minifter of 
 
 Kirkintilloch, Mr. M'Laurin and I, preached at Kirkintilloch. There 
 we faw Zion's mighty King appearing in his glory and majefty, and 
 his arrows ftiarp in the heart of his enemies. Many were awakened 
 there, and brought under great fpiritual diftrefs. 
 
 ExtraSis of Letters from Mr. Robe to Mr. M'Latirin, giving a Viexv of 
 the Progrefs of the Work from May ifM, to July l^th, J 742. 
 
 Mr. M'Laurin at the conclufion of his atteftation, page 136 of the 
 Narrative, fays, '* When this good work began I could with the more 
 freedom urge Mr. Robe, however hurried, to favour me with accounts 
 from time to time of its progrefs; becaufe fuch intelligence would be 
 very acceptable and edifying to many others, particularly in this city. 
 And though it could not be expe<fled that Letters written by one having 
 fo much defirable work on his hands ftiould be very full and particular j 
 or that one writing to a friend, and in fuch faflfte, ihovld have fijc}» re- 
 
360 Succefs of the Co/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 gard to ftile, as in things intended for public view : yet as thefe letters 
 
 give a pleafant view of the gradual progrefs of that work, together with 
 
 leveral remarkable particulars ; and alfo of the warm impreiTions which 
 
 a train of fo extraordinary and defirable events behoved to make on the 
 
 mind of one, by duty and inclination, fo deeply interefted; at or near 
 
 the very time that they happened, or while they were yet frcfh in his 
 
 memory; expreffed in the natural manner ufual between intimate cor- 
 
 refpondents; for thefe rcafons I reckon it no fmall favour, that I have 
 
 fucceeded in taking pains to obtain his confent, that extracts of thefe 
 
 letters Ihould be publilhed. t atct 
 
 ^, • , „j JohnMLaurin. 
 
 Glalgow, Jan. 28th, 1743. *' 
 
 Kilfyth, May 15th, 1742. After fpeaking of what happened 
 
 in his journey from Cambuflang, [an account of which fee above 
 page 358 J " The Lord is fhooting his arrows fail; praife to him 
 that they are not arrows of deftru6lion as we deferve: may his 
 
 holy arm get him the viftory over Satan in thefe wounded fouls." 
 
 He is come to this country fide ! There was a great day of power at 
 Calder Tuefday laft. We had a good day Sabbath laft : I now know 
 of fix that came under conviflions that day ; and there may be others. 
 O cry to him for a plentiful effufion of his Spirit, and for much zeal, 
 fkill and humility, with finglenefs to — me. O if I could praife and mag- 
 nify him ; I would fain do it : pray that I may be kept out of my own 
 eye, and that I may have Chrift and the good of fouls only in fight. 
 
 P. S. May 1 6th, This has been indeed one of the days of the Son of 
 Man. The King of Glory hath ihot his arrows very thick into the hearts 
 of his enemies not for their deilrudlion but to fall under him. There 
 was a great cry of awakened finners this day : there have been feven and 
 twenty awakened this day, all of them under as great agonies as we 
 conceive thefe of ^]be twenty-eighth of the Adls ; befides others that 
 were carried away by their friends whofe names I have not yet; I have 
 dealt with them all this evening,as alfo Mr. Oughterfon for a while, hav- 
 ing fent for him. O praife him and pray much for us, and tell every 
 
 body to praife him for his mercy to us, and that he will ftay a long 
 time with us after this fort. There are no fewer than five in fa- 
 mily under deep diflrefs : two daughters and three fervants. O 'tis 
 
 a gracious vifit: he hath wounded and will heal. Write this good 
 
 news to Mr. O let Heaven and earth praife him : I expeft you, and 
 
 am, &-C. 
 
 May 23d, The Lord hath been gracioufly prefent this day; his 
 
 Spirit yet poured forth from on high, notwithftanding of our ftupidity 
 and ingratitude : there was an uncommon concern upon the congre- 
 gation and attendance unto the word : there are feven awakened known 
 to us this evening that were not known before : fome newly awakened, 
 viz. this day: others their conviftions begun laft Sabbath, brought to 
 a diftreffing and complaining height this day: I am perfuaded there 
 are many more of whom I expeft to hear to-morrow. There were 
 two others came to us upon Saturday after you left us ; both of them 
 fome years above forty ; one the fame day above fifty ; another betwixt 
 
Chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. ^(5 1 
 
 fixty and feventy. I rejoice at the Lord's coming near old finners. I 
 am much dUruisficd w ith myfelf, rhnr I am not in raptures of love, joy 
 and gratitude. I know I need not dtfireyou and others of the Lord's 
 people, both to pray and prailbforus. 
 
 May 28th, 1 have the great plcafure to tell 3'ou that the Lord yet 
 
 continues to pour forth his good and free Spirit upon unworthy usj 
 "VVedncfday iail the congre^7,ntion wa-s much moved : Mr. — and Mr. — • 
 and I preached: the au-akened were added to: my lid amounts to 
 fevcnry*fix, of which there are about forty-eight in this parilb s helidcs 
 fevcn I am afiured of, two of which belong to Dcntiy, two toAirtii or 
 Larbert, two to Cumbernauld, and one to this pariih: and feveral o* 
 thcrs v.e prcfume are unknown to us. 8ome are come to Iblid relief; 
 others are I hope not Jar from it. *" 
 
 June 2 2d, 1 have juft time to write you this, Mr. — ■ — preached 
 
 with me to-day: there was a confiderable multitude: tliere appeared a 
 concern among the people, thou-gh no outcry. I wait for the fruits, 
 which I hope a fovereignly gracious God will ibew in his ov;n time: I 
 have fome newly awakened lince I wrote to you, befides others I hear 
 of: this night there were three with me who never fpoke to me before. 
 N. B. The)' keep their diflrefs as long as they can hold. There was 
 another with me yederdjjy who v/as new ; arid one this morning awa- 
 kened laft Lord's-day. ^' 
 
 June 8th, 1 have juft time to write this to you, having fcarce a 
 
 moment's fparc time, the diftreifed or thofe who are come to rtliefcom- 
 ing continually to me. The parifh-lilt isnow lixty. 1 can give no di- 
 flinft account of thofe awakened here, in other congregations. The 
 Lord is continuing graciouily wth us. Four or five new ones have been 
 with me fince Sabbath lad. Several are come to folid relief. I bad one 
 
 this day filled with inexprell;ble joy. 1 am wonderfully ftrcngthe- 
 
 ned, have great pJeafurC, and made unwearied. O praife him who does 
 it; pray for a more plentiful outpouring of the Hc^v Spirit. . 
 
 June 9th, 1 wrot^ to you by the poft this morning. We have 
 
 had a glorious day this day. Many are added to the av^'akened, either al- 
 together new, or thofe who were formerly nightly touched have been 
 deeply awakened : there are eight I am certainly informed of; belides 
 a great many others that I judge pretty probable; five of the firfl: are in 
 this pariih. There was a general concern in the congregation : among 
 
 thefe they fay are — —and newly married. I find when Lam weakeft 
 
 and have leaft expectation from my fcrm.on, the Lord fhews himfelf 
 mod. I preached from John xvi. 1 1 . I was far from being pkafed with 
 the compofure. Mr. — 's helper preached with me from Matth^xi. 28, 
 a good fermon. I am much draitened for help; but the Lord dands 
 by me; bledcd be he; and he will do it. Receive a third Journal. I 
 have a beautiful one, of one who was inexpredibly filled with the love 
 
 of Chrid died abroad in her heart and they tell me continues yet 
 
 overcome with it. Some old Chridians are getting Monderful reviv- 
 ing, and manifedations of the love of God. 
 
 June nth, Becaufe I know what joy and thankfulnefs it gives 
 
 you to hear of our dear Lord's appearing in his glory and majedy in 
 VOL. IL Z z ' V 
 
362 Succefs ofth; Gofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 conquering his enemies to himfelf, I embrace the opportunity to write 
 to you that this hath been a good week; one of the beft I ever faw; 
 though of the grcateft labour, yet of the greateft pleafure. I had a 
 dofei full of little ones yefteinight making a pleafant noife and outcry 
 for Chrift ; and two of the youngeft, one of them but ten, fainting and 
 fo diftrert they could fcarce go home. I cannot write unto you the 
 wonders I faw : one of eleven crying out fhe was fick of fin, and cry- 
 ing out with hands uplifted to Heaven: when I told her that if fhe 
 were willing to take Chrifthe would heal her ; I am willing with all my 
 heart and from the bottom of my heart to take him ; I bid her wait 
 with patience, and told her flie minded the fourtieth Pfalm : (he noted 
 over the Hrll twelve lines with great calmnefs: I hear they have been 
 very dillreft hW night and this day. I would fain hope that relief may 
 
 rot be far from her. O pray for the poor young babes. tells me 
 
 juft now Ihe is come to joy and peace in believing, for which I beg you 
 
 will praife the Lord, and employ others to do it. Poor little fpeaks 
 
 to the diftreft like herfelf.— Thisis— a pleafant country-fide— be it was. 
 1 wifh you were here. Wednefday was a wonderful day when we were 
 afraid that the work was like to flop : there have been ten new ones be- 
 longing to this congregation fince lafl Lord's-day; fo that if I count 
 right they arc about or near feventy ; befidg^ thofe who belong to o- 
 ther congregations of which I can have no account. 
 
 June 17 th, Receive a 4th Journal, which I have with much difficul- 
 ty, forwant of time, got cxtra<fled from my book It concerns the 
 
 woman overcome with love. She uttered many things which I could 
 not take down, and I feldom infert any thing from my memory: the 
 girl was with me this day, and continues in the fame good frame, only 
 her tears are dried up, and flie hath got a humble joy in her face. 
 There is an elder Chriftian in her neighbourhood who hath got a con- 
 fiderable reviving, and marvellous manifelbtions of the love of Jefus 
 
 Chrift, Ihewing^hemfelves to be genuine by their effeifts. From 
 
 Lord's-day was fevcn nights the King of kings has been riding gloriouf- 
 ly upon the white horfe, (hooting his arrows thick into the hearts of 
 his enemies, making them fenfible of their evil flate of unbelief, mak- 
 ing them to cry out for fear of the Lord and the glory of his majefty, 
 at the fame time fubduing others to himfelf. We had twelve awa- 
 kened laft week belonging to the parifli, fifteen Sabbath la ft, four where- 
 of were ftrangers belonging to Cumbernauld, Campfy and Kirkintil- 
 loch : Tuefday we had fifteen and one flranger ; and this day I had 
 two who were among the firft, but never came to me until this day; 
 which make in all belonging to theparifh, fince Sabbath before thelafi, 
 forty. I make no doubt, but there are a great many flrangers be- 
 fides, not known to me. I have alfo had fome with me who are come 
 I hope to folid relief. Tho' I am continually employed, yet the Lord 
 gives fuch bodily ftrcngth, as I am not much weaned ; and is not wan- 
 ting tome otherwife; hegives uncommon flrength, foruncommon fer- 
 vice : which I acknowledge to his glory; and beg that you and others 
 
 may help me to praife him for it. There was a good woman who I 
 
 doubt DOt was a real Chrillian who blamed the people much for cry- 
 
Chap. 6. it the eighteenth Century. 2 63 
 
 ing out, and fald, could they not be fcrious enough without crying? 
 Sabbath was eight days (he was made to cry out herfelf, and was not 
 able to come from the place of meeting to ray houfe without being 
 fupported by two men : fhe acknowledges this day that fhe juftly met 
 
 with it for her ralhnefs. Laft Lord's-day there were a good many 
 
 awakened at Cumbernauld. 1 cannot precifely tell how many the 
 
 number of the awakened are with us now, for I have not time to num- 
 ber them. 
 
 June 28th, I am fo wearied this night that tho' I would incline to 
 write at good length ; yet I am not well able : yet bleflbd be the Lord, 
 I have got as much ftrength as has been fufficient for the days work : 
 There are now, praifcs to the builder-up of Zion appearing in his glo- 
 ry, fuch a number of the awakened as gives me no refpitc ; neither do 
 I allow myfelf to defire it, feeing I am not called to work in my own 
 ftrength. The Lord was gracioully with us yefternight: there were 
 feven awakened yefterday newly : the child of lix was in great diftrefs 
 during the mofl part of the fermon : I alked at her at night what fh? 
 would give to get Chrift : (lie anfwered with a great deal of compofure, 
 ** I wouW part with my life to have him;" at which I was amazed. — • 
 Bleffed be the Lord we are every day getting encouragement by fome 
 being brought to relief: thefewho have got it, walk anfwerably : we are, 
 God willing, to obfcrve Wednefday as a day of thanklgiving to the God 
 of our extraordinary mercy: 1 beg you, and others will remember us 
 that day. 
 
 June 30th, The Lord hath been gracioufly prefentwith us this day, 
 \ looked upon it as a token for good, that we had a great congregati- 
 on, feeing it was fet apart for folemn thankfgiving to God. I am per- 
 fuaded it was the bell obfervcd day of thankfgiving, in every ihape, 
 ever was in Kilfyth ; yet vaftly fliort of what Ihouid been rendered, 
 according to the benefit. We look to the great Altar, Sacrifice and 
 High-prieft for acceptance. I preached from Matth. xxi. 16. From 
 which I profecuted thefe two purpofes, that extraordinary comings of 
 the Lord Jefus to his temple and ordinances, fhould be welcomed 
 •with extraordinary praifes, and that he is pleafed when it is fo. 2dly, 
 That when he comes he will provide for his praife by thefe who are 
 unlikely and unfeafible in the world's eye ; which made two fermons 
 in the forenoon. We had a good fermon from Mr. Young in the after- 
 noon. There were three newly awakened brought to me this day, be- 
 longing to this congregation : there were doubtlefs many more, for 
 the concern was great. Five were added to the awakened at Cum- 
 bernauld laft Lord's-day : blefted be the God of our falvation, the face 
 of the congregation and country-fide is changed. 
 
 July 2d, BleflTed for evermore be our God in Chrift, for his conti- 
 nued marvellous grace. I have fifteen new awakened this week before 
 this day. I know of two more this day : and expefl others to morrow, 
 I have been at Cumbernauld all this day, and I think the body of this 
 parish. There was a very great cry in the congregation, not only 
 while the terrors of the law were preached, but the comforts of the 
 gofpcl : the former five were awakened this day ; I hear more and 
 
 Zz 3 
 
364 Succefs of the Gcfpel tn Scotland Book IV. ] 
 
 more of the v?{l change there is upon the face of this parifh: iniquity 
 
 as alliameil hides its hc,id ; the wolf and the lamb dwell together 1 : 
 
 am obliged to ilop at the cry of a number of dilbed coming into the / 
 dofct,— There ha:hbccn brought to me, andcomein about a dozen ia ] 
 great diftrcls, mull of them young; fome of them awakened at home ' 
 tills day, and fome at Crinibernaukl: one of them was awakened while | 
 I was ipeaking to the reit : one weeding corn to day : they were in 
 fuch dilbel's, that I could only fpeak in general to them. One of them 
 
 vas looked on as a ; O amazing grace: I beg you will pray ' 
 
 for me : 1 will have pepple to converie with me all day to-morrow, 
 and nobody to preach for me on the Lord's-day; yet 1 will not fear, 
 for I trull in the Lord : I doubt not but he will be my ftrepgth to all he 
 calls to. 
 
 July 5th, The Lfird is m.aking us fifncrsof men incjeed: he is pre- 
 fent; and while we toiled years in his abience and to apprehenlion cat- 
 ched nothing, at every letting down of the gofpd-nct, fome are cat- 
 ched ; he is driving them into the net; and making fome prey to be in*, 
 clofed; endlefs praifes be, and will be to him for it. Yellerday* was 
 a Bochimin the congregation for xmworthy communicating; and this 
 
 Evening there was a great cry in tlie church : I\rr. G Minifter at 
 
 Carnock, who came here this :iftcrnoon preached: Laft week the new- 
 ly awakened were about thirty fjx, of which about twelve or fourteen 
 were awakened at Cumbernauld Friday lall: ycllerday, and this day 
 there were fifteen new, all belonging to this congregation : three of 
 
 them were awakened while Mr. preached : we never had fo great 
 
 3 number in fo fhort a time. Every day I have forne acquainting me 
 \vith theif relief, which I hnd in the moil; to be folid and good. I have 
 converfcd with about forty thi*4ay from the town of Kilfyth belideso- 
 
 thers: I trufted in the Lord for yefterday and was helped. 1 ha4 
 
 \vith me on Saturday an honefl; man from Muthil, where IVIr. Hally \% 
 minifter, who informs me there have been, fince March, fifty awake- 
 ned in that pariih j for which I blefs the Lord.- — There is a perfon ia 
 
 this country who is jealous that his family owed to the late • 
 
 about ten fhiilings: he hath put it into my hands to give it to his 
 heirs. I know no hand fo fit as yours to do it, feeing it may be fome 
 pme ere I come lo town, and do not know his heirs : you will pleafe 
 to receive it from the bearer. 
 
 July 8th, There were eighteen awakened yeflerday, Sabbath lafl 
 and fince, all belonging to the congregation. There arc oply twp to 
 day, one in Denny and the other in Campfie, 1 
 
 July 15th, I have bcenbufy in dealing with the diflreiled a good par^ f 
 of this day ; we have only as far as I know yet about a dozen or thir- 
 teen newly awakened of them who belong to this congregation, fince 
 Thurfday laft, and about fourteen we know of from Gargunnock, 
 Kippen and Gampfie; befides thefe, one from Muthil, and one from 
 jl'.arnock. There was — a trilapfe in fornication dropt down yefler- 
 day in the barn jufl as I was difmiffing the diflrefl: fhe was to be led 
 
 iicmc; was with me to day; and in a hopeful way. Tho' wc 
 
 a |t was the preparation Sabbath bcfure the communion. 
 
Chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. ^ ^6^ 
 
 have had fomc [perfons awakened] tvcry day; yet we hp.vc'had fewer 
 belonging to this parifa thcle eight days pafl than tor ("ome w^cks be- 
 fore: Vet, bleifedbe the Lord, it is made up [by] I'trangcrs who Iiave 
 carried it home to tlieir own congregations. 
 
 July 19th, We had a good day from the prefence of the Lord yef- 
 
 tcrday: There were a good many Grangers from beyond Stirling 
 
 and from Fife: there were two of thcfe at adiftauce obfci vcd 
 
 under deep concern: but they went away without (peaking: eight 
 have been with me: one froni Gargiinnock awakened yelierday afier* 
 noon; bleircdbetheLord, it is goijig comibrtabiy ovtr the mountain*: 
 
 Two from Kirkintilloch and one from Cimibernauld, and only 
 
 four of our own : bleifed be the Lord for all. [Here end the extracts of 
 letters. Let us return to the Narrative, page 37] 
 
 Farther Accounts of the Number oftheAivakened. The Work appears 
 
 in fever al other Places. 
 
 There have been at leaft three hundred awakened in this parifa fincc 
 the beginning of this work, of which about two hundred belong or did 
 belong to this parilh. There v^ere indeed about fourteen or hftcen of 
 them awakened when Mr. Whiteheld preached at Cumbernauld. In 
 the p;^riia of Cumbernauld, as the miniller informs me, there are above 
 
 eighcy. -In tlie pariih of Kirkintilloch there are kriown to the mini- 
 
 iler about a hundred and twenty under a moje than ordinary concern 
 about their lalvation, including the praying young, who are encreai'ed 
 
 now to a greater number than formerly mentioned. In the pariih of 
 
 St. Ninians, the number of the awakened muil be confiderable. The 
 firil remarkable appearance of this good work tliere, was at the giving 
 the holy fuppcr, upon the firft of this current AugulL The Mo;iday 
 was one of the greatell days of the Medhuor's power I have hirhertp 
 feen. By a letter from j\lr. Mackie, miniller of that parhh, I am in- 
 formed, that the number of the awakened was increafed upon the 
 Thurfday thereafter, when they had fermon. Pie appoints days for 
 
 them to come to him for inftrufiion and direction. In the parifn of 
 
 Gargunnock, lying WcH from the parifa of St. Ninians, there are, as 
 I am well informed, near an hundred perfons awakened. Some of ihem 
 lirft of all at Kilfyth, when the Lord's fupper was given there ; others 
 atCampfie; others at St. Ninians, [when it was given ii> thcle places.] 
 Upon the Thurfday thereafter there were eighteen awakened in their 
 own congregation, while Mr. "Warden, their own aged and diligent paf- 
 tor, preached to them. There was alfo a confiderable awakening the 
 week thereafter, the minifter o-f Campfie, hisfon, preaching ti-jcre. 
 
 In the parhh of Calder, according to the information I have fiom their 
 
 pinifter, there are above an hundred awakened. There are about the 
 
 fame number in the parilli qf Caippfie^'r 
 
 a Sec a particular account as to DundafT, 
 /ituate upon the North lide of the hillsol Kil- 
 fyth, partly in the pariih of Killyth, partly 
 jn St. Ninlar.s, in Kobe's Monthly lliltory 
 for 1743, N ® I page 19th, with a letter to 
 IflX. Robe, JatedCraiganDat.Sqjt. 9th, 1743, 
 from Williain Knoxj and a poftfcrift con- 
 
 firming it by David Littltjohnand William 
 Bow, Elders, and Peter l^cll. p. 22,24. 
 
 b Sec farrticr as to the panlli of Campfic, 
 in a letter to Mr. Robe, dated Deainbcr 
 16th, 1743, from Mr. Warden, tniniftcr 
 there. Robe's Monthly hiftory for 174*, 
 N * 2, page 3<r. 
 
366 Succefs tfthe Cofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 The cafe of the pariiTi of Badernock, lying North and Well from 
 Caldcr, is fuigular. There were above ninety awakened perfons in 
 that parilh about the 6th of July lafl. They have been for Ibme years 
 paft, and yet are, without a pallor. The Lord hath honoured their 
 fchoolmallcr, James Korfyth, to be greatly inftrumental in this good 
 work among them. I Ihall give the following extrad from a letter of 
 his, dated Badcrnock, July 1 7th, 1 742, concerning the impreflions made 
 upon, and the awakening of, fcveral of the young ones. He writes, 
 •' Since the firft of February laft, I endeavoured to inftruft the children 
 under my charge, to the utmoft of my power, in the firfl principles of 
 religion, and that they were born in a ftate of iin and mifery, and i>ran-» 
 gers to God by nature; I alfo prclTcd them, by all arguments poifible, 
 to leave off their finfulways, and flee to Jcfus Chrifl, by faith and re- 
 pentance; which, by the bleffing of Cod, hath not been in vain. Glory 
 to his holy name, that backed with the power of his Holy Spirit [what 
 was] fpoken in much weaknefs. I likewife warned them againft the com- 
 mifiion of any known lin, and tolJ them their danger, if they perfifted 
 in the fame; and that their fins would find them out. The which ex- 
 hortations, frequently repeated, yea, almoft every day, came at laft to 
 have fome impreflions on their young hearts. And I think the great 
 concern that was at firlt among them, was a mean, in God's hand, to 
 bring the elder fort to a more ferious concern, and to more diligence 
 in religious duties; yea, I heard fome fay, that they were alhamed to 
 hear and fee thcfe young creatures fo much taken up about their fouls 
 faivuion. That is fome account of the rife of this good and happy 
 M ork. There was one of the fchool-boys that went to Cambuflang in 
 Mar :h, that was firft: awakened ; he, after fome few days, faid to me 
 10 the fchool, Will you let two or three of us meet together to fing 
 Pfalms and pray.'' I faid, I was very well pleafed to hear that they in- 
 elined to fuch a good exercife. So they joined thcmfelves together, and 
 it hath had very good fruit: for, fome few days after, there were fome 
 of them under concern ; and, that day fourteen days they firft: met, 
 there were ten or twelve awakened, and under deep convi-R^ions, fome 
 Tery young of eight and nine years of age, fome twelve and thirteen. 
 THcy ftill inclined more and more to their duty ; fo that they met three 
 times a-day, in the morning, at night, and at noon. Alfo they have for- 
 faken all their childifh fancies and plays; fo thefe that have been awa- 
 kened are known by their countenance and behaviour. There were 
 fome, that, by a word of terror in their leflbn, were very diftrefTed, 
 and would cry out and weep bitterly. There are fome of them very 
 fenfible of their cafe, both of the fin of their nature, and their aflual 
 tranfgreflions, and even of the fin of unbelief: for, when I would ex» 
 hort any of them that were dillrclTed to believe in Chrift, bccaufe he is 
 both able and willing to fave to the uttermoft, they replied, That they 
 knew be was both able and willing; but they could not believe them* 
 felvcs, unlefs God gave them a heart fo to do; for, they faid, they felt 
 tlieir heart fo hard, that they could do nothing." This is the account 
 he gives of the younger fort.— As to the elder fort, he fays, " That the 
 firft among them were awakened at Cambuflang, others at Calder and 
 
Chap. 6. in the eight fenth Century. ^67 
 Kirkintilloch ; but that the greateft part have been awakened nt their lb* 
 ciety-meetings. They met twice a-week for prayer and praife, where 
 all the awakened in the pari(h, with as many others as pleafe to come, 
 are admitted." There are alfo feveral other little meetings, alniolt c- 
 very day, in different places of the parilli. At the fecond of thcfe meet- 
 ings there were nirtc awakened ; at the third there were four ; at ano- 
 ther meeting theie were five or llx. In another letter, dated July 
 
 6th, 1 742, he faith, " That this good work rtill continues among them, 
 and that there arc a confiderable number newly awakened in their pa- 
 rilh, befides Grangers that come to their meetings from other parilhes." 
 
 1 have been more particular and large in this article concerning Ba- 
 
 dernock, that we who are miniftcrs of the gofpd may learn from this, 
 not to be lifted up from any fuccefs we may have in our minidrati- 
 ons; feeing, that though the Lord makethefpecially the preaching of the 
 word an effet^ual mean of convincing and converting finners, and of 
 building up them that are converted, yet he alfo blelFcth the readina 
 of the word, Chriftian communion, and religious education by parents, 
 fchoolmaftcrs and others, for the forcfaid bleifcd ends; and that he can 
 and fometimes doth make ufe of weak and inconfidcrable inflruments 
 for beginning and carrying on a good work upon the fouls of men, 
 while men of great gifts, and even godlinefs, are not fo fuccefsful. 
 
 In the parilh of Killcarn, lying about feven miles to the North-weft of 
 Campfie, this good work is alfo begun. Their minilter, Mr. Bainc, hath 
 l>een well aiie(5^ed to it from the beginning, and was early witnefs to it, 
 nnd afliiling to carry it on at Cambuflang. There was a confiderable a- 
 wakcning in this parifh, when the Lord's fupper was given there upoi^ 
 the third Sabbath of July, efpecially upon the Monday, when Mr. Pot- 
 ter, profefTor of divinity at Glafgow, and Mr. Mackie, miniftcr at St. 
 
 Ninians, preached. In the country Weft from Glafgow, there are 
 
 very joyful accounts of the entrance and progrefs of this bleffed work 
 there. In the town of Irvine there were a few awakened firft at Cam- 
 buflang; but now there area good many awakened that never were at 
 Cambuflang, and are in like diflrefs and anguifh of foul. They are 
 happy imder the infpeftion and care of their worthy rainifler, Mr. 
 M'Kneight. In the pari(h of Long-Dreghorn, and other parilhes a- 
 bout, there are fcverals awakened. In the town of Kilmarnock there 
 ■were about fifty from that place awakened at Cambuflang; but there 
 have been many m6re flnce in their own congregations. In the parilh 
 of Denny there are feverals, fomeof whom have been av/akened in their 
 own church. There are feveral in the united parifhes of Dunipace and 
 Larbert, fome of whom have been awakened likcwife there. la the pa- 
 rilh of Torphichen, South from Linlithgow, there were (cwen awaken- 
 ed, when the Lord's fupper was given there, upon the firft Sabbath of 
 Auguft. 
 
 As to Muthil, the reader will be bcfl informed by the following ex- 
 tradls of letters I have received from Mr. Hally, minilter there. 
 
 Muthil, Sept. 28th, 1742. K. D. B. For fome time pafl, I have 
 
 been much refreflied with tidings of great joy, not only from New- 
 England, and other remote parts, but alfo ffom di£erent corricrs of our 
 
368 Succefs of the Cofpel in Scotland Book IV< 
 
 own land, particularly from the paiilh wheieof you have the paltoral 
 chargt, tr-om whence 1 hear of a gathering of the people to the hieiied 
 Shiloh. That you may rejoice with me, and help with your prayers 
 at the throne of grace, I thought it proper to acquaint you with lome- 
 
 thing of tlie like glorious work in this congregation. 1 do not in this 
 
 millive, pretend to [.',ivc you a full and particular account of what the 
 
 Lord has donraniongfl: us for fome time paft. In general, for about 
 
 a year hence, there has been an unufual ilirring and feeming concern 
 through this congregation, and fome now and then falling under con- 
 
 vicVions. A clofer attention to the word preached, and a receiving 
 
 of it with an apparent appetite, was by myfelf and others obferved — 
 until the Lord's fupper was difpenfed here, the third Sabbath of July 
 lall, at which time, I think, our conquering Redeemer made fome vilible 
 inroads upon the kingdom of Satan. I hope there are not a few, both 
 in this and other congregations, that can fay, " That God was in this 
 
 place, and that they felt his power, and faw his glory. But whatever 
 
 the Lord was pleafed to (hed down of the influences of his Spirit upon 
 that foiemn occafion, comparatively fpeaking, may be accounted but a 
 day oflmall things, in refpe^i of what he has been pleafed to do a- 
 
 mongft us fince. 1 muft acknowledge, to the praife of our gracious 
 
 God, that an unufual power hath attended the word preached every 
 Sabbath-day fince; few, if any Sabbaths, having paffcd, but fome have 
 been awakened, and particularly lall Loid'sday, which, I hope I may 
 fay, was a day of the Son of Man in this place ; for, behdes the general 
 concern that was fecn in this congregation, about eighteen persons, 
 which I came to know of that night, were pricked at the heart, and 
 
 deeply wounded with the arrows of the Almighty, 1 have been 
 
 rery agreeably entertained with thevifits of diftrelfed fouls, cr3'ing out 
 for Chnlr, " and v^'hat ihall we do to be faved ? " And I may fay, that 
 the work of the law has been fevere, and outwardly noticeable upon all 
 that I have converfed with; their convictions have been deep, cutting, 
 and abiciing, not (as we have formerly feen) " like a morning cloud and 
 early dew, that foon pafleth avv'ay." And yet, I have not obferved in 
 any that 1 Jmvc fpoke with, the leafl tendency to defpair, but giving, fo 
 far as I can judge, fatisfying evidences of a kindly work of the Spirit, 
 and the law acting the part of a fchoolmafter, leading them to (..hrift, 
 in whom, I hope a great many of them are fafely landed, and have had 
 their fouls filled with peace and joy in believing-, and fome have receiv- 
 ed fuch a mcafure of the joys of heaven, that the narrow crazy veflel 
 
 could hold no more. T\\q fome old people have been awakened, yet 
 
 this work is mofl noticeable among the younger fort: and fome very 
 young (within twelve years of age) have been obfervably wrought up- 
 on, and the fruits are very agreeable; amongfl others, their delight in 
 prayer, and their frequent meeting together for that end. And they 
 vho have noticed them, have informed me, of their fpeaking in prayer 
 the wonderful things of God. As the Lotd has been pleafed obfer- 
 vably to own us in the public ordinances ; fo, I think, no lefs have we 
 felt a down-pouring of his Spirit at our evening-exercifes upon Sab- 
 bath nights-, for, immediately after public worlhip is over, fuch crouds 
 
Chap. S. in the eighteenth Century, 36^ 
 
 of people come to the manle, as /ill tliehoule, and the clofc before the 
 doors, difcoveiing a great thirft after the word, and fuch an imnrual 
 concern in hearing of it, that their mourning cries frequently drowji 
 my voice ; fo that I am obliged frequently to Hop, till they compofe 
 themfelv^s. And many on thefe occafions fall under deep and abiding 
 conviftions. So that I am taken up in dealing with them for fomc hours 
 
 after the meeting is difmiilod. Many here give fuch evidences of a 
 
 faving real work of the Spirit, that to call if into queffion, would put 
 old experienced ChriiUans tvO doubt of their o\\x\ Hate, yea, to call in 
 qiiciMon the cxpeiiences of the faints recorded in fcripture. And \ec 
 there are here, as v.ell as».li'>M^here,"whoare contrp.di6>ing and blr.fphem- 
 
 ing; they are objef^s of pity, and ought to be prayed for. 1 give you 
 
 this account of the Lord's work in this parilh, for your own private 
 fatisfa6tion, and of thofe with you who may join with us, in pra3er 
 and j)raili?s, to our gracious God, who has done fuch great things for 
 us.-- * VV^e are mindful of you, and your congregation, and of the 
 work or God \n other parts, not only in public and in private, butirt 
 our praying focieties, feverals whereof have been of late erefied in ihis 
 parilh, and many people flocking to them. We expeft the like from 
 
 you, and your people. That the Lord may carry on his work wirfi 
 
 you and us, and other parts of the land ; and that he may flgnally coun- 
 tenance that folemn occafion you have in view next Lord's-day, is the 
 earnell defire and prayer of, &c. Willi am Hally. 
 
 I received, upon the 29th of 0<5lober, a letter from the fame worthy 
 
 brother, giving a further account. R. D. B. lours of the 17th in* 
 
 ftant, I received — ■ — by which I was exceedingly refrefhed, with the ac- 
 count of the continuance, and progrefs of the Lord's work.- Thefe 
 
 things brought about with you, heie and elfewhere, are the doings of 
 the Lord, and wonderful in our eyes; and<c6nfidering thealmoll i7ni- 
 verfal deadnefs, degeneracy, delpiting of gofpel-'ordinances, flighting the 
 ambafl"adors of Chrifl, and the many other crying abominations of the 
 land ; this reviving, this furprifing vifit may fill us w ith wonder and a- 
 niazement, and make us fay, " When the Lord turned again the cap- 
 tivity of our Zion we were like merv that dream." But his ways are not 
 as our ways. Glory to him, he has feen our ways, and is healing them. 
 
 • It gave me much picafure, to hear Mr. Porteous and feme of my 
 
 people, giving fuch an account of the work of God with you, at your 
 
 iaft facrament. Such of my flock as attended that folemn occafion, 
 
 I hope, have not loft their travel— About feven and twenty of them, all 
 in a company, coming home, were, by a kind o{^ providence overtaken 
 upon the road, by Mr. Porteous, Mrs. Krfkine and Mr. David Erfkine, 
 who by the bleffing of the Lord, were made eminently ufeful to them. 
 For fuch was the diftrefs of many of them, that in all appearance they 
 had lodged in that defert place all night, if the Lord by means of thefe 
 inftruments, had not fent them fome fupport and relief; fo much did 
 their foul-diftrefs afFe(fl their bodies, that they feenjed not able to travel 
 much further. — I doubt not but it will give you like fatisfadfion, to be 
 informed, that the fatnc good work upon fouls, is d^ily advancing and 
 going on in this parifh. £very-Sab"oath-day, lincc I wrote to you iaft, I 
 VOL. IL Aaa 
 
2yo Succefs of the Cofpelitt Scotland Book IV. 
 
 may fay, to the glory of free grace, has been a day of the Son of Man. 
 The arrows of the almighty King are IHU Hying thick amongft us, and 
 wounding the hearts of his enemies, and laying them down, groaning 
 at the feet of the conqueror, crying under a fenfe of guilt, and the 
 frightful apprehenfions of wrath, and thirfting after a Saviour. — For 
 many months palt, I have obferved a general and unufual concern u- 
 pon the whole congregation, their hungry-like attention to the word, 
 the ferious and concerned-like airs appearing in their faces. Many being 
 fo deeply artedlcd in hearing, that frequently a general found of weep- 
 in<T, through the whole congregation ufes to rife fo high, that it much 
 drowns my voice. Their carriage and fpiritual converfe in coming and 
 going from public ordinances, and the many prayers that are put up 
 
 through this parilh thefe good and promifing appearances, make 
 
 me, through the bicffing of God upon his ordinances, to expeft yet 
 
 greater things. 1 told you in my la^l, what multitudes attended our 
 
 evening exercife upon Sabbath-nights. But now, though the day be 
 fliort, 1 am obliged to go to the kirk with them, where almolt the 
 whole congregation (which is very great) wait and attend. Many of 
 them not regarding the diificulty of travelling through a long dark 
 moor, under night : and a good number after they have heard a lefture 
 and two fermons and the evening exercife, ftay and retire to the fchool- 
 houfc, and there fpend fome hours in prayer; and the Lord has lignally 
 owned them, not only to their own mutual edification but to the con- 
 viction of by-ftanders, and fuch as have heard them without the walls 
 of the houfe. Our praying focieties are in a mod fiouriiliiing condi- 
 tion, and ftill moe members liockingto them. The meetings for pray- 
 er amongrt the young boys and girls, give me great fatisfaftion, one 
 whereof began foon after the facrament, and is now increafed to about 
 the number of twenty. Severals of them falling under deep concern, I 
 was fent for to fpeak with them, where I found fome of them all iri 
 tears. Since that time (that I may have them near me) I give them a 
 room in my houfe, where they meet every night. And O how pleafant 
 is it to hear the poor young lambs addrefiing themfelves to God in 
 prayer; O with what fervour, with what proper expreflions, do I hear 
 them pouring out their fouls to a prayer-hearing God ; fo that Hand- 
 ing at the back of the door, I am often melted into tears to hear them. 
 
 We have another praying fociety of young ones, lately erected 
 
 in another corner of the parilli, where one Mr. Robertfon teaches one 
 of the charity fchools. The young ones, of late, defired his allow- 
 ance to meet in the fchool-houfe for prayer, which he very readily 
 went into (for it is his great pleafure to promote and encourage reli- 
 gion both in young and old) and there about twenty of them meet 
 twice every week, though they have a good way (many of them) to 
 
 travel in the night-time. 1 may fay in general, that fuch a praying 
 
 difpofition as appears amongft this people, both young and old, was 
 never feen nor heard of before, which gives me ground to expeft more 
 of divine inliuences to come down amongft us ; for where the Lord pre- 
 pares the heart, he caufes his ear to hear. — As to the parifti of Madery, 
 which you defire to be informed about; foon after the facrament at 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 271 
 
 Fowels, a neighbouring parifli, fome few boys met in the fields tor 
 prayer, and when obferved were brought to an houfc, to whom, many 
 otliers, both young and old relbrtcd fince, and are now, according to 
 
 my information, in a very flouriftiing condition. This pre(bytery 
 
 are refblved to divide themfelvesinto focieties for prayer, for the pro- 
 grefs of this blefTed work% and to have frequent meetings for this end, 
 
 That the pleafure of the Lord may more and more profper in 
 
 your hand is the earnefl prayer of Yours, &c. William Hally. 
 
 £ From another Letter from Mr. Hally to a Gentleman in Edinburgh, dated Muthil, Aiu 
 giilt 2pth, 1743, printed in Prince's Chriftian Hiftory, N ° 75) 76- ] 
 
 About a year before this work came to be openly obferved, there was 
 a fecret ftirring and concern among the people. This I was informed 
 of by ibme religious elders from different corners of the parifli. Some- 
 thing of it appeared in public upon the firft Sabbath of January 1 741-2, 
 which happening to be a ftormy day, and I having prepared fomewhat 
 to be delivered that day, which I was fond the whole congregation 
 Jfliould hear, and expedting but a fmall meeting upon Sabbath morning, 
 I changed my text : and finding more than ordinary freedom in preach- 
 ing upon it that day, I infifted upon it the next Lord's-day alfo. Both 
 days I obferved an unufual tendernefs among many of the hearers; and 
 I was told much more of it afterwards. I was informed of a praying 
 difpofition ftirred up among the people, beyond what had been formerly 
 obferved. Thus it continued till the third Sabbath of July thereafter, 
 at which time the facrament of the Lord's fupper was difpenfed in this 
 
 place, &c. [See his two former letters.] In fome a law-work has 
 
 been carried on by degrees, and at length arrived at an exceeding great 
 height. Others have been fuddenly flruck, as with an arrow fliot in- 
 to their hearts, and could be fo particular as to condefccnd upon the 
 particular words in the fermon that the Spirit of God made ufe of for 
 their awakening. 
 
 In converfing with them, I have folemnly charged them to fpeak their 
 minds freely and truly, and nowife to difTemblc their cafe. And, upon 
 examination, I have found them deeply affefled with a fight of their 
 lofl: ftate and condition by nature, trembling under the apprehenfions 
 of Divine wrath, grieving for the diflionour they had done to God, by 
 finning againft him, and particularly lamenting over their fin of unbe- 
 lief, in rejecting a Saviour ; in flighting fo many gofpel-calls ; in de- 
 fpifing fo much gofpel-grace. I have found them thirftiog after Chrift, 
 and fome of them exprefling their defires in a mofl: paflionate manner, 
 viz. That they would give ten thoufand worlds for an intercfl; in him. 
 And all this with fuch emotion of fpirit, and with fuch a flood of tears, 
 that often, out of fympathy with them, I have been obliged to flied 
 
 tears too. 1 have been filled with wonder to hear fome of them 
 
 pray, who I had reafon to fufpeft wholly neglefted fecret duty till of 
 late. Before this good work began amongft us, we had but two pray- 
 ing focieties, and now they are increafed to eighteen, to which many 
 
 a Sec another letter from Mr. Hally, Aug. 28th, 1744, giving fome account of the perfc- 
 vcrance of the fubjcfts of this workat MuthU.— Robe's Monthly Hift. for 1744, N ° (5, p. 53. 
 
 A aa 3 
 
1 
 
 371 Succefs of the Go/pel in Scotland Book IV, ' 
 
 refort both men and women. We have fix praying meetings of young 
 ones. One of thena meets twice in the week in my houfe. I have 
 frequently wiihed to have had lome of the contradi6ters and bJafphe- 
 mers of this work Ibnding with me at the back of the door, to hear 
 thefe dear young lambs (fome of them below twelve years of age) pour- 
 ing out their fouls to a prayer-hearing God, uith fuch fervour, with fuch 
 copioufnefs and propriety of expreliion, that I have not only been fil- 
 led with wonder, but melted down in tears to hear them. With great 
 fatisfaition I admitted about forty of thefe young ones to the commu- 
 niontable at our facrament this Summer, which ocoafion the Lord fig- 
 nally owned. There is fomcthing of the like work begun and fpread- 
 ing in two neighbouring congrcvations, Grief apdlNlonyvard, &c. W.H. 
 
 [ From Mr. Robk's Narrative, page j-j. ] 
 
 As to the do£lrines Vpr^^ched in the congregation or elfewhere, 
 they were a mixture of the law and the gofpel as much as pofTible in 
 the I'anic fermon ; and I obferved fuch compofuresmoftblelfed of God. 
 The formerly converted, and the awakened who had made progrefs, 
 I perceived were moft afFe(5\ed with the fweet truths of the gofpel. I 
 have ieen the congregation in tears, and crying out, when the law of 
 grace from Mount Zion, without any exprefs mixture of the terrors 
 of the law, was preached. It is true indeed, feveral of the awakened 
 have had thcjr fpiritual diftrefs increafed thereby, as alfo fome of the 
 fecure have been awakened ; but then it was from their being convin- 
 ced that they had as yet no intereft in thefe glorious blcffings, and fo 
 were miferable, and that it would be the u^orff part of their eternal 
 rnifery to be deprived of them ! And thus it was as terrible to them to 
 hear heaven preached of, as hell ; feeing they faw themfelves fliut out 
 from it by their unbelief. I obferved, that the far greateft part of e- 
 yery public audience were fecure, unconcerned and fearlefs; and there- 
 fore I preached the terrors of the law in the flrongeft terms I could, 
 that is to fay, in ej^prefs fcripture-terms. I feared to daub or deal 
 Rightly with them, but told great and fmall, that they were the chil- 
 dren of the devil while they were in the ftate of unbelief, and that if 
 they continued fo to the end, in our Lord's plain terms, they would 
 \)e damned. I refolved that I would cry aloud and not fpare, and preach 
 3\-ith that feri(Jlifnefs and fervour, as one that knew that my hearers 
 mufV cither be prevailed with, or be damned. 
 
 I looked up and faw what I never faw before, the fields already ripe 
 unto harvefl. I heard the Lord of the harveft commanding me to put in 
 iny fickle and reap ; I confidered that I had now an opportunity put in my 
 hand that was not to lall long, the harveft being the ihorteft tiitie of la- 
 bour in the whole year: and therefore I refolved tobeftirmyfelf, and at- 
 tend wholly to this very thing. I looked upon my pulpit-work, thp' 
 great, but a fmall part of my taik. I knew that feveral of the awakened 
 >vere ignorant; that all of them needed particular dire<^ion, inftruftion, 
 and cpnfolation under their {harpconviftions, and wanted much, under 
 the conduct of the Holy Spirit, a fpiritual guide to dire6i: them to faith in 
 Jefus Chrift, to which they were Ihu t up, I appointed therefore Mondays, 
 
Chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 375 
 
 Tuefdays, Thurfdays and Fiidays, for the awakened and fpintuallydir* 
 trefFed to come tome for the forelaid purpofes ; which they did afiiducnif- 
 ly and diHgently From morning to night, the Fame perfons (bmctimescom- 
 ingtome not only twice wl.ich was ordinary, butoFtenerin a week; yea, 
 even upon Saturdays, which I oFten grudged, but durft not Fend them 
 away who had come at Fome difbnce without converfmg M'ith tlicm. 
 At this time I could not allow myFelFto be diverted From this atten- 
 dance by any viiitants coming to my houFe, miniftcrsor otliers. I was 
 alFogreatly alFilledby Fomcminift-ersand preachers who ftayed with me 
 for (ome time; particularly at the beginning oF this work Mr. Yonnsjj 
 preacher oFthe goFpel, who had been much at Cambuflang, and had 
 great experience and Fkill in dealing with the dillrefFed, was greatly 
 hfclpFul to me; but oF all others Mr. GillcFpie minifter at Carnock. 
 He came to me upon the Monday beFore the Lord's Fupper was given 
 • in the congregation, and Hayed ten days. Both oF us had as much 
 vrork among the diitrefTed as kept us continually employed From mor- 
 ning to night; and, without him, it would have been impoffible For 
 me to have managed the work oFthat week. Without fuch dealings 
 with them, humanly Fpeaking, many oF them muft have miFcarried, 
 or continued much longer under their Fpiritual diftreFs. It is very true, 
 God will deviFe means to bring home his baniihed, as I have Feen ; but, 
 where there are minifters, thele are the outward means: iF people in 
 diftrel's will not uFe them, they themFelvcs are to blame, and they can- 
 not expeft a defirableout-g5te; and, iFwe will not apply ourfelves di- 
 ligently to the care oFdiflrefTed Fouls willing to make uFe oFus, the 
 Lord will provide without us, that his own eleft may not miFcarry; 
 but wo will be to us: their blood, as well as thoFe who fnall miFcarry, 
 will be required at our hands. 
 
