F CSS JOURNAL OF A MISSIONARY TOUR IN 1808 Rochester Reprints XL ;=;^s (lass Book, Snrti^Ht^r S^printa XI Edition limited to two hundred copies of which this is No. The Genesee Press 0/ Rocheiter J O U R N A L OF A MISSIONARY TOUR IN 1808 THROUGH THE NEW SETTLE- MENTS OF NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT FROM THE ORIGINAL M ji N U S C R I P T OF REV. JACOB CRAM, A.M. ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 1909 lS:bOrr^ PREFACE THIS little Journal served the purpose of its author when submitted, in 1809, as a report to his em- ployers — the Massachusetts Missionary Society. Since then, it has been laid away for a century, a forgotten bit of manuscript, until with the passing of time, it seems to have become invested with an adven- titious general interest, with which, when written, it was endowed by neither the subje6l, nor the style, of the story. The narrative has now acquired that indefinable value which attaches to the "human document," and it makes more real our ideas of the daily life and hardships of many of the ministers who wandered about as missionaries, in the early settlements of New England. It throws some light, moreover, on the subject of the standard of culture in such new communities at that time; and by accident, rather than by design, the writer recorded an occasional fadl useful to the student of local histoty. While its value as an original source of such history must needs be slight, so far as it goes, it is trustworthy. The author, Jacob Cram, A. M., son of Col. Jonathan Cram, was born at Hampton Falls, Rockingham Co., N. H., October 12, 1762, and he died at Exeter, N. H., Decem- ber 21, 1833, aged 71. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, of the class of 1782. But little concerning him is known. From February 25, 1789, to January 6, 1792, he was pastor of the Congregational church at Hopkinton, N. H. (organized November 23, 1757). Before his final removal from Hollis to Exeter, he served as a missionary [7] to the Stockbridge Indians in Massachusetts, and to other Indians in the State of New York. At about the time this Journal was written he preached occasionally at Sandwich, N. H. At Exeter he married, September 13, 1804, Mary Poor. She was the daughter of Gen. Enoch Poor, the Revolutionary officer and the friend of Washington and Lafayette, who commanded the New Hampshire brigade in Sullivan's expedition against the Six Nations. The manuscript, never before published, stitched into pam- phlet form, bears the endorsement of the well known author of historical works, the late Dr. Ebenezer Alden,as follows: Rev. Jacob Cram, gr. at Dart. College in 1782 ; was settled in Hollis, N. H. Was a friend of Rev. Jonathan Strong (Dart. Coll. 1786) among whose papers this Journal was found and came thence into my hands, and is preserved as a valuable relic. Eben'r. Alden. Randolph, Mass. In the transcription of the manuscript no correilion or rearrangement has been made, other than the addition of the proper date to each Sunday. If something requisite to the completeness of our author's scholarship seems lack- ing, it may be remembered that his alma mater made at least partial compensation for these deficiencies in his learning, by the volume of her contributions of other alumni to the New Hampshire ministry — for no less than forty clergymen, settled before 1800, were graduates of Dartmouth College, founded in 1769. But a sufficient answer to much that might be offered in criticism, may be found in this very Journal itself, where it appears that the accomplishment of this missionary's benevolent purpose lay quite as much in his physical en- durance, woodcraft and horsemanship as in his erudition. w. R. [8] To the Massachusetts Missionary Society, a concise account of twenty-six weeks mission, in the Northern part of the state of New- Hampshire : with respedt, your's &c. June IJth, 1808. Having had an appointment for six months mis- sion from the above society :' I commenced my mission by following my diredions into the northern part of the state where I was directed. The first town on the missionary ground, at which I made any stop, was a town by the name of Eaten, this town was in the county of Strafford, about one hun- dred miles from Hollis, at which I arived on the third day after leaving home. Here the people are devided in sentiment, a part Calvenistic Baptist, and a part Freewill Baptist, and they have a Minnister of each order, and hold separate meetings every sabbath. Friday. I visited seven families, and preached one ledlor. Saturday^ was prevent from going abroad by reason of rain until ledor time, which attended according to appointment. ( I ) At this time there had been established in New England for some years, eleven societies for the promotion of missionary labors in the infant settlements of the interior} of these organizations, seven were in Massachusetts. [9] JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR Sabbathday [June 19]. This day after preaching rode ten miles and visited one family. Monday^ rode to Bartlet ten miles, visited two fam- ilies, and heard a Methodist Minnister preach, at which meeting I had an oppertunity to make an appointment for myself. Tuesday^ I visited ten families and preached one led:or. In this place the people were very atten- tive to meeting, But much divided in sentiment. Wednesday. Rode to Bethlehem about thirty-two miles. This town is in the county of Grafton, and southwest from the Notch of the white hills so called. It is sixteen years sence they began to settle this town, and there are about eighty families in the place, there are two churches here, one of the congregational order, and an- other of the Baptist order. 'Thursday. I preached a ledior in the fournoon, and after visiting one family I rode in the worst of riding, to Whitefield seven miles. In this town are but seven families, and none of these are professors of religion. Notwithstanding they are very attentive to meeting, and very desirious to have missionaries call on them. Friday, I visited six families, and preached one ledior, after which rode to Bethlehem. [10] JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR Saturday. I rode to Frankcony, five miles preached one leftor, and after visiting one family returned to Bethlehem. Sabbathday [June 26]. I preached two sermons, and visited one family. Monday. I rode to Littleton, a town on Conne6ti- cutt river, about eleven miles. Here there are two churches, the one a congregational, and the other a Baptist. They are so divided that it is not likely now that they will ever have a regular settled minister with them. Here I preached a ledtor, and made one visit. 'Tuesday^ I rode to Concord in Vermont which was about six miles. Here there is a small church ; about three years sence if I mistake not, they had quite a revival of religion among them, and stil retain some of its