 I was not without temptations to flacken my hand; both my own 
 mind, and others who wifhed me well, Faid, Spare thyfelF. I was a- 
 ifraid my body would not ftand through ; and others told me, I ft^ould 
 take care oF my health; but when I conFidered my natural temper, 
 that it mud be employed Fome-how, and that I fpent near as much 
 time in reading, I thought I could FufFer no more by this application, 
 and had not Fo much to fear From it as from any other conftant Feden- 
 tary employment. But mod oFall I was influenced From the confide- 
 ration oFthe Lord's call to this Fervice; that my time, health, and life 
 were in his hand ; that I had dedicated all to his fervice and glory ; that 
 he had promiFed needFul ftrength ; that he would preFerve my health 
 and life Fo long as he had uFe For them, and that it would be highly un- 
 reaFonable Forme to deFirc it longer : I reFolved not to Fpare myFclF. It 
 became Foon the pleaFantcrt work ever I was engaged in. I Found the 
 diltrelFed profiting under the means oF grace by the Lord's bleffing, flrft 
 coming to hate fin, and mourn For it, out oF a regard to God, and then 
 prefTmg aFter an intereft in the Lord JeFus Chrifi. It diverted me to 
 fee young and old carrying their Bibles with them, and either reading 
 fome paffage that had been of ufe to them, or looking out and marking 
 fome paffage I recommended to them. The world appeared changed 
 to me; and (as I noticed to thtm) when I came to their dgjors to ca- 
 
374 S'uccefs of the Cofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 techife them, once or twice in the year, the leaft trifle hindered their 
 attendance; but now they were glad to come twice or thrice a-week, 
 and greedy to receive inftru(ftion : and what cold foul would not have 
 rejoiced at fuch a change, and welcomed them in the name of the Lord ? 
 Though I was wearied when I went to bed, yet, like the labouring 
 man, my refl was fweet to me. The Lord gave me the deep of his be- 
 loved, and I was ixeth by the morning. And now, after labouring fo 
 much for near thcfe four months, and preaching more than at any time 
 for a whole half-year, I mention it to the praife of my great Mailer's 
 goodnefs, my body is fatter in liefli than when I began, and my bodily 
 ails nowife increafed. The way of the Lord hath been my life and 
 ftrength. 
 
 I have kept a book, wherein, from day to day, I wrote down what- 
 ever was moft material in the exercife of the diflreffed. This may ap- 
 pear an unfupportable labour at firft view, cfpecially where the number 
 of the difticircd are fo many; 5'et I found it t^' be very eafy; itfaved 
 much time to me. An index I kept brought me foon to the part of the 
 book where the perfon's cafe was recorded. I had then a full view of 
 their cafe, as it was when they were firft with me : I faw what progrcfs 
 their conviftions had made, and knew where I was to begin with them, 
 without examining their cafe every time from the beginning a-new, as 
 I would have been obliged to do. It [alfo] gave a full view of their 
 whole cafe when it came to an iifue, and made me more able to judge 
 
 of it, 1 have laboured to be very cautious in pronouncing perfons 
 
 to be brought out of a ftate of nature into a ftate of grace : I have in 
 many cafes declared to perfons, that the grounds of eafe and reft they 
 took up with, were not folid, nor good ; which frequently had good ef- 
 feft. And as to others, that if their exercifes were fuch as they declared 
 them to be, that they were really the fcripture-qualifications and expe- 
 riences of the converted. 
 
 [See feveral Journals extracted from the book juft now mentioned 
 in his Narrative, and in the Glafgow Weekly Hiftory, giving an accounf 
 of the exercife of the fubjedls of this work, and of feveral edifying 
 fcriptures that made impreflion upon them. The following is an ex- 
 traft of one remarkable inftance.] 
 
 G. H. Was firft awakened. May i6th, of a blamelefs life, and an or- 
 dinary communicant for fome years paft ; her fpiritual diftrefs was con- 
 fiderably great. The keeping a Journal of the progrcfs of the work of 
 God upon her was omitted [for fome time.] — June 8th, She was with 
 me, and told me it was better with her than when fhe was with me the 
 4th current. She faid fhe was fomewhat comforted by the inftruftions 
 the Lord direfted me to give her that day ; and began to be chearful that 
 night. Upon the Saturday ftie was filled with doubts and fears, left fhe was 
 building upon a falfe foundation, and was fo uneafy at night that fhe 
 could not fleep. Upon the Lord's-day her fpiritual diftrefs increafed 
 to a great height. In her way home, fhe was greatly afraid left death 
 ftiould feize her before (he got into Chrift. She fat down by the way, 
 and compofed herfelf to fpiritual meditation ; the following fcripture 
 came into her mind with great pow^, " Be ftilJ, and know that I am 
 
Chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. -17^ 
 
 God ; " the effeft of which was, that it compofed her to wait with pa- 
 tience until the Lord's time ihould come to relieve her, and that Ihe 
 was firee from diiheding doubts and fears, that difturbed her, and was 
 
 compofed in prayer. Upon the Monday, while ftie was employed 
 
 in her worldly arfairs, fhe thought that Ihe could have been content to 
 be conftantly employed in prailing God. All that while that word was 
 
 Itrorjgly inforced upon her, " Be ftill, and know that I am God." 
 
 In the evening, while (be was late at her wheel, the following fcrip- 
 tures were imprelfed upon her, "Fear not, for I am with thee; be 
 not difmayed, for I am thy God. When thou paffeft through the wa- 
 ters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they fliall not over- 
 flow thee: when thou walkeft through the fire thou flialt not be burnt; 
 neither Ihall the flame kindle upon thee. I will deliver thee in fix 
 troubles; yea, in fevcn there fhall no evil touch thee." She found her 
 heart begin to rife fo with wonder at the mercy* of God, that fhe was 
 ready to cry out in his loud praifes. She rofe and ran to her chamber, 
 and broke out in the praife of God. She was fo much filled with 
 love to Chrifi:, and views of the greatnefs of his love to her, that fhe 
 was overwhelmed with them. It was faid to her, *' Daughter, be of 
 good chear, for thy fins are forgiven thee;" which filled her fowith 
 joy, that Ihe could not contain it: flie cried out, " Unto him that 
 loved us, and walhed us from our fins in his own blood, and hath 
 made us kings and priefis unto God, and his Father; to him be glory 
 and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." She fays, (he thoiight fiie 
 could not cry loud enough to exprefs his praifes, thinking that all that, 
 was within her was too little to do it, and that (he was fo overwhelm* 
 ed, that her heart was like to come out; yet felt no pain, but much 
 fweetnefs. She cried out, " Come all ye that fear the Lord, and I will 
 tell you what he hath done for my foul;" and faid, " That if all they 
 whoever were, or fiiall be, were prefent, (he would think it too little 
 to tell it to them ; and if they who oppofcd this work of the Spirit of 
 God were prefent, fhe would tell it to his praife, if they (hould kill her.'* 
 She faid, " That (he was compofed in a while after: but could not be 
 fatisfied, is not fatisfied, nor ever will be fa tisfied with uttering his praifes." 
 
 She faid further, that fhe would lay her mouth in the duft, and be 
 
 deeply humbled before the Lord fo long as fhe lives, and that fhe thinks 
 Ihe could ly down with Mary at Chrift's feet, and waflt them with her 
 tears, and wipe them with the hairs of her head. She faid, Chrifi fays, 
 ** I love them that love me, and they that feek me early fhall find me." 
 But alas ! cried fhe, I have been too long a feeking him, I thought I had 
 been feeking him before ; but it was not a right feeking him : fo long as 
 
 I regarded fin in my heart, the Lord did not hear me. She faid, that 
 
 this morning fhefung the forty-fixth Pfalm beginning at the tenth verfe, 
 and when fhe carhe away, fhe thought it was faid to her, " "Why weep- 
 eft thou ? whom feekeft thou ?" (it is to be obferved that flie continued 
 to fhed tears abundantly.) She faid further, worldly thoughts are away 
 from me now, and oh, if they would never return again ! ten thoufand 
 worlds could never give me the love and joy Chrift filled me with yef^er- 
 night, and are not fo much as to be coid pared with them. In the ftrongi 
 
376 Succefs of the Gofpc tin Scotland Book I V. 
 
 elt manner ftie exprcired her hatred at fin, and refolutions again fr it irt 
 Chrid's Ibength. And when I put fcveral queltions to'her, which l>.e 
 latisfyingly anfwered ; Ihe laid, Sir, though yon put queftions to me as 
 was done to Peter, Chrilt knows my hearc, and he who knows all things 
 knoweth that I love him. She faid, Hie refolved to Jhew her love to 
 Chrilk by keeping his commandments, and that ftie was fenfible her du- 
 ties are worthlefs, and can never deferve any thing : but that Ihe had ta- 
 ken GhrilVs rightcournefs to be her righteoufnefs in the light of God. 
 S;ie broke out in I'urprifing words of loveand afFurance, fuchas, " He 
 is my fure portion, whom 1 have chofen for ever." O what hath he 
 done for me, when I had ruined myfelf by fin original and aftual! 
 Tiiough both my parents have left me, yet the Lord hath taken me up. 
 She faid with great emotion, that Ihe defircd to have all the world 
 
 brought to Ghrill, and for to feel what rt:e felt and doth feel. June 
 
 loth, She told me this day, that fhe is (till under doubts and fears, left 
 (he is too much encouraged, but the following fcripture gives her re- 
 lief, " Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe alfo 
 in me." And that yefterday when Ihe heard the judgment to come 
 preached upon; (he was not afraid of the threatenings; for (ht faw 
 f.xurity in Ghrift for her; and that rtie would not be afraid if ihe faw 
 him coming in the clouds: but that it would be a blyth fight to her, 
 for he was her friend. And that fuch fcriptures as thefecame into her 
 mind: *' Be not afraid, for I am thy God ;" and, " Why art thou 
 difquieted O my foul, why art thou caft down within me? hope fiill 
 in God ; for I ihali yet praife him, who is the health of my countenance, 
 and my God." She faid, that ihe fang the ninety-eighth Pfalm with the 
 congregation that day, with fuch joy and comfort, as flie never could 
 before; and that ihe might fay, as in the fourth Pfalm, that Ihe had 
 more joy than corn and wine could give her. 
 
 [ From Mr. Robe's Narr.itivc, page 69. ] 
 
 [As to the vifible reform?5tion among the people ofKilfyth, fince 
 this work began, the following paper will tetlify.] 
 
 R. S. In compliance with your defire to know what remarkable re- 
 formation and change we obferve and fee upon the outward behaviour, 
 lives, and converfations of the. people of this pariih; we obferve, that 
 whereas the profaning of the holy Sabbath by idle difcourfe, walk- 
 ing abroad in companies, and fitting about doors, were the ordinary 
 practice o^ numbers in and about the town ofKilfyth; we now fee 
 not only this abandoned, but infiead thereof the private and fecret 
 duties of prayer practifcd, and fpiritual and religious converfation pre- 
 vailing upon all occafions, efpecially in coming and going to and from 
 the public ordinances: and further, that the ordinary and habitual 
 practice of curfing, fwcaring, drinking to excefs, Healing, cheating, 
 and defrauding, and all grofs immoralities, are generally refrained j 
 and feverals, that were ordinarily guHty of fuch crimes, now detell and 
 abhor the fame. Alfo malice, envy, hatred, ftrife, contention and re- 
 Tcnge, are fo much decreafed, that we have had few or no infianees 
 thereof this Summer; but, on the contrary, love, peace, forgiving of 
 
chap. 6. in t^e eighteenth Century. 377 
 injuries, and a charitable Chriftian temper and difpofition of mind now 
 prevail among fcverals of thofc who have been mod frequently over- 
 come by thofe unruly padions. There are alfo numbers of people 
 
 who have cither wholly or ordinarily negleftcd family-worlhip, that 
 now ordinarily pra<flife it, and have more than ordinary concern for 
 
 the glory of God, and the good of their own fouls. There are not 
 
 only a good many focieties for prayer, both of young ones, and alfo of 
 thofe of riper years, fet up of late; but alfo feverals uHng endeavours, 
 and dehrous to be admitted, whom formerly no arguments could pre- 
 vail with to join in fuch religious and necellary duties; and many are 
 obferved now frequently retiring to private places for fecrct prayer up- 
 on the Sabbath-days, in the interval of public worlhip. The ob- 
 
 fcene, idle, wicked convcrfation of our fervants and daily labourers are 
 now much abandoned and forfakcn ; ferious edifying religious Chrif- 
 tian difcourfc much praftifed, which ufed to be much negle<^ed, efpe- 
 cially now in Harvcft-timc. Written by Mr. John Buchanan feffion- 
 clerk, and fubfcribed by the following elders, at Kilfyth, the 5th day of 
 September, 1742. And likewife the feveral heritors here prefent d© 
 atteft the truth of the fame. 
 
 Robert Graham of Thomrawcr. John Forrefler elder. 
 John Graham of Auchinloch. John Achie elder. 
 
 Alexander Marfliall of Ruchill. William Adam elder. > 
 
 William Patrick of Oldhall. Mark Scot. 
 
 Walter Kirkwood. James Ranken. 
 
 John Buchanan Clerk. James Miller. 
 
 Alexander Patrick elder. John Sword. 
 
 James Rennie elder. Andrew Provan. 
 
 James Zoull. Sept. 7. John Lapflie elder. 
 
 Henry Ewar elder. 
 
 Kilfyth, September 8th, 1742.— I Alexander Forrefler, bailie-depute 
 of Kilfyth, do hereby certify, That fo much of the fpirit of mildnefs 
 and friendfhip prevails amongft the people in this place, that there have 
 been no pleas before our court for thefe feveral months part ; whereas 
 formerly a great many were brought before me every week. 
 
 Alexr. Forrester. 
 
 [There are alfo particular atteftations to this, work, exprefling a 
 good opinion of it, by the following minifters, who were wirnefTes to 
 it for a longer orafhorter time,viz. Mr. Spears at Linlithgow, Mr. Ogilvy 
 at Aberdeen, Mr. Young a preacher, Mr. Blair at Brechin, Mr. M'Lau- 
 rin at Glafgow. See the Narrative, page 112, &c. — I conclude with the 
 following extraft of a letter to Mr. Robe from a country man. Narra- 
 tive, page 152.] 
 
 February 4th, 1743. Indeed the going to Kilfyth and Cambuflang 
 
 has made me to be hated by fome that formerly loved me: but I defire 
 to blefs the Lord that led me by his Spirit : 1 many a time think that 
 fuch days of power have not been feen under the gofpel, fince the a- 
 poftles firfl preaching the glorious gofpel. O Lord never let my foul 
 forget what I did fee at Kilfyth andCambuflangof thy glorious powier. 
 On Saturday's night before the facrament, after the fermon was over, 
 VOL. n. B b b 
 
378 Siiccefs of the Co/pel in Scotland Book VI. 
 
 1 went to thebraehead Eaftward, and looked around : the candles were 
 burning in every place ; that blclFed echo of prayers, and fweetfinging 
 of fongs made me almofl faint for joy, and lament over my dead heart 
 that was fo lifelefs; and put mc in mind of the fweet fongs that are 
 fung in Heaven at God's right hand. [On Sabbath at his table] the 
 Lorddidmanifefthimfelf tome, ashc does not to the world : I never did 
 think to fee fo much of Heaven as I was eye and ear witnefs to that 
 night, on this lide of time. " O Lord our God how excellent is thy 
 name in all the earth! who halt fet thy glory above the Heavens: out 
 of the mouths of babes and fucklings hall thou ordained Ihength: be- 
 caufe of thine enemies that thou mighteft ftill the enemy, and avenger. 
 The Lord is gracious, and full of compaflion, his tender mercies are 
 over all his works. All thy works fliall praife thee O Lord, and thy 
 faints fiiall blefs thee : they ftiall fpeak of thy glory and thy kingdom, 
 and talk of thy power; to make known to the fons of men his n^ighty 
 afts, and the glorious majefty of his kingdom. What tongue c&n fpeak 
 of thy power and thy glory ?" V/e will but darken the light of thy 
 power when we fpeak of it. O Lord let that clnud that has appeared in 
 the Weft of Scotland fpread EalT:, Well, South and North, that thy 
 glory may fill the whole earth; as the waters cover the feas. O Lord 
 let thy heavenly dew come down upon our fouls, that we may grow, as 
 
 the willows by the water courfes. O Lord, let not our fins 
 
 provoke thee to reftrain the down-pouring of thy Spirit on thefe finful 
 lands. O Lord, for thy name's fake, pafs not by this poor parilh ; and, 
 
 Lord, may thefe that thou had brought in to thyfelf, in a remarkable 
 way evidence thcmfelves to be thy children by their good works, they 
 being the fruits of true faith, and love : help them to forgive their ene- 
 mies, and to pray, that their fins may be forgiven them. They have 
 been praying for the dny of the Lord : and nov/, becaufe it has not 
 come in the v/ay that they looked for, they are grieved, and wifh it a- 
 way again ; it is darknefs and not light to them. O dear Sir, exhort 
 them to beware of carnal fecurity, and the pride of humility, for I have 
 found them to be two great fins, &c. 
 
 Section IIL 
 
 Other Places in Scotland that felt lefs or more of a Revival about this 
 
 Time. ■^•igy Rofckeen, Nairn, Rofemarkyt Crief Monyvard, 
 
 Jnchterardcr, Edinburgh,Clafgow, Irvine, Coldinghame. • 
 
 Killimuir Rajier, Logic, Alntfs, Kilearny Cromerty^ Kirkmichaelf 
 Avoh, Goljpy, and Rogart. 
 
 [ From RoEF.'s Monthly Hiftory for 1743, N° ij. page $-4, &c. ] 
 By a letter from Mr. Hally, minifter at Muthil, dated November 28th, 
 
 1 have the following information : " I had lately occafion to fee a let- 
 ter from a minifter in the fynod of Rofs, bearing fome very agreeable 
 accounts of the fuccefs of the gofpel in thefe parts, particularly in 
 the parifli of Nig, where, lafl Summer, eighteen new communicants 
 were admitted. I am informed, that it is much the cuftora through thatj 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 2 70 
 
 fynod, to admit none to the Lord's table, till they be in a condition to 
 give fomc fatisfying account of their experiences in religion. As alfo 
 in the pariihes of Rofekeen, Nairn, andKofemarky, God is giving fome 
 teftimony to the word of his grace, though not accoaipanied with fnch 
 obfervable awakenings as have been obferved in other corners of the 
 
 land " By the forefaid letter, he gives the prefent flate of religion 
 
 at Muthil, and other pariihes in its neip,hbourhood, as foUoweth, 
 
 " Though the public awakenings are much ceafed with us, which I ne- 
 ver expefted would long continue, I hope thefe wrought upon in this 
 congregation are pcrfevering, and bringing forth agreeable fruits. Our 
 praying focieties are in a flourilhing condition : and it is very agreeable 
 to fee the young lambs gathering together again, after they were a little 
 fcattered in the Summer by the herdings. Some of them keep their 
 meetings twice every week. The hungry-like attention to the word 
 
 preached ftill continues in the congregation. Though fome of them 
 
 have three, fome four, and others five miles to travel home through a 
 dark muir ; yet few go away from the evening exercifes. I hope there 
 are fome promifmg appearances in fome neighbouring pariflies. . In 
 Crief there are eight praying meetings; in Monyvard four; and in 
 Auchterarder fix. None were in any of thefe pariihes till of late. 
 Glory to our gracious God, who, in many places, is feeing our ways, 
 and healing them." 
 
 Upon the 23d of 0£lober lafl:, the Lord's fupper was given at Edin- 
 burgh, Glafgow, and Irvine. The evidences of the revival of reli- 
 gion in and about thefe three cities, from appearances at this folemn 
 time, are fuch as thefe : 
 
 Edinburgh, October 23d. The number of the communicants, in 
 the feveral churches of this great city, are within thefe two years much 
 
 increafed. And tho' feveral ufual communicants have gone away 
 
 with the fecefiion, yet the number of the communicants are fo far from 
 being lefiened, that they are confiderably increafed, beyond what they 
 ■were before the feceffion. Week-days fermons are much better at- 
 tended than they have been fdr many years part. While I was in 
 
 town, about thattime, I vifited feveral of the focieties for prayer, con- 
 fift:ing of young people, with whom I was pleafed. They appear to 
 third firongly after inftruftion, and to be pliable and teachable to a 
 great degree ; they no doubt need much theoverfight and frequent di- 
 reftion of their fpirituai guides, and elder Ghriftians. And I am per- 
 fuaded, that by the Lord's bleffing upon fuch overfight and diredlion, 
 which doubtlefs will not be wanting, many of them ihall be a feed to 
 
 do fervice to the Lord, and ftiallbe reckoned to him a generation. • 
 
 By all that I could fee or hear, I am of opinion, that the fuccefs of 
 the gofpel, by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Edinburgh, upon 
 many of the young, and of the inferior fort, hath been extraordinary, 
 when compared with a former dead time, of not a few years. Bleffed 
 be the Lord, there are alfo not a few of a fuperiour rank, who can wit- 
 nefs the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, in his faving operations. 
 
 At Glafgow, in Oftober lart, the increafeof the number of tables, 
 when the Lord's fupper was given there, is computed by perfons fit 
 
 Bbb 2 
 
■^So Succefs of the Go/pel iit Scotland Book I V. ' 
 
 to give a jufV account of that matter, to amount to about eighteen 
 tables, beyond what was ufual for a courfe of years before the late 
 revival: and it is computed, that almofl in all the churches there, 
 
 three tables may contain Jfbout, or near 200 communicants. This 
 
 increafe is indeed fuppofed to be owing, in fomc meafure, to numbers 
 from the adjacent country, and fo to be a confirmation of the revival 
 there; but alfo owing, in a good meafure, to a more than ordinary ad- 
 dition, of late years, to the numbersof new communicants in the town 
 itfelf. — As hath already been obferved, as to Edinburgh, feveraloldcom^ 
 municants having, of late years, gone oflto the feceflion, the number 
 of thccommunicants now behoved to be lefs than in former times, were it 
 not for an extraordinary increafe another way. — There was a more than 
 ordinary concern to be obferved upon many, both in hearing the word 
 and receiving the facrament ; and fevcral are faid to have felt eifefts of 
 more than an ordinary prefence of the Lord's grace and Spirit '. 
 
 As to Irvinej by a letter from a worthy minifter, who alTiftedat the 
 giving the Lord's fuppcr there, at the time mentioned, the number of 
 communicants was much the fame, as when it was lail given, but a- 
 bout two or three hundred more than in former times, which is recko- 
 ned betwixt a fourth and a fifth part increafed beyond former years. 
 
 Fiomthcparidiof Coldinghamein the Merfe, near Berwick, a worthy 
 correfpondent writes me in a letter I received this month of December, 
 that there are ihele promiling evidences of the out-pouring of the Holy 
 Spirit there, beyond what hath been for feveral years part, viz. a more 
 
 diligent attendance upon ordinances, a more earneft thirfting after 
 
 them, a more general waim imprelTion of religion, and a greater 
 
 love to religious difcourfe. Societies for prayer not only increafing 
 
 in numbers, but the members of fome of thefe focieties fo increafing, 
 as the meeting, of which my correfpondent is a member, expeft, in a 
 fiiort time, to divide themfelves into two fufficient onesj and, what is 
 moll of all to be regarded, the members of thefe focieties grow in light 
 
 and life: So that fome of the elder Chriftians fay, that they never 
 
 had fach comfort and fatisfaclion as they have now. Their worthy 
 
 minifter, Mr.Brydon, is earnefily diligent in improving this beginning. 
 
 The Lord of the Harvefl affifl and profper him. 1 have letters 
 
 from other perfons confirming what is above, 
 
 [ From the Account of the Revivnl in Nig, cjatcd Feb. 1744. — Robe's Monthly Hiflory 
 for 1744, NO4. page 4 5-,<Scc. ] 
 
 The following account of the revival in the pariHi of Nig in Eaft 
 Rofs, and lying w ithin a mile of the town of Cromarty, is given by Mr» 
 
 a Farther information as to Edinburgh 
 and Glafgow, and places near them, may 
 be had in the following paflagcs of Prince's 
 Chriftian Hiftory. 
 
 Mr.Muir, N° 34, is- Mr. John Erf- 
 
 kine's letter to a gentleman in N. England, 
 Sept. loth, 1743, N° 77. 
 
 As to Glafgow, &c. Mr. M'Culloch's let- 
 
 As to Edinburgh, &c. Mr. Willifon's let- j ter to Mr. Whitefieid, N° 3J. Mr. Ha 
 
 tcr to Dr. Colman, Feb. s8th, 1743, N ° 1 1 
 — Concernin:^ the religious focieties in E- 
 dinburgh. Mr. George Muir's letter to Mr. 
 Aiikcn, Aug. 8th, 1743, and Mi . Bowrc's to 
 
 ton's to Mr. Prince, Sept. 17th, I742« 
 N ° 10. — Mr. M'Laurin's to Mr. Cooper, 
 Aug. pth, 1743, N9 77. 
 
Chap. 6. itt the eighteenth Century. 381' 
 
 Balfour minifter of faid pariih, at the delire of Mr. Sutherland miniftcr 
 atGolfpy, and tranfmitted to me by him. 
 
 The revival of religion in the pariih of Nig in Eafl Rofs, has been u- 
 ponthe advance fiuce the year 1730, though for moftpart in a gradual 
 flow way, and with leveral Hops and intermifTions at times. As to new 
 awakenings, the molt conliderable concern appeared in 1739; then fe- 
 veral perlbns awakened (and who had never done it before) applied to 
 the minifter about their fpiritual interefl, each day in the week, for one 
 
 ■week, Saturday not excepted. The awakening which has been here 
 
 from time to time (and which continues (till in fome defireable meafure, 
 by which is meant the accelfion of fuch as did not before profels, or at 
 leaf!, did not declare a religious concern) has not been in- that extraor- 
 dinary way, for the number of perfons awakened at a time, nor attend- 
 ed at all with fuch unufual bodily fymptoms, as were in fundry inflan- 
 ces the effefl of awakenings in fome other parts, and mort unrcaionably 
 excepted to on fuch account merely, where the blelfed work proceeded 
 under a more plentiful eifufion of the Spirit of grace, and where a more 
 glorious difpiay of the power and demonftration thereof attended the 
 means of falvation. But in other refpedls the work of grace upon con- 
 vinced fouls here, appears to be in its rife, progrefs and ilfue, in the 
 fame fcriptural way, and the fame in kind and fubllance, as in thefeo- 
 ther parts, from which Narratives have come to hand. Very few, not 
 one in forty, who have been awakened, have fallen oif from a religious 
 profeflion or given open fcandal to it. The general meeting for prayer 
 and fpiritual conference, which fome time confifled only of the mem- 
 bers of feffion, and a few others, became at length fo numerous, that a- 
 bout three years ago, it was neceflary to divide it into two, each of 
 which is fince coniiderabiy increafed. Befides thefe general meetings, 
 ■which conveen in two places of the parifh at a proper dillance, each e- 
 very third Monday refpeftively, and in which the miniller always pre- 
 lides, there are ten focieties which meet in feveral places of the parifli 
 every Saturday for prayer and other religious exercifes. Care is taken 
 that in each of thefe focieties, one or more of the elders, or fome Chrif- 
 tians of diflinguiihed experience, be always pxtfent ; and nothing as yet 
 appears about them, but what has a tendency to promote the mofl: valu- 
 able ends and interefts of religion. Befides thofc who have applied for 
 accefs to the meetings, and who are not admitted till after giving fome 
 account of their concern to the miniller, as alfo to fome of the elders, 
 and other Chriftians in their neighbourhood, the body of thepariflnjon- 
 crs feem generally to be under ferious imprelTions of religion. Worfhip 
 is kept up in all the families of the parifli, except three or four. The 
 Lord's-day is very folemnly obferved. After the public worfhip is over, 
 there are meetings in all parts, where neighbouring families join ia 
 prayer, reading, and repetitions of fermons, and yet care is taken, that 
 fuch meetings and exercifes do not interfere with, nor hinder the more 
 private exercifes of religion in each family apart. Ordinances are very 
 punctually attended on Lord's-days ; and diets of catecbifing, in what- 
 ever part of the parifh they are kept on week-days, are much crowded 
 Ijy people from other parts. The civil raagiftrate has had no crimes here 
 
382 Succefi of the Gofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 to animadvert upon for many years; and the kirk feflion has very little 
 clfe to do, but to inform, and confult about the religious concerns of 
 the paiifh,and to concert how thefe may be looked after and managed 
 to greatell; advantage. And it is fpecially to be remarked, that the people 
 are very diligent and induftrious in their fecular callings, and more for- 
 ward in the bulincfs of their hulbandry, than their neighbours in other 
 parts of the country. 
 
 There is the like appearance of fuccefs to the gofpel in other parlfhes 
 in this country, particularly the pariflies of Rofekeen and Killimuir Eaft- 
 cr, of which the minifters of thefe parities may give information, as they 
 are known to have the advancement of the great intereft [of the gofpel] 
 much at heart. — The people here were much refreflied with the feveral ac- 
 counts they have had of the glorious work of God elfewhcre, and par- 
 ticularly in thefe parts of our native country, where the fame appears 
 with fuch blefled and fhining evidences of the divine power and prefence 
 with minifters and people. They affeftionately remember both, in pray- 
 er and conference ; and are much afflicted on account of the reproaches 
 caft upon this blefled work, and the contradidlion and oppofition given 
 
 it, by thofe of whom this would be leaf! expefted. As notes have not 
 
 been taken in writing of paft occurrences and cafes, it is judged the fafer 
 way to give this general account of matters only at this time; though 
 it is not doubted if particular cafes and inftances were recollefbed, with 
 their fpecial circumftances, a Narrative of them would be entertaining 
 and edifying to all that have a reliil\ and value for fuch fubjefts. 
 
 t From Mr. Balfour's Letter, dated Nig June 20th, 1744. — Robe's Monthly Hiftory for 
 1744, NO 6. page 39, &c. ] 
 
 R. D. B. Since February laft, that I fent you a flate of the revival of 
 religion in this parifli, the work of awakening has proceeded upon new 
 fubjefts more currently than in any former period, and ftill continues, 
 to the praife of free grace ; with feverals it appears to be more diftinft 
 and lively than formerly. / 
 
 The far greater number that profefs religion in this parifh are illite- 
 rate, and underftand only the Irifla language. All that I (hall fay of the 
 language is, that it is no difadvantage to their edification and inftruftion 
 in religion. I never converfed with more intelligent, favory, and di- 
 flinftly exercifcd private Chriflians, than fome illiterate men in this 
 country, or that challenged, and got more refpeft on a religious ac- 
 count from all forts of perfons of their acquaintance. It is furprifing 
 to obferve with what induftry many, efpccially of the younger fort, 
 endeavoured to acquire reading. Some read the Pfalms in Irifh metre, 
 and teach others in the fame way, without knowing or attending to 
 the power of letters, or the ufe offyllabication, by confidering words as 
 complex characters, which are to be always pronounced in the fame 
 way. Some of the elder fort likewife recover their reading, which they 
 had been taught young, but neglefled and had forgot afterwards. But 
 as the generality are ftill illiterate, that difadvantage is much made up 
 to them, by the hearing of others read the fcriptures and other good 
 books, which they tranflate currently as they read, and without any 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. ^g- 
 
 flop. Such a readinefs has been acquired this way, that it is become 
 very prafticable to thofe that underftand both languages. This way of 
 reading is one of the excrcifes performed in the feveral weekly meet- 
 ings for prayer, as alfo in many families. By thefe means the know- 
 ledge of the fcriptures, and praiTtical religion is greatly increafed. It is 
 really afloniihing to me to obferve what a copious and pertinent ufe 
 of the fcriptures many illiterate perfons have acquired, and with what 
 a readinefs and fluency they pray in fcripture language. I love not to 
 make comparifons, nor at all to exaggerate things, but I mufl: be al- 
 lowed to declare ingenuoufly, they oft £11 me with a confcious blufb, 
 when I am among them, and hear them praying, as well as fpeaking to 
 religious cafes. Thus in the moft literal fenfe, " Faith comes by hear- 
 ing." Surgunt indent, et Coelum rapiivit. The men of letters difpute 
 Heaven, thefe live it. O what a fweet fignificancy is there iti our Lord's 
 words, " to the poor the gofpel is preached," irixv^; Ivxyy.xlroMT^i. The 
 poor are evangelized. There muft be fomething elfe intended than the 
 external adminiftration, for that was offered then, and ftill is, to all as 
 well as to the poor. I cannot conceive of what is peculiar in it, but 
 what the apoftle mentions, Rom. vi. 17. and theaccompliihment of one 
 of the great Old Teftament promifes under the evangelical difpenfati- 
 on, Ifa. Ivii. 13. accommodated by our Lord, John vi. 45. I beg the 
 help of your prayers ftill, and that you kindly remember me to the 
 worthy brethren in your bounds, particularly Meffrs. M'Laurin and 
 Corfc. I am with moft: affcftionate regard, &c. John Balfour. 
 
 P. S. The fubfequent account of the flate of religion in the parifti 
 of Rofekeen, which lies within (ix miles of the town of Tain, was late- 
 ly tranfmitted to me by the minifler of that parilh, and is tranfcribed 
 verbatim. The worthy man in his letter to me, defires fuch corrcftions 
 may be made in the flile, as may be needful, to fit it for public view, in 
 cafe you think proper to publifli it. This I leave to you to do therein 
 as you (hall fee occafion. 
 
 [ State of Religion in the Parifh of Rofekeen. Robe's Monthly Hiftoxy for 1744, 
 
 K ° vi. page 4y, &c. ] 
 
 Mr. Daniel Beton, minifter of the gofpel at Rofekeen was tranf- 
 ported to that populous paridi 17 17, and is the firft Prefbyterian mi- 
 nifter there fince the rcfloration. The Lord bleffed the miniflry of his 
 word there at the beginning, fo far, that he was encouraged to cele- 
 brate the facrament of the Lord's fupper in the year 1721, though he 
 had then but fix or feven of his own pariihioners that were admitted, 
 as far as he can remember. There was a pleafant appearance of good in 
 his parifli, for nine or ten years thereafter: the number of ferious 
 perfons encreafing, love and holinefs maintained among them. Such of 
 thefe as are yet in time (as moft of them are) feem to be growing in 
 grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jefus Chrift. But from the 
 year 1732, to the year 1742, things were much at a (land, compara- 
 tively; tho' during that fpace, one and one was engaged to the Lord, and 
 a teftimony left in the confcience of fome, which appeared thereafter, 
 and the Lord's hand held to them whom he had prevailed with more 
 
384 Succefs of the Cofpelin Scotland Book IV. 
 
 early. But from the Harvert: 1742, to Martinmafs 1743, or thereby 
 (which he reckons the rriofl: remarkable period of his miniftry in that 
 place) there came a furprifing revival and ftir among the people of 
 this pariih ; about the number of fix and thirty men and women fell 
 imdcr a concern about their falvation, during that period; were fome 
 weeks thereafter received into the monthly fellowlhip meeting in the 
 parifh; feverals of them were admitted fince that time to the Lord's 
 table, and others of them are to be admitted, if the Lord (ball fpare 
 them and tht ir minifler, who is much broken in his conftitution by fharp 
 
 affliflions of ditf(?rent kinds. This work began moft fenfibly about 
 
 the end of Oftobcr 1742. He found, by converfing with thefe per- 
 fons, that the fubjefts the Lord bleft moft for their awakening, draw- 
 ing, and encouraging them (together with clofe catcchifing through his 
 pariih) were Hofea xiii. 13. ** He is an unwife fon, for he lliould not ftay 
 long in the place of the breaking forth of children." And, Gal. iv. 19. 
 " My little children of whom I travail in birth again, till Ghrift be form- 
 ed in you." And John iii. 3. " Except a man be born again," &c. 
 But efpecially the firfl: of thefe fubjefts was the principal mean of the 
 firft; ftir. In the general, fome of them were plunged in the deeps of 
 fear and defpondency, and are Aifl for moll part : others have attained 
 to more courage in a way of believing; and all of them as yet walk 
 fuitably to their profeilion. And it is hoped, the Lord has not ceafed 
 to add to the number of thefe: for this feafon fome few are coming to 
 the minifter in a private way, to communicate the affli<n:ed cafe of their 
 fouls by reafon of their fin and mifery ; and honeft people in the parifli 
 tell him, that others are upon the way of coming. The Lord knows 
 what may come of thefe things, but we hope for the beft. 
 
 Some children, boys and girls, in the eafter endof theparifh, about 
 twelve in number, betwixt nine and fifteen years of age, began Win- 
 ter laft to meet in a private houfe, (the landlady being a godly poor 
 widow) every Lord's-day evening, and Monday's night, where they 
 exercife themfelves in prayer by turns, finging, and conferring about 
 what they hear in public. They keep firifl difcipline among themfelves, 
 and admit none into their fociety, but fuch as undertake to pray with 
 them. At firft fome of the ferious people of the place, hearing of it, 
 came to over-hear them without their knowledge, who were greatly 
 furprifed and affe^led with their mafly, found expreflions, and the fa- 
 vour they found with them in prayer. And now one or other of the 
 ferious people join often with them. They watch clofe over the beha- 
 viour of each other. They are conftant hearers of the word, and exa- 
 mine one another about it. Their outward deportment is grave and 
 quiet, without any childifh levity yet difcovered about them. They are 
 illiterate, but fond of learning. 
 
 ( From Mr. Wood's Letter of the State of Religion in the Parifh of Rofetnarky, May ift, 
 1744. Robe's Monthly Hiftory for 1744, N ° 6. p. 47, &c.] 
 
 R. and D. S. It is indeed but a day of very fmall things with us, in com- 
 parifon with the goings and ftcps of the majefty of our God and King 
 in his fanftuary with you, and elfewhere; but ill would it become us 
 
chap. 6, in the eighteenth Century. ^85 
 
 to defpife even that, or even conceal or dilbwn it ; though I know a 
 more public mentioning of it requires much prudence and caution, 
 
 much of a ilngle eye and upright heart. The lealt gracious revival 
 
 is the more remarkable to me, as I had been groaning under the bur- 
 den of labouring in vain, as to any confiderable appearance of fuccefs 
 
 for feveral years before. Of the few profcffors of ferious rcligioa 
 
 in the place, the moft lively and judicious were removed by death. 
 
 In fuch melancholy circumftances, it muft be peculiarly refreftiing, that 
 the Lord of his own mere goodnefs fhould in any meafure have vHitcd 
 us. His coming was not indeed with obfervation ; being attended with 
 none of thefe more extraordinary circumftaaces, as in fome other pla- 
 ces, but in a gentle gradual way. Since the communion here in 
 
 July lafl, the bulk of the congregation feem to have a defire aftei" in- 
 flrudlion, and the knowledge of the gofpel, much greater than former- 
 ly. And this holds with refpeft to the more private as well as more 
 public ordinances; for, in the courfe of my examinations laft Winter 
 and Spring, I never had fo little reafon to complain of abfents, being 
 crouded where-ever I went, by perfons from other corners of the pa- 
 
 rifh, befides thofe who were then to be catechifcd. There arc now a- 
 
 bout thirty perfons of different ages and fexes, who iince that time, 
 have come to me under conviftions and awakenings of confcience, 
 through the word. Upon converfing with them, I found feverals had 
 been under fome gradual WDrk of this fort for a good time before, (fome 
 two years) though they never difcovered it till now. — There are now 
 four praying focieties in different corners of the parifh, (fome whereof 
 meet weekly, fome once in the two weeks) befides a general meeting 
 with myfelf once a month. I am informed by fome of the ferious 
 people, of feveral others in their refpedlive neighbourhoods, to the 
 number of fourteen or Ijxteen, who feem to have fome promifing ap- 
 pearances of a fpiritual concern beginning in them, but they have not 
 yet been to fpeak with me; and indeed I have found none of them for- 
 ward to difcover any thing of this kind, as long as they were able to 
 conceal it. — ; — I would fain hope, what of this kind we have met with, 
 are only fome drops and forerunners of a plentiful fhower, wherewith 
 the Lord of his fovereign goodnefs, which he lias prepared for the poor, 
 will refefh this corner of his weary heritage, as he has done other cor- 
 ners. 1 am the more earnell in this longing expedtation, when I ob- 
 
 ferve the ftedfaft eyes, the piercing looks, the feemingly ferious and 
 greedy delires of many in the congregation at times in hearing the 
 word, who as yet have difcovered their concern of foul in no other way. 
 And indeed one principal view I have in this, is to engage your intereft 
 at a throne of grace, and that of fuch of the friends and children of 
 Zion, as you think proper to communicate it to; that you and they 
 would ftrive mightily in prayer for us, and give the great Lord of the 
 vineyard no reft, till he look down upon this poor defolate country- 
 fide, and this parifh in particular, that is under fome peculiar difadvan- 
 tages,and turn our wildernefs into a fruitful field.— I fee mention made 
 in the fame number of your Hiftory, of fome other parilhcs in this fy- 
 nod, as Nig, &c. I doubt not you'll have more diflin^l information 
 VOL. n. Ccc 
 
^86 Succefs of the Go/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 Tent you, of \Vhat of the Redeemer's grace and power is appearing 
 there, and at Rofekeen and Killimuir. I have heard likewife comfort- 
 able accounts in the fame kind of the parifh of Logic (whofe worthy 
 minifter is lately called home). All thefe are in the prelbytery of Tairr. 
 I have aifo had very agreeable accounts of the fucciefs 6f the gofpel in 
 the parilhes of Alncfs and Kilearn in the prefbytery of Dingwal. In 
 this prefbytery of Chanry, there is at Cromerty a good number of Tive- 
 ly, folid, and judicious Chriftians gathered in, by the miniftry of their 
 godly and judicious, and now aged paftor, Mr. George Gordon, and 
 their number has confiderably encreafed of late. The work of the gof- 
 pel is likewife advancing in Kirkmichael, where I am informed there 
 were fifteen new communicants admitted at the lall communion there. 
 
 1 hear likewife of fome promifing llir beginning in the parilh of 
 
 Avoh. R. and D. S. &c. John Wood. 
 
 t From Mr. Balfour's Letter, dated January apth, I74f. — Robe's Monthly Hiflory for 
 174?, N° 2. page 30. ] 
 
 R. and D. B. *' I have further to add, to the praife of Sovereign 
 Grace, that matters proceed ftill in my parifh as formerly. New jiwa- 
 kcnings continue, and thefe formerly awakened perfcvere, and I hope 
 are making progrefs inChriflian experience. — Sometime ago, I had no- 
 tice from Mr. Beton atRofekeen, fignifying, that there were then about 
 nine perfons awakened, fince the account I had fent Mr. Robe of that 
 parilh; as I had likewife from Mr. Sutherland, that there was a begin- 
 ning of that kind in his parifh, where about fix or feven had come un- 
 der a concern. This is certainly very refrefhing to the good man, who 
 longed much for fuch effefts of his miniflry, and greatly lamented the 
 want of them." 
 
 i From Mr. Balfour's Letter, dated May aad, 174?. — Robe's Monthly Hiftory for 1745:, 
 
 N ° 3- page 6i. ] 
 
 It will no doubt be very agreeable to you, and our other friends and 
 
 brethren, to hear that I had yefterday a letter from Mr. Sutherland 
 
 at Golfpy, in which he writes thus, " I often regreted to you the 
 
 wretched fltuation of my parifh in former times; but fince the begin- 
 ning of November lafl, the Lord has in his wonderful mercy granted 
 cauTe of praife and thankfgiving : for from that time there have been a- 
 bout, or upwards of fixty perfons come to me under kindly awake- 
 nings of confcience, many whereof have fince that time been helped fo 
 to advaqce and increafe in knowledge and experience, that the work ap- 
 pears to be from the Spirit of God. Sundry of them have felt fuch 
 Ihocking temptations from the malicious fpiteful enemy, that I muft 
 flill conclude, it mufl be a work deflru£live of Satan's interefl." Thus 
 far he ; and I fhall offer but one remark about it, which is, that the 
 commencement and progrefs of this blefl event falls in with that of the 
 concert', and I think fhould be improven for our encouragement in 
 profecuting it, as I hope the Lord will afford many more fuch encou- 
 ragements. 
 
 a The concert for prayer. Sec Scft. t. of this Chap. 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 587 
 
 [ From Mr. Sutherland's Letter, dated Colfpy May 8th, i74jr. — Robe's Monthly Hjf. 
 tory for 1745, N ° 3. page 64. ] 
 
 I had a thankfgiving-day in the parifh three weeks ago, on account 
 of this manifeftation of grace; and I began, at their defire, a weckly- 
 le(5luce on Wednefdaylaft; and I was told fince that day, that the Lord 
 gave countenance, by awakening one that day, who came not yet to 
 me. 
 
 [ From Mr. Sutherland's Letter, dated Golfpy Aug. 8th, i74y. Robe's Monthly Hiflory 
 
 for 174 J. N o J. page 130, &c. J 
 
 , R. and D. B. I was favoured with yours, &c.— This parifh of Golfpy, 
 in the county oi Sutherland, was for fome time before the year 1688, 
 become a fanduary (by means of the family of Sutherland's fteady ad- 
 herence to the interefts of religion, and by means alfo of their refidence 
 in the parifli) to fundry eminent Chriftians perfecuted from a neigh- 
 bouring county, for their non-compliance with the grievous impofitions 
 of the times. Thefe refugees might with fafety have returned to their 
 native country immediately after the happy revolution; yet fuch was 
 their gratitude to the forefaid noble family, that they chufed rather to 
 fpend the remainder of their days in their refpeflive callings, under the 
 wings that covered them in their diftrefs. Hereby, through the bleifing 
 of God, religion flourilhed in the parifh during the forty years miniftry 
 of Mr. Walter Denune, my immediate predecefFor, who alfo, before 
 bis fettlement, fuffered much from the fury of the period above-menti- 
 oned, as Woodrow's Hiftory narrates. At my admiffion to the mi- 
 niftry in this parifh in the year 1731, there was a goodly number of de- 
 vout Ghriftians in the place, fome whereof were the pofterity of thefe 
 refugees. But in a few years after ray faid admifTion, fundry of the 
 ferious people were called to the joy of their Lord ; whilft we who 
 furvived them found caufe to bewail that ; but few were wrought upon 
 to fill up their places. It is true, in that long period of time from the 
 year 17 31, to the year 1744, there were fome awakened, who, to this 
 day, adorn the doftrine of God their Saviour, yet their number was fo 
 very fmall, and the fcandals of others amongft us fo frequent and hei- 
 nous, that I often concluded my time and labours were almoft loft. 
 
 In this uncomfortable ftate of things, and amidft my greater fears 
 than hopes, I took care to notify to the people, the blefled and won* 
 derful fuccefs of the gofpel in the Britifh colonies of America, fo foon 
 as I had certain accounts of it, by the printed declarations of MefTrs. 
 Edwards and Cooper, and others. I likewife communicated to them 
 the difplays of divine mercy and grace, your congregation, that of 
 Cambuflang, and fundry other congregations in the Weft and South of 
 Scotland were fo highly honoured with, immediately after I found that 
 blefTed work fo wellattcfted by you, by Mr. Willifon of Dundee, Mr. 
 "Webfter of Edinburgh, and by fundry more of our brethren of un- 
 queftionable credit. After my return from the afl'embly 1743, I alfo 
 reported to them, what with great joy I had rayfelf obferved of thp 
 Lord's work, when with you at Kilfyth, and at Muthil, and Cambuf- 
 
 Bbb % 
 
388 Succefs of the Gofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 lang, in my way to that adembly; if by theie means I might provoke 
 
 the people to emulation; yet no fuccefs was obferved. In the 
 
 month of Auguft 1743, after the adminiftration of the facrament of 
 the holy flipper at Nig, at which I affifted, for fome fhort time there- 
 after I lamented, to our dear and worthy brother Mr. Balfour, the 
 wretched fpcurity of the generality of the people of my parifh, and 
 my unfuccefsful miniftrations nmongfl them. He thereupon reported, 
 how much caufe he had to blels the Lord, for the fuccefs of the gofpel 
 amongfl his people, from the time he had coi]ftituted focieties for pray- 
 er in his parilh : immediately I refolved to elfay the like means in imi- 
 tation of his fuccefsful example; and, in confequence thereof, and on 
 ray return to my charge, I communicated this de/ign to fome of thefe- 
 rious people of my parifh, and direfted them to meet in three diflintft 
 focieties on Saturday evenings, with earneft recommendations to them 
 to pray for the influences of the Spirit of God to accompany the mini- 
 ftration of gofpel-ordinances in the place. This number called the reft 
 of the communicants together, and foon fet about the duty according 
 to recommendation ; but could obferve no remarkable change wrought 
 
 on any for the fpace of a year thereafter. But when our hopes were 
 
 almoft gone, the great and bountiful God, who ever does wonders, was 
 mercifully pleafed to breathe upon a number of dry bones, and to vifit 
 them with his falvation : for, from the beginning of November laft, to 
 the date hereof, there were upwards of feventy perlbns came to me un- 
 der various exercifes of foul. A few of this number, who had vifited 
 me in or about November laft, told, among other things, that they had 
 been for fundry months bowed down in Tpirit under a fenfe of their 
 aggravated guilt ; but, for reafons they mentioned, could not get them* 
 felves prevailed with to difclofe their fad circumftances to any till then. 
 Soon after this hint I ftiewed tp the congregation in a doftrinal way, 
 that it was the duty of awakened finners, next to their application to 
 a throne of grace, to lay open their fenfe of fin and mifery to minifters 
 and experienced Chriftians, left through want of appointed helps, Satan 
 and lufts might get advantages of them. This public notice given, fo 
 far encouraged fuch as were awakened before or after that date, that 
 they afterwards reforted to me frequently as their occafions required. 
 [After fpeaking of the exercifes and temptations of the awakened, he 
 adds] With regard to their converfion, I may affirm, that the change 
 to the better is evident in their lives, as their neighbours teftify of them. 
 
 This work was advanced in fome by quicker, and in others by 
 
 flower degrees; yet in both a decent, grave and folemn deportment, 
 or fhedding abundance of tears, which they concealed all they were 
 able, were all the vifible figns we had, in time of hearing, of the inward 
 concern of their minds. And by reafon of the filence and calmnefs that 
 accompanied this work in its beginning or progrefs hitherto, we have 
 heard of none that ventured to reproach it. About forty of them have, 
 with weeping eyes and trembling hands, received tokens for the Lord's 
 table at the late folemn ordinance here, and it is hoped, the reft will be 
 
 encouraged to follow their example in a little time. With refpe<St 
 
 to the efiefts produced on their bodies, fome have told, that they have 
 
Chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. 380 
 
 been deprived of many nights relt, others of many hours of almoft e- 
 very night, in which they were deeply exercifed with the apprchenHons 
 of the wrath of God, or much comforted. Some have for fomc time 
 almoft loft their appetite for their natural food, or forgot to cat bread 
 at their fet meals. Others felt their bodily ftrength and hcahh much 
 impaired ; and a few have owned, they had felt bodily tremblings on 
 
 fome occafions ; but belides, heard no other effects on their bodies. 
 
 I mull: further remark, thatfince the beginning of this work, tliofe ofa 
 long ftanding in religion, have been fenlibly revived and enlarged, and 
 are much comforted now with what they oblerve in others, and are very 
 aflifting to them. Even the fecure multitude attend ordinances better, 
 and feem to liften to the word preached with greater attention than be- 
 fore. The far greater number of the awakened, are of ages from 
 
 twenty to fifty years ; few of them below twenty, and four only from 
 fixty to feventy. They are of the farmers and tradelrnen, or their 
 wives and fervants, and but few of their children ; and amongft them 
 arefeven widows in low circumftances. The terrors of the Lord de- 
 nounced in his word againft the wilful tranfgrefTors of his holy laws, 
 and the impenitent unbelieving defpifers of his gofpel grace; the im- 
 foflibility of falvation on the fcorc of felf-righteoulnefs; the abfolute 
 necelfity of the efficacious influences of the grace and Spirit of God, 
 in order to a vital imion with Chrifl by faith, for righteoufncfs and fal- 
 vation ; that all the bleifings of the new covenant, freely given by the 
 Father to the ele<5V, and purchafed for them by the fufierings and death 
 of Ghrift the Son, are effeftually applied to them by the fJoly GhoH:, 
 were the do£lrines infilled on to the people of this congregation. Thofe 
 wrought upon have told me, that a courfe of lectures on the Gofpel ac- 
 cording to Matthew, efpecially the concluCon, that narrates the fuffer- 
 ings, death and refurreftion of Chrift, together with fermons pre<nched 
 on Deut. xxxi. 21,22. Eph. iv. 30. i Pet. iv. 17, 18. to which I fub- 
 joined 2 Pet. ii. 9. Eph. v. 14. and Matth. xxii. 4. were the means 
 
 the Lord had bleffed to their edification. To conclude, the change 
 
 on fundry amongft us was fo remarkable, that we faw good caufe to let 
 a day apart for thankfgiving to God, for what of his work appeared to 
 
 us. 1 have alfo enquired into the ftate of the religious concerns in 
 
 the parifh of Rogart, adjacent to this: and by the report I had, find, 
 that in the year 1740, there were fifteen perfons awakened in thatpa- 
 rilh; that the forefaid fifteen, with a few other ferious perfons, felt 
 themfelves, in the years 1741 and 1742, fallen under fad decays of foul, 
 and obferved, that others in the parifla WTre remaining under their for- 
 mer ftupidity; that thereupon they had affociated for prayer, and at 
 their meetings mourned and \^pt over the caufes of the Lord's with- 
 drawings from their own fouls, and prayed earneflly for powerful days 
 of the Son of Man; and that in the years 1743 and 1 744, efpecially the 
 former, there were about fifty more of the people awakened, and that 
 they are in a hopeful way. I intreat you to aifift us to praife the boun- 
 tiful hand that hath, in fome meafure, been opened to fupply our great 
 uecelTities already, and that you continue your fupplications for our 
 ^ountry-fidc; and for thisilock in particular.- 1 offer tny hearty re- 
 
390 Succeft of the Gojpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 fpefts to our dear brother Mr. M'Laurin of Glafgow. I kindly falute 
 the two pleafant focieties I faw at KUfyth. I am, &c. 
 
 John Sutherland, 
 
 Section IV. 
 
 The Per fever ance of Numbers of the Subjects of the above Revival, at- 
 
 te/ied in I/51, by the following Miniflers, Mr. Rohcy Mr. 
 
 Warden, Mr. Erjkine, Mr. Rally, Mr. Baine. Mr. 
 
 M'Laurin, Mr. M'Cidloch. 
 
 [ From thr Conclufion of Mr. Robi's Narrative. ] 
 
 I am nov/ to conclude my Narrative of this extraordinary work at 
 Kilfytb, ^c. with this article concerning the perfeverance of thefe who 
 appeared to be converted in this and other pariihes of the neighbour- 
 hood, in the year 1742 and 1743. It hath been long delayed, and in 
 the opinion of feverals, who often called upon me to linilli it with fuch 
 an article, too long. 
 
 [After obferving the providential feafonablenefs of publifhing it at 
 this time, in anfwer to what was falfly alledged abroad by foUie that 
 were unfavourable to a like blelfed work in Holland, viz. *' That this 
 work in Scotland was come to nothing, and that the fubjedlsof it were 
 
 fallen away, and become worfe than they were before." ^And, after 
 
 impartially declaring that there were many of the awakened, whofe 
 convidHons and impreffions ceafed without coming to any good ifTue, 
 — he obferves, there \vere a conflderable number of the awakened who 
 gave him, and others, good reafon to hope well of them, and charitably 
 
 to conclude, that they had undergone a faving change*. And that 
 
 thefe, a few excepted, continue to this day to have their converfation 
 fuch as becoineth the gofpel. And adds,] 
 
 There are two things I exprefly affert, and am able to make good, 
 that of thofe who were judged hopefully converted, and made a public 
 profeffion of religion, there have been fewer inftances of fcandal and a- 
 poftacy than might be and was expefted : yea, further, that there hath 
 been fewer inftances of apoftacy of thefe, than of thofe who gave me 
 hopes of their converfion in former years, in proportion to their nima- 
 bers. 
 
 [Then, after owning, with grief, that many of them had loft much 
 
 of the livelinefs they had for fome years. And that feveral of the 
 
 numerous focieties for prayer were ceafed ; for which he afligns feveral 
 
 other reafons, belides degrees of backfliding, and coldnefs of love. 
 
 He fays,] 
 
 I have this further to add concerning the hopeful fubje£ls we fpeak 
 of, that I never had fuch fatisfaftion and clearnefs in admitting any o- 
 thers to the Lord's table, as I have had in admitting them ; and that 
 there are few or none gave me fuch comfort and fatisfaftion about their 
 fpiritual ftate and condition, as thefe do, when they have been fick or 
 dying, or in any other ftate of trial or affliftion. A few of them, after 
 that they had lived feveral months or years, to outward appearance, walk- 
 a That he was no( very forward to do thU, See above, page 374. 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. jpi 
 
 ing worthy of the Lord to all well-pleafing, have been taken from us by 
 
 death. And is it not a part of that charity which thinketh no evil, 
 
 and hopcth all things, to hope that thefe [others,] who have continued 
 fo many years blamelefs and harmlcfs, (hall continue fo unto the end ? 
 For this reafon I required the following alteftation of the kirk-feffion, 
 only to the perfcverance of thefe perfons, who had been blamelefs \\\ 
 their lives, according to the meafure of good Ghrillians; leaving out 
 thofe, who had fallen into grofs fins, although they had given good evi- 
 dencer. of their repentance ; as alfo, thofe who had fome things which 
 fome one or other of the felTion complained of, and wanted to have 
 them admonift\ed for, even where thefe things, if true, were not fiifh- 
 cient grounds to doubt of their converfion. Yea, it was faid in the fef- 
 fion, by fome members, and not contradidted by others, that there were 
 feverals omitted in the lift of perfons propofed to the felTion, as hope- 
 ful as thofe who were infer ted, and who are from time to time admitted 
 to the Lord's table; and who would have been admitted, if the holy 
 fupper had been difpenfed in the congregation at this time ; tho' in- 
 deed, after Mrarnings and admonitions, fuitable to the verity and impor- 
 tance of the complaints made. But I chufe rather to lelfen the num- 
 ber of the perfons attefted, to cut ofFoccalion of cavilling, and objec- 
 tion from thofe who defire and wait for it. 1 fhall now fubjoin an 
 
 extraft from the feiTion minutes of the atteftation referred to. 
 
 Manfe of Kilfyth, March 19th, 1751. The feffion being met for 
 
 prayer, according to a former appointment; the minifler read unto 
 them the names of above an hundred perfons, who were the moft of 
 them brought under notour fpiritual concern, in the years 1742, and 
 1 743 ; and of whom he had good ground to entertain good hopes. 
 
 The under-fubfcribing members of the felTion, elders and deacons, 
 
 hereby teftify and declare. That all thofe of them, who are now alive, 
 have been, from year to year, admitted by the kirk-feiTion to the Lord^s 
 table, fince their firft admiffion, either in thefe fore-mentioned years, or 
 fince ; and, in as far as is known to the faid members, they have had 
 their converfation fuch as becometh the gofpel ; as alfo, that four or 
 five of the faid lift, who are now removed by death, behaved until their 
 faid removal, as became good Chriftians. The above teftimony, writ- 
 ten by Ebenezer Paterfon, feftion-clerk, is fubfcribed day and date fore- 
 faid, by John Lapflie, Alexander Patrick, Henry Ewar, James Miller, 
 elders, and John Ranken deacon. 
 
 March 24th, 1751. The which day, the feffion being met, the 
 
 •perfons names being read before the members prefent, that were read 
 in the meeting of the feffion upon the 19th of this current; and the 
 faid abfent members did now fubfcribe the foresaid teftimony, viz. Ro- 
 bert Graham, Andrew Provan, Henry Marftial, David Auchinvoll, Wal- 
 ter Kirkwood, elders. William and David Shaw, James Ranken, James 
 Zoull, Mark Scot, dieacons. 
 
 I now proceed to infcft letters I have received, £part of which foi- 
 lows.J 
 
392 Succefs of the Go/pel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 r From a Letter from Mr. Warden, Miuifter formerly at Campfic, now at Perth, 
 dated March 26th, 1748. ] 
 
 R. and very D. S. In anfwer to yours, defiling me to inform you 
 of what I know as to the perfeverance of the fubje£ls of that fpiritual 
 concern, which appeared fo remarkably in the years 1742, and 1743, 
 1 might refer you to what I wrote you of the 16th of December 1 743. 
 The particulars of that, lean, with great freedom, re-atteft: but, if 
 you would have me more exprefs, I do hereby attelt, That of perfons 
 in the pariih of Gamplie, whole concern was known to me, there were 
 not above four perlons, of whom, at my leaving that place, I could 
 conclude, that they were fallen from their profellion. There were o- 
 thers, of whom I knew little particularly, as I had very few opportunities 
 of converfing with them ; but whofe pradice, as far as I could obferve, 
 "uns tinblameable. And, with great pleafure, I yet think on many of 
 them, of whom I could not but entertain the greateft hopes. A folid 
 and lively fe nfe of divine things feems to fill them with love to God, 
 humility, feif-deniednefs,meeknefs and charity: andajealoufy ofthem- 
 felves, and their own attainments, feems to animate them with a pecu- 
 liar earneflnefs in every leligious exercife. In a word, their devotion 
 is exemplary; and remarkably produces the fruits of religion in a regu- 
 lar and induftrious difcharge of relative and focial duties. I hope God 
 ■will ftrengthen what he has wrought for them, and their fellow-Chrif- 
 tians in Kilfyth, and the neighbourhood, &c. John Warden. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Erskine, Minifter at Kirkintilloch, Feb. 2 2d, 175:1. ] 
 R. D. B. My fentiments of the religious concern in this place are 
 the fame, as when I wrote you April 1 748. If I underlland any thing 
 of the Bible, it obliges me to judge charitably of every profeft Chriftian, 
 •who underftands the fundamental doftrinesof ChrilHanity, and whofe 
 converfaiion is as becometh the gofpel ; I mean^ whofe behaviour is 
 pious and devout, fober and temperate, humble and patient, jufl and 
 honeft, meek, charitable and forgiving. Such has been the Ijehaviour 
 of raoft of the fubjefts of the late religious concern in this place. The 
 joy which fome of them have exprelTed in the immediate view of death 
 and eternity J the patience and refignation others of them have difco- 
 vercd under very heavy affliftions ; their meeknefs under injuries and 
 reproaches ; their contributing, to their power, yea, and fome of them 
 beyond it, for the relief of the afflifted in propagation of the gofpel ; 
 and the candid teachable difpofition I have obferved in moft: of them, e- 
 ven when I have thought it my duty to oppofe fome of their favourite 
 opinions or praftices, are things which argue them animated by another 
 fpirit, than moft among whom they live. 1 am perfuaded that a tho- 
 rough acquaintance with thefe people would effedually remove the 
 prejudices of fair and honeft minds. I am, &c. John Erskine. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Hally Miniftcr at Muthil, February 26th, i7S'i. ] 
 R. D. B. Yours of the 20th I received upon the 25th inftant; and 
 in anfwer thereunto, the remembrance of the glorious goings of our 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. -^^^ 
 
 GodandKinginhisfanftuiiryin thisplacein the years 1742, and 43 gives 
 meftillmuchplealure, anclcannotbutbegetalonging to ice fuchdaysof' 
 the Son of man again. 1 am fully pcrfwaded that the gipcious fruits of* 
 that work will abide with many in this congregation, to eternal ages* 
 I never did expert that all that were awakened Ihould arrive at a real 
 converfion. I doubt not but when the Spirit of the Lord is irj f'onS 
 extraordinary way concurring Mith goipel ordinances for the convcrfi-* 
 on of the elc<^t, but others may feci of his common operations, which 
 may evaniH- as a mdi ning cloud. A'x)ut fix of thcfe perfons that were 
 the fubjefts of that glorious work (I have all reafon to believe) are 
 gone to partake of the firA remaining for the people of God. As they 
 had agolpel-walk^ foat their death they gave a notable teflimony to the 
 truth and reality nf religion j fome of them who had been long in the 
 dark about their liate, at evening with them it was light, doubts and 
 fecrs difpelled, and an abundant entrance miniltred unto them, to the 
 heavenly kingdom of our Loid. There are a great many in this and 
 fome neighbouring pari/lies, yet living, who were the fubjefts of that 
 work, to whom It has been faving fo far as men can judge » if we are 
 to judge the tree by its fruits. Their walk being (as to human obfer- 
 vation) fuch as becometh the gofpel, nothing (fo far as I have been in- 
 formed) appearing about them in'confiftent with a gracious ftate^ 
 There are indeed both with them and Chriftians of a longer itanding^ 
 great complaints of much deadnefs, withdrawing of the fpirit, andfuf- 
 pending of his influence3, from public ordinances, private and fecret 
 duties; which'I am informed, is a general calamity over the whole 
 national church at this day, and no wonder that it be fo, all things con- 
 fidered. I am &c. William Hally. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Baine, Miniftcf at Killcrn, April i8th, t-^;i, ] 
 R. and D. S. I cannot but reflcft upon it with foirow, thatduriiig 
 the late revival, the fubjefts of religious concern in this place were but 
 few ; there being fcarcely eight perfons upon whom it was then vifible: 
 butit will giveyou pleafure to know, and you may rely on it; that of 
 thefe there are three or four who continue to give moft fatisfying evi- 
 dence of their being affectionate difciples of the Redeemer 5 and parti- 
 cularly fome of them are among the moft eminent private Chriltians, 
 Iwas ever acquainted with, being remarkably poor in fpirit, and humble 
 in their walkwithGod, frequently bleHed withhigh meafures of fenfible 
 communion with him, and fervent in love tothewholeof human kind, 
 even their enemies. What pity that fome of our dear brethren in the 
 miniftry and others who have no accefs to fee this grace of God, or by 
 fome unlucky means difbelieve it, fhould be deprived of a caufe of joy 
 which makes glad the inhabitants of heaven itfelf. lam&c. jAMEbBAiNE. 
 
 [Froma Letter ftgncd by twenty-five Members of Scfllon in Glafgow, March 26th, i-^i.j 
 
 R. S. We fubfcribers, members of the kirk-feflions of Glafgow, un- 
 
 derftanding that ye are colle^ing proper informations, anent the re-* 
 
 puted fubje(Sts of the late revival of religion in the year 1 742, and about 
 
 that time; in anfwer to an inquiry, whether all of them, or the genc- 
 
 VOL. II, D d a 
 
394 Succefs sfthc Cofpel in Scotland Book IVy ; 
 
 rality of them, have proven backfliders, as it would appear is alledged ^ 
 by iome at diftant places ? we judging it our duty, to embrace this op- 
 portunity, do atteft, from our perfonal knowledge of feveral of thefe 
 pcrfons, and from credible information from perfons of undoubted j 
 characters, who know many of them, that the faid infavourable allega-" 
 tion is not faft; but that to this prefent time, goodly numbers of them, 
 both in town and country, who were looked upon to have obtained 2. 
 gracious out-gate under their awakenings and conviftions, and were 
 admitted to the ordmance of the Lord's fupper; give the fame kind of 
 evidence of their perfcverance, that founds a judgment of charity in o- 
 thcrs cafes. That whereas, an eftimate was made in the year 1743, of 
 our additional communicants; and was publifhed in your Monthly 
 
 HKtory for December in that year, being N ^ 2'. we reckon, that 
 
 that computation was very moderate ; and think it requifite to oblerve, 
 that, prececding the time of this revival, for a courfe of years, for or- 
 dinary there was, at moft, only about fifty-four tables of communicants, 
 at giving of the Lord's fupper in this place, containing about three 
 thoufand fix hundred communicants: and, fince that, to this time, 
 there has been little or no decreafe of thefe numbers, amounting, in 
 all, to four thoufand eight hundred perfons: and, that the number of 
 backlliders, fince that time, fo far as we know, or have been able to 
 learn, is, comparatively, fmall : that feverals of thofe perfons, who were 
 thefubjefts of the late revival as above, and have fince died, gave com- 
 fortable evidences of their perfevtraace to the end. Had it been need- 
 ful and expedient, we could have been more particular, both as to the 
 numbers and names of thofe we write of. That prececding this reviving 
 period, as religion feem^d to be at a low ebb, and like to degenerate 
 in its life and power, to meer form: the benefits of this revival were 
 not confined fimply unto thofe above-noticed, faid to be the fubjcfts 
 of this work; but, alfo, great numbers, who, in the judgment of cha- 
 rity, might be termed God's own people, (many of whom of long fland- 
 ing) did fhare deeply in thefe extraordinary fhowers of the divine in- 
 fluences, to their great joy, confirmation, and up-building : fo that, it 
 is with much pleafure, they do refleft upon that ever-memorable pe- 
 riod : and we may add, that a very uncommon liberty, life and ftrength, 
 ■was befVowed upon numbers of the miniflers, who were employed at 
 
 thefe places, (fome of whom attended from very diftant corners) 
 
 We have rcafon to bewail the mifimprovement by ourfelves and others, 
 of fuch bleflcd days of the Son of Man ; and we defire to join you and 
 others, in fupplicating him, with whom the refidue of the Spirit is, for 
 a more plentiful efFufion than ever, of the Holy Spirit from on high, 
 
 upon this, and all the reformed churches. \V idling you all fuccefs 
 
 and welfare, we are, &c. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. M'Laurin, one of the Miniflers of Glafgow, May 8th, ryy i. ] 
 
 R. D. B. When you are publifhing atteflations of the perfeverance 
 
 of goodly numbers of the fubjefts of the revival in \ 742, and about that 
 
 time: however much we here came Ihort, at that period, of other pla- 
 
 a See above, page 380. 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. jpr 
 
 ces near us: yet, as that period did and ftill does appear to me the moft 
 extraordinary I ever faw, as to evidences of the fuccefs of the gofpel: 
 and, as I am almofl: the only minifter of this town that was in that fta- 
 tion here, during the whole of that period ; and have had all along the 
 evidence which things of this kind admits of, and which is fultained in 
 other cafes, of the perfeverance of goodly numbers of thefe people : I 
 judge it incumbent on me, on thefe accounts, to join with others, in 
 
 attefling what is fo fit to be remembered and recorded. If fafts that 
 
 have the important charafter of public notoriety, are on that account, 
 attended with diftinguifhed moral evidence; that character appears 
 plainly applicable to the fafl relating to the increafe of perfevering com- 
 municants, fo well attefted by twenty-five members of feflions of this 
 city, in a letter figned by them, and direfted to you. It is proper to 
 obferve, that though it were only fuppofed, that one fourth part of the 
 increafe mentioned in that eftimate, were inhabitants; it mufl far fur- 
 pafsany thing of that kind known here thefe twenty-eight years, that I 
 have been a minifter in this place; or, fo far as I can learn, in the me- 
 mory of any now living in it : though it is ftill to be much regreted, 
 that there are not many more communicants, I mean worthy ones, in 
 fo populous a place : that after fo uncommon an increafe of communi- 
 cants, as in the eftimate referred to, had there been as numerous back* 
 Hidings, as fome afperfions mufl: imply, a proportional increafe of fuf- 
 penfions from the facrament, mufl: be prefumed to have enfued ; which 
 is not the cafe: that continued admiflions, are really continued attef- 
 tationsof the perfeverance now inquired into; that the atteftations im- 
 plied in fuch admilfioQS, and thefe contained in the above-mentioned 
 paper, have the concurring charafters, which, in other cafes, render tef- 
 timony valid, viz. that the witnelTes are fufficient as to their charafter, 
 their number, and their means of knowing what they teftify: that a- 
 mong real backfliders, there are, through divine mercy, infl:ances of re- 
 turning backfliders : that fome, who at firft were much fufpefted to be 
 deceivers, have, for a tra6t of time, given to thofe who know them beft, 
 ftrong proofs of their uprightnefs : that perfons, whofe condudl has oc- 
 cafioned reproach to the revivals, are not always found, upon inquiry, 
 to be perfons, whofe profeffion of religion began at that period : that 
 the favourable things above-mentioned, are far from being faid in the 
 way of mere charitable conjefture: that inflead of that, they are the 
 confequences of fuch evidence, as arlfes partly from extenfive pcrfonal 
 acquaintance with thefe perfons, partly from occafional inquiries about 
 them from time to time, partly from more laborious fcrutinics, feton 
 foot privately, both formerly, and of late, among peifons attentive to 
 fuch things. And laftly, that if any who poffibly know only backfliders, 
 can be fuppofed to claim a right of judging harflily of thofe, whom they 
 own they do pot know, by thofe whom they do know; merely, be- 
 caufe the religious profeffion of both began about the fame time or 
 place: it mufl be eafy for the unprejudiced to obferve, what principles 
 fuch reafoning mufl be built on, what confequences it mufl infer, and 
 ■what affinity it has te fome peoples way of judging of all profeflbrsof 
 religion in general, at whatever time their profeilion began, I am, &c. 
 
 John M'Lav&in. 
 
^9^ 
 
 Succefs of the Ccfpel in Scotland 
 
 Book IV, 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. M'Cul'.ocIi, ApriJ 30th, i7Jt. ] 
 
 [After calling to mind the glorious days of the gofpeJ in 1742 and 
 
 J 743: what a heaven upon earth fome enjoyed. He proceeds to 
 
 foinc ufeful obfervations upon tlue parable concerning the feed falling 
 upon the way-ijdc, the ftonny ground and the thorny ground, of all 
 
 which forts there were at Gambuflang.— And adds] Glory to God, 
 
 fctting alide all thcfc that appeared under av/akenings here in 1742, 
 w ho have fnice remarkably backllidden, whether perfifting in their butk- 
 (liding or returning from it, there is a confidcrable number of the then 
 pwakened, that appear to bring forth [fuitable] fruits. 1 do not talk of 
 them at random, nor fpeak of their number in a bofe general and con- 
 fufcd way; but have now before me, at the writing of this, April 27th, 
 17^1, a lirt of about four hundred ptrfons, awakened here at Cambuf- 
 jano in J 742, who from that time, to the time of their death, or to thi?, 
 that is, for chefe nine years part, have been all enabled to behave, in a 
 good meafure, astecometh the gofprl; by any thing I could ever fee, 
 pn4 by the beft information I could get concerning them by word or 
 witing, from others of efiablii'iied characters for religion, who know 
 them and their manner of life all along^. 
 
 [This he explains more particularly i. negatively 1 do not pre- 
 tend to fay that they are free of all faults an4 follies Or that this 
 
 lift is complete— — -Or that they are all pqw alive. Or to determine 
 
 that they are all converted. BiU 2, pofi.ively They have a Chriflian 
 
 profelfion and an anfwerable converfation ^ 1 know, partly by per- 
 
 fonal obfervation, partly by credibK: information from others tliat 
 they pra6life juflice and charity, relative duties, pi:blic-fpiritednefs, 
 humility, meeknefs, patience, and a clofe and diligent attendance on 
 gofpel ordinances, heavenly-mindednefs, watchfulnefs againil all fm, 
 
 cfpecialiy thefe fins that ufed formerly eafily to befet rhem. Ihe 
 
 purfers an.d fwear^M-s have learned to fpeak of divine things with holy 
 
 a I am cot free, at pre Tent, (fays Mr. 
 M Culloch. -itiiOation, pai^t 57,) to pub- 
 !ifh an'y'of iheir names or thcfe of the at. 
 Jellcrs.-' nor is it at all proper orneeJful to do 
 ^o ; b it all the above number are feverally 
 atteftcd, cither by mir.jftcrs. ciders, or pri- 
 vate Chriftians of eflablifhcdchsvafters, who 
 have known them, and their manner of life, 
 from 1742 ; and all theft aucftations, in 
 fuin, bear not only, that futii p<-rrons they 
 mention, were awakened at CnmHuilang in 
 1742, or were under conviCiions and re- 
 mnrkablc concern there at that time; bvit 
 that they have all along from thnt to their 
 death, or to this time, behaved well, and as 
 became their ChriUian proftfTion, chniitable 
 allowances being made foi involuntary 
 Wakntffcs and infirmities, as to other Chrif- 
 j:ians in this imperfeft Oatc. 
 
 b Some indcctl further require (fnys Mr 
 1-4 'Culloch, Attellation, page $6,) that pcr- 
 
 fons who woiild have a place in their cha- 
 rity, (hould give lome account of their ex- 
 periences of the grace of God: and this is 
 what a great number, perhaps abov, a fourth 
 part of the pcrlevering fubjefts here in 1742, 
 have done. They gave me very particular 
 accounts of God's dealings with their fouls, 
 in their firft awakenings and outgates, ^vith 
 their following foul-experiences, diflrefles, 
 deliverances, and coinJorts, in 1742, 1743, 
 ai.d 1744, and fome of them alfo continued 
 thefe accounts to 1748. And I fet down 
 very many of fhe(e from their mouths, al- 
 ways in their own fcnfe, and very much al- 
 fo in their own words : and many of thrf(j 
 accounts have appeared to competent judges, 
 to whom they have been Ihewn, and who 
 have perufed them with care, to be very ra- 
 tional and fcriptural, and worthy to fee the 
 light; which perhaps may be dpnc here- 
 after. 
 
chap. 6. »« the eighteenth Century. 29J 
 
 awe*. — -Such of them as ufcd to be late in taverns; for thefe niijC 
 years paft ihnn all occaiions of that kind and keep at home and (pend 
 the night in Chriltian conference, things profitable to their families and 
 
 in fecret and family devotion. The tiphng lot that lay a-bed till 
 
 eight or nine in the morning; for thefe nine years gets up at three or 
 four in the morning to read and pray, till he calls his houil old toge- 
 ther at feven or eight to family devotion. Some wives who before 
 
 1742 were at variance with their hufbands, have fince that time 
 lived in much love and peace with them. Others, when the huf- 
 bands pailions break out againlt them inboifterous language run to a- 
 noiher room to their knees, aiking of God forgivenefs and a better 
 
 temper to the huH^and, and patience and mecknefsto herfelf. The 
 
 formerly covetous and felfiih have got a public ipirit,— They join cheer- 
 fully to tlieir power, and fome even beyond it, (lb that I have fome- 
 times feen it needful to check fome of them for too large quotas or 
 offers) in collecVions for promoting the interefl: of religion, or for re- 
 lief of thefe in ftrait;s. — They carefully obferve the concert for prayer. — 
 They liock to the hearing of the word. — Are careful to prepare for the 
 Lord's Supper and frequent in partaking of it at different places. — A- 
 bound much in prayer, not only in fecret and in the family, but in 
 fellowlhip meetings]. In 173 1, when I came to this pariih, there were 
 three of thefe meetings in it. In 1 742 , they increafed to a dozen or more ; 
 now they are decreafed to fix. In every town or village almoll in this iTde 
 of the country, where there is any competent number of ferious lively 
 Chriflians, and where religion is in a thriving way, there are of thefe fo- 
 cietlcsfor prayer ; and the perfevering fubjefts of the work I fpeak of, 
 in parilhes where any fuchperfons are, always make a part of thefe focie- 
 ties, Tradef-men, who are members of them, and who work for fo much 
 a day ; allow their employers to deduce fo much from their days-wages, 
 as anfwersto the time they happened to be abfcnt at the meeting for pray- 
 er. -Some of thefe ibcicties, befides their ordinary fixt times for meet- 
 ing, which is ufually once a week in the evening ; have alfo their meet- 
 ings for fafting and prayer upon extraordinary occafions; as fudden 
 tidings of remarkable lofles or dangers to any of their concerns; or of 
 events whereby it appears that the intereft of religion is in great danger. 
 4nd fometimes the Lord gives much of his gracious prefence and of a 
 
 a I have to fay, for my own part, (fays 
 an aged and experienced Chriflian. in his 
 letter to Mr. M'Culloch, Atteftation, page 
 4 J-,) that I am able to go to death with it, 
 that the Spirit of God was fo powerfully at 
 work in Cambuflang. that not only finners, 
 ■who knew nothing of God before, were 
 reached both by copviftion and converfion. 
 but even faints thcmfclves were made to at 
 tain to that which rhey had been ftrangcrs 
 
 to in the matters of rdigion. I am able, if 
 time would allow, to give a moll fatisfying 
 account, of not a few. both men and wo- 
 men, who I hope will blefs God to all eter- 
 pity for that happy time; particularly, there 
 were among others, two young men Jiving 
 ,|ipt far froqopie, who came over to you 
 
 in 1742, on purpofe to mock the work; 
 and, as they Iiad formerly been horrid cur- 
 fers and fwearers, theone fwore to the other, 
 he would go fc£ the falling at Cambuflang, 
 asking his comrade, if he would go with him 
 to that place? The other fwore he would 
 go too, but that they (1 ould not make him 
 fill, for that he would run for it. And upoix 
 their going there together, they were both 
 caught the fame day; and, for a quarter of 
 a year after, they continued under very 
 deep conviftions, and have ever finpe kept 
 fellowfliip-meetingi wceJ;ly : and I have 
 been fometimes with them, and heard them 
 both pray and converfc in Chriflian expe- 
 rience, to my great fatisfa£lion> 
 
39^ Succefs of the Gofpelin Scotland Book IV. 
 
 fpirit of prayer to his people in thefe, though, alas ! not fo much as 
 in former times. Upon the whole, I think I may fay, the Lord has 
 done great things for us, whereof we are glad. To him alone be all 
 glory and praifeof whatever good was got or done, in that remarkable 
 woric of his grace. Amen. I am R. and D. S. Your affeft. Br. and 
 Servant William M'Gui.loch. 
 
 r From the Attcftation of the Kirk-Scfllon of Cambuflang April joth, 175-1. ] 
 Having heard the foregoing atteftation read to us by our pador, 
 and having maturely confidered the fame, paragraph by paragraph, we 
 do heartily join with him in faid atteftation ; and hereby make it 
 our own, being perfuaded that it contains a jufl and true account of 
 the extraordinary work here in 1742, and the comfortable abiding ef- 
 fefts of it on many, probably more than the four hundred mentioned 
 in the foregoing atteftation ; and particularly, as to about feventy of 
 that four hundred, who lived in this parilh in the year 42.; and who 
 were among the awakened here that year, and from that time to this, 
 or to the time of their death, lived, (fo far as we know ourfelves, or 
 by credible information) in a blamelefsinoffenfive way, and as becomes 
 
 their Chriftian profeflion. Tho' the moft of the fubjedts of the a- 
 
 wakening, whofe exercifc contained a mixture of ftrong fancy and i- 
 magination, are relapfed to their former finful courfes : yet, there are 
 feveral inftances of perfons, whofe exercifes were mixed with fanciful 
 apprehenfions; and which they gave out to be real reprefentations of 
 objects and viilons, are of the number of thofe who are perfevering in 
 
 a juftifiable Chriftian profeftion, and unblemiflied converfation. 
 
 The decreafe of the number of meetings for prayer, from about a dozen 
 or more in this pariih in the year 1 742, to the number of fix this pre- 
 fent currentyear, mentioned by our paftor in his atteftation, wasocca- 
 fioned not only by the backfliding of feverals, that at the beginning of 
 the revival, formed them felves into thefe meetings: but alfo, by the 
 death of feverals of the members, the removal of others from this pa- 
 rifti; and by marriages of others, who were obliged to mind the af- 
 fairs of their famiiies. Py all which,, fome of thefe meetings were quite 
 broken up; and the remaining perfcvertng members, have adjoined 
 themfelves to the fubfifting focieties within this parifti, or to other fo- 
 
 cieties for prayer, where providence hath now caft their lot. The 
 
 rcafon why we declare there are probably more than the four hundred 
 perfevering fubjedls of awakening contained inourminifter's atteftation, 
 is, that when the lift of the above fubjefts came to hand from other 
 parifties, there were no account fent up from the weft country, where 
 "we know great numbers of the fubje£ls of the late work lived, and do 
 live ; and we doubt not, numbers of thefe have brought, and are bring- 
 ing forth fruit with patience. And now, upon the whole, we the 
 
 under-fubfcribers, with the greateft freedom, after the moft impartial 
 inquiry and diligent care for information about the premifles, being 
 all the cldersbelonging to the kirk-fefTion of this parifti, fave one occa- 
 sionally abfent from this meeting, day and date aforefaid, do, hereto 
 fubfcribe our names. Alexander Duncan elder. Archibald Fife elder. 
 Ipgram More elder. Claud Somers elder. Bartholomew Somers elder, 
 
Chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century, 299 
 
 Section V. 
 
 Of the Concert for Prayer y begun 1744. Renevjed 1746. APro- 
 
 pofal of reneiuing it again 1754. 
 
 [ From the Preface to Mr. "Robe's Sermons. ] 
 THIS concert was firft fet on foot, fpread, and carried on, without 
 printing any thing about it for fome time, in the way of private friend- 
 ly correfpondence, by letters in 1 744. Afterwards fome account of it 
 was publi(hed in the Chrirtian Monthly Hiftory for 1745, N ° '• Some- 
 time after this, a confiderable number of minifters in this country, ia 
 confequence of laudable advice from abroad, concurred in recom- 
 mending the continuance of the concert for a greater number of years 
 than what had been agreed to at firft. Of all which there is an account 
 in the following memorial, drawn up by the forcfaid minifters, and by 
 them fent to their correfpondents both abroad and at home. 
 
 Me,morialfromfti>eral Minijiers in Scotland to their Brethren in dif 
 ferent Places for continuing a Concert for Prayer, firji entred int» 
 in the Tear 1744. 
 
 *' Whereas it is the chief fcope of that concern to promote more a- 
 bundant application to a duty that is perpetually binding, prayer that 
 our Lord's kingdom may come, joined with fuitable praifes : and it con- 
 tained lome circumftantial expedients apprehended to be very fubfer- 
 vient to that defign ; relating to ftated times for fuch exercifes ; fo 
 far as this would not interfere with other duties : particularly a part 
 of Saturday evening, and Sabbath morning every week ; and more fo- 
 lemnly of fome one of the firft days of each of the four great divilions 
 of the year, that is, of each quarter; as the firft Tuefday, or firft con- 
 venient day after ': and the concert as to this circumftance was exten- 
 ded only to two years, it being intended, that befon thefe expired, per- 
 fons engaged in the concert ftiould reciprocally communicate their ienti- 
 men ts and inclinations, as to the prolonging of the time : with or without 
 alteration, as to the circumftance mentioned. Asitwas intended by the 
 firft promoters, that others at a diftance ftiould propofe fuch circumftan- 
 tial amendments or improvements, as they ftiould find proper : it is here- 
 by earneftly intreated, that fuch fhould communicate their fentiments 
 accordingly, now that the time firft propofed is near expired.— 2. To 
 induce thofe already engaged to adhere, and others to accede to this con- 
 cert ; it feems of importance to obferve that declarations of concurrence, 
 thecommunicatingand fpreading of which, are foevidentlyufeful, are to 
 be underftoodin fuch a latitude as to keep at the greateft diftance from 
 entangling mens minds : not as binding men to fet a-part any ftated days 
 from fecular aftairs ; or even to fix on any part of fuch and fuch pre* 
 cife days, whether it be convenient or not; nor as abfolute promifes 
 
 a The meaning is, the firft Tuefdays of February, May, Augufl and NoTCttber,.o» 
 the firfl coayenient dayj aftej djcfc-- 
 
ifoo ^ccefs of the Cofpel in Scotland Book IV. 
 
 in any refpefb; but as friendly, harmonious refolutions; uith liberty 
 to alter circumftances as fliall be found expedient: on account of all 
 Tvhich latitude, and that the circumftantial part extends only to a few 
 years J it is apprehended the concert cannot be liable to the objeftions 
 
 againlV periodical religious times of hximan appointment. 3. It 
 
 is alfo humbly oliei cJ to the confiJeration of minliters, and others 
 furniihed with gifts for the mofl public inftruftions; whether it might 
 not be of great w^ty by the bleiling of God, if fhortand nervous fc-ip- 
 tural perfualivcs and dirertions to the duty in view, were compofed 
 andpubli'hed, cither hypardcjlar authors or feve^als joining tof^ether ; 
 ■which laft way may fometimes have peculiar advantajres ; and that from 
 time to time, without too gieat iiwervals: the better to keep alive on 
 mens minds, a ju'l ^t\\{^ of the obligations to a duty \'o important in 
 it felf, and in which many may be in danger to faint and turn remifs, 
 without fuch repeated incitements ; and whether it would not alio be of 
 great ufe, if minifters would be pleafed to preach frequently on the 
 importance and neceffity of prayer, for the coming of our Lord's king- 
 dom; particularly near the quarterly days or on tbefedays themil'elves, 
 
 "where there is public woribip at that time. 4. They who have found 
 
 it incumbent on them to pubiilli this memorial at this time, having 
 peculiar advantages, of fpreading it ; entreat that the defne cf concur- 
 rence and alfiftance contained in it, may by no means be underAood as 
 rellriifted to any particular denomination or party, or to thofe who are 
 of fuch or fuch opinions, about any former inlfances of remarkable 
 reIigio\is concern; but to be extended to all who iLall vouchfafe any 
 attention to this paper, and have at heart the interefl of vital Chrif- 
 tianity, and the power of godlinefs; and who, however differing about 
 other things, are convinced of the importance of fervent prayer, to 
 promote thatcommon intereft, and of fcripture pcrfuafives to promote 
 
 fuch prayer. 5. As the firft printed account of this concert v»'as not 
 
 a propofal of it, as a thing then to be begun ; but a narration of it, as a 
 defign already fet on foot; which had been brought about with much 
 harmony, by means of private letters; fo the farther continuance, 
 and, 'tis hoped, the farther fpreading of it feems in a promifjng way 
 of being promoted by the fame means; as importunate delircs of the 
 renewing of the concert, have been tranfmitted already from a very dif- 
 tant corner abroad, where the regard to it has of late encreafed ; but 
 notwithllanding of what may be done by private letters, it is humbly 
 cxpefted, that a memorial fpread in this manner, may, by God's blef- 
 /ing, farther promote the good ends in view ; as it may be ufefully re- 
 ferred to in letters, and may reach where they will not. 6. Where- 
 as in a valuable letter, from the corner juftnow mentioned, as a place 
 where regard to the concert has lately encreafed, it is propofed, that it 
 fliould be continued for feven years; or atleaft for a much longer time 
 than what was fpecified in the fiiil agreement; thefe concerned in 
 this memorial, who would wiQi rather to receive and fpread direftions 
 and propofals on this head, than to be the firft authors of any, appre- 
 hend no inconvenience, for their part, in agreeing to the fcvcn years. 
 In the latitude above defcribed, which referves liberty to make fuch 
 
chap. 6. in the eighteenth Century. ^i^i 
 
 circumftantial alterations, as may be hereafter found expedient J on thrf 
 contrary it fecms of hnportance, that the labour of fpreading a con-* 
 cert which has already extended to fo dilbnt parts, and may, it iS 
 hoped, extend f^^riher, may not need to be renewed foonrr, at leaft 
 much looner; as it is uncertain but that may endanger the dropping 
 of it; and it feems probable tliere -s^iil be lefs zeal in fpreading of it, 
 if the time propofed for its continaance be too inconfidcrable. Meail 
 time declarations of concurrence for a lefs number of years may great- 
 ly promote the good ends in view : tho' it feems vei y expedient that 
 it (liould exceed what was firlt agreed on j feemg i* is found on trials 
 
 fhat that time, inflead of being too long, was much too ftiort.-- : 
 
 7. If perfons who formerly agreed to this concert fliould now difcon* 
 tinue it; W'Ould it not look too like that fainting in prayer, againft 
 •which we are fo exprefly warned in feripture? And would not this be 
 the more unfuitable at this time, in any within the Briti/h dominionsy 
 when they have ihe united calls of fuch public chaflifements and delive-' 
 ranees, to more concern than ever about public reformation, and con- 
 fequently about that which is the fource of all thorough reformation,- 
 the regenerating and fanflifying influences of the almighty Spirit of 
 God." [This Memorial is dated Aug. 26th 1746. 
 
 The reafons and advantages of fuch a concert for prayer may b^ 
 feen in the Monthly Hiftory for 1745^ N '^ i. particularly from tise 
 middle of the i8th page to the end of the letter. Alfo the reader may 
 find mod excellent fcriptural perfuafives and direftions to fervent and( 
 abundant prayer, for the public interefts of religion in the Monthly Hif- 
 tory for i746,N ^ 10. contained in remarks on the three firfl petitions 
 of the Lord's prayer, by the learned and judicious author of the faid letter^ 
 
 I alfo refer the reader, for the utmoft fatisfaftion on this point, to 
 an excellent performance of Mr^ Edwards,- minifter at Northampton, 
 in New-England, intitled, y^n humble Attempt to promote explicite A" 
 preement^ and vifibleUnion of God's People in extraordinary Prayer, &c» 
 That I may excite defires and endeavours after the perulal of fuch a pi-* 
 ous, learned and ingenious elTay, I ihall here inform the reader of its 
 
 contents. It is divided into three parts. In the ift, the text, Zcch. vii, 
 
 zoi 21, 22. is opened, and an account given of the concert for prayer 
 
 propofed in the memorial from Scotland. The 2d part containa 
 
 motives to a compliance with what is propofed in the memorial, under 
 
 the following titles, The latter day glory not yet accompliihed. ^^ 
 
 The great glory of the latter day. The Holy Spirit the fura of 
 
 Cbrift's purchafe. — ^The latter d^y eminently the day of falvation, 
 ! -How the creation travaileth in pain for that day. Scripture pre- 
 cepts, encouragements, and examples of prayer for Chrifi's kingdom. 
 Difpenfations of providence at this prefent day, with many mo- 
 tives id pray for it. The beauty and tendency of uniting in fuch 
 
 prayer* The particular and great encouragement in the word of 
 
 GoA to fuch an agreement in prayer> The 3d part contains objec-* 
 
 tions aftfwered. The contents arc, Na fuperflition in the cafe.——' 
 
 The concert not fanciful.-— —The concert not pharifaical. The ftay' 
 
 ing the witnefTes confidered. The fall of Antichrift approadiipg,*— 
 
 VOL. IL Eee 
 
402 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 The time not known before-hand. The time not ^i a very great 
 
 dHtance. -His fall will be gradual. Good reafon to hope, that 
 
 that work of God's Spirit will foon begin, which will, in its progiefs, o- 
 
 verthrow Antichrift and Satan's kingdom on earth. The lixth vial 
 
 probably now a fulfilling. Antichrift's ruin fpeedily follows it. 
 
 However, if othcrwile, yet our prayer will not be in vain. Such an 
 
 agreement no new thing. The duty of agreeing to prayer no new 
 
 duty*. The like pra<flifedin 1712, with the wonderful confequents. 
 
 -The concluiion. It hath a preface prefixed by the rev. MefTrs. 
 
 Sewall, Prince, Web, Foxcrofr, and Gee, paflors in Bofton, much e- 
 fteemed in all the churches, who have alio agreed to the concert, and 
 in this preface recommend it in thefe words : " And this defign we can- 
 not but recommend to all who defire the coming of that blifsful king- 
 dom, in its promifed extent and glory, in this wretched world." 
 
 £Then Mr. Robe adds feveral very moving arguments, from the mifery 
 of the unconverted world, &c. See preface to his fermons, page 1 3, &c. 
 
 In page 20, &c. he fays,] Your zeal in this may provoke many to 
 
 join in this glorious undertaking: and, on the other hand, your flack- 
 nefs or refufal may difcourage thofe who have already entered into it. 
 But more efpecially you, who, to appearance, zealoufly entered into 
 it, and have now given it over, and reflrain this extraordinary prayer 
 from God, of which laft fort, I am afraid, there are too many at this 
 day. In letters we lately had from New-England, we have a very par- 
 ticular account of the great progrefs this concert hath made in thefe 
 provinces. Many minifters, private Chriflians, yea, congregations and 
 churches, have entered iato it, and continue to enter. In one of thefe 
 letters a minifter of Chrift WTites, May 23d, 1749, " 'T^s matter of 
 great thankfulnefs and joy, that God puts it into the hearts of fo many, 
 in various parts, to unite in extraordinary prayer for the coming of 
 Chrifl's kingdom : and furely it is a thing that bodes well. It would 
 tend to caufe this concert to prevail much more here, if we could hear 
 that it was greatly fpreading and prevailing on your fide of the Atlan- 
 tick, where it was firft begun, and from whence it was firfl propofed to 
 us. On the contrary, it will undoubtedly be a difcouragement to people 
 here, if they hear that the matter decays and languifties, or is come to 
 a fland." Can you be eafy, not only to faint and weary in this duty, 
 you once thought fo excellent and neceffary, but alfo by this fainting to 
 difcourage your brethren, &c''. 
 
 a See an example of it in 1634, in Ru- 
 therford's Letters, Part 2d, Letter 17th, to 
 lady Kenmure. — Another in two printed pa- 
 pers difperfed througii Scotland, dated Fe- 
 bruary 24th, and March 9th, 1732. — Ano- 
 ther January 14th, 174J. 
 
 b Glafgow, June 24th, I7y4. The tinue 
 exprcfly agreed on for the continuance of 
 the above concert, being elapfcd, it has been 
 propofed to renew it. Accordingly feveral 
 members of the focietics for prayer in this 
 place have figned the following agreement: 
 ** June 3d, 1754, "Wc whofc names are fub- 
 
 fcribed, agree, that the concert for prayer 
 Ihould be continued for feven years after 
 this date." Such few members of focietics 
 in other places and minifters, to whom the 
 propofal has been mentioned, have alfo a- 
 grecd to it. It might have been mentioned 
 to many more, and fpread in private letters; 
 had there not been an opportunity of infert- 
 ing it here : It is therefore intreated that all 
 into whofe handsthis may come, would join 
 in (o bleflcd a mean of promoting the king- 
 dom of Chrift, The Lord incline them to 
 comply ! 
 
chap. 7. in the eighteenth Century. 403 
 
 CHAP. VII. 
 
 Among the Indians in America. 
 
 Section I. 
 
 Of the Indian Boys at Stockbridge'^, (^formerly Houjfatonnock) main- 
 tained and infiruSled by the Charity of Mr. Ifaac Hollis (a Miriificr 
 near London,) 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Sargcant, Minifter at StockbriJgc J, to the above Mr. Holli;, 
 dated April 7th, i743.-^-Chrifti3n Hiltory, N° 19. J 
 
 R. S. You have a particular account of the laying out of your mo- 
 ney in maintenance of your boys*^. Sundry of them have arrived at 
 
 confiderable degrees of knowledge ; feveral appear virtuoufly difpofed, 
 and fome to be attested with a divine fenfe and relifh of things. — One 
 in particular, on whom I have chiefly had my eye, and have in a fpecial 
 manner favoured, has made extraordinary progrefs in his learning, and 
 appears a virtuous pious young man ; and has been fingularly fervice- 
 able to me in alTifting me in my tranllations, expolitions, and applica- 
 tions of the fcripture; and has been very helpful, efpecially among the 
 young people in a general religious concern that has of late prevailed a- 
 mong them ; and been a great promoter of a religious meeting held a- 
 mong them every Lord's-day evening, for repeating what they hear in 
 the day, and praying and finging. And he is well qualified to teach 
 fchool among his countrymen ; and after a few years more will probab- 
 ly be fit to be a preacher of the gofpel among them. He has lived con- 
 fiderably with me, and is now lately improved as an interpreter for a 
 young man now preaching to a number of Indians not far diflant from 
 
 us. Two or three others of them have been and arc ferviceable in 
 
 improving the reft of the Indians in knowledge and virtue. I enter- 
 tain fome thoughts of one's being fent as a mifTionary among his coun- 
 trymen, to preach the gofpel to them ; two others of the younger ones 
 promife very fair to prove virtuous, pious, and ufefui. I defign to 
 take one of them into my houfe, and fpend what money of yours I have 
 
 yet in my hands upon him, till I receive further orders from you. 
 
 A continued feries of unwearied kindnefs to the Indians has, I think, at 
 length intirely overcome their jealoufies and fufpicions; and analmoft 
 univerfal difpolition to receive inftru6lion, feems to prevail among them 
 in thefe parts : I pray God increafe it ; and of late a reformation is very 
 
 vifible among us. Alfo, a Moravian mifTionary, not far from hence, 
 
 has, to appearance, had wonderful fuccefs among a number. Sir, I 
 
 have lately propofed, what has been for many years in my mind, a de- 
 fign to fet up a free boarding- fchool in this place, for the education of 
 
 a Where Mr. Edwards is now minifter. 1 defired the gofpel at that time. Sec Mr. Ap- 
 h Mr. Sargeant was ordained 1735", to be 1 piston's fermon at his ordination. 
 rainiftertothcladiansthcrc,maflyof whom I c The number wa» twelve, 
 
 E e e 2 
 
v|04 Suceefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 Indian children • in which I piopore that they iliall be brought up tola- 
 t)our as well as learning, and the exercifc^ of devotion j with which 
 propofal the Indians now fcem to be mightily taken ; being fenfible of 
 jheir foily in having bten fornierly fo backward to improve the advan- 
 pges put into their hands. VVHietiier Providence will fo fmile on thp 
 ^efjgn, as to make it take elfeft, I know not; but ;im full of faith in ihg 
 paattcr; and doubt not but we fhall have your prayers, if not your afr 
 fiftance, although you have already been at fo generous an expence for 
 \is J svhich has prepared the way for thjs defjgn ; for which the Indians 
 Icenicd noi difpofed till now. But I can think of no better method, 
 Jn a natural waV; to change the whole Hate of the Indians in A»r-erlca j 
 ^n^ to prepare tnera for an efTeftual reception of Chriltianity, to change 
 ■^heir habit of wildnefs, and fpread the knowledge of Ghrifl through all 
 their tribes: the difpofition to thefe things feems more and more to 
 prevail, arid fpread among them : may Almighty power effe£l the mer- 
 ciful purpofes of Sovereign grace among them. Sir, as to your mak- 
 ing any allowance tome, for my cpre and trouble, qf which you fpeak 
 in your very obliging letter to me; I neither alk nor defire it; and beg 
 of you not to think of it; for I Ihould indeed be a/hamed to accept 
 any thing elfe'of you (though my flated allowance is not large) but 
 your intercelfions kt the throne of grace for me, of which I ftand in 
 great need. We can never be thankful enough tQ you, under God, 
 for having put it in our power to do fo much to profnote our general 
 defigri. Through your liberalities, thankfgivings abound to God; 
 who I am fure will reward your charity; and I doubt nqt but genera- 
 tions to come will blefs your name ; and you will find your reward in 
 
 eternity. 1 beg the favour of your correfpondence, and a continual 
 
 intereft in your prayers for me, and the poor people, for whofe falva- 
 tion I have the honour and happinefs jpo be etpployed. 
 
 John Sargeant, 
 
 Section II, 
 
 Cf the blejjed Influences of the divine Spirit on divers Tribes of the A- 
 
 merican Indians in the End of 1743, and Beginning of 1744. 
 
 Particularly the Narrangfets in Rhode-IJland Colony, under the Mi- 
 
 nijtry of Mr. Park. Though they could not read, they abounded 
 
 in gracious Experiences. Warmly exhorted one another. — ' — Their 
 
 Qutv^ard Change as to Decency, fuitable to the inward. Oppojers 
 
 Jiknced. The Connniffioners far (6^ Indi(in Affairs yjilling to en- 
 courage a School anio^ig them. 
 
 [ From the Chriflian Iliftoiy, N ® Jf, i^- ] 
 IT is no fmall part of the wonderful difpenfation of the grace of God 
 jn the prefent day, [1743, '744>] the furprifmgeftufion of his Spirit on di- 
 vers tribes in thefe ends of the earth, w ho would never before fo much 
 as outwardly receive the gofpel, notwithflanding the attempts which 
 have been made thefe hundred years to per/uade them to it. Their exr 
 jtreme love of hunting, fifhing, fowling, merry-meeting, finging, dan- 
 {ang, drinking, and utter averfion to induftry, have rendered them ex- 
 
Chap. 7. *» t^^ eighteenth Century. 405 
 
 tremcly averfe to the Chrillian leligion: and though feveral tribes of 
 them, both in Plymouth and Maflachufetts colonies, and in the idand of 
 Marth^'s-Vineyard, have been prevailed upon to hear the golpel, many 
 among them nopefuily converted, and divers churches gathered and 
 maintained among them for near an hundred years: yet very fmall 
 impreliions of religion have been ever made till now, on the Mohegaa 
 Indians in Connetlicut, and fcarce any at all on the Montauck Indians 
 
 in Long-lflaud, or the Narrangfets in Rhode-Ifland colony. Some 
 
 account of the beginning of this among the Narranglet Indians, we have 
 from the rev. Mr. Park of Wellerly, in our N ® ?6*. We now go on, 
 from another letter of his, to give a farther account of the joyfpl pro- 
 grefs of that blelfed work, as follows ; 
 
 To the Author of the Christian History, February 6th, 1743*4, 
 
 Sir, I have thought for fome time, that the glory of God, and the 
 joy and comfort of his people, called for a farther declaration of the 
 
 wonderful work of God in this place. .-Although there is even at 
 
 this time among us of the Engli.'h, a remnant according to the eleftion 
 of grace; yet the throne of God's glory, in his earthly temple here, is 
 
 among the Indians. The number of names who have yielded a pro- 
 
 fefled fubjeftion to the gofpel of Chrift among us, are an hundred and 
 
 fix, of which fixry-four are Indians. It was fome time before they 
 
 rightly underftood the nature of gofpel ordinances; and therefore they 
 were kept back through fear of unworthinels ; looking for greater 
 things wrought in themfelves, and larger manifcflations of the Lord 
 Jefus, before they approached unto him in fpecial ordinances ; hearr 
 ing others give an account of wonderful manifeftations of the love of 
 Chrift to them, thinking they mull have the fame before they were fit for 
 
 the table of the Lord. But when it pleafed God to blefs means, for 
 
 their clearer underftanding of the Ghriftian religion, which I endeavour* 
 cd publicly and privately to open tp them, and teach them; that if 
 they knew the power and love of God upon their hearts ; had been 
 fhown from whence they were fallen, their utter inability to reco- 
 ver themfelves, the freenefs and all-fufficiency of Chrift tp fave them, 
 and bring them back to God and the Father; had their hearts wrought 
 upon by the grace of God, fincerely to fubmit themfelves to God in 
 Chrift Jefus, to be pardoned, taught and governed; that they fhould 
 in this way of the gofpel wait upon God, and that it was a device of the 
 devil to put objections in the way to keep thepn b^ck j they then began 
 to offer themfelves: and the Lord Ihined more abundantly into them, 
 — -r-The firft confiderable body who offered themfelves to covenan^: 
 •with the Lord, was upon the ninth of Odkober, when eight Indians 
 were baptized, and received to full communion ; who gave very hope- 
 ful evidence of a work of faving grace wrought in them : feveral of 
 which were fome of the moft fubflantial ones among them. — —Ja- 
 nuary the 15th, 1743-4, twenty-fix more were baptized and receive4 
 lofull commwiioji. February the 5th, 1743-4, fifteen ^amc under 
 
 ^ See it above, page 2^3. 
 
4o6 Succefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV, 
 the bonds of the gofpel. The others were received in fmalki- num- 
 bers at various times, which I judge it not material to mention. 
 
 And God is abundantly glorified by them herein: his work is ti ily 
 
 glorious; for which his name is mort worthy of praife. They 
 
 come before God and his people; and with awful gravity and be- 
 coming folemnity, give away thcml'elves to the Lord in an everlaft- 
 
 ing covenant, with their ^vhole fouls flowing forth to God. 
 
 They cleave to the Lord with purpoie of heart ; they are diligent 
 in attending the means of grace; they come rejoicing in hopes to meet 
 the Lord and be rcfrefhcd with the word of his grace. They have fet 
 up the worihip of God in their families. They have frequent private 
 meetings among thcmfelves for prayer and praife, and conference ; par- 
 ticularly Gated on Sabbath-day evenings, and Wednefday evenings. 
 Upon the lafl of which, I meet with them as often as the providence 
 of God permits; to pray with and for them, to read the word of God, 
 and preach, and difcourfe with them upon matters of importance which 
 
 occur, as the Lord enables me. And they drink in the word of God, 
 
 and grow up in gracious experiences; that confidering the difadvanta- 
 ges they are under by not knowing to read, they may well be called 
 experienced Chriftians; and are examples of faith, patience, love, hu- 
 mility, and every grace of the Spirit of God. I have fometimes been 
 aPnamed, and even confounded beforeGod atmyfelf, when I have been 
 among them, and heard their converfation; heard them exprefs their 
 ftrong confidence in God, and beheld their zeal, and fervent charity a- 
 mong themfelves : their love to their minifter, and all fuch as bring glad 
 
 tidings of good things unto them is fingular. They are abundant in 
 
 their endeavours to bring over oppofers, by fetting forth the evil of 
 their ways, in which they ufed to walk with them, and the comfort and 
 fweetnefs of a divine life ; exhorting one another daily, while it is called 
 to day. And when they are alTembled together for religious worfhip, 
 and God gives them a fenfe of divine things under the wOrd preached ; 
 their hearts are drawn out to plead with their brethren to come over 
 on the Lord's lide; and with rejoicing I can fometimes fland flill and 
 
 fee the falvation of God. Their faith and hope in God encourageth 
 
 and quickeneth them in duty to obtain the promifes of the good things 
 of this life, and of that which is to come. So that there is among them 
 a change for good refpedling the outward as well as the inward man. 
 They grow more decent and cleanly in their outward drefs, provide 
 
 better for their houfliolds, and get clearer of debt. The mofi: of the 
 
 Indians, that are here in a body, are come into the kingdom of God; 
 and the moft of thofe.that are without are hopefully convinced that God 
 is in the others of a truth, and of the neceffity of their being partakers 
 of his grace. And the Lord feems to be fpreading forth his power, to 
 
 fuch as are fcartered abroad. The Lord has wrought fo wonderfully 
 
 and apparently among the Indians, that it greatly flops the mouths of 
 oppofers, and they are ready to gnafli their teeth and melt away. They 
 are forced univerfally to grant, that there is fomething good among the 
 Indians; if it does but hold. But alas! they feem to comfort them- 
 felves that they will return and be as bad and woife than ever. But ; 
 
chap. 7 . in the eighteenth Century. aqj 
 as all the attempts of Satan againfl the Lord Jefus, are over-ruled to 
 the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom : fo I truft through grace 
 this hns been eventually for their further eflablifhment in grace; by 
 proving a means of warning and watchfukiefs to them, and of quicken- 
 ing me to greater laboriouThefs among them. And God has been 
 
 very grndous, and has even appeared remarkably for them ; in keeping 
 them hitherto by his power, through faith, and I hope will, unto falvati- 
 on. Infomuch that nothing of fcandal has appeared againft them ; but 
 they have approved themfelves fiithful in the covenant of God, by hav- 
 ing their conveifstion as becomes the gofpt-I of ChriO. And they ap- 
 pear living and lively towards God, hungering and thirfting after righ- 
 teoufnefs, fearful of the leaft fin ; beiflg taught by experience, that the 
 leafl: fin known and continued in, feparates from God, and caufes him 
 to hide his face from them. Efpccially they have been kept perfectly 
 free, for ought that has appeared to me, from the fin of drunkennefs, 
 the fin v/hich lo eafily befets them. Many of them fay that they have 
 no defire after (hong drink, but loath it : others that a little dram fatis* 
 fies and refreihes them more than to guzzle it down as they ufed to do, 
 and they do not lull after more. And I intreat the prayers of all that 
 love the Lord Jefus, particularly for them, that God would keep them 
 from being tempted to fin, or fupport and deliver them when tempted. 
 They manifeft great forrow of heart, for their brethren and kinfmen 
 according to the riefh, when they hear of their drinking and quarrelling. 
 
 God appears leading them farther and farther into the extenfive- 
 
 nefs of his gracious covenant in Chrift; that they are bringing their 
 children more and more, and offering them up to the Lord. One with 
 good old Abraham, offered up his whole houfliold ; his own children 
 and two adopted children. And God feems to be pouring out his blef- 
 fing upon their offspring : many little ones feem full of love and fwcet- 
 ncfs. Ever fince the Lord has been gracioufly among the Indians mani- 
 fertrng his power and glory; they have been defirous of a fchool among 
 them, that their children and all fuch as can, might learn to read. And 
 it has been what my thoughts and endeavours have been much cxercifed 
 upon. But the powers of darknefs have hitherto flood fo in the way, 
 
 that but little has been done to purpofe. — The commiffioners 
 
 for the Indian affairs have given encouragement to afTiH: in that af- 
 fair, if any fcheme was laid, and matter propofed, which fliould be a 
 ground of encouragement to them. But I have been nonplus'd in all 
 my attempts hitherto, to ripen fuch a thing. All that we have been able 
 yet to do, is to employ an Indian woman to keep fchool in a wigwam, 
 where fhe teaches a number of the children to read ; but it is vaftly 
 fhort of that ufefuloefs as is needful among them, and as it appears 
 more than probable, it would be, if there was a fchool erefted among 
 them. The end of my inferting this account is, to excite fuch as wifti 
 the profperity of Zion to thoughtfulnefs, and all fuch endeavours as 
 they may be direfted unto, to alfift in bringing this defign to pafs, that 
 the work of God may not be hindered, by the want of fuch a neceflary 
 help, &c. I fubfcribe an unworthy amtjafTador of the Lord. 
 
 Joseph Pakk, 
 
4o8 Succefs $f the Cojpelin America Book I V, 
 
 Section III. 
 
 Some Mi»tJ?ers in the Brilifh Plantations reprefent the miferable State 
 cf the Indians upon the Borders of New-York, Newjerfcy, and Pen- 
 
 fylvania^ to the Society in Scotland for propagating Chrifiian Kno-w-* 
 
 ledge. "fhe Society agree to fnd two Mijfionaries to thefe In* 
 
 dians. The firj} that undertakes it is Mr. Azariah Morton. A 
 
 Jhort Account of his Labours and Succefs from Augufi 1741 to 1744, 
 »n Long-Iftand. The next Mr. David Brainerd. -Afhort Nar- 
 rative of his Succefs from April 1743 to November 1744. -^t 
 
 - ■ Kaunaumeek in Albany. And the Forks of Delaware River in 
 
 Penjylvania. And Sufquahanna^ 
 
 f From the Appendix to Mr. Pcmbcrton's Sermon iX the Ordi'aarion of Mr. David Brai- 
 nerd, printed at Bofton, 1744. ] 
 
 THE deplorable periilAJng ftatc of the Indians in thefe parts of Ame- 
 rica, being, by feveral miniiiers here, reprefented to the fociety in Scot-^ 
 land for propag^ating ChriiHan knowledge, the fald fociety charitably 
 and chearfully came into the propofal of maintaining two miilionaries 
 among them, and fent their commiffion to fome minifters, and others 
 here, to aft as their correfpondents, in providing, directing, and in- 
 fpefting the faid mifTion- 
 
 As foon as the correrpondents were authorized by the fociety's corr>- 
 jnifiioD, tbcy immediately looked out for two candidates of the evange- 
 lical miniftry, whofe zeal for the interelts of the Redeemer's kingdom,t 
 and whofe compaffion for poor periihing fouls, v/ould prompt them to 
 
 fuch an exceeding difficult and felf-denying undertaking. They firft 
 
 prevailed with Mr. Azariah Horton to relinquifna call to an encourag- 
 ing pariili, and to devote himfelf to the Indian fervlce. He was direc- 
 ted to Long-Illand, in Augull 1741, at the Eaft-end whereof there 
 are two fmail towns of the Indians ; and from the Eaft to the Weft-end 
 of the illand, lelTer companies fettled at a few miles diftance from one 
 another, for the length of above an hundred miles. At his firft com- 
 ing among thefe, he was well received by the moft, and heartily wel* 
 corned by fome of them. They at the Eaft-end of the iftand efpecial- 
 ly, gave diligent and ferious attention to his inftruftions, and were 
 many of them put upon folemn inquiries about what they fliould do 
 to he favcd. A general reformation of manners was foon obfervablc. 
 They were careful to attend, and ferioas and folemn in attendance, 
 Xir)w\ both public and private inftruftions. A number of them were 
 imder very deep conviftions of their miferable perilling ftate; and a* 
 boat twenty of them give lafting evidences of their faving converfion 
 to G>d. Mr. Horton has baptized thirty-five adults, and forty-four 
 children. He took pains with them, to learn them to read ; and fome 
 of them have made confiderable proficiency. But the extenfivenefs of 
 his charge, and the neceffity of his travelling from place to place, makes 
 him incapable of giving fo conftant attendance to their inftruftion in 
 reading as is needful. 
 
chap. 7. in the eighteenth Century. ^^g 
 
 In his laft letter to the Gorrcfpondents, he heavily complains of a ^reat 
 defe<5lion of lomc of them, occalioned by Itrong drink being brought 
 among tl.em, and their being thereby alhued to a relapit into their dar* 
 ling vice of dnmkennels: a vice to which the Indians are every where 
 fo greatly addii^ed. He likcwiic complains, .that fome of tlichi are 
 
 grown more carelefs in the duties of religious worfliip. But as a 
 
 number retain their Hrft ijnprellion?, and as they generally attend with 
 reverence upon his minilb-y, he goes on in his work, with encouraging 
 hopes of the prclencc and bleiling of God with him in his dilhcuh nn- 
 dertahing*. 
 
 It was fome time after Mr. Horton was employed in^the Indiati fcr- 
 vke, before the correfpondents could obtain another. At length ihty 
 prevailed with Mr. David Brainerd, to refufe fcveral invitations unto 
 places where he had a profpect of a comfortable Icttiement among the 
 Englifh, to encounter the fatigues and perils that mull attend hircar-r 
 rying the gofpcl of Chrilt to thefe poor miferable favages. A gene- 
 ral reprefcntation of whole conduft and fuccefs, in that undertaking, 19 
 contained in a letter we lately received from himlelf, fpart of which 
 follows.] 
 
 To the rev. Mr.VzMi^tkroK. Forks of De/a-ware, November ^th, 1744* 
 
 R. S. Sincr you are pleafed to require of me fome brief and general 
 account of my condu'fl in my miluon amongft the Indians, I (liall novr 
 endeavour to anfwer your demands, by giving a brief but faithful ac 
 count of the moll material things. — —On March i 5th, "1743, ^ waited 
 on the correfpondents at New-York, and the week following at Wood- 
 bridge in New-Jerfey, and was fpcedily dirmined by them, with orders 
 to attempt the inilruflion of a number of Indians in a place fome railed 
 diltant from the city of Albany. And on the firfl day of April follow- 
 ing, I arrived among the Indians at a place called by them Kaunaumeek- 
 — --The place, as to its iituat'ron, was fufficiently lonefome and un- 
 pleafant, being encompalfcd with mountains and woods, twenty miles 
 diftant from any Knglilh inhabitants, fix or feven from any Dutch; and 
 more than two from a family that came fome time fince from the 
 Highlands of Scotland, and had then lived (as I remember) about twa 
 years in this wildcrntfs. In this family I lodged about the fpace of 
 three months, the mafter of k being the only pcrfon with whom I could 
 readily converfe in thofe parts, except rriy interpreter; others under- 
 (landing very HttleEngliih. — After I had fpent about three months in this 
 fituation, I foiind my dillance from the Indians a very great difadvantace 
 to my v/ork amongil them. I was obliged to travel forward and back- 
 ward almoll daily on foot. And, after ^11 my pains, could not be with 
 the Indians in the evening and morning, which were ufuaily the befl 
 
 hours to find them at home* 1 therefore refolvcd to lemove, and 
 
 live with or near the Indians. Accordingly 1 removc<i foon after j 
 
 a-Sce extrafls from Mr. Horton's Journals, in Mr. Rabc'i MxjRthl;' IliHory fw 17^^. 
 11° J, and 6. containing manv remarkable particnlars, 
 
 VOL, II. ¥ f f 
 
4IO Succefs ^f the Cofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 and, for a time, lived with them in one of their wigwams; and not long 
 sfter, built me a fmall hoiifc, where I fpent the remainder of that year 
 intirely alone; my interpreter (who was an Indian) chufing rather to 
 
 live in a wigwam among his own countrymen. This way of living 
 
 I found attended with many difficulties, and uncomfortable circumftan- 
 ces, in a place where 1 could get none of the necefTaries and common 
 comforts of life (no, not fo much as a morfel of bread) but what I 
 brought from places fifteen and twenty miles diftant, and oftentimes 
 was obliged, for fome time together, to content myfeif without, for 
 
 want of an opportunity to procure the things I needed. Yet I can 
 
 truly fay, that the burden I felt refpefting my great work among the 
 poor Indians, the fear and concern that continually hung upon my 
 fpirit, left they should be prejudiced againft ChrilHanity, and their 
 minds imbitter'd againft me, and my labours among them, by means 
 of the infmuations of fome, who (although they are called Chrillians) 
 feem to have no concern for Chrift's kingdom, but had rather (as their 
 condufl plainly difcovers) that the Indians fliould remain Heathens, that 
 they may with the more eafe cheat, and fo enrich themfelves by them ; 
 the burden, I fay, the fear, and concern I felt in thefe refpefts were 
 much more preffing to me, than all the difficulties that attended the 
 circumftances of my living. 
 
 As to the flate or temper of mind, in which I found thefe Indians, at 
 my Hrft coming among them, their heatheniflTi jealoufies and fufpicion 
 and their prejudices againft Chriftianity, were in a great meaiure re- 
 moved by the long continued labours of Mr. Sargeant among a num« 
 ber of the fame tribe, in a place little more than twenty miles diftant : 
 by which means thefe were, in fome good degree, prepared to entertain 
 the truths of ChrilHanity, inftead of objecling againft them, and appear- 
 ing almoft intirely untraftable, as is common with them at firil, and as 
 perhaps thefe appeared a few years ago, 
 
 In my labours with them, I ftudied what was moft plain, and eafy, 
 and beft fuited to their capacities: and endeavoured to fet before them 
 from time to time (as they were able to receive them) the moft import- 
 ant, and neceffary truths of Chriftianity; fuch as moft immediately 
 
 concerned their fpcedy converfion to God. Firft, the linfulnefsand 
 
 mifery of the eftate they were naturally in : the evil of their hearts ; the 
 pollution of their natures; the heavy guilt they were under, and their 
 expofednefs to everlafting puniftament; as alio their utter inability to 
 fave themfelves, either from their fins, or from thofe miferies which are 
 the juft punilliment of them ; and their unworthinefs of any mercy at 
 the hand of God, on account of any thing they themfelves could do to 
 procure his favour; and confequently their extreme need of Chrift to 
 
 favc them. And, fecondly, I frequently endeavoured to open to 
 
 them the fulnefs,all-fufficiency, and freenefs of that redemption, which 
 the Son of God has wrought out by his obedience and fufferings, for 
 perifiiing flnners; how this provifion he had made, was fuited to all 
 their wants; and how he called and invited them to accept of everlaft- 
 ing life freely, notwithftanding all their finfuluefs, inability, unworthi- 
 nefs, SiQ. 
 
Chap. 7» in the eighteenth Century, 41 1 
 
 I then gave them an hiftorical account of God's dealings with his an- 
 cient profefling people, the Jews: fome of the rites, and ceremonies, 
 they were obliged to obferve, as their facrifices, &c. and what thcfe 
 were deligned to reprefent to them. — Afterwards I proceeded to give 
 them a relation of the birth, life, miracles, fufferings, death, and refur- 
 reclion of Chriil: as well as his afcenfion, and the wonderful c.Tufion 
 
 of the Holy Spirit. 1 next proceeded to read, and expound to them 
 
 the Goipel of Matthew (at leaft the fubllance of it) in courfc.— — ^Thefe 
 expolitions I attended almoll every evening, when there was any con- 
 fiderable number of them at home ; except when I was obliged to be 
 ablent myfelf, in order to learn the Indian language with Mr. Sargcant. 
 
 Belides thelb means of inflruftion, there was likcwife an Engliih 
 
 fchool conflantly kept by my interpreter among the Indians : which I 
 ufed frequently to vifitjin order to give the children and young people 
 
 inflruftions and exhortations fuited to their age.- The degree of 
 
 knowledge to which fome of them attained, was confiderablc. But 
 
 that which gave me the greateft encouragement amidll many difficulties 
 and difconfolate hours, was, that the truths of God's word fecmcd,ac 
 times, to be attended with fome power upon the hearts andconfciences 
 
 of the Indians. Several of them came, of their own accord, to dif- 
 
 courfe with me about their fouls concerns; and fome, with tears, en- 
 quired what they fliould do to be faved ? and whether the God that 
 ChrilUans fervcd, would be merciful to thofe that had been frequently 
 
 drunk, &c. There likewife appeared a reformation in their lives 
 
 and manners. Their idolatrous facrifices were laid alidc, and their 
 
 heathenidi cuftom of dancing, halloeing &c. in a confiderablc meafure 
 broken off. And I could not but hope, that they were reformed in 
 fome meafure from the fin of drunkennefs. They likewife manifcftcd 
 
 a regard to the Lord's-day. Yet after all I muft confefs, that there 
 
 were fome things more difcouraging And while I rejoiced to obferve 
 any ferioufnefs among them, I was not without continual fear left fuch 
 encouraging appearances might prove like a mornins-cloud, that paf^ 
 feth away. 
 
 When I had fpent near a year with them, I informed them that I ex- 
 pefted to leave them in the Spring, and to be fent to another tribe of 
 Indians at a great diflance : upon which they appeared very forrowful, 
 urging that they had now heard fo much about their fouls concerns, that 
 they could never more be willing to live without a minifler, and further 
 inflruftions in the way to Heaven, &c. Whereupon I told them, they 
 ought to be willing that others alfo fhould hear, feeing thofe needed it 
 as much as themfelves. But they added, that thofe Indians, to whom I 
 had thoughts of going, were not willing to become Chrillians, as they 
 were, and therefore xirged me to tarry with them. I then told them, that 
 they might receive further inftruftion without me; but the Indians, ta 
 whom I expefted to be fent, could not, there being no minifier near to 
 teach them. And hereupon I advifed them, in cafe I fbould leave them, 
 to remove to Stockbridge, where they niightbe fupplied with land, and 
 be under the miniftry of Mr. Sargeant : which propo(al they fecme^l 
 difpofed to comply with. 
 
 Fff 2 
 
412 Sticcefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV, 
 
 April 6th, 1744. I was ordered by the correfpondents to take leave 
 
 of them, and to go to a tribe on Delaware-river in Penfylvania. , 
 
 Thcfe orders 1 loon attended, and on May loth, met wiih a num.- I 
 ber of Indians in a place called MinnilTinks, about an hundred and forty 
 iTiiles trom Kaunaumcek, and in my way to Dclawarcrriver. With 
 thefe I fpent Come titne, and tirft addrelTed their king in a friendly man- 
 rei ; and after fomc difcourfe, and attempts to contraft a friendlhip 
 with him, I told him I had a delire (for his benefit and happinefs) to 
 infrrufl them in ChrilHanity. At which he laughed, turned his back 
 Upon roe, and went away, I then addrefled another principal man in 
 the fame manner, who faid he was willing to hear me. After fome time, 
 JToHowed tlie king into his houfc, and renewed my difcourfe to him: 
 but he (ieclined talking, and left thi? affair to another, who appi.'ared'to 
 be a rational man. He began, and talked very warmly near a quarter 
 cf en hour together: he inquired why I defired the Indians to become 
 Chri'tinns, feeing the Chriftians were fo much worfe than the Indians. 
 The ChrifKians, he faid, would lie, fleal, and drink, worfe than the In- 
 ciians. It was they firft taught the Indians to be drunk; and they liole 
 from one another, to that degree, that their rulers were obliged to hang 
 them for it, and that was not fufficient to deter others from the like 
 practice. But the Indians, he added, were none of tiiem ever hang<?d 
 for Healing, and yet they did not fleal half fo much ; and he fuppofed 
 rhat if the Indians fnould become Chriftians, they would then be as bad 
 as thefe. And hereupon he faid, they would live as their fathers lived, 
 snd go where their fathers were when they died. I then freely owned, 
 lamented, and joined M'ithhira in condemning the ill condu(ft of fbme, 
 who are called Ghrillians: told bira, thefe were not Chriftians in heart. 
 
 And when he appeared calmer, I afkcd him if h'e was willing, tliat I 
 
 fhould come and fee them again : he replied, he fliould be willing to fee 
 me again, as a friend, if I would not defire them to become Chriflians. 
 
 1 then bid them farewel, and profecuted my journey toward Dela- 
 
 jii'are. And May 1 3th, arrived at a place called by the Indians Sakhau- 
 \vorung. 
 
 Here alfo I informed the king of my defire to inflruft them in the 
 Chriftian religion. After he had confulted a few minutes with two or 
 three old men, he told me, he was willing to hear. I then preached to 
 thofe few that were prefent; who appeared very attentive, and well- 
 difpofed. And the king in particular feemed both to wonder, and to be 
 well pleafed with what I taught them, refpefting the Divine Being, &c. 
 And fince that time he has ever fhewn himfelf friendly to me, giving 
 
 jne free liberty to preach in his houfe, whenever I think fit. Here 
 
 therefore I have fpent the greater part of the Summer pall, preaching 
 
 wfually in the king's houfe. The number of Indians in this place, is 
 
 but fmall. -There are not more than ten houfes that continue to be 
 
 inhabitpd; and fome of thefe are feveral miles diflant from others. 
 
 AVhcn Ifirfl began to preach here, the number of my hearers often did 
 iiot exceed twenty or twenty-five perfons: but towards the latter part 
 
 of the Summer I have frequently had forty or more. Theeiii:6ts 
 
 which the truths of God's word have had upon fome of them, are en- 
 
chap. 7« ' tn the eighteenth Century. 413 
 
 couraging. Some few inltances among them not only deteft their 
 
 old idolatrous notions, but Orive alfo to bring their friends o(i'fiora 
 theiTJ. And as they are (eeking falvation for their own ibuls, fo they 
 feem deflrous, and I'ome of them take pains, that others might be excit- 
 ed to do theliko. 
 
 In July laft I heard of a number of Indians refiding at a place (called 
 Kaukrefauchung) more than thirty miles Wefhvard from the place 
 where I ufually preach. I vifited them, found about thirty perions, 
 and propoled my defire of preaching to them: they readily complied, 
 and I preached to them only twice; they being juft then removing from 
 this place (where they only lived for the prefent) to Sufquahannah-jivcr 
 
 where they belonged. \\'hile I was preaching, they appeared fober 
 
 and attentive; and vverefomewhatfvirprii'ed, having never before heard 
 of thefe things. There were two or three, who lufpedk'd that I had 
 fome ill delign upon them; and urged, that the white people had abuf- 
 ed them, and taken their lands from them, and therefore they had no 
 reafon to think that they were now concerned for their happinefs: but 
 on the contrary, that they defigned to make them flaves, or get tl^.em on 
 board their veflels, and make them fight with the people over the water 
 (as they exprelfed it) meaning the French and Spaniards; however, the 
 moll of them appeared very friendly, and told me, they were then go- 
 ing directly home to Sufquahannah, and delired I v.-ould make them a 
 vifit there. This invitation g^ve me fome encouragement. 
 
 In the beginning of 06lober laft, with the advice and dire<fl:ion of the 
 correfpondents, J undertook a journey to Sufquahannah. And after 
 three days tedious travel, two of them through a wildcrnefs almofl un- 
 palfabie by reafon of mountains and rocks, and two nights lodging in 
 the open wildcrncfs, I came to an Indian fettlement on the llde of Suf- 
 quahannah-'river, called Opeholhaupungr where were twelve Indian 
 houfe?, and (as nigh as I could learn) about fevpnty foul-s, old and 
 youpg, belonging to them. Here alfo, foon after my arrival, I vifit- 
 ed the king, addreliing him with expreffions of kindnefs; and informed 
 him of my defire to teach tlicm the knowledge of Ghriftjanity. He hc- 
 fitated not long before he told me, that he was v/illing to hejr. I then 
 preached, and continued there fcveral days, preaching every day, as long 
 as the Indians were at he xfie. And they in order to hear me, deferred 
 the defign pf their general hunting (which they were jutt then entering 
 
 upon) for the fpace of three or four days, The men, I think, uiiiver- 
 
 fally (except one) attended my preaching. Only, the wom.en, fuppofing 
 the affair wt were upon was of a public nature, belonging only to the 
 men, and not what every individual perfon fliould concern himfelf wiib, 
 could not readily be perfuaded to come and hear : but, after much pains 
 «fed With them for that purpofe, fome few ventured to come, and ftand 
 
 at a diltance. When I had preached feveral times, fome of them very 
 
 frankly propofed what they had to objeft againft Chriflianity. And 
 
 when I had endeavoured to anfwer their objeftions, Ibme appeared 
 much fatisfied. I then afked the king if he was willing I ftiould vifit, 
 and preach to them again, if I fhould live to the next Spring; he replied, 
 he fliouW be heartily willing for his own part^ and added, he wiihed thq 
 
4^4 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. , 
 
 young people would learn &c. There were fundry other things in 1 
 
 their behaviour, which appeared with a comfortable, and encouraging j 
 afpecl; that, upon the whole, I could not but rejoice I had taken that ] 
 journey among them. 
 
 Thus, Sir, 1 have given you a faithful and brief account of what has | 
 been moft confiderablc in my miiBon. I ihall only now take leave to I 
 add a word or two refpe£ling the difficulties that attend the chriftiani- ' 
 
 zingof thefe poor Pagans. -i. Their minds are filled with prejudices 
 
 againft Chrirtianity, on account of the vicious lives and unchriftian 
 behaviour of fome that are called ChrKHans. Thefe not only ^tx. be- 
 fore them the woril: examples, but fome of them take pains, to dif- 
 fuade them from becoming Ghrifiians; forefeeing, that if thefe rtiould , 
 be converted to God, the hope of their unlawful gain would be loft. — \ 
 
 2. Thefe poor Heathens are extremely attached to the cuftoms, tradi- 
 tions and fabulous notions of their fathers. And this one feems to be the 
 foundation of all their other notions, viz. That 'twas not the fame God 
 made them, who made the white people, but another who command- 
 ed them to live by hunting, &c. and not conform to the cuftoms of the 
 white people. If the miracles of Ghrift and his apoftles be mention- 
 ed, to prove the truth of Chriftianity; they alfo mention fundry mi- 
 racles, which their fathers have told them were anciently wrought a- 
 mong the Indians, and which Satan makes them believe were fo. 
 They are much attached to Idolatry, frequently making feafts, which 
 they eat in honour to fome unknown beings, who, they fuppofe, fpeak 
 to them in dreams; promifing them fuccefs in hunting, and other af- 
 fairs, in cafe they will facrifice to them. They oftentimes alfo offer 
 their facrifices to the fpirits of the dead; who, they fuppofe, ftand in 
 need of favours from the living, and yet are in fuch a ftate as that they 
 can well reward all the offices of kindnefs that are ftievvn them. And 
 they impute all their calamities to the neglect of thefe facrifices. 
 
 3. They are much awed by thofe among themfelves, who are called Pa- 
 waws, who are fuppofed to have a power of inchanting, or poifoning 
 them to death, or at leaft in a very diftreffing manner. And they ap- 
 prehend it would be their fad fate to be thus inchanted, in cafe they 
 
 fhould become Chriftians. Laftly, The manner of their living is 
 
 likewife a great difadvantage to the defign of their being chriftianized. 
 They are almoft continually roving from place to place; and 'tis but 
 rare, that an opportunity can be had with fome of them for their in- 
 ilru6tion. There is fcarce any time of the year, wherein the men can 
 be found generally at home, except about fix weeks before, and in the 
 feafon of planting their corn, and about two months in the latter part 
 of Summer, from the time they begin to roaft their corn, until 'tis fit 
 yo gather in. I am, &c. David Bi!.ain£ro. 
 
C%ap. 7. ia the eighteenth Century. j^ie 
 
 Section FV. 
 
 Some farther Hints of Mr. iirainerd's Labour i among the Indians y from 
 November 1744 to June 1745, in the Forks of Delaware. 
 
 [ From his Life, publiflicd by Mr. EdwarJs, page J33, 8zc. ] 
 
 Thurfday, November 22d, Came on my way from Rockckicus to 
 
 Delaware-River. About fix at night I loft my way in the wiidcr- 
 
 nefs, and wandered over rocks and mountains, down hideous flceps, 
 through fwamps, and moll dreadful and dangerous places: and the 
 night being dark, fo that few flats could be feen, I was greatly expoi'ed : 
 was much pinched with cold, and diflrelfed with an extreme pain in 
 my head, attended with ficknefs at my flomach; fo that every flcp I 
 took was diflrelTing to me. I had little hope for fevcrai hours toge- 
 ther, but that I mufl lie out in the woods all night, in this diflreHed 
 cafe. But about nine o'clock, I found a houfe, through the abundant 
 goodnefs of God, and was kindly entertained. Thus I have frequent- 
 ly been expofed, and fometimes lain out the whole night: but God has 
 hitherto preferved me; and, bleffed be his name, fuch fatigues and 
 hardlhips as thefe ferve to wean me more from the earth ; and, I trufl, 
 
 will make heaven the fweeter. Within the fpace of the next twelve 
 
 days, [fays Mr. Edwards from his diary,] he paffed under many chan- 
 ges in the frames and exercifes of his mind. He had many feafons of 
 the fpecial influences of God's Spirit, animating, invigorating, and 
 comforting him in the ways of God and duties of religion ; but had 
 fome turns of great dejeflion and melancholy. He fpcnt much time, 
 within this fpace, in hard labour, with others, to make for himfelf 2 
 little cottage or hut, to live in by himfelf through the Winter. Yet he 
 frequently preached to the Indians, and fpeaks of fpecial afTiflance he 
 had from time to time, in addrefGng himfelf to them ; and of his fome- 
 times having confiderable encouragement, from the attention they gave. 
 But, on Tuefday December 4th, he was funk into great difcourage- 
 ment, to fee them (moft of them) going in company to an idolatrous 
 feafl and dance, after he had taken abundant pains with them to dilTuadc 
 
 them from thefe things. Thurfday, December 6th, Having now a 
 
 happy opportunity of being retired in a houfe of my own, which I have 
 lately procured and moved into, and confidering that it is now a long 
 time fince I have been able, either on account of bodily wcaknefs, or for 
 want of retij ement, or fom.e other difficulty, to fpend any time in fe- 
 cret faffing and prayer ; confidering alfo thegreatnefsofmy work, and 
 the extreme difficulties that attend it: and that my poor Indians are 
 now worfliipping devils, nctwithftanding all the pains I have taken with 
 them, which aimoft overwhelms my fpirit : moreover, confidering my 
 extreme barrennefs, fplritual dcadnefs and dejection of late; as alfo 
 the pov.er of fome particular corruptions; I fet apart this day for {«- 
 crct prayer end fafling, to implore the bleffing of God on myfclf, on 
 
 my poor people, on my friends, and on the church of God. Friday, 
 
 .December 7th, Spent (ome tjoac iij prayer In the morning; ecjojtd 
 
41 fl Succefs of the Co/pel in America BoOk IV. 
 
 fome freedom and affcftion in the duty, and had longing defires of be- 
 ing made faithful to the death. Spent a little time in writing on a di- 
 vine fubjeft: then vilited the Indians, and preached to them, but under 
 
 inexpiefTible dejeftion. Lord's-day, December 9th, Preached both 
 
 parts of the day at a place called Greenwich in New-Jerfey, about ten 
 miles from my own houfe. In the latter exercife, blelTed be the Lord, 
 I had fome fervency, both in prayer and preaching; and, efpecially ia 
 the application of my difcoiu-fe, was enabled to addrefs precious fouls 
 with affeftion, concern, tendernefs and importunity. The Spirit of 
 God, I think, was there; as the effects vvere apparent, tears running 
 down many cheeks, Wednefday, December 12th, Found my inter- 
 preter under fome concern for his foul ; which was fome comfort to me, 
 and yet filled me with new care. I longed greatly for his converfion ; 
 iM'tcd up my heart to God for it, while I was talking to him : came 
 home, and poured out my foul to God for him : enjoyed fome freedom 
 
 in prayer, and was enabled, I tliink, to leave all with God. Thurf- 
 
 day, December 1 3th, Endeavoured to fpend the day in fafling and pray- 
 er, to implore the divine bleffing, more efpecially on my poor people; 
 and, in particular, I fought for converting grace for my interpreter, and 
 three or four more under fome concern for their fouls. I was much 
 difordercd in the morning when I arofe; but having determined to jpend 
 the day in this manner, I attempted it. Some freedom I had in plead- 
 ing for thefe poor concerned fouls fevcral times. Frida}', Decem- 
 ber 14th, Near noon, went to the Indians; but knew not what to fay 
 to them, and was afhamed to look them in the face: I felt I had no 
 power to addrefs their confciences, and therefore had no boldnefs to lay 
 any thing. Was much of the day in a great degree of defpair about e- 
 
 ver doing or feeing any good in the land of the living. Tuefday, 
 
 December 18th, Went to the Indians, and difcourfed to them, near an 
 hour, without any power to come elofe to their hearts. But at lalt I 
 felt fome fervency, and God helped me to fpeak with Warmth. My in- 
 terpreter alfo was amazingly afliflcd; and I doubt not but the Spirit of 
 God was upon him (tho' I had no reafon to think he had any true and 
 faving.grace, but was only under conviftion of his loft ftate; ) and pre- 
 fcntly upon this, moft of the grown perfons were much affe61ed, and 
 the tears ran down their cheeks ; and one old man (I fuppofe an hundred 
 years old) was fo aftefted, that he wept, and feemed convinced of the im- 
 portance of what I taught them. Wednefday, December lyth. 
 
 Spent a great part of the day in prayer to God for the out-pouring of 
 his Spirit on my poor people; as alfo to blefs his name for awakening 
 my interpreter, and fome others, and giving us fome tokens of his pre- 
 fence yeflerday. And, bleffed be God, I had much freedom, five or fix 
 times in the day, in prayer and praife, and felt a weighty concern up- 
 on my fpirit for the falvation of thofe precious fouls, and the enlarge- 
 ment of the Redeemer's kingdom among them. My foul hoped in God 
 for fome fuccefs in my miniftry; and bleffed be his name for fo much 
 
 hope. Tuefday, December 25th, Enjoyed very little quiet fleep laft 
 
 night, by reafon of bodily weaknefs, and the clofenefs of my ftudies 
 ydleiday : yet ray heart was foijiewbac lively in prayer and praife : I 
 
Chsp. 7. in the eighteenth Century ^ 417 
 
 was delighted with the divine glory and happinefs, and rejoiced thnt God 
 was God, and that he was unchangeably poflefTed of glory and bleired- 
 nefs. Though God held my eyes waking, yet he helped me to improve 
 my time profitably amidit my pains and weaknefs, in continued medi- 
 tations on Luke xiii. 7. " Behold thefe three years I come leeking 
 fruit," &c. My meditations were fueet; and I wanted to fet before 
 
 finners their fin and danger. Wednefday, Jan. 9th, In the morning, 
 
 God was pleafed to remove that gloom which has of late opprelTed my 
 mind, and gave me freedom and fwtetncfs in prayer. I wai> encoura- 
 ged and flrcngthened, and enabled to plesd for grace for myfclf, ani 
 mercy for my poor Indians; and was iweerly afTHkd in my interceiii- 
 ons with God for others. Blelfed be his holy name, for ever and t-ver j 
 Amen, and Amen. Thofe things that of late have appeared molr dif- 
 ficult and almoft impolFible, now appeared not only poffible, but eafy^ 
 
 Lord's-day, Jan. 27th, Had the greateft degree of inward anguifliy 
 
 that almoft ever I endured : I was perfeftly overwhelmed, and fo eon- 
 fufed, that after I began to difcourfe to the Indians, before I could fi- 
 nifh a fentence, fometimes I forgot entirely what I was aiming at; or 
 if, with much difficulty, I had recollected what I had before defigned^ 
 ftlll it appeared ftrange, and like fomething I had long forgotten, and 
 had now but an imperfeft remembrance of. It was occafioned by va- 
 poury diforders, melancholy, fpiritual defertion, and fome other things 
 that particularly prelTed upon me, this morning, with an uncommon 
 weight, the principal of which refpefted my Indians. This di(tre(Iing 
 gloom never went oiFthe whole day; but was fo far removed, that I 
 was enabled to fpeak with fome freedom and concern to the Indians^ 
 at two of their fettlements; and I think, there was fome appearance of 
 the prefence of God with us, fome ferioufnefs, and feeming concern 
 among the Indians, at leafl; a few of them. In the evening this gloom 
 continued Aill, 'till family prayer', about nine o'clock/ and almoft 
 thro' this, until I came near thcclofc, when I was praying (as I ufually 
 do) for the illumination and convcrfion of my poor people; and then 
 the cloud was fcattered, fo that I enjoyed fweetnefs and freedom, and 
 conceived hopes, that God defigned mercy for fome of them. The 
 fame I enjoyed afterwards in fecret prayer; in which precious duty L 
 had for a cpnfiderable time fweetnefs and freedom, and (I hope) faith, 
 in praying for myfelf, my poor Indians, and dear friends and acquain- 
 tance in New-England and elfewhere, and for the dear interefl of Zioa 
 in general. *' Blefs the Lord, O my foul, and forget not all his be- 
 nefits." Lord's-day, Feb. 17. Preached to the white people (my in- 
 terpreter being abfent) in the wildernefs upon the funny fide of a hill: 
 had a confiderable aflfembly, confifiing of people that lived (at leaft 
 many of them) notlefs than thirty miles afunder; fomeof them came 
 near twenty miles. I difcourfed to them, all day, from John vii. 37, 
 *' Jefus flood and cried, faying, if any man third, &c." In the after- 
 noon, it pleafed God to grant rae great freedom and fervency in my 
 
 a Tho* Mr. Braincrd now dwelt by him- • that was near to a family of white people 
 felf in the forcmentioned little cottage, with whom he had lived before, aod wilft 
 Vhich he had built for his own ufe, yet | whom he Qill aitc.id«<i family. prayer, 
 
 VOL. IL Ggg 
 
41 8 Succefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 dilbourfe; 1 think, I was fcaice ever enabled to offer the free grace 
 
 ofGod to perilhing finners with more freedom and plainnefs in ray life. 
 And afterwards, I was enabled earneftly to invite the children of God 
 to come renewedly, and drink of this fountain of water of life, from 
 ■whence they have heretofore derived unfpeakable fatisfa6lion. It was 
 a very comfortable time to me : There were many tears in the aflem- 
 bly ; and I doubt not but the Spirit of God was there, convincing poor 
 
 finners of their need of Chrift. In the evening, I felt compofed, 
 
 and comfortable, tho' much tired ; I had fome fweet fenfe of the ex- 
 cellency and glory of God ; and my foul rejoiced, that he was God o- 
 ver all, blefTed forever; but was too much crouded with company and 
 converfation, and longed to be more alone with God. Oh that I could 
 for ever blcfs God for the mercy of this day. — Wednefday, March 6th. 
 Spent moft of the day in preparing for a journey to New-England. — 
 The next day [fays Mr. Edwards] he fet out on his journey : and it 
 was about five weeks before he returned. The fpecial defign of this 
 journey, he himfelf declares afterwards, in his diary for March 2i. 
 Where, fpeaking of bisconverfing with a certain minifler in Mew-Eng- 
 land, he fays thus, " Contrived with him how to raife fome money a- 
 mong Chriftian friends, in order to fupport a colleague with me in the 
 wildernefs, (I having now fpent two years in a very folitary manner) 
 that we might be together ; as Chrift fent out his difciples, two and two : 
 and as this was the principal concern I had in view, in taking this jour- 
 ney, fo I took pains in it, and hope God will fucceed it, if for his glo- 
 ry.— April 14th. This week, he went a journey to Philadelphia, in 
 order to engage the governour there to ufe his intereft with the chief 
 man of the Six Nations, (with whom he maintained a ftrift friendfhip) 
 that he would give him leave to live at Sufquahannah, and inftruft the 
 
 Indians that are within their territories*. Wednefday May 8tb, 
 
 he fet out on his journey to Sufquahannah, with his interpreter. 
 He endured great hardfhips and fatigues in his way thither thro' a hide- 
 ous wildernefs ; where, after having lodged one night in the open woods, 
 he was overtaken with a North-Eafterlyftorm, in which he wasalmoft 
 ready to peridi. Having no manner of flielter, and not being able to 
 make a fire in fo great a rain, he could have no comfort if he ftopt; 
 therefore determined to go forward, in hopes of meeting with fome 
 /belter, without which he thought it impoffible he ftiould live the night 
 thro': but their horfes happening tohave eat poifon(for want of other 
 food) ataplacewheretheylodged the night before, were fo fickthatthey 
 could neither ride nor lead them, but were obliged to drive ^hem be- 
 fore them, and travel on foot ; until thro' the mercy of God (juft at 
 dufk) they came to a bark-hutt, where they lodged that night. After 
 he came to Sufquahannah, he travelled about the length of an hundred 
 miles on the river, and vifited many towns and fettlements of the Indir 
 ans ; faw fome of fcven or eight diftinft tribes ; and preached to diffe- 
 
 a The Indians at Sufquahannah arc a 
 mixed companyof many nations, fpeaking 
 various languages, and few of them pro- 
 perly of the Six Nations, fiut yet the 
 
 country having formerly been conquered by 
 the Six Nations, they claim the land ; and 
 the Sufquahannah- Indians arc a kind oS 
 vafTals to them. 
 
chap. 7. in the eighttenth Century. ^jo 
 
 rent nations, by different interpreters. He was fometlmes much dif- 
 couraged, and funk in his fpirits, through the oppolkion that appear- 
 ed in the Indians to Chiiftianity. At other times, he was encouraged 
 by the difpofition that fome of thefe people manifefted to hear, and 
 willingnefs to be inftrudted. He here met with fome that had formerly 
 been his hearers at Kaunaumeek, and had removed hither; who faw 
 and heard him again with great joy. He fpent a fortnight among the 
 Indians on this river; and palfed through confiderable labours and 
 hardlhips, frequently lodging on the ground, and fometimes in the c- 
 pen air ; and at length he fell extremely ill, as he was riding in the wil- 
 dernefs, beingfcized with an ague, followed with a burning fever, and 
 extreme pains in his head and bowels, attended with a great evacuation 
 of blood; fo that he thought he mufl: have perifhed in the wildernefs: 
 but at lall: coming to an Indian trader's hutt, he got leave to ftay there; 
 and though without phylick or food proper for him, it pleafed God, af- 
 ter about a week's diflrefs, to relieve him fo far that he was able to 
 ride. He returned homewards from Juncauta, an ifland far down the 
 river ; where was a confiderable number of Indians, who appeared more 
 free from prejudices againft Ghriftianity, than moft of the other Indi» 
 ans. He arrived at the Forks of Delaware on Thurfday May 30th, af- 
 ter having rode in this journey about three hundred and forty miles. 
 — Lord's-day, June 9th, [at Neihaming whither be had gone near fifty 
 miles to ailift at a facramcnt] felt fome longing defires of the prefence 
 of God to be with his people on the folemn occafion of the day. In 
 the forenoon, Mr. Beaty preached ; and there appeared fome warmth 
 in the aflembly. Afterwards, I allifted in the adminiflration of the 
 Lord's fupper: and towards the clofe of it, I difcourfed to the mult'- 
 tude, with fome reference to that facred paflage, Ifa. liii. 10. " Yet it 
 pleafed the Lord to bruife him." Here God gave me great aiTiftance in 
 addrelTmg iinners: and the word was attended with amazing pov/er; 
 many fcores, if not hundreds, in that great affembly, conlifting of tliree 
 or four thoufand, were much affected; fo that there was a very great 
 mourning. — Tuefday, June i8th, Set out from New-Brunfwick with 
 a defign to vifit fome Indians at a place called Grofweekfung in New- 
 Jerfey, towards the fea*. 
 
 We are now come to that part of Mr. Brainerd's life [fays Mr. Ed- 
 wards] wherein he had his greateft faccefs in his labours for the good 
 of fouls, and in his particular bufinefsas a miffionary to the Indians.— - 
 We may fee from the preceeding parts of this account of his life, how 
 great and long-continued his delires for the fpiritual good of this fort 
 
 a Mr. Brainerd having, when at Bofton, 
 [fays \tr. Edwards] wrote and left wilh a 
 friend a brief relation of fafts touching his 
 labours with the Indians and reception a- 
 mong them, during the fpace of time be- 
 tween Nov. jth 1744, and June 19th I74J'. 
 (with a view to connefl his Narrative, at 
 the end of Mr. Pemberton's Ordination-Ser- 
 mon, and his Journal, in cafe they fhould c- 
 ver be reprinicd) concludes the fame with 
 
 Ggg ^ 
 
 this paflage: " As my body was very feeble, 
 fo my mind was fcarce ever fo much damp- 
 ed and difcouraged about the convcrfion cf 
 the Indians, as at this time. And in this 
 Itateof body and mind I made my firft vilit 
 to the Indians in New- Jerfey, where God 
 was pleafed to difplay his power and grace 
 in the remarkable manner that I havcxeprcTt 
 fentcd in my printed Journal." 
 
^20 Suceefs of the Go/pel in AmertcA Book IV. 
 
 of people were; how he prayed, laboured, and wreftled, and how much 
 he denied himfelf and fuffered, to this end. After all his agonizing in 
 prayer,and travailing in birth for their converfion, and ail the interchanges 
 of his raifed hopes and expeftations, and then difappointments and dif- 
 /couragements; and after waiting in a way of perfevering prayer, la- 
 bour and fuffering, as it were through a long night, at length the day 
 dawns. '^ He went forth weeping bearing precious feed," and now he 
 ^' coraeswith rejoicing, bringing his Iheavcs with him;" butitisat atime, 
 in a place, and upon fuhjefts, that fcarce ever entered into his heart. 
 
 [Thus far the extracfl from his life. We now proceed to give fome 
 
 hints of the fuccefs here referred to, from his public Journal.] 
 
 Section V. 
 
 At length the Lord remarkably countenances his Labours among/} the 
 
 Indians at Cropweekfung in Nevj-Jerfey. Sojne Hints ^f his Sue- 
 
 cefs there from June 1745 ^° J"'^^ ^7-^^- -And of his Vifits to the 
 
 Forks of Delaware and Sufquahannah. 
 
 Part I. 
 
 The Converfion of his Interpreter. Mr. William Tennenfs Coiin- 
 
 fds bleft to the Indians during Mr. Brainerd's Abfence. The 
 
 -wonderful Power of God when Mr. Brainerd fpoke particularly to 
 
 thofe under Concern Auguft 8 th. — ■■ — An old Conjurer awakened. 
 
 Others fall to the Ground, and cry for Mercy in their own Language. 
 ■^Some of the white People alfo awakened Aug. 1 1 th. — Aug. 1 6th, A 
 Day of great Power. Godfeemed to work independently of the Means. 
 — The Number of Indians Aug. 26th was ninety-five; almoflall of them 
 affeSied either with Joy in ChriJ}, or with deep Concern to obtain an 
 
 Interefl in him. Their Prayers for Mr. Brainerd when going to 
 
 preach to the Indians at Sufquahannah. Some of thofe at the Forks 
 
 of Delaware Mockers of thofe who heard Mr. Brainerd The Ido' 
 
 latrous Sacrifice at Juncauta. The Powows or Conjurers. 
 
 Mr. Brainerd's Remarks upon this Work of Grace amongfl the Indi' 
 ^ns till November 4th I y 4^. 
 
 [ Froaj the Abridgement of Brainerd's Journa) printed 1748, wlfh a Dedication to the 
 Society in Scptland by Dr. Doddridge. J 
 
 Crofweekfung in New-Jerfey, June 19th, 1745. Having fpent moft 
 of my lime for more than a year pad in the Forks of Delaware in 
 Pcnlylvania, and not having had any confiderable appearance of fuc- 
 cefs among the Indians there, upon hearing that there was a number 
 of Indians at Crofweekfung in New-Jeriey, near fourfcorp miles South- 
 
 ^aft\\ard from the Forks of Delaware, I came hither this day. J 
 
 found very few perfons at the place I vifited, and perceived the Indians 
 
 in tbefe part? were very much fcattered. However I preached tQ 
 
 thr.fe few, and upon my telling them that I would willingly vifit them 
 again the next d£>y, they readily fet out, and travelled ten or fifteen 
 
Chap. f. in the eighteenth Century. ^i \ 
 
 miles, in order to give notice to fonie of their friends; fo that on the 
 22d, their number, which at firll confifted of about fevcn orei^jht per- 
 fons, was increafed to near thirty ; and there was not only a folenin at- 
 tention among them, but it was apparent that fome conliucrablc imprt-f- 
 
 lions were made upon their minds by divine truths. Lord's-day, 
 
 June 23d, Thtir number ftili increased, and all with one confent fecm- 
 
 ed to rejoice in my coming among them. To fee poor Pagans dt- 
 
 firous of hearing the gofpel of Ghrilf, animated me exceedingly, though 
 I was now very weakly. 
 
 July 2d, \V^as obliged to leave them, thinking it my duty, as foon as 
 
 health would admit, to vilit thofe at the Forks of Delaware. At p:irt- 
 
 ing, they all earneflly enquired when I would come again, and of their 
 own accord agreed to meet and live together, when I came again, during 
 my continuance with them; and that t'ney would do their utmoft to 
 gather all the other Indians in thefe parts. One in particular told me, 
 with tears," (lie wiiliedGod would change her heart." Another," that 
 flie wanted to find Chriii." And an old man, who had been one of their 
 chiefs, wept bitterly with concern for his foul. — —The encouraging dif- 
 polition and readinefs to receive in(lru£lion nov/ apparent among thern, 
 leems to have been the blefled ei^eft of the convidtion that one or two 
 of them met with fome time finceat the Forks of Delaware, who have 
 fince endeavoured to ihew their friends the evil of idolatry, &c. 
 
 Forks of Delaware in Penfylvania 1745. Lord's-day July ziH, 
 Preached to my people; then to a number of white people prefent; 
 and in the afternoon to the Indians again. Many wept. Afterwards I 
 baptized my interpreter and his wife, who are both perfons of fome ex- 
 perimental knowledge in religion ; and were the firft I bapti^ed amoncr 
 
 the Indians. When I firft employed him, he Itemed to have little or 
 
 no imprelfion of religion upon his mind, and thereby I laboured under 
 
 great difadvantage in addreffing the Indians. But lafl: July, while { 
 
 preached to an alfembly of white people with more freedom and fer- 
 vency than ufual, he was fomewhat awakened, fo that the next day he 
 
 talked with me freely about his fpiritual concerns. But thefe impref- 
 
 fions feemed quickly to wear off, and he grew fecure again till late in 
 the Fall of the year; at which time he declined much in his health, and 
 then divine truth took hold of him. His mind was burdened from day 
 to day, and it was now his great enquiry ** what he Ihould do to be 
 faved." His fpiritual trouble prevailed, and he had little reft day or 
 night; and while he was ftriving for mercy, he faw, he fays, an impaf- 
 fable mountain before him ; his way was hedged up with thorns, that he 
 
 could not ftir an inch further. He faw that the life he had lived was 
 
 the way to eternal death, and that he was now on the brink of endlefs 
 aiifery. — After he had been fome time in this condition, and had given 
 xip all for loft as to his own attempts, then, he fays, it was born in upon his 
 mind, as with an audible voice — " There is hope — There is hope". He 
 cannot remember any diftin£V views he then had of Chrift; but thefe 
 cxercifesof foul produced a very great change in the man, fo that it might 
 juftly be faid, he was become another man, if not aaew man. Hereupon 
 
422 Succefs of the Go/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 there was a great change in his temper, difcourfe, and behaviour ; and 
 efpecially there was a furprizing alteration in his public performances. 
 He now addrelFed the Indians with admirable fervency, and when I had 
 concluded my difcourfe, and was gone, he would tarry behind to repeat 
 
 and inculcate what had been fpoken. The change is abiding, and his 
 
 life unblemiHied to this day. He feems to have a very conliderable ex- 
 perience of fpiritual exercife, and difcourfes freely of the conflicts and 
 c )nfolations of a real Chriftian. His pleafed heart ecchoes to the foul- 
 humbling doctrines of grace, and he never appears better pleafed than 
 when he hears of the abfolute fovcreignty of God, and the falvation of 
 finners in the way of free grace. And, upon the whole, I have reafon to 
 hope that he is created anew in Chrift Jefus to good works. 
 
 July 26th, Baptized my interpreter's children. There was a con- 
 
 fiderable appearance of divine power among the Indians at the time that 
 ordinance was adminiftered. On the 30th, gave them particular advice 
 and dh-ection, being now about to leave them for a time, in order to re- 
 new my vifit to the Indians in New-Jcrfey. 
 
 Crofweekfung in Ncw-Jerfey, Auguft 3d, 1745. ^ found a number 
 here under a deep concern for an interefl: in Chrifl:; their convicStions 
 having been much promoted by the labours of the rev. Mr. William 
 Tennent, to whom I had advifed them to apply in my abfence. This 
 day I preached to them with fome view to Rev. xxii. 17. The Lord, 
 I am perfiiadedj enabled me to fet before them the Lord Jefus Chrifl:, 
 in a manner fomewhat uncommon, as a kind and compalTionate Savi- 
 our, inviting pcrifiiing finners to accept everlaiting mercy. A furpri- 
 fing concern appeared among them. There were not above two among 
 
 twenty adult perfons that I could fee with dry eyes. Lord's-day, 
 
 the 4th, Being invited by a neighbouring minifler to aflifl in the admi- 
 niflration of the Lord's fupper, I took the Indians along with me, near 
 lifty in all, who attended the feveral difcourfes of the day; and all feem- 
 ed to have their concern in fome meafure raifed. Now a change in 
 their manners became vifible. In the evening, when they came to fup 
 together, they would not tafte a morfel, till they had fent for me to 
 come and afk a bleifing on their food, at which time fome of them wept, 
 efpecially when I minded them how they had in times paft eat their 
 
 fcafts in honour to devils, and neglefted to give God thanks. On the 
 
 6th, in the morning, I difcourfed to the Indians at the houfe where we 
 lodged ; and in the afternoon, at the place where I have ufually preach- 
 ed to them. There appeared nothing very remarkable till near the 
 clofe pf my difcourfe, and then divine truths were attended with a fur- 
 prifing influence. There were fcarce three out of forty that could re- 
 frain from tears and bitter cries. They all, as one, feemed in an agony 
 of foul to obtain an interefl: in Chrifl : and the more I difcourfed of the 
 love of God, in fending his Son to fufler for the fins of men, and in- 
 vited them to come and partake of his love, the more their diflrefs was 
 aggravated, becaufe they felt themfelves unable to come. It was fur- 
 prifing to fee how their hearts feemed to be pierced with the tender and 
 melting invitations of the gofpel. Two perfons this day obtained re- 
 lief and comfort, which, when I came to difcourfe with them particu- 
 
chap. 7. it the eighteenth Century. ^2> 
 
 larly, appeared folid, rational, and fcriptural. Being aflccd what they 
 wanted God to do further for them, they replied, in their vulgar way, 
 
 ** They wanted Chrill fliould wipe their hearts quite clean," &c. 
 
 Augull 7 th, Preached from Ifa. liii. 3,-10. Mofi: were much afic(5lcd, 
 and many in great diftrefs for their fouls, and fome few could neither 
 go nor ftand, but lay llat on the ground, crying inceflantly for rncrcy. 
 
 Augult 8th, Preached to them again from Luke xiv. 16, — 23. 
 
 Their number was now about flxty-live. I'here was much vifible con- 
 cern among them while I was preaching; but afterwards, when I fpoke 
 more particularly to one and another, whom I perceived to be under 
 much concern, the power of God feemed to defcend upon the affem- 
 bly like a rufhing mighty wind, and with an altonifhing energy bore 
 down all before it. I Hood amazed at the inliuence which feized the au- 
 dience almoft univerfally, and could compare it to nothing niorc aptly 
 than the irrcliflible force of a mighty torrent, or fwelling deluge, which 
 with infupportable weight and prelfure fvveeps before it whatever is in 
 its way. Almoft all perfons of whatever age were bowed down with 
 concern together, and fcarceone was able to withftand the fhock of this 
 furprifing operation. Old men and women, who had been drimken 
 wretches for many years, and fome little children, not more than fix 
 or feven years of age, appeared in difkefs for their fouls, as well as per- 
 fons of middle age. The mofl fhibborn hearts were now obliged to 
 bow. A principal man among them, who before was fecur^ and felf- 
 righteous, becaufe he knew more than the generality of the Indians, 
 was now brought iinder folemn concern for his foul, and wept bitter- 
 ly. Another man in years, who had been a murderer, a powow, or 
 conjurer, an^ a notorious drunkard, was brought now to cry for mer- 
 cy with many tears, and to complain he could be no more concerned 
 though in fo great danger. They were almoft univerfally pray- 
 ing and crying for mercy in eve.'-y part of the boufe, and many out 
 of doors, and numbers could neither go nor fland. None feemed to 
 take notice of thofe about them, but each prayed as freely for them- 
 felves, as if they had been every one by themfelves in the clofeft retire- 
 ment; Zech. xiii. 10, 11, 12. This concern, in general, feemed moft: 
 
 rational. Thofe who had been awakened long before, complained 
 chiciiy of the badnefs of their hearts, and thofe newly awakened, of the 
 badnefs of their lives and actions. Thofe who had lately obtained 
 relief, were filled with comfort, and feemed to rejoice in Chrill: Jefus : 
 and fome of them took their diftrelTed friends by the hand, telling them 
 of the goodnefs of Chrift, and the comfort that is to be enjoyed in 
 him, and invited them to come and give up their hearts to him. O- 
 thers in the moft honeft and unaffefted manner were lifting up their 
 eyes to heaven, as if crying for mercy for the diftreffed ones around 
 
 them. One remarkable inftance I c'annot let pafs; a young Indian 
 
 woman, who, I believe, never before fo much as knew fhe had a foul, 
 called at my lodging, and when I told her I intended prefently to preach, 
 Jaughed, and feemed to mock ; but, before I concluded, (lie was fo con- 
 vinced of her fin and mifery, that flie feemed like one pierced through 
 with a dart, and cried out incefTantly. She could neither go nor ftahd. 
 
424 S-uccefs of the Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 
 nor fit without being held up. After public fervice, (he lay along, prty. 
 ing earncrtly; and the burden of her prayer was, Giittummankaliina- 
 mch wechaiimeh kmeleh Ndah, i. e. " Have mercy on me, and help me 
 to give you my heart." And thus (he continued inceflantly praying 
 many hours. It was indeed a furprifing day of God's power, and feem- 
 cd enough to convince an atheiftof the truth, importance and power of 
 
 God's word. Auguft 9th, Spent moll of the day in difcouriing uith 
 
 them privately. Lord's-day, Auguft nth, In the afternoon dif- 
 
 courfed on part of St. Peter's fermon, AO-s ii. And at the clofe of my 
 difcourfe to thelndians, madean addrefs to the white people, and divine 
 truths fccmcd to be attended with power both to the Indians and Eng- 
 li(h, as one or two were newly awakened this day, who never appeai ed 
 to be moved with concern for their fouls before) and thofe who had 
 obtained comfort appeared humble and devout. —Aug. 16th, Found one 
 who had got relief and comfort after prelfing concern, and could not but 
 hope her comfort was of the right kind. In the afternoon preached from 
 
 John vi. 26, 34. There were two perlons newly awakened ; and 
 
 Ibndry old men were in diftrefs for their fouls ; fo that they could not 
 refrain from weeping and crying out. God is powerfully at work a- 
 mong them ; and yet fome few who felt a commotion in their paffions 
 in days paft, feem now to difcover that their hearts were never duly af- 
 fected. I never faw the work of God appear fo independent of means 
 as at this time. God's manner of working upon them appeared fo en- 
 tirely fupernatural, and above means, that I could fcarce believe he ufed 
 roe as an inftrumcnt,orwhat I fpake, as means,of carrying on his work. 
 1 fcemed to do nothing, and indeed have nothing to do, but ftand ftill 
 and fee the falvation of God, and found myfelf obliged and delighted 
 to fay, " Not unto us," not vmto inftruments and means, " but unto 
 
 thy name be the glory." Auguft 24th, There were feveral Indians 
 
 newly come, who thought their ftate good, becaufe they had learned to 
 read, and been civilized, by living with the white people. With thefe 
 I difcourfcd particularly after public worlhip, and was furprifed to fee 
 their felf-righteous difpofition, though they appeared utterly ftrangers 
 to their own hearts, and altogether unacquainted with the power of 
 religion. After much difcourfe, one of them feemed to be convinced, 
 that, " by the deeds of the law no flelh living could be juftified," and 
 wept bitterly, inquiring, " what he fhould do to be faved ? This was 
 comfortable to others, who had gained fome experimental knowledge 
 of themfelves, and had been grieved with the converfation and con- 
 du(ft of [the other.] Lord's-day, Auguft 25th, Baptized twenty- 
 five Indians, fifteen adults, and ten children. Moft of the adults I have 
 comfortable reafon to hope are renewed perfons, and not one of them 
 but what I entertained fome hopes of. When the crowd was gone, I 
 difcourfed to the baptized perfons in particular; minded them of the 
 folcmn obligations they were now under; warned them of the dread- 
 ful confequcnces of carelefs living; and encouraged them to watchful- 
 nefs and devotion. This was a fweet feafon. They took each other 
 by the hand with tendernefs and affe6Vion, and fundrv of the other In- 
 dians were much affeded, and wept bitterly, longing to be partakers of 
 
Ghap. 7« in the eighteenth Century. ij2j 
 
 the i'arae joy. Auguft 26th, Preached from John vi. 51, — ^^, 
 
 A bleflcd inHuence i'eemed to fpread through the whole airembly, and 
 many who had not yet found Chrift as their Saviour, were engaged ia 
 feeking after him. Their number was now about ninety-five perfons; 
 and it was a lovely fight to fee almoll all affcftcd, either with joy in 
 
 Chriit Jefus, or with deep concern to obtain an intereft in him . 
 
 Having made two journeys, before I came firft to Crofweekfung, far 
 back 10 the Indians at Sufquahannah river; and it being now a pro* 
 per icafon to find them generally at home, I thought it my duty to 
 make them another vifit: therefore I told my people, that I muft 
 now leave them for the prcfcnt, and go to their brethren far remote; 
 that I was dcfirous the Spirit of God (hould go with me, without.whom 
 nothing could be done to good purpofe; andalked them if they could 
 not be willing to fpend the remainder of the day in prayer for me? 
 They chearfully complied; and foon after 1 left them began, the fun 
 being then about an hour and an half high, and continued praying all 
 
 night till break of day. Twodiflrefied fouls were, I truft, this day 
 
 brought to the enjoyment of folid comfort. And an old Indian, who 
 had till now been an obfiinate idolater, gave up his rattles, which they 
 life for mufic in their idolatrous feafts, to the Chriftian Indians, who 
 quickly deftroyed them. 
 
 Forks of Delaware in Penfylvania, September ift, 1745, Preached 
 to the Indians, afterwards to the white people. Many were in tears 
 
 in both an"erablies. September 3d, Preached to the Indians from 
 
 Ifa. liii. 3, — 6. Sundry perfons feemed to be awakened, among whom 
 were two ftupid creatures, that I could fcarce ever before keep awake. 
 
 On the 5th difcourfed to them of the parable of the fower, and 
 
 afterwards converted with fundry of them. Many wept, and cried out 
 in an alfciSling manner ; others were feized witli furprize and concern, 
 1 afked one who had obtained comfort, why he now cried ? He re- 
 plied, " When he thought how Chrift was flain like a lamb, and fpilc 
 his blood for finners, he could not help crying even when he was a«> 
 lone." I then afked his wife, who had likewife been abundantly com- 
 forted, wherefore fhe cried ? She anfwered, " Becaufe the Indians hero 
 would not come to Chrift, as well as thofe at Crofweekfung," I alked 
 her if fhe found a heart to pray for them, and whether Chrift had feem^* 
 ,ed to be near to her of late in prayer as in time paft? She replied, 
 *' Yes, he had been near to her; and that at fome times, when (he had 
 been praying alone, her heart loved to pray; fo that ftie could not bear 
 
 to leave the place, but wanted to ftay and pray longer." Lord's- 
 
 day, September 8th, Some of the carelefs white people were awakened^ 
 or at leaft ftartled, feeing the power of God fo prevalent among the In- 
 dians. Some of the Indians in thefe parts have always refufed to hear 
 
 me preach, and are enraged againft thofe that attend ; and, of late, they 
 are more bitter than ever, fcoiiing at Chriftianity, and fometimes afking 
 my hearers, *' How often they have cried; and whether they han't now 
 cried enough to do the turn." So that already they have trials of cruel 
 
 mockings. Sept. 9th, Set out for Sufquahannah river, direfting my 
 
 courfe tov/ards an Indian tQV.'ft called Shauxnaliing, coRt;»iiiiBg, they fajr, 
 VOL.11. Hhb 
 
426 Succefs of the Cojpel in America ^6ok IV. 
 
 T»ear 300 inhabitants. Lords-day, Sept. 15th, Met with one who un- 
 derwood the languages of ihc Six Nations (as they are called) who difco- 
 vercd an inclination to hearken toChriftianity : but many of them were 
 fo drunic from day to day, that 1 could get no opportunity to fpeak to 
 them. The next day I endeavoured to inftru£l them from houfe to 
 houfe. Towards night I went to a part of the town, where they were 
 fober, and frot together near fifty perfons, and difcourfed to them, hav- 
 in<v firll obtained the king's chearfiU confent. There was one or two 
 that feemed to be touched, and appeared well pleafcd with fome con- 
 
 verfation afterward in private. September 17th, Left Shaumak- 
 
 ing, and on the 19th, viiited an Indian town, called Juncaota. Was 
 much difcouraged with their temper and behaviour. They feem re- 
 folved to perlill; jn their idolatrous praiftices. The next day vifited 
 them again, and found them very bufy in making preparations for a 
 great facrifice. My fpirits were much funk, having no interpreter but 
 a Pagan, (my own interpreter being obliged to leave me the day 
 before, and indeed he could neither fpeak nor undcrftand the lan- 
 guage of thefe Indians) fo that I was under great difadvantages. 
 
 In the evening they met together, near an hundred of them, and 
 
 danced round a large fire, having prepared ten fat deer for the facri- 
 fice. The fat of the inwards they burnt in the fire, while they were 
 dancing, and fometimes raifed the flame to a prodigious height, yelling 
 and (liouting fo loud, that they might be heard two miles or more. 
 They continued their djncc almoll all night, after which they eat the 
 fjeih of the facrifice, and then retired to their lodgings. I enjoyed little 
 fatisfaflion this night in the midil of this idolatrous revel; and having 
 walked to and fro till both body and mind were pained, and much op- 
 prelled, I at length got into a little crib made for corn, and there flept 
 
 on the poles. Lord's-day, September 2 2d, Spent the day with the 
 
 Indians on the ifland. As foon as they were well up, I laboured to get 
 them together to inftruft them, but foon found they had fomcthing 
 elfe to do; for near noon they gathered together .ill their powows (or 
 conjurers) and fet about iix of them to playing their juggling tricks, in 
 order to find out why they were then fo lickly upon the illand, num- 
 bers of them being at this time difordcred with a fever and bloody flux. 
 In this exercife they were engaged feveral hours, fon-.etimc? finging, 
 fometimes howling, fometimes extending their hands to the utmoft 
 firerch, fpreriding all their fingers, and fecming to pulTi v.iih tliem ; 
 fometimes {i/oking their faces with their hands, then fpirting water as 
 fine as mifl, fettlng, lying, bowing, wringing their fides, twifling their 
 faces, turning up their eyes, grunting, puffing, &c. Some of them were 
 much more fervent and devout, and feemed to chant, peep, and mut- 
 ter with a degree of warmth, as if determined to aM-aken and engage 
 the powers below. I fat about thirty feet from them, tho' undifcovered, 
 vith my ?Ah\e in my hand. "When they had continued their hideous 
 charms and incantations more than three hours, having iri that fpaceof 
 
 time taken fundry intervals of reft, they broke up. After they had 
 
 done powowing, I attempted to difcoiufe with them about Chriftianity, 1 
 but they foon fcattered, and gave me no opportunity. A view of thefe I 
 
Chap. 7. in the eigbte/snth Century. ^xj 
 
 things, being entirely alone, deltitute of the fociety of any one that fo 
 much as named the name of Ghrilt, almofl Ibippcd me of all hope of 
 propagating the gofpel here, and rendered this the raofl burdealbme 
 Sabbath I ever faw. The next day I made fome further attempts, but 
 to no purpofe. They live fo near the white people, that they are always 
 in the way of ftrong liquors, and of the ill examples of nominal Chrif- 
 tians, which renders it unfpeakably dilficult to treat with them about 
 Chriftianity. 
 
 Crofweekfung, OCt, 5th, 1/45, Preached to my people from John 
 
 xiv. i:^ 6. The divine prell-nce fcemed to be in the allembly, O 
 
 what a diiference is there between thefe and the Indians on Siifqua- 
 hannah ! and how aftonilhing is thnt grace which has made this change ! 
 Lord's-day 0(SI. 6. After public fervicc I withdrew, and the In- 
 dians continued praying together near two hours. It was very rcfreili- 
 ing to fee thofe who lately were Pagans and idolaters, having no hope, 
 and without God in the world, now filled with a fenfe of divine love 
 and grace, and worlhipping the Father in fpirit and in truth, as num- 
 bers here appeared to do. — Lord's-day, 06\. 27. While I was preach- 
 ing to a vaft adembly, who generally appeared fee u re enough, there 
 was one Indian woman, a Granger, who had never heard me before, 
 feized with fuch a pre/Trng concern for her foul, that fnc cxprclled a 
 great delire to go home and call her hulband (more than forty miles dif- 
 tant) that he alfo might be awakened to a concern for his foul. The 
 pious people of the Engliili feemed refrelhed with feeing the Indians 
 wordiip God info devout and folemn a manner. — Lord's-day Novr. 3d, 
 Preached to my people from Luke xvi, 1 7. Afterwards baptized fourteen 
 Indians, eight children and fix grpv.'n perfons. One of thefe was near 
 four-fcore years of age, and I have reaion to hope God has brought her 
 favingly home tohimfelf. Two others were men of about fifty, who had 
 bcenfingular, even among the Indians, forwickednefs; one had been a 
 murderer, and both notorious drunkards, as well as excefTively quarrelT 
 fome; yet now I cannot but hope both are become fubjedls of God's fpcr 
 cial grace. Andthere was not one of the adults I baptized; who had not 
 given me fome comfortable grounds to hope God had wrought a work 
 of fpecial grace in their hearts. — Novr. 4th, I have now baptized in all 
 forty-feven Indians, twenty-three adults, and twenty-four cliildrcn. 
 Thirty-five of them belong to thefe parts, the reft to the Forks of Dela- 
 ware. And, thro' rich grace, they have none of them as yet been fuf-? 
 fered to difgrace their profeflion of Chriftianity by any fcandalous or 
 unbelieving behaviour. 
 
 I might now make many remarks on fo remarkable a work of grage 
 as this has been, but (hall confine my felf to a few hints only,— i ft, It is 
 remarkable that God began this work among the Indians, at a time 
 when I had the leaft hope, or rational profpeft of feeing fuch a work 
 propagated among them : my bodily ftrength being then much wafted, 
 and my mind exceedingly deprclTed. This was the very feafon iti 
 
 which God faw fit to begin this glorious work. 2. It is remarkable 
 
 how God providentially, and in a manner unaccountable, called thefe 
 Judians togetlifer to be inftrufted. When I fiift came i found not on? 
 
^28 Succefi of the Gojpel in America. Book IV. 
 
 man in the place; only four women, and a few children ; but before I 
 bad been here many days they gathered from all quarters, fome from 
 iBore than twenty miles diltant; and at my fecond vifit fome came 
 from more than forty miles. And many came without any intelligence 
 of what was going on here, fo that it feemed as if God had fummoned 
 them together from all quarters to hear his gofpel. Mor is it lefs fur- 
 prizing that they were, one after another, affeded with a folemn con- 
 cern for their fouls almoft as foon as they came upon the fpot where 
 divine truths were taught. After this work of grace begun with power, 
 it was common for ftrangcrs of the Indians, before they had been with 
 tis one day, to be deeply convinced of their fm and mifery, and follici- 
 
 toully enquire " What they mufl do to be faved." 3. It islikeuife 
 
 remarkable how God preferved thefe poor Indians from being preju- 
 diced againfl me by means ufcd for that purpofe by ungodly people. 
 Abundance of delufive artful fuggeftions were employed to prejudice 
 them againfl:, or affright them from Chriftianity ; but they all constantly 
 turned againft the authors of them, and (through the divine goodntls) 
 only ferved to engage the affections of the Indians more firmly tome. 
 And it feems the more wonderful in that I was an utter flrangcr, and 
 the others their old acquaintance. But if God will work, who can hin- 
 der or refift ? 4. Nor is it lefs wonderful how God was pleafed to 
 
 provide a remedy for my want of flcill in the Indian language, by re- 
 markably fitting my interpreter for the performance of his work. It 
 might be fuppofed that divine truths would unavoidably lofe much of 
 the energy with which they might at firft be delivered, by coming from 
 a fecond hand. But although this has often (to my forrow and difcou- 
 ragement) been the cafe while my interpreter had little or no fenfe of 
 
 divine things, yet afterward it was quite othcrwife. He had likcwife, 
 
 to appearance, an experimental acquaintance with divine things, and 
 longing deiires for the converfion of the Indians, and admirable zeal 
 and fervour in addreffmg thern. And it is remarkable, when I was fa- 
 voured with any fpecial affiftance in my work, he was ufually affe£ted 
 in the fame ma'nner almoft inftantly, and feemed at once quickened, and 
 enabled to fpeak in the fame pathetick Arain. And a furprizing energy 
 often accompanied the word at fuch feafons, fo that the whole face of 
 the affembly would be apparently changed almoft in an inftant, and 
 tears and fobs become common among them. 5. It is further re- 
 markable, that God carried on his work here by fuch means, and in 
 fuch a manner, as tended to obviate thofe prejudices and obje£tions 
 which have of!;en been raifed againfl fuch a work. None could fay they 
 were only frighted with a fearful noifeofhell and damnation, this work 
 having been begun and carried on by almoft one continued ftrain of 
 gofpel-invitaiion to pcrifhing flnners, as may be gueffed from thefcrip- 
 tures I chiefly infifted on : nor have I ever feen fo general an awake- 
 ning in my life, as while I was opening and infiAing on the parable of 
 the great Supper, Luke xiv; in which difcourfe I was enabled to fet 
 before them the unfearchable riches of gofpel-grnce. Net that I never 
 inftruftcd them refpcifting their fallen ftate, and the finfulnefs andmi- 
 fcry of it, This v/&s what I at fij-ft chiefly infjfted on, and endeavoured 
 
Chap* 7. in the eighteenth Century. 42^ 
 
 to repeat and inculcate in almoft every difcoiirfe, knowing that without 
 this foundation, I (hould but build upon the fand, and that it would be 
 in vain to invite them to Chrill till they were convinced of their need 
 
 of him. Nor has there been any plaufible obje^^ion to be made a- 
 
 gainfl: this work in regard to the manner in which it has been carried 
 on. The convictions of their fin and mifery have indeed produced 
 many tears, cries and groans; but there has been no appearance of 
 thofe ccnvuUIons, bodily agonies, frightful fcrcamings, fwoonings, and 
 the like, which have been fo much complained of in other places. Some 
 indoed have been for a time, in a great mcafure, deprived of their bodi- 
 ly Itrength, yet without any ccnvulfi\'e appearances.- 6thly, and 
 
 laftJy, The eftefts of this work have likewifc been very remarkable. 
 Many of thefe people have gained more doftrinal knowledge of divine 
 truths in Icfs than Hve months than cpuld have been inflilled into them 
 by the moft diligent ufe of the moft proper and inftru^ive means for 
 years together, w ithout fuch a divine influence. Their Pagan notions, 
 and idolatrous praflices, feem to be wholly abandoned. They are re- 
 gulated, and appear regi;larly difpofed in the affairs of marriage. They 
 feem generally divorced from drunkenncfs, their darling vice. A prin- 
 ciple of honcfty and juflice appears in many of them, and they feem 
 concerned to difcharge old debts which they had negledled, and perhaps 
 never thought of for years paft. Love fcems to reign among them, 
 efpecially thofe who have given evidences of a faving change ; and I 
 have feen no appearance of bitternefs or cenforioufnefs in thefe, or any 
 difpofition to efteem themfelves better than others. — As their forrows 
 under convictions have been great, fo have the joys of many of them 
 fince been : but their confolations have not appeared extatick or fligh- 
 ty, nor inclined them to lightnefs or airinefs, but have been attended 
 with folemnity, and often with tears, and an apparent brokennefs of 
 heart. And now, upon the whole, I think I may juftly fay, here are 
 all the ilgns and evidences of a remarkable work of grace among thefe 
 Indians. May the great Author of it maintain and promote it here, 
 and propagate it every where, till the whole earth be filled with his glo- 
 ry. Amen. 
 
 I have now rode more than three thoufand miles in the laft eight 
 months, and almoft the whole of it has been about my proper bulinefs 
 as a miffionary for propagating Chriftian knowledge among the Indians. 
 Several hundred miles I have travelled, in order to find out a fit col- 
 league in this work, but have not yet found one qualified and difpofed 
 thereto. I apprehend a neceflity of having an Englifli fchool fpeedily 
 fet up among thefe Indians, who are now willing to gather together in 
 a body for this purpofe. The feveral focieties I have preached to laft 
 Summer, live at fo great diftanccs, and fo much of my time is neceifa- 
 rily confumed in journe5Mng, that I can employ but little in any of my 
 neceffary ftudies. The Indian languages are fo very numerous, my o- 
 ther labours and fatigues are fo great, and bear fohard on my conflitu- 
 t^n, that I am at times almoll: difcouraged from attempting to learn 
 them. However, I have taken confiderable pains to learn the Delaware 
 language^ a;i4 as ^^r as health and ^ufinefs will admit, propofe Aill te 
 
^■no Succefs of the Gofpelin America Book IV, 
 
 do fo. — ^As thefe ignorant Pagans flood in need of having line upon 
 line, fo 1 preached publicly, and taught them from houfe to houfe for 
 whole weeks together ; and my public difcourfes did not then make 
 up one half of my work, whilfl: there were fo many conftantly coming 
 to me with that important enquiry, " What mufl: I do to be faved ?*' 
 And yet I can fay, to the praife of rich grace, the apparent fuccefs of 
 my labours abundantly compenfated all my pains, and was a great 
 means of fupporting and carrying me through it. But ftill I fee great 
 need of afliftance in my work, and have been much opprelfed for want 
 
 of one to bear a part of my labours and hardihips. May the Lord of 
 
 the harvell fend forth more labourers into his harveft, that they who fit 
 in darknefs may fee great light, and the whole earth may be filled with 
 the knowledge of God. 
 
 Part II. 
 
 An uncommon Seafon of Grace, Lord's-day December l^th. A Ca^ 
 
 iechetical Leciure begun December 2 ifi. Several remarkable Par* 
 
 tictilars. Another extraordinary Time of divine Power, Lord's - 
 
 day' December igth. An affecting Injiance of fpiritual Joy, 
 
 March ()th. The Number advanced to an Hundred and Thirty y 
 
 old and young, March ^^th. They begin their little Town. 
 
 Twenty-three Communicants, April 11th, befides five or fix abfent at 
 
 the Forks of Delaware. A brief Account of the Converjion of the 
 
 Powows, mentioned Augiijt 8 th, and February \fl. He dares 
 
 another Conjurer to do his worft. Mr. Brainerd's Remarks upon 
 
 the whole. Some Paffages relating to his lamented Death at Nor- 
 thampton in New-Engtandy O£iober gth, 1 747, in the ^oth Tear of 
 his Age. 
 
 [ From the Abridf;mcnt of Brainerd's Journal, page 43, &c. ] 
 
 Crofwcekfung, November 26th, After fome time fpent in private 
 
 conferences, I preached from John v. i, 9. I was favoured witl^ 
 
 forac fpecial freedom and fervency, and a powerful energy accompa- 
 nied divine truths. Many wept, and fcarce any appeared unconcerned, 
 There was no boifterous commotion, but a fweet and humble melt- 
 ing. The perfons lately awakened were fome of them deeply diflref- 
 fedi and faid, *' They knew not what to do, nor how to get their, 
 
 wicked hearts changed." November 28th, Difcourfed upon our 
 
 i^rd's transfiguration, Luke ix. 28, 36. Had therein a principal 
 
 view to the edification and confolation of God's people, and ob^ 
 ferved fome exceedingly afFe6Ved, and filled with longing defires of 
 being with him. I alked one who wept mofl: affectionately, " What 
 fViC now wanted?" She replied, " O to be with Chrifl:; fhe did not 
 
 know how to flay." Lord's-day, December 8th, Difcourfed 
 
 upon the blind man, John ix. There appeared no remarkable ef- 
 fe(ft of the word upon the affembly at this time. Such have been 
 the doings of the Lord here, in awakening finners, aud comforting 
 faints, that 'tis now (Irange to fee the aifembly fit with dry eyes, and 
 widiout fobs, and groans. i^ord's-day, December i^ih, Preachc^ \ 
 
Chap. 7. in the eighteenth Century. Ai\ 
 
 from Luke xili. :l4,— 28. Divine truths fell with weight and power 
 upon the audience. Near night, difcourfed to them again from Matth. 
 XXV. 3 1 ,—46. It was an amazing feafon of grace. The word of the 
 Lord pierced into the hearts of many. The imprcITions made upon 
 them appeared folid, rational and deep, worthy of the folemn truths by 
 means of which they were produced. How did their hearts feem to 
 bow under the weight of divine truths ! And how evident did it now 
 appear that they received and felt them, " not as the word of man, 
 but as the word of God ! " None can frame a jufl: idea of the appear- 
 ance of our alFembiy at this time, but thofe who have fccn a congrega- 
 tion folemnly awed, and deeply impreflcd by divine truths delivered 
 
 to them in the name of God. December 16th, Difcourfed to my 
 
 people in the evening from Luke xi. 1,-13. There was much con- 
 cern in the aiTembly; particularly one woman was in fuch an agony in 
 feeking after Chrift, that the fwcat ran of!" her face for a good while, 
 the' it was a very cold evening, and her bitter cries were a mofl: affed- 
 
 ing indication of the inward anguifh of her heart. December 2 rft, 
 
 ]VIy peoplfe having attained to a confiderable degree of knowledge in 
 the principles of Chriitianity, I thought proper to fetup a catechetical 
 lecture; and this evening attempted fomething in that form, propofing 
 queflions to them agreeable to the Affembly's Shorter Catechlfm. They 
 were able readily and rationally to anfv/er many important qucflions 
 propofed to them. In the improvement of the whole, when I came to 
 infer, and open the blelTednefs of thofe who have God for their everlafl- 
 ing friend and portion, they appeared to be m.uch afleflcd and engaged. 
 
 .Lord's-i^ay, December 22d, Difcourfed upon the ftory of the young 
 
 rich man in the gofpcl, Matth. ix. 16, — 22. God made it a fcafonablc 
 word, I am perfuaded, to many fouls. Some Indians were newly 
 come here, who had lived among Quakers, and had imbibed fome of 
 the Q_uakers errors, particularly thiS fundamental one, viz. " That if 
 men live foberly and honeftly, accordmg to the dictates of their own 
 confciences (or the light within) there is no danger or doubt of their 
 falvation." Thefe perfons I found worfe to deal with than the mere Pa- 
 gans, who have no felf-righteous foundation to build upon. However, 
 they all, but one, appeared now convinced that this fober honeft life of 
 itfelf ^vas not fuflicient to falvation, fmceChrifl himfelf had declared it 
 fo in the cafe of the young man. This was like%vife a feafon of com- 
 fort to fome fouls, and in particular to her mentioned the i6th inftant, 
 who had never before obtained any fettled comfort; flie now appeared 
 in a heavenly frame of mind, compofed and delighted with the will of 
 God. When I came to difcourfe with her particularly, and to inquire 
 how fhe got relief from her fpiritual diftrelFcs, \bt replied in broken 
 Englifli, " Me try, me try fave myfelf; laft my ftrength be all gone; 
 coud'n't me (lir bit furder. Den lafl me let Jefus Chriit alone, fend me 
 hell if he pleafe." I faid, but you was not willing to go to hell, was 
 you ? She replied, ** Could not me help it. My heart he would be 
 wicked for all. Could not me make him good. By, by, my heart be 
 grad defperately." I afked her why her heart was glad? She rt^lied, 
 *' GratJ srny heart, Jefus Chriil do what he pleafe with rae. Del? ^^ 
 
 4 1 . • 
 
432 Sitccefs of the Cofpd in America Book IV. 
 
 fiDk, graJ my heart Jcfus Chrift fend me hell. Didn't me care, me love 
 him for ail." And luc could not readily be convinced, but that ihe 
 was willing to go to hell, if Chrill was pleafed to fend her there. Tho' 
 the truth evidently was, her will was fo fvvallowed up in the v»ill of God, 
 that (he could not frame any hell in her imagination that would be 
 dreadful or undefircable, provided it was but the will of God to fend 
 
 her to it. December 26th, This evening was vifucd by a very old 
 
 woman, who.Tppearcd to be much broken and childiih thro' a^e, but 
 under great fpiiitual exercife. She was ltd by the hand to my houle, 
 and appc-ued in extreme anguifh. When 1 alkcd what ailed her? She 
 replied, " Her heart was dillrcned,and ilie feared ineihould never find 
 Chriil." She told me Ihe had heard me preach often, but never knew 
 any thing about it till the laft Sabbath, and then it came, llie faid, " All 
 one as if a needle had been thrult into her heart," fince which time Ihc 
 had no reft djy nor night. That on the evening before Chriftmas,' a 
 number of Indians difcourfing together about Chrift at a houfc where 
 Hie was, their talk pricked her heart, fo that flie could not fit up, but 
 fell down on the bed, at which time fhe went away, .(as Ihe exprelfed 
 it) and felt as if ihe dreamed, and yet is confident (he did not dream, 
 When file was thus gone, Ihe faw two paths; one appeared very broad 
 and crooked, and that, flic fays, turned to the left hand ; the other ap-^ 
 peared ftraight and very narrow, and that went up the hill to the right 
 hand. She travelled, Ihe faid, for fome time up the narrow rigiit-hand 
 patli, till at length fomething feemed to obftruft her journey. She 
 Ibmctimes called it darknefs, fometimes compared it to a block or bar. 
 She then remembered, Ilie fays, what fhe had heard me fay about ftriving 
 to enter in at the ftrait gate, and thought fhe would ciimb over tliis bar : 
 but jufl: as fiie was thinking of this, flie came back again, as fhe termed 
 it, meaning, that ihe came to herfelf -, whereupon Ihe was extremely dif- 
 treffcd, apprehending flie had now turned back and forfaken Chrifi ; 
 
 and that there was therefore no hope of any mercy for her. As I 
 
 w^as fenfible that trances and imaginary views of things are of danger* 
 ous tendency in religion, when fought after and depended upon; fo I 
 could not but be much concerned about this exerciie, efpecially at firfl, 
 fearing this might be a deflgn of Satan to bring a blemiih upon the work 
 of God here, by introducing vifionary fcenes, imaginary terrors, and all 
 manner of mental diforders and dclufions, in the room of genuine conr> 
 vi£lions of fin, and thie enlightening influences of the bleffed Spirit, and 
 vas almoft refolved to declare, that I looked upon this as one of Satan's 
 devices, and to caution my people againfl it as fuch. However, I deter- 
 mined firft to inquire into her knowledge, to fee whether fhe had any 
 jufl views of things, which might occafion her prcfent difirefiing con- 
 tern, or whether it was a mere fright arifing only from imaginary ter- 
 rors. I aikcd her divers queftions refpcfling man's primitive, and 
 more efpecially his prefent flate, and re(pe£ling her own heart, which 
 iLixit anfwercd rationally, and to my furprize. And I though^ it was next 
 to impoll'iblc, that a Pagan, who was become a child thro' age, fhould 
 in th.i/: flate gain fo much knowledge by any mere human inflru(ftion, 
 ^vitkout bein2 remarkably euliohiciitd frcir* above.— -r^I then propofei 
 
chap. Ji in the eighteenth Century, A'i'i 
 to her the provifion made in the gofpel for the falvation of finilers, and 
 the ability and willingnefs of Chrili: to fave to the uttermoft all that camef 
 to him. To which Ihe afFcnted, but inftantly replied, " Ay, but 1 can't 
 come, my wicked heart won't come to Chrift, I don't know how t<y 
 come," &c. And this fhe fpakc in anguifh of fpirit, flrlking on her 
 breaft, with tears in her eyes, and with ftich earneftnefs in her looks, 
 as was indeed piteous and affcfting. She feems to be really convinced 
 of her fin and mifery, and her need of a change of heart j and her con- 
 cern is abiding and corfflant, and I hope will have a faving ifTue- . 
 
 How far God may make ufe of the imagination in awakening feme per- 
 fons, I cannot pretend to determine; of whether this cxercifebc from 
 a divine influence, I ihaJl leave mhcrs to judge'. This I muft fay, that 
 its efTciSls hith(?rro befpeak it to be fuch* 
 
 Lord's-day, Decern. 29th,- Preached from Johffiii. i^ — 5, Antittib^f 
 of white people were prefent, a$ ufual an the Sabbfath. The difcourffi? 
 was accompanied with power,' &nd there were fonfj6 tears among the 
 white people, as well as the Indians. But the imprellions made on theii' 
 hearts appeared chiefly by the extraordinary earneftnefs of their atten- 
 tion, and their heavy fighs. After ptiblic woffhip was over, I went to 
 my houfe, intending to preach again after a fliort intermiffion : but 
 they foon came in, one after another, with tears in their eye's, enquir- 
 ing, what they fhould do to be faved ? What I fpoke was ^Q.i home 
 in fuch a manner, that the houfe was foon filled with txXti and groans. 
 Upon this they all flocked together, and the moft carelefswere ahno(t 
 
 univerfally feized with concern for their fouls. It was an amazing 
 
 feafon of power, as if God had bowed theheavens and come down. So 
 aftonifhingly prevalent was the operation upon old as well as young,, 
 that it feemed as if none would be left in a fecure and flaturai ftate^ 
 butthatGod was now about toconvcrt all the world. 'Tis impofiible to 
 give a juft defcription of the appearance of things, fuch as to convey 
 an adequate idea of the effedt of this influence. Some were rejoicing 
 to fee fo many ftriving to enter in at the flrait gate, and wanted to pufh 
 them forward as fome exprefled it. Others, both old and young, of 
 both fexes were in tears, and in anguifn of fpirit, with down-caft looks 
 like condemned malefaftors. So that there feemed to be a lively em- 
 blem of the folemn day of accounts, or a mixture of heaven and hell. 
 Their concern and religious aflfeftion was fuch, that I could only dif- 
 courfe to one and another, and fometimesaddrefs them all together, and 
 at laft concluded with prayer. Such were their circumftanccs, that I 
 could fcarce get half an hour's intermiflton from fpeaking frortt half 
 
 an hour before twelve till part feven at night, Dec. 30tb, Wjia 
 
 vifited by four or five young perfons under concern for their fouls, 
 moft of whom were very lately awakened. The next day vifited my 
 people from houfe to houfe, and fcarce left a houfe without fome of 
 its inhabitants in tears- They are now gathered together from all quar" 
 ters, and have btiilt them little cottages, fo that more than twenty fa- 
 milies live within a quarter of a mile of me. Lord's-Day Jan. 5th; 
 
 Difcourfed from Matth. xii. 10—13. The fame truths which have ofteri 
 produced tears and fobs in the aiJembly feemed now to have no ip%-' 
 VOL, IL lii 
 
434 Succefs $fthe Co/pel in America Book IV. 
 cial influence upon any. Afterwards baptized the woman mentioned 
 Dec. 22, and one child. This woman has dilcovered a fweet and 
 heavenly frame of mind lince her firft reception of comfort. One mor- 
 ning Hie came to me with unufual joy, and told me, God had made 
 her feel it was right for him to do what he pleafed with all things. And 
 underftanding that I was fent to preach to the Indians by fome good 
 people in Scotland, fhe faid, her heart loved thofc good people fo, the 
 evening before, that fhe could fcarce help praying for them all night; 
 her heart would goto God for them, &c. Profecuted my cateche- 
 tical method. AV hen I firfl entered upon this method of inftru6ling, 
 I was jealous, left my difcourfes would unavoidably be fo doftrinal that 
 they would tend only to enlighten the head, and not affefl the heart. But 
 the event proves quite otherwife ; for thefe exercifes have been remarkab- 
 ly blelfed, and to day in particular, in the latter as well as former refpefts. — • 
 Lords-day Jan. lyth One weary heavy-laden foul was brought, I be- 
 lieve, to true reft andfolid comfort in Chrift. — He told me he had often 
 heard me fay that perfonsmuft fee and feel themfelves utterly helplefs and 
 undone, and muft be emptied of all dependance on themfelves; and this 
 he had long been ftriving after, imagining God would have refpeft to 
 thisframe. — But when he came to feel himfclf in this helplefs condition, 
 he found it quite contrary to what he expected, and that inftead of 
 its being a good frame of mind, he faw nothing but badnefs in himfelf, 
 and that he could do nothing to make himfelf better. Inftead of ima- 
 gining now thatGod would be pleafed with him for the fake of his fee- 
 ing his undone ftate, he faw clearly it would be juft with God to fend 
 him to eternal mifery; that there was no goodnefs in what he then 
 felt, but that he was naked, linful, and mifcrable. In this frame of 
 mind he came to-day to public worfliip; and while I was inviting fin- 
 nerstocome to Chrift naked and empty, he tried, but found he could not 
 come, and it feemed utterly vain for him ever to try any more. But, 
 he faid, while he was muling upon it, he faw with his heart (which is 
 a common phrafe among them) fomething that was unfpeakably good 
 and lovely, which he had never feen before, and this ftole away his 
 heart whether he would or no. He did not know what it was he faw; 
 he did not fay, this is Jefus Chrift, but it was fuch glory and beauty 
 as he never faw before. He did not now give away his heart fo as he 
 formerly intended and attempted to do, but it went away of itfelf, af- 
 ter thatglory he then difcovered. After fome time he was wonderfully 
 pleafed with the way offalvation by Chrift ; fo that it feemed unfpeak- 
 ably better to be fa ved altogether by the meer free grace of God in Chrift, 
 than to have any hand in faving himfclf. The confequence of this is, 
 he feems to maintain a fenfe and relilh of divine things, and to main- 
 tain a life of religion, Jan. 30. Preached from John iii. 16, 17. 
 
 There was fome afteftion vilible in the audience, and one with much 
 concern afterwards told me, his heart was fo pricked with my preach- 
 ing he knew not where to turn, or what to do. 
 
 February i ft. In the evening catechifed in my ufual method. To- 
 wards the clofe of my difcourfe a furprizing power feemed to attend 
 the words. One man far in years, who had been a remarkable drun- 
 
chap. 7. in the eighteenth Century, 435 
 
 kard, a coojurer, and a murderer, who was awakened fome months 
 before, was now brought to great extremity under fpiritual dillrels, fo 
 that he trembled for hours together, and apprehended himfelf juft drop- 
 ping into hell. Many others appeared under great concern, and folt- 
 cirous to obtain a faving change. Lord's-day February 6th, Bapti- 
 zed three grown perfons, and one child. The adults I have reafon to 
 hope are truly pious. God hath been pleafed to own and blefs the ad- 
 miniftration of this as well as his other ordinances among the Indians. 
 Some have been powerfully awakened by feeing others baptized; others 
 
 have obtained relief and comfort. Towards night catechifed. God 
 
 made this a profitable feafon to fome. One who had been a vile drun- 
 kard was remarkably awakened. He wasingrcat anguifh of foul, wept 
 and trembled, and continued to do fo till near midnight. Another, a 
 poor heavy laden foul, was now brought to a comfortable calm, and 
 bowed and reconciled to the divine fovereignty. She told me the heavy 
 burden fhe had lain under was now removed; that fhe felt flue never 
 could do any thing to fave herfelf, but mull pcrifh for ever if Chrift 
 did not do all for her; that fhe did notdefervehe fhould help her, but 
 Chrifl: could fave her, tho' fhe could do nothing to fave herfelf, &c. 
 And here Ihe feemed to reft. 
 
 Forks of Delaware in Penfylvania, Lord's-day, Feb. i6th, 1746, 
 Knowing that many of the Indians here were obftinately fet againft 
 Chriftianity, I rook fix of the moft feriousand knowing of my people, 
 and brought them with me from Crofweekfung, hoping it might be a 
 means to convince them of the truth and importance of Chriftianity, 
 to fee and hear fome of their own nation difcourfing of divine things; 
 and many met with us to day, who probably could not have been pre- 
 vailed on to attend the meeting, had it not been for thefe religious In- 
 dians. Some behaved fobedy, and others laughed : however, the word 
 of God fell with fuch weight, that fundry of them feemed to be ftun- 
 ned, and exprefTed a willingnefs to hear me again of thefe matters. Af- 
 ter public worfhip, took fome pains to convince thofe, who laughed 
 and mocked, of the truth and importance of what I had been infifting 
 on, which feemed to take confiderable efFeft upon one of the worft of 
 
 them. The next day, having fpent much time in difcourfing to the 
 
 Indians in their refpe<ftive houfes, I got them together, and repeated and 
 inculcated what I had before taught them. Afterwards difcourfed from 
 Afts viii. 5 8. A divine influence feemed to attend the word. Sun- 
 dry of the Indians feemed fomewhat awakened, and manifcfted a con- 
 cern by their earneft attention, tears, and fobs. My people from Crof- 
 weekfung continued with them day and night, repeating and inculcat- 
 ing the truths I taught ; and fometimes prayed, and fung pfalms among 
 them; and difcourfed with each other in their hearing, of what great 
 things God had done for them, and for the Indians at Crof\veekfung, 
 which feemed to have more efiect on them, than all they could fay to 
 
 them. Lord's-day, Feb. 23d, Preached to the Indians from John vi. 
 
 35-- 37. After public fervice difcourfed privately with fome of them, 
 
 who feemed confiderably enlightened, and invited theiji to go down to 
 
 lii 2 
 
43^ Svceefs $fthe Gofpcl in America Bbok IV. 
 
 Crofv/eekfung, where they would be free from the feoffs and temptati- 
 cn5 of the oppofing Pagans, and got a promife of feme of them. 
 
 Crofweekfung in New-Jcrfey, March 2d, 1746, Two of the Indians 
 belonging to the Forks are come. May the Lord meet with them here. 
 They can fcarce fro into a houfenow, but they will meet withChrifti' 
 an convcrfation.^^^^^ — I know of no aflembly of Chriftians where there 
 fcems to be fo much of the prefence of God, where brotherly Jove fo 
 much prevails, although nine months ago they were worfliipping devils 
 snd dumb idols. Amazing change this ! *' It is the Lord's doing." 
 
 1^ Lord 's-day, March 9th, Preached from Luke x. 38 42. Many 
 
 were afFeOed. After public worfbip, numbers came to ray houfe, 
 
 where we lung; and while we were iinging, the woman mentioned 
 Ffb. 9th, I may venture to fay, if I may be allowed to fay fo of any 
 perfon I ever faw, was filled with joy unfpeakable and full of glory, 
 jmd could not but burfl: forth in prayer and praife to God, crying» 
 fomeiimes in Englifli, and fometimes in Indian, — '* O bleffed Lo;-d ! dp 
 come, do come ! O do take me away ! do let me die and go to Jefus 
 Chrift, O dear Jefus do come ! I cannpt flay, I cannot flay j O how 
 can I live in this world I Do take my foul away from this finful place !" 
 with much more to the fame purpofe. In this extafy Ihe continued 
 fome time, and when fhe had a little recovered hcrfelf, I afked her, if 
 jChrift was not now fweet to her foul ? whereupon, turning to me with 
 tears in her eyes, and with all the tokens of deep humility, fhe faid, *' I 
 have many times heard you fpeak of the goodnefs and fweeiinefs of 
 Chrifl, but I knew nothing what you meant; I never believed you; 
 but now I know he is better than all the world." I afked, and do you 
 fee enough in Chrifl for the greatefl of fmners ,^ fhg replied, " O e- 
 nough, enough for all the finners in the world if they would but come." 
 And turning, at my dfflre, lo fome poor chrifllefs foujs who flood by 
 rnuch aife61ed, ilie faid, *^ O there is enough in Chrifl for you all, if 
 you would but come. O flrive, flrive to give up your hearts to him." 
 Then 'hearing fomewhat of the glory of Heaven mentioned, fhe again 
 fell into an extafy of joy, and cried out as before, *' O dear Lord, dp 
 Jet me go ! O what fliall I do ? I want to go to Chrifl," &c. In this 
 
 fweet frame fhe continued more than two hours, Of all the perfons 
 
 \ ever faw under fpiritual exercife, I fcarce ever faw one fo bowed and 
 broken und^r conviflions as this woman. None feemed to have greater 
 acquaintance with their own hearts. She would frequently complairi 
 of the hardnefs and rebellion of her heart, and appeared to be no lefi 
 remarkably bowed to divine fovereignty before flie obtained any relief, 
 as I noticed Feb, 9th, flnce which fhe h^th feemed conflantly to breathe 
 the fpirit and temper of the new creature. When I have fometimes 
 afked her why flie appeared fo forrowful ? was fhe afraid of hell ? fhe 
 would anfwer, *' No, I ben't fo much diflreffed about that, but my 
 heart is fo wicked I can't love Chrifl," and thereupon burfl out into 
 
 ^ears. This fweet and furprifing extafy feemed to fpring from a true 
 
 fpiritual difcovery of the glory, ravifhing beauty and excellency of 
 Chrifl, not from any grofs imaginary ideas of his human nature: nor 
 [^merely from an] apprehenfion pfbeiieiits conferred on her j butfroraa 
 
chap. 7. in the eighteenth Century. 437 
 
 view of his perfonal excellency, and tranfccndent lovelinefs. She feem- 
 cd to view divine frviths as living realities, and could fay, *' I know 
 thefe things are lb: I feel them to be true." Now her foul was relign- 
 cdto the divine will. Being alked, what if God Ihould take your huf- 
 band from you (who was then very lick) how could you bear that ? (he 
 replied, " He belongs to God, and not me, he may do with him juft 
 what he pleafes." Now Ihc could freely trult her all with God for time 
 and eternity. Being alked, how ihe could be willing to die, and leave 
 her little infant, what did Ihc think would become of it? flie anfwered, 
 " God will take care of it; it belongs to him ; he will take care of it." 
 
 Now flie appeared to have the moll humbling fenfe of her own 
 
 meannefs, unworthinefs, and wcaknefs, crying, " If I live I (liall fm." 
 And Ihe iince appears to be a mofl: tender, broken-hearted, afieflionate, 
 devout, and humble Chriflian, as exemplary in life and converfation as 
 
 any perfon in my congregation. Lord's-day, March 23d, There 
 
 being fifteen ftrangers c6me among us laft week, I attempted to diA 
 courfe from Hofea xiii. 9. in a manner fuited to their circumftances and 
 capacities. There was a defirable attention, but not that aifcdion and 
 
 concern which has been common among us. Near fun-fet I felt an 
 
 uncommon concern, for the poor Grangers efpecially, th«t God had 
 withheld his prelence, and the powerful induenceof his Spirit that day, 
 and in this frame viiited fundry houfes, but without much appearance 
 of fucceis, till I came to a houfe where divers of the (Grangers were, and 
 there the folemn truths feemed to take effeft firft uponfome children, 
 then upon fome grown perfons, and then upon feveral of the Pagan 
 ftrangers. I continued my difcourfe tillalmoil: every one in the houfe 
 was melted into tears, and divers wept aloud. Upon this, numbers foon 
 gathered from all the houfes round about, and fo thronged the place, 
 that we were obliged to go to the houfe where weufually meet; and the 
 congregation gathering immediately, and many appearing remarkably 
 affefled, Idifcourfcd forrie time from Luke xix. 10. There was much 
 vilible concern and affedlion. Five or fix of the ftrangers appeared con- 
 fiderably awakened, particularly one very rugged young man, who had 
 feemed as if nothing would move him, was now brought to tremble 
 like the jaylor, and wept ir<uch, Thefe Pagans who were awakened, 
 feemed at once to put oif their favage roughnefs, and became fociable, 
 orderly, and humane in their carriage; when they firftcame,! exhort- 
 ed my religious people to be at pains "with them to inftruft them in 
 Chriftianity; but they would not bear to hear them. Yet now they 
 were fo touched with a fenfe of their periihing ftate, as made them 
 
 gamely yield to the clofeft addrelTes that were made them. March 
 
 24th, Found my people were increafed to about an hundred and thirty, 
 old and young ; befides that about fifteen or twenty of my Hated hcarr 
 ers were now abfent. As many of them were this day going out on 
 the defign of clearing fome of their lands, above fifteen miles from 
 hence, in order to their fettling there in a compaft form, that they 
 might more advantageoufly attend public worfhip, have their children 
 fchooled, and at the fame time have a coyiveniency for planting, &c. 
 (Their land h?re being of litjlp pr jip yglu^ for that purpof? ) I thovight 
 
438 Succefs of the Go/pel itt America Book IV. 
 
 proper to call them together, and flicw them the duty of labouring with 
 faitht'uhiefs and induMry. And having Tung plalm cxxvii. and recom- 
 mended them and their dc/ign to God by prayer, 1 difmilFed them to 
 their bufinefs. 
 
 April 25th, Having for fome time apprehended that a number of 
 my people were proper fiibjects of the ordinance of the Lord's fupper, 
 with good advice, I propofed to adminilter it next Lord's-day; and 
 this day, as preparatory thereto, was fet a-part for fafting and prayer, 
 as alfo to implore that the Divine Pretence may be with us in our in- 
 tended approach to his table, &c. After prayer and preaching, I 
 
 propofed bricliy and plainly the fubftance of the doftrine of rhe Chrif- 
 tian faith, and had their renewed chearful alfent to it. I then led them 
 to a folemn renewal of their baptifmal covenant in its fevcral brancnes, 
 and the folemn tranfa(!:l:ion was attended with mich gravity aiidferi- 
 oufnefs, freedom and chc'ufulnels, and a religious union and harmony 
 
 of fouls fcemed to crown the whole, April 26th, Towards noon 
 
 prayed with a dyiog child, and gave a word of exhortation to by-ltand- 
 ers. In the afternoon difcourfed to my people from Matth. xxvi. 
 26,-30. of the Author, the nature and deiign of the Lord's fupper. 
 In the evening catcchifed thofe who were deligned to partake of the 
 Lord's fupper next day, and had abundant fatisfaclion as to their doc- 
 trinal knowledge and fitnefs in that refpeft. They likewife appeared, 
 in general, to have a deep fenfe of the folemnity of this facred ordi- 
 nance, and to be humbled under a fenfe of their own unworthinefs, 
 and to be earnefily concerned that they might be duly prepared tor it. 
 Their hearts were full of love to each other ; and that was the temper 
 of mind they feemcd much concerned to bring with them to the Lord's 
 table. In linging and prayer, after catechiling, there appeared an a- 
 greeable tendernefs, and fuch tokens of brotherly love, that would e- 
 ven conftrain one to fay, — " Lord, it is good to be here," -Lord's- 
 day, April 27th, Preached from Titus ii. 14. " Who gave himfelf for 
 lis," &c. Then adminiitered the Lord's fupper to twenty-three per- 
 fons, about five or fix being now abfent at the Forks of Delaware, who 
 would otherwife have communicated with us. It was remarkable, that 
 Jn the feafon of the performance of the facramental a^lions, efpecially 
 in the diftribution of the bread, they feemed to be aife^led in a mofl 
 lively n^anner, as if Chrift had been really crucified before them. But 
 their alTcftions, tho' confiderably raifed, were agreeably regulated. 
 "When I had refled fome time after the adminiftration, I walked from 
 houfe to houfe, and converfed particularly with mofl of the communi- 
 cants, and found they had been generally refrefhed at the Lord's table, 
 as with new wine. And never did I fee fuch an appearance of Chrif- 
 tian love among people in all my life. It was fo remarkable, that one 
 might well have cried, with an agreeable furprize, — '* Behold how they 
 
 love one another ! " Towards night difcourfed again on Titus ii, 14. 
 
 The religious people were much refreilied, fo that fome of them told 
 me they never felt the like before. Gonviftions were revived in others, 
 and fome were awakened ; and the congregation, when difmiflcd, al- 
 »:hough it was almofl dark, feemed loth to leave the place. Upon the 
 
chap. 7. i'J the eighteenth Century. 455 
 
 whole, I muft fay, I had great fatisfa^lion with regard to the adminiflra- 
 tion of this ordinance. God himlelf, I am periuaded, was in the inidft 
 of his people; and, I doubt not, many could fay in the concluiion, 
 with their whole hearts,— Verily '* a day thus fpent in God's houfe is 
 better than a thoufand." it wr.s the livclieft emblem of heaven I had 
 
 ever feen. Api' 28th. Concluded the lacramcnial folemnity with a 
 
 diico'.rl'e from Jowh xiv. 15. " If ye love me, keep my commandments." 
 There appeared a very agrectble tendcrneis, cfpecii.lly among the com- 
 municants. They fcemed v. illing to have their ears bored to thedoor- 
 pofts of God's houfe, and to be his fervants for ever. Obferving num- 
 bers in this excellent frame, I thought proper to improve this advanta- 
 geous feafon, to engage thofe that appeared ferious and religious to 
 perfevere therein ; and accordingly propofed that they Ihould further 
 covenant to watch over themfelves, and one another, left they fliould 
 dilhonour the name of Chrilt by unbecoming proflices, and particularly 
 by drunkennefs, their darling fin. They chearfuUy complied, and ex- 
 plicitely joined in that covenant. I then proceeded in themoft folemn 
 manner, to call God to witnefs to their facred engagement, and minded 
 them that God would be a terrible witnefs againft the violaters thereof 
 in the great and notable day of the Lord. It was a feafon of amazing 
 
 folemnity. Baptized fix children this day. Lord's-day, May 4th, 
 
 My people being now removed to their lands, where they are mak- 
 ing provifion for a compact fettlement, I this day vifited them (being 
 now obliged to board with an Englhh family at fome diftance froni 
 them) and preached from IMark iv. 5. and in the afternoon from Rom. 
 viii. 9. May 5th, 1 vifited them again, and gave them dire(ftions re- 
 lating to their bufinefs. I fee more and more of what importance 'tis 
 like to be to their religious intereft, that they become laborious and in- 
 duftrious, acquainted with the affairs of hulbandry, and able ro raife the 
 necefTaries and comforts of life within themfelves. May pih, Preach- 
 ed to my people from John v. 40. in the open wildernefs, they having 
 as yet no houfe for public worihip in this pbce, nor indeed iufficient 
 for themfelves. Divine truths made confiderable imprefTions on many. 
 This day I oaptized one man (the conjurer and murderer mention- 
 ed AuguH 8th, and Feb. ift,) who appears fuch a remarkable inftance 
 of Divine Grace, I cannot omit fome brief account of him. He liv- 
 ed near the Forks of Delaware, and attended the meeting there more 
 than a year; but was extremely addicted to drinking, and feemed no 
 way reformed. In this time he murdered a likely young Indian, which 
 threw him into horror and a degree of defperation, fo that he kept at a 
 diftance from me fome months, till I had an opportunity of converfing 
 with him, and encouraged him to hope his fin might be forgiven for 
 Chrift's fake. After which he again attended my meeting. But what 
 difcouraged me moft, was his conjuration. He was one of thole called 
 powows among the Indians ; and notwithftanding his attendance on 
 my preaching, ftill followed his old charms and jugghng tricks. And 
 the high opinion they had of him, his magic charms, and fuperftirious 
 notions, feemed to be a fatal obftru^lion to their receiving the gofpeL 
 And I have often thought it would be favourable to the defign of gof- 
 
440 Succefs of the GbJ}el in America Book IV. 
 pelizing the Indians, if God would take that wretch out of the world. 
 But God, whofe thoughts arc above ours, took a more defirable me- 
 thod with him. His firfl genuine concern for his foul was excited, 
 
 by feeing my interpreter and his wife baptized, and, with the invitation 
 of an In.Vian, he followed me down to Crofweekfung in Augnft, and 
 continued there fcveral weeks in the feafon of the moH: remarkable and 
 powerful awakening; at which time he was more elieftually awaken- 
 ed, and brought under concern for his foul : and then, upon his feeling 
 the word of God in his heart (as he exprefles it) his fpirit of conjura- 
 tion left him entirely, that he has hail no more power of that nature 
 fmcc than any other man living, and declares he don't now fo much as 
 
 know how he ufed to charm and conjure. He continued under con- 
 
 viiftions of his finful and perifhing ftate all the Fall, and part of the 
 \Vintcr,but was not fo deeply exercifed till January, and then the word 
 of God took fuch hold of him, that he was brought into great diftrefs, 
 and knew not what to do. He continued under the heavy prefTure of a 
 wounded fpirit ; and, February ift, was brought into the utmoft agony 
 of foul, which continued that night, and part of next day. After this, 
 obferving him to appear remarkably calm and compofed, I alked him 
 how he did ? He replied, " Tis done, 'tis done, 'tis all done now." I 
 afked him what he meant. Heanfwered, " I can never do any more' to 
 fave myfelf, 'tis all done for ever; I can do no more." I afked hira 
 whether he could not do a little more, rather than go to hell ? He re- 
 plied, " My heart is dead ; I can never help myfelf." I afked him what 
 he thought would become of him ? He replied, " I mufl go to hell." 
 I afked, if he thought it was right God fhould fend him to hell ? He an- 
 fwered, O 'tis right ! the devil has been in me ever fince I was born. I 
 aiked him, if he felt this the evening before, when he was in fuch great 
 difticfs? He replied, " No, I did not then think it was right. I thought 
 God would then fend me to hell, and that I was then dropping into it; 
 but my heart quarrelled with God, and would not fay it was right he 
 (hould fend me there. But I know 'tis right ; for I have always ferved 
 the devil, and my heart has no goodnefs in it now; but it is as bad as 
 
 it was," &c. In this frame of mind he continued feveral days, paf- 
 
 fing fentence upon himfelf, and conftantly owning it would be right, if 
 he fhould be damned, and that heexpefted this to be his portion. And 
 yet it was plain he had a fecret hope of mercy, though imperceptible to 
 himfelf. He afked me often when I would preach again ? I afked him 
 why he defired to hear me preach, feeing his heart was dead, and all 
 was done, and he expefled to go to hell ? He replied, *' I love to hear 
 you fpeak about Chrift for all," I afked him, what good will that do 
 you, if you muft go to hell at laft ? He anfwered, *' I would have o- 
 thers come to Chrifl, if I rnuft go to hell myfelf." He feemed to have 
 a great love to the people of God, and nothing afFefted him fomuch as 
 the thoughts of being feparated from them. It was likewife remarkable, 
 that in this feafon he was moft diligent in the ufe of all means for his 
 foul's falvation, although he had the cleareft view of the infufficiency of 
 means to help him. When he had continued in this frame of mind more 
 than a week, while I was preaching, he feemed to have a lively foul-re-, 
 
chap. 7. in the eighteenth Century. 44 1 
 
 frcihing view of the excellency of Chrift, and the way of falvatlon by 
 him, which melted him into tears, and filled him with admiration, com-' 
 fort, and praife to God ; fince which, he has appeared to be a humble^ 
 devout and affeftionateChriflian, icrious and exemplary in his conver-; 
 fation and behaviour, frequently complaining of his want of fpiritual 
 warmth, and in all refpe^ts bearing the marks of one created anew in( 
 
 Chrift Jefus. His zeal for the caufe of God was remarkable, when 
 
 he was with me at the Forks of Delaware laft February. There being 
 an old powow at the place, who threatened to bewitch me; this mari 
 prefently challenged him to do his worft, telling him, that himfelf hadt 
 been as great a conjurer as he, but that as foon as he felt the word in 
 his heart, which this people loved, his power of conjuring immediate- 
 ly left him 5 and fo it would you, faid he, if you did but once feel ic 
 in your heart. So that, as Paul, he now zea^oufly defends, and practi- 
 cally preaches the faith which he once delhoyed. May God have the 
 glory of the amazing change he has wrought in him ! 
 
 Lord's-day, May i8th, Difcourfed both parts of the day from Rev^ 
 iii, 20. In the interval I took occafion to difcourfe to numbers, in a 
 more private way, of the kindnefsand patience of the bleffed Redeemerj, 
 in {landing and knocking, &e. which feemed to take fome efiecV. In the 
 afternoon, divine truths were attended with folemnity and with tears,* 
 
 tho' there was not that powerful awakening as in times pafl. May 
 
 19th, Vifited, and preached to my people from A6ls xx. 18, 19. andf 
 aimed to recftify their notions about religious affeftions, fliewing how 
 delirable they are when they flow from a true fpiritual difcovery of the 
 tranfcendent perfeflions of the blelTed God, a view of the glory and 
 lovclinefs of the great Redeemer; that fuch views will naturally excite 
 us to ferve the Lord with much aftbftion, and with all hurtiHity of 
 mind. And, on the other hand, obferving the finfulnefs of feeking. 
 high affections immediately and for their own fake. Shewed them, that 
 if the heart be direCtly fixed on God, fome degree of affection will be 
 the effeCl of it : but to feek after atfcCtion direftly and chiefly, is to 
 place it in the room of God and his glory. If fought that others may 
 admire us, 'tis abominable pride; if, for the pleafure of being affieCled, 
 
 'tis idolatry and felf-gratlfication. Laboured alfo to expofe the dif- 
 
 agreeablenefs of affections wrought up by the power of fancy, while I 
 ftill recommended that religious affeCtion, fervency and devotion, with- 
 out which religion will be but an empty name, and lifelefs carcafs. Thi5 
 
 appeared a feafonable difcourfe. June ift, I have reafon to hope that 
 
 God has lately brought home to himfelf fundry who had long been un- 
 der fpiritual concern, though there have been few inftances of pcrfons 
 
 lately awakened. June 7th, Being invited by Mr. William Tennent 
 
 to be his affiftant in the adminiftration of the Lord's fupper, my 
 
 people attended. And, Lord's-day, June 8th, Mofl of them who 
 
 had been communicants before, communicated M'ith others who had 
 longed to fee this day. Some of the by-ftariders were afleCted with fee- 
 ing thefc who had been aliens from the commonwealth of Ifrael, &c. 
 now brought near to God. Others, I am told, were awakened there-* 
 by, apprehending the danger of being eternally caA out while they faw 
 VOL. IL K k k 
 
442 Succefs of the Go/pel in Amsrlca Book IV. 
 others from the Eaft and W^eft preparing to fit down in the kingdom of 
 God. Others of my people who were not communicants, were much 
 arte^ted. Convictions in divers inftances were revived ; and one ob- 
 tained comfort. June 9th, A confiderable number of my people met 
 
 early in the day, in a retired place in the woods, and prayed, fung, and 
 converfcd of divine things. Afterward they attended the concluding 
 exercifes of the facramental folemnity, and then returned home, divers 
 of them rejoicing for all the goodnefs of God they had feen and felt. 
 
 June 13th, Baptized two children, and three grown perfons. One 
 
 of thefe was the very aged woman, mentioned December 26th. She 
 cave me now a very punctual, rational, and fatisfaflory account of the 
 remarkable change Ibe experienced fome months after the beginning of 
 her concern, which, I muft fay, appeared to be the genuine operations 
 of the Divine Spirit. And I have great reafon to hope fhe is born anew 
 
 in her old age, <he being, I prefume, upwards of fourfcore. June 
 
 19th, This day makes up a compleat year fince my firft preaching to 
 thefc Indians in New- Jerfey.— What amazing thingj has God wrought ! 
 What a furprizing change appears in their temper and behaviour ! How 
 are morofe and favage Pagans transformed into agreeable, affeftionate, 
 humble Ghriftians! And their drunken and Pagan bowlings turned in- 
 to devout and fervent prayers and praifes to God ! To God only wife 
 be glory through Chrift Jefus for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 Before I conclude, I would make a few general remarks. 1. I 
 
 cannot but take notice, that ever fince my firfi: coming among thefe 
 Indians in New-Jerfey, I have, in general, been favoured with that 
 affiftance which (to me) is uncommon in preaching Chrift crucified, 
 and in making him the centre and the mark, to which all my dif- 
 
 courfes among them were dire£led. To fiiew them their abfo- 
 
 lute need of Chrift to redeem and fave them from the mifery of their 
 fallen ftate; to open his all-fufficiency and willingnefs to fave the chief 
 of finners ; the freenefs and riches of his Divine Grace, propofed with- 
 out money and without price, to all that will accept the offer; and there- 
 upon to prefs them without delay to betake themfelves to him, under 
 a fenfe of their mifery and undone ftate, and to ftiew them the abun- 
 dant encouragement. And I have oft remarked with admiration, that 
 
 ■whatever fubjeft I have been upon, after explaining and illuftrating the 
 truths contained therein, I have been naturally led to Chrift as the fub* 
 ftance of every fiabjeft. If I treated on the being and glorious perfec- 
 tions of God, I was thence naturally led to difcourfe of Chrift, as the 
 only way to the Father. If I attempted to open the deplorable mi- 
 fery of our fallen ftate, it was natural from thence to fliew the neceffity 
 of Chrift to undertake for us, to atone for our fins, and to redeem us 
 from the power of them. If I taught the commands of God, and 
 ftiewf d our violation of them, this brought me, in the moft eafy and 
 ratuial way, to fpeak of and recommend the Lord Jefus Chrift, as one 
 who had magnified the law we had broken, and who was become " the 
 end of the law for righteoufnefs to every one that believeth." And ne- 
 ver did I find fo much freedom and affiftance in making the various lines 
 of my difcourfes meet and centre in Chrift, as among thefe Indians. — - 
 
chap. 7. in the eighteenth Century. 44^ 
 
 Sometimes, when I have intended to offer but a few words on fome par- 
 ticular rubje(5\:, and faw no occafion or room for any confiderable en- 
 largement, there has appeared, on a fudden, fuch a fountain of gofpel- 
 grace Ihining forth in, or naturally refulting from a jufl explication of 
 it, and Ghrifl has feemed in fuch a lively manner to be pointed out as 
 the fubftance of what I was confidering and explaining, that I have 
 been drawn in a way not only eafy and natural, proper and pertinent, 
 but almoft unavoidable, to difcourfe of him, either in regard of his in- 
 carnation, undertaking, fatisfadlion, admirable fitnefs for the work of 
 man's redemption, or the infinite need that finners ftand in of an intcrefl: 
 in him, which has opened the way for a continued (train of gofpel-invi- 
 tation to perilling fouls to come empty and naked, weary and heavy? 
 
 laden, and caft themfelves upon him. And as I have been at times 
 
 furprifingly furniihed with matter relating to the Lord Jefus Chrift, 
 and the way of falvation by him, fo alfo as to an advantageous manner, 
 I have frequently been enabled to reprefent his perfonal glories, loveli- 
 nefs, and fuitablenefs ; to open the infinite riches of his grace ; and to 
 call, invite, and bcfeech finners to come and give up themfelves to him ; 
 to exportulate with them why they would negleft one fo infinitely love- 
 ly, and fo freely offered ; and this in fuch a manner, with fuch free- 
 dom, pertinency, pathos, and application to the confcience, as I never 
 could have made myfclf mafter of by the moft diligent application of 
 mind. — I don't mention thefe things to recommend my own performan- 
 ces; for, I own, I found from time to time I had no fkill or wifdom for 
 my great work, and knew not how tochufe out acceptable words, pro- 
 per to addrefs poor benighted Pagans with. But thus God was pleafed 
 to help me, '* not to know any thing among them, fave Jefus Ghrifl, 
 
 and him crucified." And this was the preaching God made ufe of for 
 
 the awakening of finners, and the propagation of this work of grace a- 
 
 mong the Indians. And it was remarkable, when I was favoured 
 
 with any fpecial freedom in difcourfing of the ability and willingnefs of 
 Chrift to fave finners, and the need they ftood in of fuch a Saviour, 
 there was then the greateft appearance of Divine power in awakening 
 fecure fouls, promoting conviftions begun, and comforting the dif 
 treffed. 
 
 2. I think it worthy of remark, that numbers of thefe people are 
 brought to a ftri6l compliance with the rules of morality and fobriety, 
 and to a confcientious performance of the external duties of Chriftiani- 
 ty, by the internal power and influence of the peculiar doftrines of 
 
 grace. God was pleafed to give thofe truths fuch a powerful influ" 
 
 ence upon the minds of thefe people, that their lives were quickly rer 
 formed, without my infifting on the precepts of morality, and fpending 
 time in repeated harangues upon external duties. — There was indeed 
 no room for any kind of difcourfes, but thofe which refpe6led the efr 
 fentials of religion, and the experimental knowledge of divine things, 
 while fo many were -enquiring daily, not how they fliould regulate their 
 outward conduft, but, " What they fhould do to be faved." So that 
 my great work ftill was to lead them into a farther view of their unr 
 donenefs in themfelves, the total depravity and corruption of their 
 
 Kkk 2 
 
^^^ Succefs of the Gofpd in America Book IV. 
 
 tieart<; and at the fame time to open to them the glorious and com- 
 plete remedy provided in Chrilt tor helplels perilliing finners, and of- 
 fered Kreely lo thole who have no goodncfs of their own to recommend 
 
 them to the divine acceptance. When thefe truths were felt at heart, 
 
 there was now no vice unreformed, no external duty neglefted ; drunk- 
 c-inefs the darling vice, was difcarded, and fcarce an inlrance of it known 
 among them for months together. The abufive praftice ofhulbands 
 ^nd wives putting away each other, and taking others, was quickly re- 
 formed- fo that three or four couple have voluntarily difmiffed thofe 
 they had wrongfully taken, and now live together again in love and 
 peace. The fa^me might be faiJ of all other vicious pra(fViGes. The re- 
 formation was general, and all fpringing from the internal influence of 
 divine truths upon their hearts, and not from any external rcflraints. 
 Some of thcie vices I never had fo much as mentioned, particularly part- 
 ing of -nen and iheir wives, till fome, having their confcicnces awakened 
 by God's word, came, and of their own accord confeffed themlijlves 
 guilty in that refpeft. And when I did at any time mention their wick- 
 ed practices, and the fins they were guihy of, contrary to the light of 
 nature ir was not with defign or expeftation of workiug an eiieclual 
 reformation in their manners by this means, for I know while the tree 
 remained corrupt, the fruit would naturally be {y^ too; but with delign 
 to lead them, by taking a view of the wickednels of their lives, cobefen- 
 fible of the corruption of their hearts, and to convince them of tne ne- 
 celTity of a renovation of their nature, and excite them with iitmoft di- 
 ligence to feek after that great change, which, if once obt;>ined, I was 
 fenlible would of courfe produce a reformation of external manners in 
 
 every refpcifl. And as all vice was reformed upon their teeling the 
 
 power of thefe truths upon their hearts, fo the external duties of Ghri- 
 ftianity were complied with, and confcientioufly performed from the 
 fame internal principle ; family-prayer fet up, and conflantly maintain- 
 ed unlefs among a few more lately come, who had felt little of this di- 
 vine influence. This duty is conflantly performed even in fome fami- 
 lies where there are none but females, and fcarce a prayerlefs family to 
 be found among near an hundred of them. The Lord's-day is ferioufly 
 and religioufly obferved, and care taken by parents to keep their chil- 
 dren orderly on that facred day. And this, not becaufe I had driven 
 ^em to the performance of thefe duties by a frequent inculcating of 
 them, but becaufe they had felt the power of God's word upon their 
 hearts, were made fenfible of their fin and mifery, and therefore could 
 rot but pray, and comply with every thing they knew to be duty, from 
 what they felt within therafelves. When their hearts were touched 
 with a fenfc of their eternal concernments, they could pray with great 
 freedom as well as fer^^ency, without being at the trouble to learn fet 
 forms for that purpofe. And fome of them who were fuddenly awake- 
 ned at their firfl coming among us, were brought to pray and cry for 
 mercy with utmoft importunity, without ever being inftrudled in the 
 duty of prayer, or fo much as once diredVed to the performance of it. 
 —Now altho' I cannot pretend that the reformation among my people 
 ^,oe5, in every inftance, flow from a faving change of heart, yet I may 
 
chap. 7. ^« '^^ eighteenth Century. 445 
 
 truly fay, it flows from fome heart-affefting view and fenfe of divine 
 truths, which all have had in a greater or leiler degree. 1 do not in- 
 tend hereby to reprefent the preaching of morality, and preffing perlons 
 to the external performance of duty to be altogether unneceflary, and 
 ufelefs, at any time, and efpecially at times when there is lefs of divine 
 power attending the means of grace; when for want of internal influ- 
 ences there is need of external reftraints. It is doubtlefs among the 
 things which ought to be done, while others are not to be left undone. 
 But what I chiefly defigncd by this remark, was to reprefent plain matter 
 of fa 61, viz. that the reformation, the fobriety, and external compliance 
 with the rules and duties of Chriftianity, appearing among my people, 
 are not the effeft of any meer dodlrinal inftruftion, or meerly rational 
 view of the beauties of morality, but from the internal power and in- 
 fluence that divine truths, (the foul^humbling doctrines of grace) have 
 had upon their hearts. 
 
 3. It is remarkable that God has fo continued and renewed the 
 fhowers of his grace here, fo quickly fet up his vilible kingdom among 
 thefe people, and fo fmiled upon them in relation to their acquirement 
 of knowledge, both divine and human. It is now near a twelvermonth 
 llnce the beginning of this gracious out-pouring of the divine Spirit a- 
 mong them, and though it has often feemed to decline and abate in fome 
 inflances, yet the fliower has feemed to be renewed, and the work of 
 
 grace revived again. And as God has favoured us with Ihowers of 
 
 grace, fo he hath fet up his kingdom among us with uncommon quick- 
 nefs. I have now baptized feventy-feven perfons, of whom thirty-eight 
 are adults, and thirty-nine children, and all within the fpace of eleven 
 moiths. And I have baptized no adults, but fuch as appeared in a 
 judgment of charity, to have a work of fpecial grace wrought in their 
 
 hearts. 1 likewife adminiflered the Lord's fupper to a number of 
 
 perfons, who, 1 have abundant reafon to think, were proper fubjciftsof 
 that ordinance, within the fpace of ten months and ten days, after my 
 firft preaching to them. And within the fpace of a twelvemonth, after 
 fome of them were attending an idolatrous feaft and facriflce in honour 
 to devils. Surely Chrift's little flock here, fo fuddenly gathered from 
 among Pagans, may juftly fay, in the language of the church of old, 
 
 *' The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." • 
 
 Much of the power and goodnefs of God has appeared alfo in their ac- 
 quirement of knowledge", both in religion, and in the aflairs of common 
 life. There has been a wonderful thirft after Chriftian knowledge pre- 
 vailing among them, and an eager defire of being infl:ru6led in Chriftian 
 
 do(fVrines and manners. They are infl:rufted twice a week in the 
 
 AJf^mbly's Shorter Catechifm; and fome of them have learned to fay it 
 pretty diflindlly more than half through. They are likewife inllrud^ed 
 in the duty of fecret prayer, and prompt each other to it. 
 
 4. I think it worthy to be noted, to the praife of fovereign grace, 
 that amidfl fo greata work of conviction, and religious afle(5tion, there 
 has been no prevalency of falfe religiqn (if I may fo term it) or heats 
 
 a Providence has been very favourable in fending them a careful and afftflionatefchool- 
 Viafler. 
 
^^5 Succefs of the GoJJ>el in America Book IV. 
 
 of imagination, intemperate zeal, andfpiritualpride; corrupt mixtures, I 
 which too c&.nmonly attend the revival and powerful propagation of 
 religion. This work of grace has, in the main, been carried on with a 
 
 furprizing degree of purity, and freedom from corrupt mixtures. 
 
 Yet it mu(\ be owned, when this work became founiverfal and prevalent, 
 fatan fccmed to transform himfelf into an angel of light, and made 
 fome vigorous attempts to introduce turbulent commotions of the pafli- 
 on?, inilead of genuine convidlions of fin, and imaginary and fanciful 
 notions of Chrift, as appearing to the mental eye in human form, 
 and particular poftures, in the room of fpiritual and fupernatural dif- 
 coveriesof his divine glory and excellency; as well as divers other de- 
 lufions. And I have reafon to think, had thefe things met with cn- 
 couranement, there would have been a confiderablc harvefl: of this kind 
 of converts here. Spiritual pride alio difcovered itfelf in various inftan- 
 ces; and in one or two an unbecoming ambition of being teachers of 
 others. But, blelfed be God, though foraething of this nature has ap- 
 peared, nothing has prevailoc, nor made any great progrefs. And 
 
 there have betn very few ioliances of fcandalousor irregular behaviour 
 among thofe who have made a profelTion, or even an appearance of re- 
 ligion. Not above three or four that I know of, have been guilty of 
 any open mifconduft, and not one that perfifts in any thing of that 
 nature. And perhaps the remarkable purity of this work in the latter 
 rcfpeft, is very much owing to its purity in the former; as fpiritual 
 pride, and delufions, naturally lay a foundation for fcandalous practi- 
 ces'. 
 
 ( ?"rom Mr. Edwards' Sermon at Mr. Braincrd's Funeral. ] 
 
 He told me one night as he went to bed'', that he expefted to die 
 that night; and added, " I am not at all afraid; I am willing to go 
 
 this night, if it be the will of God. Death is what I long for." 
 
 He feveral times fpake of the different kinds of wiUingnefs to die : and 
 fpoke of it as an ignoble mean kind of willingnefs to die, to be willing, 
 only to get rid of pain, or to go to heaven only to get honour and 
 advancement there. His own longingsfor deathfeemed to be quite of 
 
 a different kind, and for nobler ends. " My heaven [faid he] is to 
 
 pleafe God, and glorify him, and give all to him, and to be wholly de- 
 voted to his glory : that is the heaven I long for : that is my religion ; 
 and that is my happinefs, and always was, ever fince I fuppofed I had 
 any true religion : and all thofe that are of that religion, fhall meet me 
 in heaven. 1 do not go to heaven to be advanced, but to give ho- 
 nour to God. It is no matter where I fhall be ftationed in heaven, 
 whether I have a high or low feat there, but to love and pleafe and glo- 
 rify God. If I had a thoufand fouls, if they were worthy any thing, 
 
 I would give them all to God : but I have nothing to give, when all 
 
 is done. It is impofllble for any rational creature to behappywith- 
 
 out afting all for God : 1 long to be in heaven, praifing and glorify- 
 
 a For a prcat many other valuable and 1 the large Journal printed at Philadelphia 
 curious partKulars, and amongft the reft, an t 1745. 
 
 account of the diflicultics he met within 
 chriftimizing the Indians, and the methods 
 he ufe4 to furmount thefc difficulties, fee 
 
 b He died at Northampton in Mr. Ed- 
 wards' houfc of a confumption Oftobcr jtbj 
 
 »747. 
 
chap. 7. ift the eighteenth Century. 447 
 
 ing God with the holy angels; all my defire is to glorify God. . 
 
 My heart goes out to the burying-place, it feems to me a defirable 
 
 place: but O to glorify God \ That is it! that is above all ! It is 
 
 a great comfort to me to think that I have done a little for God in the 
 world: It is but a very fmall matter; yet I have done a little; and I 
 
 lament it that I have not done more for him. There is nothing in 
 
 the world worth living for, but doing good, andfinifhing God's work, 
 doing the work that Chrill did. I fee nothing elfe in the world that 
 can yield any fatisfaftion, bcfides living to God, pleafing him, and 
 
 doing his whole will"." After he came to be in fo low a ftate, that 
 
 he ceafed to have the lead: expectation of recovery, his mind was pecu- 
 liarly carried forth with earneft concern for the profperity of the church 
 
 of God on earth :" He told me when near his end, that *' he never, 
 
 in all his life, had his mind fo led forth in defires and earnefl: prayers 
 for the iiouriihing of Chrift's kingdom on earth, as fince he was brought 
 fo exceeding low at Bofton. He feemed much to wonder, that there 
 appeared no more of a difpofition in rainiilers and people, to pray for 
 the flourilhing of religion through the world. And particularly, he 
 feveral times exprefTed his wonder, that there appeared no more for- 
 wardnefs to comply with the propofal lately made from Scotland, for 
 united extraordinary prayer among God's people, for the coming of 
 Chrift's kingdom, and fentit as his dying advice to his own congregati- 
 on, that they fhould praflife agreeable to that propofal. A little 
 
 before his death, he faid to me, as I came into the room ; " My thoughts 
 have been employed on the old dear theme, the profperity of God's 
 church on earth. As I waked out of fleep (faid he) I was led to cry for 
 the pouring out of God's Spirit, and the advancement of Chrift's king- 
 dom, which the dear Redeemer did and fuifered fo much for: it is 
 
 that efpecially makes me long for it." A few days before his 
 
 death, he defired us to ftng a pfalm that was concerning the profperi- 
 ty of Zion ; which he fignifiedthat his mind was engaged in the thoughts 
 of, and defires after, above all things ; and at his defire we fang a part 
 of the cii. pfalm. And when M'e had done, though he was fo low 
 that he could fcarcely fpeak, he fo exerted himfelf, that he made a 
 prayer, very audibly, wherein, befides praying for thofe prefent, and 
 for Jiis own congregation, he earneftly prayed for the reviving and 
 flourift\ing of religion in the world. His own congregation efpe- 
 cially lay much on his heart. He often fpake of them : and commonly 
 when he did fo, it was with extraordinary tendernefs ; fo that his fpeech 
 was interrupted and drowned with weeping. 
 
 a In his diary he writes thus; *' Septr. • you arc filthy, not fit for heavea. Hcreii- 
 f jth, Near night, while I attempted to pon inftantly appeared the blefled robes of 
 walk a little, my thoughts turned thus ; \ Chrilt's rightcoufncfs, which I could not 
 
 how infinitely fweet it is to love God, and 
 be all for him! Upon which it was fuggef- 
 tcd to me, you arc not an angel, not lively 
 and aftive. To which my whole foal im- 
 mediately replied, I as fmcerely defire to love 
 and glorify God, as any angel in heaven. 
 Upon wiiich it was fuggefted again, but 
 
 but exult and triumph in. I viewed tho 
 infinite excellency of God; and my foul 
 even broke with longings, that God (hould 
 be glorified. O how I longed that God 
 fhould be glorifie<1 on earth ! O! Iwas'madfr 
 for Ctcniity, if God Wtgbt be glorified f 
 
^43 Succefs of the Gofpel in America Book IV. 
 
 [I conclude this Chapter with the following extrads from the lafefl 
 letters I have Teen concerning this million <] 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. Azariah Horton to the Prcfw of the Society in Scotland, dated 
 Southampton, September 14th, lyji. ] 
 
 [After complaining of hindrances on the one hand from thofe he 
 calls the feparatc people; and on the other from the opportunities that 
 fomc give the Indians of gratifying their infatiable defires of flrong 
 drink; he adds] I have ufed endeavours to convince thefe different 
 forts of people of the evil and pernicious confequences of their con- 
 diicft; and alfo to Ihew my own the danger of running into either of 
 
 thcfc extremes. But the obftrucftions, as yet, are un furmoun table j 
 
 and 1 believe nothing but the interpofure of an almighty and gracious 
 
 God will cfre(5lually remove them. [But he adds afterwards] It will 
 
 doubtlefs be obferved in the pcrufal of my Journal, that we have en- 
 joyed fome tokens of the divine prcfence, and that fome of my charge 
 breathe the temper and fpeak the language of thofe that fear the Lord. 
 Heretofore God has been pleafed evidently and remarkably to blefsmy 
 
 poor labours. And if my heart do not greatly deceive me, I fhould 
 
 rejoice to have it as in times paft, &c* Azariah Horton. 
 
 [ From a Letter from Mr. John Brainerd who fucceeded his Brother in his Cliarge, to the 
 Prcfes of the Society in Scotland, dated Bethel, Oftober izd, ijsi- ] a 
 
 Since my lafl to your lordfliip, which bears date March 2d, 1753, ^ 
 have fleddily attended to the bufinefs of the miffion, and have not been 
 abfcnt from my charge, but upon fome neceflary occafions, and then 
 only for a fhort fpace. I have endeavoured flriftly to attend to my 
 commilfion and inftruftions; preaching the gofpel ; adminiftring the fa- 
 craments; catechiling both the grown people and the children ; viflting 
 
 a See alfo a letter from Mr. John Brai- 
 ncrd to his friend in England, dated Bethel, 
 October 4th, 17J2, printed for J. Ward in 
 Cornhill London 17J3. Some pafTagcs of 
 which follow, " I have been employed as 
 a milTionary among thefe Indians for above 
 four years ar>d a half, beSdes officiating for 
 my brother fevcral months during his lad 
 ficknefs. In this fpace of time the number 
 has confidcrably cncreafcd, though for more 
 than two years after I came, we were vifit- 
 ed with much ficknefs and great mortality. 
 — We have now near forty families belong- 
 ing to our fociety; and our church confifts 
 of thirty-fcven communicants, befides two 
 or three more that ftand as candidates for 
 admidJon. Our fchool has fometimcs con- 
 fided of above fifty children, but the num- 
 ber at prefcnt is not altogether fo great. 
 
 i have fpcnt the moft of my time fince I 
 have been employed as a miflionary among 
 thefe people, but not wholly confined my- 
 fclf to them. I have taken fevcral journies 1 
 out among the more remote Indians, and 
 fcnas to thofe at a great diRanse. By this ) 
 
 means, with the blefllng of God on my la- 
 bours, I have perfuaded fundry to come 
 from dillant parts and fettle here, where 
 tliey and their children, have the advanta- 
 ges of inftruftion, which I truft have been 
 bleft to the faving converfion of fome : may 
 
 the Lord daily cncreafc the number! 
 
 We have a very considerable number of fe- 
 rious regular Chrillians, who are an orna- 
 ment to refigion ; although fome that make 
 a profcffion have grievouily backflidden. 
 The Lord has preferved and continued a 
 Chriflian congregation together, tho' many 
 attempts have been made by Satan and his 
 
 inftruments, to difperfe and deftroy it. 
 
 [Then affer mentioning the obftacles to the 
 Indians being brought to Chriflianity, fuch 
 as — Their love to itrong drink. — Their in- 
 dolent, wandring, unfteddy difpofltion. 
 
 The wickcdnefs of fome white people who 
 
 prejudice them againfl the milTionaries 
 
 And fomc of them it is faid will buy drink 
 and give them fO fee if they cannot make 
 Chriflian Indians drunk ai ^«U as others. — 
 Alfo the want of a more liberal' ru??(Mt' W 
 
chap. 7. in the eighteenth CeHturyi j^j^g 
 
 my people; praying and converling with the fick; attending funerals j 
 
 and watching all opportunities to do them good. 1 have coniiantJy 
 
 attended public worlhip three times on theLord's-day ; ftcadiJy oncey 
 and fometimes more, in the rell of the week. Befifies, I have adviftd 
 my people, efpecially of late, to meet, at Icaft, one evening in a week, 
 at a private houfe, which they do in the feveral parts of their town 3 
 fometimes ?t one houfe, and fometimes at another. This meeting I 
 have generally attended; and carry it on by prayer, finging of pfalms 
 or hymns, and religious converlation. At thefe meetings I addrcfsmy- 
 felf to particular perfons; inquire into the date of their fouls; warn, 
 exhort, encourage, &c. as I fee occafion. And when I am abfent, thtf 
 meeting is carried on by religious converfation, together with prayer 
 
 and finging of pfalma, as above. My endeavour.% may it plcafe youi' 
 
 lordlhip,- through the bleffing of Heaven, have been, I hope, attended 
 with fortie degree of fuccefs. I have had the fatisfaOion of admitting 
 one adult perfon to baptifm, who, I truft, is a true convert to God, 
 and favingly acquainted with Jefus Chrifl} and fundry children have 
 been the fnbjedts of that divine ordinance. I can alfo^ with plcafure^ 
 inform your lordfhip, and the fociety, that many of our forrtier con-^ 
 verts adorn their profellion by a fober virttions life. But fome, I muft 
 needs fay, have grievoufly backflrdden, which has been fnatter of un» 
 fpeakable grief to me, and done more to exhauft my fpirits, and wear 
 me out; than all the bodily fatigues I have ever undergone in the pro- 
 fecutiort of this midion. 
 
 [Afterwards he writes of great difficulties the Indians have labour-' 
 
 ed under of late, with regard to their lands. And of the lamented 
 
 death of a promifing young Indian, the Society were educating for the 
 gofpel-rriiniftry; of whom he fays,] He had been a member of New- 
 Jerfey college near two years; was much beloved by his clafs-mates 
 and other fcholars, and made a decent h^ndfome appearance among 
 
 mote parf; where there are greater numbers 
 of thefe miferable favages,who can tell what 
 (he Lord will do? What a glorious profpeft 
 might foon open?- — The quarterly days of 
 prayer for the profperity of Zion are ob- 
 fervcd by fome in thefe parts, and have 
 been very conftantly attended in my con- 
 gregation 5 and fome of my people have ap- 
 peared very affectionate and warmly en- 
 gaged at fuch times. May the Lord heai? 
 and anfwcr the fupplications of his people^ 
 and caufe his church to arife and flourifh, 
 and even become a praife in the whole 
 
 earth. 1 would defirc a remembrance 
 
 in your addredcs to the throne of grace 
 for me, my people, and the caufe of Gcd 
 among the Indians. And if you fhould 
 have leifiire, and think it worth while tOi 
 write, pleafe to direft for me at Bethel in 
 Ncw-Jerfcy, to the care of Mr. William 
 Hrant, merchant, in Second flrect, Philadel- 
 phia; or to the care of ^\r. Dernys de Bcrdt, 
 merchant, in Artilh y-court, Chifwcl-ftrecl, 
 Londofl. I am, &5.' Johm Brainerb, 
 
 to the miflionaries for carrying them thro' 
 difficult journies, and taking Chridian In- 
 dians along with therti. — He adds] I hope 
 and truft that as this wOrk of grace among 
 the Indians comes to be more generally 
 known and fpread nbroad, there will be a 
 greater plenty of provifion for the promoti- 
 on of the fame; and may the Lord haften 
 the blifsful time ! Upon the whole, though 
 I am feelingly fenfible of many difficulties 
 and difcouragements in chrifti'anizing the 
 Indians, yet I cannot but think thtre has 
 been, and dill is as much encouragement as 
 could rationally beexpefted, before any at- 
 tempts of this kind were made, and that 
 which is fufficient for us ftitl to aft upon, 
 and to make farther attempts of this nature. 
 There is ground to hape that within thefe 
 feven years laft paft, there have been at 
 Icaft forty perfons favingly convertrd to 
 God, even in this fmall place, which at f 
 moft does not contain above two hvmdred 
 fouls old and young of all forts; and were 
 there any fpirited to go unto the more re 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 LU 
 
45© Succefs of the Co/pel in Ireland Book IV. 
 
 them. He died of a quick confumption. I had opportunity of con- 
 vcrfing with him in the latter part of his ficknefs; and though he was 
 under fome darknefs, yet his difcourfe was good, and difcovered much 
 of the Chriftian, &c. John Brainerd. 
 
 CHAP. VIII. 
 
 In Ireland 17 ^7 f <bc. 
 [ From Mr. Wclley's feventh Journal. ] 
 
 Dublin, Auguft: loth, 1747, I met the Society at five; and at fix 
 preached on " Repent and believe the gofpel." The room, large as it 
 ■was, would not contain the people, who all feemed to tafte the good 
 
 ^o>d. In the afternoon a gentleman defired to fpeak with m.e. He 
 
 was troubled that it was not with him as in times paft ; when at the 
 age of fourteen, the power of God came mightily upon him, conitrain- 
 ing him to rife out of bed, to pour out his prayers and tears, from an 
 heart overflowed with love and joy in the Holy Ghoft. For fome 
 months he fcarce knew whether he was in the body, continually walk- 
 ing with God. He has now an abiding peace; but cannot reft, till the 
 love of God again fill his heart. Thurfday 13th, I continued preach- 
 ing, morning and evening, and had more and more reafon to hope they 
 would not all be unfruitful hearers. Monday 17th, I began examin- 
 ing the fociety, which I finifhed the next day. It contained about two 
 hundred and fourfcore members, many of whom appeared to be ftrong 
 in faith. Tuefday i8th, I was informed, that Mr. Latrobe, the Mo- 
 ravian preacher, had read in his pulpit, part of the Short View of the 
 Difference between the Moravians and us, with the addition of many 
 bitter words. Herein he did us unawares a fignal favour, giving an au- 
 thentic proof, that we have nothing to do with them. 
 
 Sunday, March 13th, 1748, My brother preached. Monday 
 
 1 4th, I began preaching at five in the morning, a new thing here. 
 
 Friday 25th, I preached in Marlborough-ftreet at five, to the largeft 
 congregation I have yet feen in a morning. At two I began in Shtp- 
 ftreet, where were many of the rich and genteel. I was exceeding weak 
 in body, having been examining clafles all the day. But I felt it not 
 after I had fpoke two fentences. I was ftrengthened both in body and 
 
 foul. Wednefday 30th, I rode to Philipftown, the (hire town of the 
 
 King's-County. I was obliged to go into the ftreet, which was foon 
 filled with thofe who flocked from every fide; to whom I declared " Je- 
 fusChrift, our wifdom, righteoufnefs, fanftification, and redemption." 
 
 Thurfday 31ft, One would have diflTuaded me from preaching at 
 
 five, being fure none would rife fo foon. But I kept my hour, and had 
 a large and fcrious congregation. After preaching I fpoke feverally to 
 thofe of the fociety, of whom forty were troopers. 
 
 Saturday, April 2d, At Moat I preached to an handful of ferious 
 people, — Sunday 3d, I preached at Athlone; many coming from all the 
 country round, and (for the prefent) receiving the word with joy. I 
 preached again at fix in the fame place, and to nearly the fame (only a 
 little larger) congregation : the greater part whereof (notwithilanding 
 
chap. 8. in the eighteenth Century. 451 
 
 the prohibition of their priefts) I afterward found were Papifts. 
 
 Monday 4th, I preached at five; great part of the congregation was 
 in tears. Indeed almoft all the town appeared to be moved, full of 
 good-will and defires of falvation. But the waters fpread too wide to 
 be deep. I found not one under any ftrong conviftion, much Icfs had 
 any one attained the knowledge of falvation. In the evening I preach- 
 ed at Tyrrel's-pafs, and found great enlargement of heart. Tuef- 
 
 day 5th, Our room was filled at five. After preaching, I examined the 
 clafles. When I aflced one in particular, " How he had lived in lime 
 pad ? " he fpread abroad his hands, and faid, with many tears, '* Here 
 I Hand, a grey-headed monfler of all manner ©f wickednefs." Much in 
 the fame manner fpoke one who came from Connaught, but with 
 great affliction. We determined to wreftle with God in her behalf, 
 which we did for above an hour ; and he heard our prayer ; fo that her 
 foul was filled with joy unfpeakable. Mr. Jonathan Handy, greatly for- 
 rowing before, was alfo now enabled to rejoice in God : and four 
 other perfons were cut to the heart, and cried aloud to him that is 
 
 mighty to fave. Wednefday 6th, I baptized feven perfons educated 
 
 among the Quakers. At Tullamore in the evening, well nigh all the 
 
 town, rich and poor, were gathered together. I ufed great plainnefsof 
 fpeech in applying thofe words, " All have finned, and come Ibort of 
 the glory of God." The next day I preached at five to a large and fe- 
 rious congregation. Between one and two, I preached at Clara, and then 
 rode toAthlone,whereI preached at fix, on "Ought notChrift to have 
 fufiered thefe things, and after that to enter into his glory ? " As yet 
 none of this people even feems to oppofe the truth. — Monday 1 1 th. At 
 Athlone, in the evening, there appeared more emotion in the congrega- 
 tion than ever I had feen before. But it was in a manner I never faw s 
 
 not in one here end there, but in all. Wednefday 13th, I preached 
 
 in the Evening at Tyrrel's-pafs. The congregation here alfo was lar- 
 ger than ever; and the word of God feemed to take deeper root here 
 
 than in any other part of this country. Saturday i6th. At Dubiin 
 
 I found great reafon to praife God for the work wrought among the 
 people in my abfence. But ftiU there is no fuch work as I look for. I 
 
 fee nothing yet but drops before a ftiower. W^ednefday 20th, I fpent 
 
 an agreeable hour with Mr. Miller, the Lutheran minifier. From him 
 I learned, that the earneft religion which I found in fo many parts of 
 Germany, is but of late date, ha .'ing taken its rife from one man, Au- 
 guft Herman Franck^ ! So can God, if itpleafeth him, enable one man 
 to revive his work throughout a whole nation.— Sunday 24th, I preach- 
 ed at Skinner's-alley at five, and on Oxmantoun-green at eight. I was 
 weak in body, but was greatly revived by the ferioufnefs and earneftnefs 
 
 of the congregation. Saturday 30th, At Athlone, fomePapifts, and 
 
 two or three Proteftant families were cordially joined together, to op- 
 pofe the work of God ; but they durft not yet do it openly, the ftream ' 
 running fo ftrong againft them. 
 
 a [After Dr. Spencr, &c. Several other 
 inftruments of this work arc mentioned 
 Vol. I. page 384, 3j>i, diQ, But it fcems 
 
 hU 2 
 
 Providence has countenanced Mr. Franck's 
 labours remarkably above all the rcil.] 
 
^^^ Succefs of the Cofpelin Ireland Book IV. 
 
 Sunday, May i ft, Great pan of the town was prefent at five, and, I 
 found, bcgiin to feel what was fpoken. Yet itill the impr.efl]on is not 
 made as in other places, on one here and there only ; but the main body 
 
 of the hearers feem to go on together. About two 1 preached on 
 
 the Connaught lide of the bridge, to an attentive multitude both of 
 Proteftants and Papills; whofe priell, perceiving he profited nothing, 
 at five came himlt'lf. I preached on " Is there no balm in Gilead ? " 
 ?nd could not help applying to the Papills in particular. I am fatif- 
 Hcd manv c)f them were almolt perfuaded to civc themfelves up to the 
 
 great Phyfician of fouls. Tuefday 3d, In the evening we rode to 
 
 JBallibov. 'I'hete being no houfe that could contain the congregation, 
 I preached here alfo in the ftreet. I was afraid, in a new place, there 
 nAouldbebut few in the morning; but there was a confiderable num- 
 ber; and fuch a blellmg as I had fcarce found fince I landed in Ireland. 
 
 Thuifday ^tu, AtMountmellck. I had not fccn fu^;h a congregation 
 
 before, fince 1 fct out from Dublin. And the greater part did not liand 
 Jike fiocks and fioncs, but feerned to underfiand what I fpake of wor- 
 
 fiiipping God in fpirit and in truth. Friday 6th, More people came 
 
 at rive than 1 had feen at that hour in any part of Ii eland. And I found 
 my heart fo moved towards them, that in fpite of weaknefs and pain, I 
 ii, forced, for more than an hour, thoie foiemn words, " The kingdom 
 
 of God is at hand: repenr ye, and believe the gofpel." Wednef- 
 
 day 1 Hi., The congiej"tion, both in the evening and the next morn- 
 ing, was* larger than before. After preaching, a grey-headed man 
 
 came to me, bitterly lamenting, that he hau lived many years without 
 knowmg ih.^t he had nocd of a Phylician. Immediately came another, 
 who had been a harmlefs man as any in the town ; he would have fpoke, 
 but could not. I then fpoke to him; but not two minutes, bpfore he 
 funk to the ground. So I perceived I had not fpent my little ftrpngth 
 Viere, as one that beaieth the air. 
 
 Dublin May 20th, and 2ifl, 1749, I examined the clafies, and was 
 much comforted among th<tm. I lett about four hundred in the focie- 
 ty : and after all the ftumbling-blocks laid in the way, I found four 
 
 huudied and forty nine. Wedntfday May 3d, I preached at Tul- 
 
 lamore. Thurfday 4th, At Clara about noon, and in the evening at 
 Athlone. I never faw (b large a congregation hereon a w^ek-dgy before; 
 among whom were many of the loldiers (the remains of the regiment 
 wherein John Nelfon was) and fevcn or eight of the officers. They all 
 behaved well, and liftened with deep attention. Sunday 7th, At five I 
 had great numbers of the poor Papifts (as well as Protefiants) maugre 
 all the labour of their priefls. I called aloud, *? Ho ! every one that 
 thirfteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money ! " firange 
 news to them ! one of whom had declared frankly, but a few days be- 
 fore, *' I would fain be with you, but I dare not: for now I have all 
 )fny fins forgivep for four (hillings a year; and this could not be in 
 your church." We had a triumphant hour when thefociety met. Se- 
 veral captives were fet af liberty : one of thefe was Mr. Jofeph Ch— . He 
 Jiad been an eminent man many years for curfing, fwearing, drinking, 
 pnd all kinds of fafhionable wickednefs. On Monday laft hp had ro^e 
 
Chap. 8. »« ihe eighteenth Century. 453 
 
 fifteen miles to Tyrrel's-pafs, and came thither before five in the mor- 
 ning. He was immediaiely convinced and followed me in from the 
 prjcaching. J was then examining a clafs. Their words cut him to 
 the heart. He came after me to Athlone (when he had fettled iome 
 temporal bulinefs) having his eyes continually hlled with tears, and 
 being (carce able to eat, drink or fleep. 13ut God now wiped away the 
 tears from his eyes; and he returned to his houfe, to declare what 
 
 things God had wrought. Monday 8th, I rode to Aghrim, where 
 
 the face of things was quite changed llnce the time I was there before. 
 Here was now a ferious congregation from all the country round. I 
 preached about fevcn, and afterwards explained the nature and ufe of a 
 fociety. The iirfl who delired to join therein, wasMr. S. hiswife and 
 
 daughter. Tuefday 9th, I rode to Ahaflcra, fix miles fouth, at the 
 
 defne of Mr. G. the rector. As the Papifts durft not come into the 
 church, I preached before Mr. G's door. I fhould not have imagined 
 this was the firft time of their hearing this preaching, fo fixt and ear- 
 neft was tbeir attention. In the morning, AVednelday loth, I think 
 the congregation was larger than in the evening ; among whom was the 
 reftor of a neighbouring pari(h, who feemed then to be much athirft 
 after righteoufnefs. Limeiick, May 14th, In the evening I preach- 
 ed to a numerous congregation on '■ If any man third, let him come 
 unto me and drink." Me afterwards met the fociety. Six or feven 
 
 prifoners of hope were fet at liberty this day. Tuefday i6th, I 
 
 vent to dine on the liland (fo they call a peninfula without the walls,) 
 "VV'e had hardly dined, when one and another of the neighbours came 
 in, till we had a company of fixteen or eighteen. "W^e joined together in 
 prayer and praifingGod, and many, I believe, went home rejoicing. — 
 How does the frequency andgreatnefsof the works of God make us lefs 
 (inliead of more) feniibleof them ? A few years ago, if we heard of onp 
 notorious fmner trrly converted to God, it was matter of folemn joy 
 to all that loved or feared him. And now that multitudes, of every kind 
 and degree, are daily turned from the power of darknefs to God, wepafa 
 it over as a common thing ! OGodgiveusthankfulhearts! — Wednefday 
 17 th, I met the clafs of foldiers, eight of whom were Scots Highlanders. 
 JV'lolt of thefe were brought up well ; but evil communications had cor- 
 rupted good manners. They all faid, from the time they entered into 
 the army, they had grown worfe and worfe. But God had now given them 
 
 another call, andihey kncwthedayof their vifitation, Sunday 28th, 
 
 I preached at Mardykein the evening, on " God was in Chrift, reconci- 
 ling the world untohimfelf." I never faw even atBriftol, a congregatj- 
 on which was at once fo numerous and fo ferious.— Monday 29th, I 
 fet out for Cork, we flopped a while at Kildorrery in the afternoon, 
 and took the opportunity of fpeakjng clofely to every one that under- 
 ftood Englillij and qf giving them a few books. What a nation is this ! 
 every man, wonian and child (except a few of the great vulgar) not 
 only patiently, but gladly fuffer the word of exhortation. Between 
 (ix and feven we reached Rathcormuck.— Tuefday 30th, I preached at 
 eleven, and the hearts of the people feemed to be as melting wax. 
 But will not many of them harden theif hearts again?- In the af- 
 
454 Succers of the Go/pel in Ireland Book IV. 
 tcrnoon I waited on Col. B. and found him a ferious and an under- 
 ftanding man, and his long and painful illnefs feems to have been atten- 
 ded with good and happy fruit. Our congregation in the evening 
 
 was larger than ever. And never fince I came into this kingdom, was 
 my Ibiil fo refrelhed, as it was both in praying for them, and in call- 
 ing them to accept the redemption that is in Jefus.— Friday June 2d, 
 At Bandon I was lent for by a clergyman who had come twelve miles on 
 purpolc to talk with me. We had no dilpute, but fimply* endeavour- 
 ed to ftrengthen each other's handsin God. Saturday 3d, At the re- 
 quell of many in the town, in the clofe of my cvening-fermon, I an- 
 fwered for mylelf And have reafon to believe, it was much bleft to 
 
 many of the congregation. Sunday 4th, Being extremely hoarfe, I 
 
 could not fpcak without difficulty. However I made fhift to preach at 
 
 nine, at two and at five, the congregation continually increaling. . 
 
 Wednefday 7th, I fet out early with Mr. Loyd, and breakfafted at Mr. 
 T's at (Jrtitle-hyde. They both rode with me to Killdorrery: about 
 one I preached to a very unconcerned congregation, at Brough : in 
 the evening to another fort of a congregation at Limerick, on " Re- 
 joice in the Lord, yc righteous." Four comfortable days I fpent 
 
 with this lively people, the like to whom I had not found in all the 
 
 kingdom. Saturday 17 th, atAthlone in the evening, I preached 
 
 in our new-built houfc. Towards the clofe of the fernion, I alked, 
 which of you will give yourfelf, foul and body, to God ? One 
 cried out with a cry that almoft fhook the houfe, " I will, I will." 
 And as foon as able to ftand, came forth in the midfl, to witnefs it 
 before all the congregation. Thefe words pierced like lightning. Pre- 
 fently another witnelfed the fame refolution. And not long after, 
 one who had been forrowing as without hope, received comfort and 
 continued prailing God. Perceiving this was an acceptable time, I 
 laid afide my defign of meeting the fociety, and continued in prayer 
 with the whole congregation, all our hearts being as the heart of one 
 man. — Monday 19th, I preached at Ahalkra at fix, both in the evening 
 and in the morning. On Tuefday evening at Athlone, I then met 
 the fociety, where one and another and another cried aloud for mer- 
 cy. We called upon God till feveral of them found mercy, and praifed 
 him with a good courage. I think more found peace with God in thefe 
 
 four days, than in fixteen months before. Thurfday 2 2d, I 
 
 preached at noon at a village, three miles from Tyrrels-pafs : in the 
 evening at Tullamore, and on Friday morning and evening. Saturday 
 a4th, I rode to Mountmelick and dined with Jofeph Fry, late a Qua- 
 ker. Abundance of people were at the preaching in the evening, 
 
 and all feemed to give earneft attention. Sunday 25th, I 
 
 preached at eight to a ftill increafing congregation, and God's word 
 was as a two-edged fword. I rode thence to Portarlington ; a town 
 inhabited chiefly by French. A clergyman there received me gladly. 
 Some time before a gentleman of Mountmelick had defired him to 
 preach againft the Methodifts. He faid, he could not, till he knew 
 what they were; in order to which, became foon after and heard 
 Mr. Larwood. And from that time, inflead of preaching againft 
 
chap. 9. »« the eighteenth Century. 4j;^ 
 
 them, he fpoke for them, wherever he came. Monday 26th, We 
 
 had a blelFed opportunity in the evening, while I was explaining the 
 covenant God hath made with us; [and again] at the meeting of the 
 fociety. So that my voice could not be heard for the voice of thofe 
 who cried for mercy, orpraifedtheGodof theirfalvation. — Thurf. 29th, 
 I rode to Portarlington again, and preached to a larger congregation 
 than before. They all feemed to hear, not only with ftrong defire, 
 but with underflanding alfo. — I afterwards explained to them the na- 
 ture of a fociety, and defired any who were willing fo to unite toge- 
 ther, to fpeak tome feverally. Above threefcore did fo, the fan;e day. — 
 Saturday July ift,I preached at Mountmclick, Sunday 2d, 1 preached 
 at eight in Portarlington, and again at two. I fcarce knew how to leave 
 off; all the people feemed to be fo deeply aifefted. The fociety now 
 contnined above one hundred members full of zeal and good defires. 
 And in one week, the face of the whole town is changed. Open 
 wickednefs is not fcen. The fear of God is on every fide: and rich 
 and poor afk, ** What muft I do to be faved? And how long (I 
 thought with myfelf ) will this continue ^ In moft, only till the fowls of 
 the air come, and devour the feed. Many of the reft, when perfecution 
 or reproach begins, will immediately be offended. And in the fmall re- 
 mainder, fome will fall off, either through other defires, or the cares 
 of the world, or the deceitfulnefs of riches. Monday 3d, I preach- 
 ed at Edincerry ; and on Tuefday, morning and evening. Almoft every 
 perfon who was prefent at the meeting of the fociety, appeared to be 
 broken in pieces. A cry went up on every fide; till Jofeph Fry, once 
 as eminent a finner as even Jofeph Fryof Mountmelick, and fince as emi- 
 nent an ipftance of the grace of God, broke out into prayer. It was 
 not long before praife and prayer were mixt together. And ftiortly 
 after, prayer was fwallowed in the voice of praife and thankfgiving. — ' 
 W-^ednefday 5th, I returned to Dublin. Sunday 9th, I preached on 
 the green both morning and afternoon ; and the congregation was 
 confiderably larger than any I had feen in Dublin before. • 
 
 CHAP. IX. 
 
 In Holland 1749, ^75^' 
 
 [ From a Letter from a Minifter in Holland to a Miniftcr in Scotland, dated Oftober 
 
 2d, ijso. ] 
 
 R. D. B. I blefs the Lord, I can give you the certain account of the 
 plentiful out-pouring of the Holy Spirit in feveral congregations in the 
 Velurve, one of the quarters of the dutchy of Guelderland, by whofc 
 blefiTed powerful influences that amiable kingdom, which confifts in 
 righteoufnefs, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghofl, is notably advan- 
 ced. Of this great event, I had fome con fu fed notice before I went 
 
 to , but thought it my duty to be filent about a matter of fuch vaft 
 
 importance, till I obtained full and certain information, knowing well 
 of what pernicious confequencc groundlefs precipitant reports are, ia 
 
^^5 Succefs of the Cofpel in Holland Book IV. 
 
 moft cafes, and efpecially of th^u nature. This information I have gOt 
 iince my return ; and now defire to acknowledge and rejoice in this 
 
 great work of God. This blelfed work begun in a town called 
 
 >,ieuwkerk, about ten Englilh miles above Amersfoort, and about 
 as many from Harderwick, near the head of the Ziuderzee ; and 
 froin that town the blelfed wind is blown over to five different con- 
 pregations in the villages of Putten, Barnevelt, Lunteren, Nun- 
 fpect, and Zoefl ; in all of which, but efpecially in Putten, the a- 
 ■wakc'ning has been very great, and multitudes, according to the beft 
 judgment, brought under the bleffcd bond of the everlafting covenant. 
 
 There are two reformed minifters in the church of Isieuwkerk j 
 
 the oldell is J. J. Roldanus; the other, who was called there 1748, 
 is called Gcrardus Kuypers: the Lord has honoured them both to be 
 inftrumental in carrying on that blelfed work. Mr. Kuypers eives the 
 account of the work.— It had been in this place a dead barren backflid- 
 ing lime for many years part; conviclion and converfion work very 
 rare : the place was full of infidelity, carnality, profanity, and fearleffncft 
 of God, to that degree, that it was by other places reproached, as being 
 an habitation of people, who, by long profperity, were waxed fat, and 
 
 kicked againft the Lord. The fmall remnant of the godly who were 
 
 in the place were daily perfecuted with bitter fcoffings and mockings, 
 
 In this awful fituation of the place, one thing is very remarkable, 
 
 that the generality of that dead, gracelefs, fearlefs people were much fet 
 upon fervent carneft preaching, and liked to have their miniOers fpeak 
 to them like men who were fcrioufly and in good earnefi: concerned a- 
 bout their eternal welfare. This temper the Lord feems to have made 
 \ife of as an handle to bring Mr. Kuypers there, who feems to have a 
 
 good deal of that kind of talent. The firlt means which the Lord 
 
 ■was pleafed to blefs, for awakening that dead fecure people to fome- 
 thing of ferioufnefs and concern about eternal things, was a public 
 u-eekly catechizing, fet up with this good defign, that by this plain 
 fimple familiar way of inftruftion, that ignorant pcopk might be 
 
 brought to fome diftinft knowledge of the Lord This exercife was 
 
 attended with notable fuccefs; many were ftirred up to fearch the fcrip- 
 
 t,ires. Another thing which the Lord remarkably countenanced, 
 
 was the fetting a-part of fome time for a kind of fellowfliip-meetings 
 or Chriflian conferences, alternately, in the houfes of the few among 
 them who feemcd to have any fear of God, and particularly on the e- 
 venings of the Lord's-day. After public worfhip was over, then Mr. 
 Kuypers himfelf was prefent, and enquired particularly at thofe who 
 were prefent, what they remembered of the truths delivered in public, 
 whether they felt any, and what imprelTions were made upon their 
 
 hearts by the Lord's word. Thefe meetings were immediately much 
 
 talked of; hundreds frequented them after their daily labour was o- 
 ver (for that was the time pitched upon as moft convenient) feveral 
 were brought under fome concern about their fouls, and began to fee 
 their miferable loft ftate, and were made to continue earneft in prayer. 
 
 . All this was carried on with little noife, filently, as ufually in the 
 
 ordinary work of the converfion of particular pcrfons. The number of 
 
Chap. 9* in the eighteenth Century, j\^f 
 
 thofe who were In foul-trouble encreafcd, and the Lord made the ar^ 
 
 rows of conviction fliarp in the hearts of many. Some were broughE 
 
 under conviftions that lilently ilTucd in their converiion tc God. ' 
 
 In this way was ufhered in that uncommon difpenfation of the Spirit, 
 which they looked not for; for, at Inft, the preaching of the gofpcl be- 
 gan to be attended with fuch awful power, that fevcials \\ ere made td 
 cry out aloud with many tears, and^ a hitter painful fcnfe of their 
 fearful diftrefs and mifery. The firlt inftance of this kind, v/as ur.clcr 
 a fermon of Mr. Roldanus; an aged woman, in the mofl: lamentable- 
 manner, and with all the flgns of terror and compunction, cried aloud 
 for pity and mercy from the Lord. The novelty of this event occa- 
 lloned a great commotion in the congregation ; and many were much 
 affefted with dillrefs and trouble, but a little calmed by the rainider's 
 telling the woman, gravely and very folemnly, that the word of falva- 
 tion was yet proclaimed to her, that now, even now, was the accepted 
 time, the day of falvation j it was not pad; and very carneftly called 
 
 upon all to fcek the Lord while he was to be found. After thi?, nil 
 
 continued quiet for fome days, till the i6th of November 1749, ^vhile 
 
 Mr. Kuypers preached upon Pfal. Ixxii. 16. The Spirit of the Lord 
 
 began to work in an aftonillung manner 5 all that had pafl before feem- 
 ed to have been a preparation for greater and njore glorious things ; for, 
 as plainly appeared afterwards, very many were under that word awa*- 
 kened, convinced, and engaged, with the poor prodigal, to give up the 
 hulks and drofs of this world, for the unfearchable riches of JefusChrifl, 
 Efpecially, upon Monday the 1 7th, wh.lle Mr. Kuypers eatechlfed in the 
 church, upon the fubjc6t of the former. day's fermon, the {linking of 
 that Lebanon (as he exprefles It) by the blowings of the Holy Spirit, 
 became aftonlfhing. The trouble .of confcience and emotion of affec- 
 tions was general. There was a great lamentation; rivers of tears 
 gulhed out, and feverals fell trembl'mg and aftoniihed to the earth, un-* 
 able to ftand, by reafon of the agony and agitation of their fpirlts, a* 
 rifing from the fvidden flrong impreffion made upon them of the dread- 
 ful flate, and crying neceffity of their fouls; and of thefc, feverals cal- 
 led out to thofe about them, " View in me, as in a fearful glafs, and 
 fee how bitter a thing fin will be at laft, and how fearful the wrath of 
 
 the great Holy God!" The troubled and broken in heart wer^ 
 
 brought to Mr, Kuypers' houfe, who, upon converling with them, 
 foon difcovered that the Holy Spirit, by the word, had begun a work 
 of convlftion in them.-^ — Mr. Kuypers finding things thus v.ith them, 
 began to conceive fome hope; yet he flood aflonifhcd, eonflicling with 
 
 doubts and fears,,to fee fo many perfons fo flrangely afie(fl:cd. His 
 
 doubts and fears had this good efFedl; they made him very careful and 
 circumfpeft In examining all thefe appearances-, and comparing them 
 
 with the Lord's word. The next day, there was an almoft urjlvcr- 
 
 fal. afloniPamcnt and dejedio*i among the Inhabitants c^'l the town : 
 Mr. Kuypers went early in the morning to tlie houfes of fuch of th.e 
 awakened and diftreffed as were beft known to him ; and the work be- 
 ing great, lie got fome private Chrillinns to go to ethers; they were 
 biify the whole da)', going to innumerable houfes. — -The following 
 -VOL. IL Mmm 
 
458 Succefs of the Gofpdin Holland Book IV, 
 
 Thurfday he preached upon A^s xvi. 30, 3 1 . where many were brought 
 
 to a more diltinft view of their true ftate and condition. -From that 
 
 day the work cncreaftd beyond defcription ; there is no painting of it 
 10 the life; it was a pcrfeft commentary upon the 2d of the Afts. 
 Mockers ridiculed, but multitudes were pricked at heart, and cried, 
 A\"hat fliall we do ? Next Lord's-day the Lord gracioufly accom- 
 panied the fcrmons of both minifters, with fUch demonftration of the 
 
 Spirit and power, that many more were awakened. The exercifes 
 
 of the moU were carried on with a confiderable meafure of quietnefs 
 t2i\u\ fedatcncfs, w ho, as far as we are allowed to judge, are favingly con- 
 verted. But a great number were exercifed with great bodily diftref9. 
 
 Upon the'cloleft examination, it was found uniformly true, that 
 
 this foul diilrcfs and trouble did not Jflow merely from the fear of 
 wrath and puniihment which alone can produce nothing better than 
 Kfau's tcais; but it flowed chiefly and principally from a fenfe of the 
 dilhonour and provocation given to an infinitely good, gracious God. 
 
 Many in their greateft dillrefs cried out vehemently thus, Woe is 
 
 me, what a monfter am I, to fin againfl fo gracious and merciful a God, 
 
 to have injured, provoked, fo holy, fo good a God ! In this way 
 
 there would hare been more than fifty perfons in a day at the houfes 
 of the minifters flruck with fo deep a fenfe of the exceeding finfulnefs 
 of their fins, and dreadfulnefs of God's wrath, that they fell upon their 
 knees, and after, flat upon the earth, groaning and fighing out their bit- 
 ter lamentations. As the awakened and diftrefl"ed were many in num- 
 ber, feveral hundreds; fo they were of all charafters and ages; fome 
 boys and girls from ^c\tn to twelve years old ; young men and women 
 in the flower of their youth ; and old perfons of fcventy and eighty 
 years, who had fpent all their days in ignorance of God, deep forget- 
 fulncfs of him and rebellion againft him, have been at the eleventh 
 hour fnatched as brands out of the burning, and are melted into tears 
 at the thoughts of the admirable patience of a Redeemer, to bear 
 fo many horrid provocations from them, and wait fo long knock- 
 ing at their hearts for entrance. Many of the more knowing 
 
 ynd learned in the fpeculative knowledge of fcripture truths, have 
 been deeply and thoroughly convinced of their great blindnefs and ig- 
 norance. The awakening went on fo powerfully all the months of 
 
 June and July, that feveral hundred flirangers who came from other 
 
 places were made to feel its influence, and pricked to the heart. 
 
 I can afl^urc you that this blefl^ed work ftill goes forward in that, and 
 has fpread through feveral other congregations, and eminently in the 
 village of Putten, and that all thefubjefts of this blefl"cd work continue 
 fledfafl^ in the faith and ways of the Lord. 
 
 By the account I have given, and the farther account I hope to give, 
 if the flate of my health permit, you will clearly perceive, that this 
 work of grace wrought on the hearts of fo many hundreds by the word 
 :ind Spirit of the Lord, is, in fubftance, the very fame work, which was 
 lomc years ago, carried on fo remarkably in your happy corner of the 
 Lord's vineyard, and agrees exaflly in all the great leading ftrokes ancj 
 lineaments of it, with the work of grace, which has more or lefs bectt 
 
chap. 9. in the eighteenth Century. ^^g 
 
 carried on in all ages of the church of Ghrifl from the beginning, tho' 
 perhaps with fome variety of circumftances, which muft rcafonably be 
 expefted whenever the Lord builds up Zion in a more obfervable and 
 glorious manner, which he would have to be taken notice of by the 
 world. May he, with whom is tlie refidue of the Spirit, grant us frcfli, 
 more plentiful eifuflons, till our wildernefs, in all the parts of it, be- 
 come a fruitful field. 
 
 [ From another Letter from the fame to the fame, dated Jaminry ijth, 17,-1. ] 
 R. D. B. The great work of grace, of which I gave you fome general 
 account, not only goes forward at Nieuwkerk and the villages menti- 
 oned in my lafl, but, blelfed be the God of all grace, it fprcads itCelf 
 through many other places unworthy that the God of giory fhould 
 caft a look of mercy upon them, much more pour out his Spirit upon 
 them, and make them favingly to know his words. The word of the 
 Lord has free courfe, and is glorified in the convicf^ion and converfion 
 of great numbers at a village called Aalten in Guelderland ; at a village 
 called Rheid in the dutchy of Juliers, and feveral other places through 
 the country ; and in the city of Groeningen (one of the feats of learning 
 and philofophy) there has been a confiderable awakening feveral months 
 part, hundreds under Iharp convictions, which it is hoped will have a 
 
 gracious faving iflue.. The Lord's hand is very vifible, and his work 
 
 glorious in the great number of perfons of all ages and conditions that 
 have been awakened and favingly wrought upon, and particularly little 
 children, whom he has fweetly allured to com*e to his Chillt and out of 
 whofe mouth he is perfecting praife. One infiiance of this nature I 
 muft mention, fo remarkable, that formerly it would have been looked 
 upon as worthy to be recorded and publifhed through the whole land. 
 It is of a child eleven years of age, who came to Mr. Kuypers, and faid, 
 " I have now, likewife, glad tidings to tell God's people, that I am 
 alfo born in Zion, and that the Lord Jefus has drawn me into the city 
 of refuge. The Lord has brought me into diftrefs under your fermoii 
 upon Pfalm ii. 12. " Kifs ye the Son," &c. and by your fcrraon on 
 Matth. iii. 12. " Whofe fan is in his hand;" he clearly fliewed me that 
 I was chaff, good for nothing, but to be burnt. Since which, I could 
 do nothing but feek Jefus in hearing, reading, and praying. Many have 
 mocked and reviled me, calling me a hypocrite, and faying I had a devil; 
 but oh I thought, I could gladly bear this and much more, if I might but 
 get an interelt in Chrift, and hold on in his ways: and oh blcficd be 
 his name, lalt Lord's-day, under your fermon from i Thelf. v. ly. 
 " Qiiench not the Spirit;" he difcovered to me my great danger, and 
 abfolute need of Jefus Chrift, and yefierday he fet home that difcovery 
 fo clearly, that my heart was conftrained to cry out, oh lean no longer 
 live without fweet Jefus, and precious fellowfliip with him. I could 
 neither eat, drink, nor fleep, till I got that pearl of great price; I had 
 been much afraid that I was not forrowful enough for fin, nor fo bro- 
 ken-hearted as others, and that the Lord Jefus would never never re- 
 ceive and fave fuch a wretch as I am. But oh the Lord has given me 
 to believe, that Jefus Chrift is willing to receive me juft as J sm, an4 
 
 M m m 2 
 
,^ Succe/i ef the Co/pel in Holland Book IV. 
 
 r.vc me to riic ultcrmoll; but alas! I have been hitherto unwilling, 
 though now my whole heart's dciire is to come willmgly to him. 
 Ihc Lord was difcovcrcd to me, not to the eyes of my body, but of 
 my mind, and >*et as clearly a^ if I had fecn him with thofe eyes. I faw 
 him as crucified in his futierings, extinguifliing the fire of God's wrath, 
 Mid now exalted in his kingdom ; furrounded with millions of his faints 
 ■And angels, and crowned with all glory and majefly. Oh this made Je- 
 ii:s unfpeakably dear and lovely to me, and he faid to my foul, I am 
 .tiiy falvation; fm and Satan have no more power over thee! Here- 
 upon I gave all my fins over to him, and faw him bearing them away, 
 as my blcfftd Surety. I renounced the covenant with fin and Satan, I 
 gave the Lord Jcfus my heart, and trufted in him without doubting; I 
 received him as my Prophet, Prieft and King, and he is become my e- 
 verlalHng Bridegroom ! Then thefe fcriptures came powerfully upon 
 inv heart^ " I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, and hence- 
 forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteouihefs, &c. And it lliall 
 be rrid of Zion, that this man and that man was born there, and the 
 llii'hcft himfclf ihall cftablifh her. And they ihall go from ftrength to 
 ftrcnpth till they appear before the Lord in Zion:" upon which my 
 heart\vas fo filled with love and joy, that I could do nothing but praife 
 and give thanks. Now God is my Father; he drew me, elfe I could ne- 
 ver have come to his dear Son ! Now is Jefus my elder Brother, my 
 lovely Hulband, my King of glory; he will guide me and fave me. 
 Now God is my portion, I have an intcreft in the glorious perfons: I 
 have no parents and am poor on earth, but oh I have a wonderfully rich 
 and gracious Father in Heaven. I was then fo taken up in rejoicing that 
 i feemed to be in Heaven, and widied for ever to be in the fame frame. 
 Oh how am I now dignified ; I am now in the city of refuge, I have 
 nothing to fear; I will now willingly bear all fcorn and reproach with 
 (iod's people, anddefpifc the vanity and wickednefsof the world. I was 
 forced tocry out; Oh I would not change now; tliough aman/liould 
 give me all the riches of his houfe for a moment of this love, I would 
 altogether difdain it! Oh i am glad in the Lord; my fpirit rejoices in 
 God my Saviour ! What lliall I render to the Lord for all his benefits 
 to me ? Oh I can render nothing, but only live to him. Now the devil 
 has no interefl: in me, the Lord Jefus has overcome him. The Lord 
 may let nje fall, but oh, he will not let me fall away. Oh I hope he will 
 keep me from burying the ta]:^nt of grace, which he has given me, and 
 enable me tn improve it for edification. I have yet relations, who muft 
 be converted or periPn; they have fiiown me much kindnefs; oh I will 
 pray for them. Oh what a choice priviledge is it, that Chrift has fo 
 early drawn me to himfclf; I am not yet eleven years old ; oh I have 
 now continual need of ftrengthening and reviving grace : oh I will feek 
 it from Chrift's fulnefs, under the means. Oh blefied be the Lord, that 
 he made me diligent in waiting on the means; I often thought, who 
 knows whether I may not be converted under this fermon : I will hold 
 on, till the Lord Jefus take me, and lead me a poor blind creature in 
 ways which I know not. Oh I mull, I will now tell all God's people, 
 vvhaf the Lord has done for my foul." 
 
chap. lo. in the eighteenth Century. 461 
 
 This is an account of that child. [And as to the work in general j] 
 
 the number of witnefTes is fo great, their chara(::ler for underfland- 
 ing, probity, and fcrious godiincfs fo unexceptionable, and the facls thc-y 
 attelt, fuch in their nature, that they cf)uld not inillake through igno- 
 rance, being what God's word plainly requires to pafs upon every foul 
 that would be favcd, what they have experienced and been comforted 
 with themfelves, and what the awakened or comforted declare unifornir 
 ly they have experienced; that no man can reafonably refufe his aiTcuc, 
 
 CHAP. X. 
 
 Of Endcavotirs to convert Jews and Mahommedans. 
 
 [ From Callcnbcrg's fhort Account ] a 
 
 [The lad fentence of this fhort account informs us, that it reaches 
 no farther than to the end of the year 1730. In page 5th, the au- 
 thor tells the oecafion of the good attempts which he narrates. One 
 whom he calls an ancient pious Protefhnt divine, who died in the 80th 
 year of his age, did, a few years before his death, give Mr. Callenberg 
 a little manufcript which he had compofed, being a fojid and affeftionatc 
 treatife, adapted to the genius and written in the ufual language of the 
 German Jews. Mr. Callenberg in 1 728, not only publilhed this traCV it^ 
 felf, but a fbort account of it in the Geiman tongue. This, he fays, 
 gave oecafion to fome of his correfpondents to encourage him by their 
 advice and affiftance to print more fuch ufefftl pieces. And that 
 thofe encouragements given by fo many perfons of good extraftion, 
 
 and learned pious minilfers made deep imprelBon on his mind. He 
 
 divides the undertaking in favours of the Jews into difierent branche.-; 
 relating to thefe three things, i. The printing prefs. 2. The provillon 
 for profelites and catechumens. 3. The travels of two fludents for the 
 benefitof that nation. 
 
 I. As to the firft, viz. The printing prefs, he fliews the defign of it 
 is that the Jews not only in Europe but in other parts of the world 
 may be furniflied with proper books, and for the moft part gratis, in 
 languages they underftand. Among the books fit to be printed and 
 difpofed he mentions fuch as fhew the divinity of the New Tefiament 
 as being founded on the Old, with proper confutations of Jewiili pre- 
 judices. 
 
 II. As to the fecond branch of the plan, viz. provifion for profelites, 
 he tells that he heard profeffor Franck fay, that the greateftobflruftion 
 to the converfion of the Jews was thedeflitute condition of the profelites : 
 
 a A pamphlet of 48 pages oftavo, intit- 
 led, John Hpnry Callenberg, Prof. Publ. at 
 Hall in Saxony, his (liort Account of an 
 Efiay, to bring the Jewilh Nation to the 
 Knowledge and Prafticc of the Truth of the 
 Gofpel; and his Endeavour to promote the 
 Converfion of the Mahommedans toChrifti- 
 anity. Printed at Hall in Saxony 1732. 
 Now done into Englifli 1734. And printc4 
 
 1 7) I . It has an ad vci tifcmcnt prefixed in La - 
 tin tothispurpofc: " The Englifli tranllati- 
 on of our account of the undertaking in fa- 
 vours of the Jcv/s, is printed for the fervicc 
 of Englifli merchants in remoter parts of the 
 world, who may be willing to give our 
 books and pamphlets, to be tranfmittcd gra- 
 tis by us, to the Jews, and) if pcfliole, alfc^ 
 to the Mahonimedans." 
 
^^2 Succefs of the Go/pel in Germany Book IV. 
 
 that fcveral of the travelling profelites have come to him (Mr. Callen- 
 bcrg) with great complaints of the ftraits to which they were reduced 
 by turning Chrirtians: that the condu<5t of too many of them hardened 
 tiie Jews againll the Chriflian religion and Chriftians againft the Jewifti 
 nation : that care was taken to inquire into the motives of their turning 
 Chriltians, and the occupation they would chufe for their livelihood : 
 alfo that they get prefent fupply and arc helped to a way of maintaining 
 themfelves in time coming. He tells of fome number refidingat Hall 
 who met every Lord's-day evening at his houfe, with fome other Chrif- 
 tinns, to hear from God's word exhortations fuitableto their condition. 
 Travelling profelites are entertained there fome days, as circumftances 
 may permit. It adds to this benefit that while thus entertained, they 
 are inflruftcd for an hour every day by an able fludent, and heartily 
 adraoniiTicd to a fmccrc convcrfion and an orderly way of living. If I 
 receive any information of their ill behaviour from other places, (fays 
 Mr. Callcnberg) I tell them of it in love, &c. And then he adds,] 
 
 Our correfpondcncc, as well as the travels of the two ftudents, of 
 whom more below, has given occafion to extend this care forthe pro- 
 felites to other places. Whenever we hear of any new inflances of iin- 
 crre and pious profelites, we mention them to others in order to raife 
 an emulation in them to follow their example. But when fome of 
 them are dejefted and troubled in mind about their being cut olFfrom 
 their nation, which brand them with the name of mefchummcdim or 
 niefchmodim, i. e. corrupted and deflioyed, we endeavour to fettle a 
 nearer acquaintance and flrifter union between them and other true 
 profelites. Should this union among themfelves be more and more 
 cultivated and exerted in a pious and a ftridt prafticeof the love of God 
 and their neighbour, it would be no fmall means to bring many of their 
 yet unbelieving brethren to Chrift. 
 
 f From Chap. 4th. — Of the "journeys ari Travth tvo Studetiis have undertaken for the Benefit of 
 
 the Jeivip Nation.] 
 
 The occafion of thcfe journeys and travels was this. A certain 
 fludent in divinity, having finilhed his ftudies in two different 
 univerfities, and being reduced to very ftrait circumftances, which 
 proved the means of his real conver/ion, he began his travels in the 
 month of July 1728, which was foon after the projeft for the conver- 
 sion of the Jews was fet on foot here. In thefe his travels he had fre- 
 quent opportunities to enter into a familiar conference with feveral 
 Jews, ill which he exhorted them to acknowledge our Saviour as the 
 frue Meffiah. But when he happened to meet with my account of the 
 Jews in a certain place, and with feveral other little trafts, and found 
 the Jews to rclifh them, he rcfolved immediately to lend me his helping 
 hand in this undertaking. Thus he arrived here in the month of Oft. 
 1730, after he had travelled on foot feventy German leagues. And 
 here he came acquainted with one well grounded in his ftudies, a fludent 
 in divinity, who offered himfelf to accompany him in his travels for a 
 certain time. Thefe their endeavours being found very ufeful to for- 
 ward this undertaking, m^de me refolve as long as the circumftances 
 
chap. 10. in the e'ighleenth Century. 463 
 
 would permit, to keep confl:antl3' two fucH travelling ftudcnts, and in 
 cafe one ihould go off, to fupply his place with another. 
 
 Thefe travellers oblige thcmfelvcs but for a time to ferve this under- 
 taking. Their chief care in their travels is to acquaint thcmfelveswith 
 the Jews in a decent manner; to difcourfc with them about divine 
 truths; to difpcrfe the little treatifes, printed here, amongfl them; to 
 forward the above-mentioned care of the profelitcs; and to keep a con- 
 llant journal of all that is worthy of any notice. 
 
 They have an opportunity to converfe with the Jews in their walks, 
 in the public houfes, where they lodge, or of vihting the Jews in their 
 own houfes. They frequent their (ynagogues, where they always have 
 their bibles before them. What necellaries they want in their travels, 
 they buy of the Jews ; and go to them, when they have any occadon 
 to change their money. They fpeak with them in their own Jewirti- 
 German dialeft. They acquaint them with what Jewirti-Gerraan books 
 they carry about them. This foon paves the way v/ithout any great 
 preamble to a familiar and edifying conference with them. And though 
 they always accofl: them in a civil, modefl and humble manner, yet they 
 never flatter them, but exert their zeal, when they find it necelfary. 
 
 The method of conferring with the Jews is not always the fame, birt 
 it generally tends to this, that they hear their objections ag^inft Chrif- 
 tianity, which they anfwer. Then they alk them, by what means they 
 hope to be faved: and when they hear their infufficient anfwers, they 
 endeavour to convince them of their grofs miftakes. Then they lay 
 before them a fhort nbftraft of the Ghriftian order and method, by 
 ■which all muft be faved ; and make ufe of St. Paul's do£Vrine by com- 
 paring Adam and Chrift,and explaining to them thedefign of the facri- 
 fices in the Old Teftament. They difcover to them the reafon of their 
 exile, which has lafled thefe feventeen hundred years. They fhew them 
 the paffages of fcripture, by which they may learn, what God' requires 
 of them in this their (till fubfifting difperfion, viz. that they ought to 
 feek after God and their King David; and by true repentance, and faith 
 acknowledge him, whom their fathers have pierced, and lament their 
 long obftiriacy of having defpifed and rejefted him for fo many ages. 
 They make them fenlible of the fincere and hearty love of all true Chrif' 
 tians, who not only in their private devotions, but alfo in their public 
 congregations, conflantly and earneftly pray to God for their conver- 
 fion and deliverance from their woful condition. They aflure them of 
 a confiderable number of fuch Chriftians, whofe charitable contributions' 
 furnifh them with books in their own Jewifh-German language and dia- 
 led, which explain to thera the way to everlafting peace and falvation» 
 and are diftributed gratis to all who defire to r«id them. Nay fome 
 poor people fpare fome few pence out of their bare neceflity, and little 
 children out of their Chriflmas boxes contribute fomething. This great 
 love they ought not to defpife, or negledl fuch a gracious vifitation. 
 
 [ From Chap. jth. — Cf the Ajfi^anli in this Undertaking. ] 
 
 By what has been faid before, one may eafily judge, that jnany hancfi 
 are required to carry on this work. I reckon thoft amotigft the nuro- 
 
^(^^ Si/fSf/s of the Gcjpel in Germany Book IV. 
 
 ber of aiTjflant^, who freely promifedto affift us with their prayers, and 
 1 am in hopes they will be as good as their word. 
 
 Some lend their aHilbnce by communicating their ufeful obferva- 
 tions and advices how matters may be the better carried on : all which 
 I minute down, in order to make ufe of them in their proper time and 
 place. Others inftru(5l me with their writings relating to this fubjeft ; 
 and thefe are likcwifc carefully laid up in the Jewifli library fet up for 
 that purpofc. 
 
 Some endeavour to diftribute divers of the printed trails among the 
 Jews where they live; others upon their travels. Nay fome perfonsof 
 quality fend tor a number of thofe little trails, and diflribute them, 
 either thcmfelves, or by their fervants. AVhat particular affiftance the 
 two travelling ftudentsgive, has been mentioned in the foregoing chap- 
 tcr. 
 
 Some fVudents have been found of late years, who were and are ftill 
 defirous to be inftrucfted in the Jewifh modern tongue, in order to qua- 
 lify themfelves to lend their afTiflance upon occafion. This preparation 
 lecture I continue fiill every Wednefday from fix till feven at night. 
 
 All the benefactors, that have hitherto contributed any thing to the 
 furtherance of this imdertaking^ have done it out of their free choice 
 and liberality, without any feeking of mine. Such good and pious be-" 
 nefactors hath the Lord God raifed up not only in Germany, but alfo 
 in Ruflia, Denmark, England and Italy. Among this number are even 
 fome perfons of quality, feveral divines, and other Chrifiian people, who 
 for the mod part have no great affluence nor fuperlluity themfelves. 
 
 Among the afliflants I cannot but particularly mention thofe who 
 have wholly dedicated themfelves to promote this undertaking. There 
 IS firft an able pcrfon, who conftantly writes fomething or other, 
 that is to be publilhed, and who attends the correction of the prefs. 
 Secondly, A compofitor and a printer, &c. Thirdly, The two travel- 
 ling ftudents- And, Laltly, The amanueniis who is a fludent and in- 
 ftrudts the compofitor in the Hebrew an hour every day. 
 
 [ From Chap. 6th. The Booh printed hitherto upon tin Occafion. ] 
 
 [Th-e books he mentions arc fuch as thefe: i. One in titled, 7'/5<fi!,/g-/^/ 
 /wMf^T'^w/V/n^jUiewingmensneedoffuchaSaviourasChriftis. 2. J Let- 
 ter to the vjhole Jewijh Nation in EuropCf which removes infenfibly 
 (the author feems to mean, in the manner leaf! irritating) their falfe 
 notions of the way of efcaping the guilt of fin. 3. A friendly Exhor- 
 tation to the Jews to read the Nc-iu Tcflament, which contains fo gracious 
 promifes to them. This piece contains an earnefl diffuafive from all 
 evil treatment of the Jews. 4. Several pieces of the New Teftament. 
 5. Calver's Catechifm for the' Benefit of the Jews. 6. The due Prepa- 
 ration for the Adminijlration of Baptifm, conferred upon a Jew; to- 
 gether with a confutation of the Jewifh prejudice of being God's dar- 
 lings becaufe they are Abraham's children. 7. The Jugsburg Confeffion) 
 to [the difperfing of] which, among other things, the great fiir amongO: 
 die Jews caufed by the emigration of fo many thoufands of Saltzburgers, 
 bas given occafion. 8. The Confutation of the Jewifi} ObjeSiions a- 
 
chap. 10. in the eighteenth Cenhtry. ^6j 
 
 gainft the Chrifiian Religiony which Hugo Grotius has added to his 
 work de Veritate Religionis Chrifiianae. Concerning the trails pub- 
 liihed for the benefit of the Jews, he fays, in general, that the number 
 of copies amounts to 21500.] 
 
 r From Chap. 7th. — Ofthegood EffeBs of this Vniertakhigj particularly in Regard of the Prefi.^ 
 
 Concerning the printing prefs, I obferve in general, that the treatifes 
 publilhed have, for the mofl part, been fo well received, that of 21000 
 copies but very few are left. Neither can I omit mentioning, that of 
 all tne Jews but a fmall number has been found, who were exafperated 
 by, and fet againfl the reading of them. 
 
 The particular fuccefs, thefe little trafts have met with, confifts in 
 this, that the Jews are not only willing but greedy to receive them, nay 
 in great crouds they have ftruggled to get at them ; they have not only 
 deiired to have them for themfelves, but for their relations too. Grown 
 people and children have fought for them, and parents have begged 
 them for their children. 
 
 Some Jews buy them, and allow their children to do the fame. They 
 havefent for them, to fee, whether they were worth reading; and paid 
 for them afterwards. Some Jews have purchafed a number of thofc 
 little tracts, and fold them among their own brethren. 
 
 They read thofe books, or promife to read them on their Sabbath ; 
 and give them to their wives and children to read. A fervant was for- 
 bid by his mafter to read the Light in the Evening; yet he hid himfelf, 
 and read it privately. Another zealous Jew, who (hewed a great dif- 
 like againft the aforefaid treatife at firft, was four weeks after found 
 reading the fame on<the Sabbath; and had nothing to fay for himfelf, 
 ivhen he was reproved for his bitter invedlives he had made againft it. 
 Some are excited to read the Old Teftament with more care than they 
 did before. They do not throw them away when they have read them, 
 but take great care in keeping of them. 
 
 Many are furprized, when they read thefe trafts, and do not know 
 what to make of them ; others, when they are aiked, what they think 
 of them ? fay nothing, but exprefs themfelves in a figh. They ac- 
 knowledge the author of them to be a learned and wife man. A Jew- 
 ifti woman, who was much difluaded from reading the firfl Epiftle of 
 St. John, as containing feveral things, reprefented to her as wicked and 
 wrong, was very much aftoniftied, when fhe found the contrary by 
 reading the fame. There are not a few who commend thefe little 
 
 books as ufeful and inftruftive. A certain Jew, to whom a minifter 
 
 had given The Letter of obtaining the Remijfion of Sins, faid, that he 
 valued that prefent more than gold and filver. Another, who had 
 bought The Light in the Evening very cheap, would not repent of his 
 bargain, though he had given ten times the money for it. And ano- 
 ther, who had bought the fame at a higher price, faid, he fliould not 
 have fcrupled it, if they had afked never fo much for it. Another va- 
 lued his copy worth a Louis-d'or. Some, who had read the above' 
 
 faid treatife, declared their opinion about it to be this, that it contain- 
 ed, nothing but what was proved from holy writ; acknowledging, at the 
 VOL, II. N n n 
 
^6(5 Succefs of the Go fpd in Germany Book IV. 
 
 fame time, the fifry-third chapter of Hiiah, and other pafTages of fcrtp- 
 ture, to treat of the Meffiah. 
 
 Such as had got fome of thefe little pieces, have recommended thera 
 to others, and brought cuftoraers to fuch as fold them : nay, they have 
 given money to poor Jews to purchafe them. They have even oiFered 
 ihcir fcrvice for the diflribution of them. 
 
 They have lamented, that the Chriftians had not tranflated the Nev^ 
 Teflament into the Jcuiih dialed!: long ago ; and expreffed a great de- 
 iire to fee more of the like books printed. Their requefl: is, to have the 
 books of the New Tcllament as exadly and plainly tranflated for their 
 ufc as is poffible. Some have folicited very much to have all the books 
 fent them that (hould be printed for the future, vv^hich they promifed to 
 pay for. 
 
 The diftrlbution of thefe little trafts has given the Chriftians an op- 
 portunity of a familiar and edifying converfe with the Jews ; by which 
 many doubts and fcruples of theirs have been difcovered and anfwered. 
 
 [ From Chap. 8th. Of fome good EffeBs of this Undentaking, in Relation to the Catechumens and 
 
 ProfeliteSy and to the two travelling Students. ] 
 
 Concerning the care taken about the profdites and catechumens : 
 the nuinber of the firft, who enjoy the benefit thereof, is ab6ut on* 
 hundred, that are come to my knowledge; but it extends more iandmore 
 according to the accounts I receive from the two travelling ftiidentsl, 
 and other corrcfpondents. By this we get a further infight into the 
 Aate and condition of thefe people, which may be communicated ano- 
 ther time. And although I have heard of fuch accounts of foilie of 
 them, as have troubled me very much ; yet I have had accounts of o- 
 thers, wiiich have given me an occafion of joy and comfort. Some good 
 motions and dilpoiitions have been found amongft thofe that are in- 
 ftru(ftcd here. Several, efpccially thofe that have turned Papifts, have 
 privately difcovered their remaining doubts and fcruples, and grateful- 
 ly acknowledged the refolution of the fame. Some vagabond profelites 
 have readily accepted the otfered method of leading a regular life. 
 !Many Chriftians have been excited to take a greater care to provide for 
 thofe miferable people than they dver did before. Such as were cafl: down 
 by feeing themfelves abandoned, have had their fpirits very much raifed, 
 \vhen they perceived a more than ordinary care was taken of them. ' 
 . As to the progrefs of the two travelling ftudents among the Jews: 
 the Jews not only admit them into their houfes, but vifit the fludents 
 in the inns, where they lodge, to difcourfe with them about fpiritual 
 fubjefts. The Jews generally pay a great attention to what the ftu- 
 dents fay; look oiu the paffages quoted in the Old Tellament, and fet 
 them down; defire them to repeat and explain that over again which 
 they cannot comprehend : and are not at alt difcouraged though their 
 Rabbi rejefls the doftrine. They afik abundance of queftions ; and are 
 delirous to have their doubts and prejudices refolvedand anfwered. 
 ' One happened to have lo great a defire to hear more, that he ftaid 
 with them all night, and went to prayers with them. The Jews c)iargfe 
 them to vifit them again in their return. ■ • ■ ;• 
 
chap. 1 0. in the eighteenth Century. J^$y 
 
 A certain Jew, who heard a prophetical palFage applied to our Re- 
 deemer, would not believe for a great while, that the fame was to be 
 found in the Old Teftament, but only fuppofcd the ftudents to have 
 
 read it in the New Teftament. Sometimes they have been brought 
 
 to that conviftion, that at lafl: they were forced to break out into thcfe 
 exprelfions, faying : " "What then is to be done now, if we would efcapc 
 the Lord's judgments?" 
 
 After their difcourfe with them, they eagerly accept their little books; 
 nay they alk them, and pay for them. Thofe who have got any, in- 
 vite the ftudents to come and explain what they do not underfland. 
 
 [ From Chap. ptli. Of the ObJlruB'tons and Difficulties ibiiVndertaking meets -with. J 
 
 And here I will mention but in few words the firft great hindrance, 
 viz. that one feldom meets with a Jew, who is but tolerably acquainted 
 with the letter of the Old Teftament, a few palfages excepted, which 
 feera [as they mifinterpret them] to run counter to Chriltianity, and 
 
 have been inculcated into them by their teachers. The moft learned 
 
 of them are often the leafl: experienced in holy writ: the generality of 
 them ftudy nothing but the Talmud. And thofe who read the fcripture 
 now and then, do it without any hearty prayer to God to enlighten and 
 purify their hearts, and make them underfland what they read. 
 
 The hindrances given among Chriflians to this good work are thefe: 
 I. Their diHenlion. 2. The forcing of confcience among the Papifls, 
 together with their idolatrous ceremonies. 3. The wicked lives of Pa- 
 pifts and Proteftants ; which they, though falfely, impute to the doflrine 
 of the gofpel. 4. The deflitute condition of the profelitcs, and their 
 fcandalous behaviour. 5. The fraall hope Chriflians have of their real 
 Convcrfion*. 
 
 [ From Chap. loth. Some Means iy which this Undertaking Tnay be more and more promoted, 1 
 
 No labour (hould be fpared, to remove the overgrown ignorance of 
 the Jews in regard of the Old Teflament, which ignorance is the great 
 bulwark of the blind zealot Rabbics, and obflrufts exceedingly the know- 
 ledge of the gofpel. We fhall make it our chief bufinefs, to refcue 
 fhem by verbal and printed, charitable and ferious demonftrations from 
 the prejudices of their human traditions; and lead them to a found 
 knowledge of the word of God, contained in Mofes and the prophets, 
 as their and our fundamental rule. 
 
 [ From Chap. nth. Of Endeavours to promote the Salvation of the Mahommedans. ) 
 
 Whereas in the late Perfian war the Ruffians had brought many Ma- 
 hommedan prifoners intb a tertain place, where a Proteftant clergy- 
 man had an opportunity to fpeak with them : he fent me a letter, >4'here- 
 in he defircd me, to publifh fome inflrua:ions for the benefit of 
 thofe IMahommedans, that either were in RufTia, or did live flill in the 
 conquered places of Perfia, in the Arabic language, they underflood; 
 for there was now a fair opportunity of making a good ufe of the Ara- 
 
 a Concerning the prejudices, ignorance, and obftinacy of the Jews, more may be [qc^ 
 in HofraaniiV Eflay, in;itled, Tlie Jeitap Heart hardly to be coavinced and converted. 
 
^68 Succefs of the Gofpfl in Germany Sec. Book IV. 
 
 hie, I had learned, to the glory of God. When I publiihed the firft 
 account relating to the Jews, I fubjoincd the requeft of this pious 
 clergyman, intimating withj^, that, if there were any pious louls, who 
 had the propagation of the knowledge of Chrift at heart,who would fupply 
 the neccflary cxpences, I Ihould gladly undertake the work required of 
 me. Within a few months after, fo many liberal contributions were fent 
 In, that I was enabled to procure a good flock of Arabic types, which 
 afterwards proved of great ufe for promoting at the fame time the con- 
 verfion of the Jews. 
 
 Neither has the Lord been wanting to raife feveral favourers in many 
 places, to lend a helping hand for the tranfportation of thefe pieces. In 
 the provinces belonging to Rulfia, I have found fome in Reval, Riga, 
 Narva, Peterfburg and Mofcow. Several eminent officers of the army 
 have taken the pains of difperfing the good feed, where-ever they com- 
 mand. A like aliiftant hath been found at Ratifbon ; alfo in Tranfyl- 
 vania. A certain bilhop in Sweden has condefcended to take the fame 
 care. In Rotterdam and the Hague two perlbns have lent a helping 
 hand in the diftribution of thefe little books. This affair has likewife 
 been recommended to the Dutch governours in Afia and Africa. A 
 Proteflant miniflcr in London has fliewn the like willingnefs; and in 
 Italy is one who lends his afliflance. The Danifh miffionaries have taken 
 the pains to fend thefe writings into the great Mogul's country. And, 
 upon the intercellion of the faid mifTionaries, one of the chief members 
 of the Dutch fenate in Batavia has in a like Chriftian manner undertaken 
 the trouble of difperfing the fame over the adjacent Indian iflands. 
 
 And I am lately informed, that the forefaid treatifes are arrived in 
 New-Maltha or Rodcrwick not far from Reval, and in other parts of 
 RulTia; alfo in Lithuania, Conftantinople, Smyrna, Aleppo, Georgia in 
 Perfia, amongft the I'artars and Calmucks: in the Eaft-Indies : in A- 
 frica, at Algiers, Tripoli, Grand Cairo, Alexandria. And though we"" 
 have no account yet of their reception in thofe dillant countries, except 
 that, among the Tartars upon the borders of Perfia, the people have 
 willingly accepted of them ; yet thefe far extended diflributions of them 
 give us reafon to hope, that the feed which God has already begun thus 
 to fow in fo many diftant lands, will in due time through his ble/fing 
 yield increafe. 
 
 The End of the Second Volume. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 ?a;;c 85. In the Itnlick, read thus — John Wocllcy, a Boy of thirteen. 
 
 Pajje 1 1 3. For .4;>ril iitl.\ read ^IprU iStl}. 
 
 Page 2j:. ]i\ ihe tuk of Scft. 14. for Heatt-affiiHiKg, read Heart-afcHhig. 
 
 Page 152. In the Notes, for Br.th 11:31} be; h. 
 
 Paf^e JO,). At tiiC end of the title of Sc£t. 21. for September j<f, read Seftemher sib. 
 
 Pa^c 402. At the end of Noic (a) for 174;, read 173 j. 
 
 Page 430. In the Italick, for Povw-vs read Powow. 
 
 Alfo in Vol. I. r-gc 93, At ihc zcA of the firlt paragraph, for Tears, read£y«. 
 
Date Due 
 
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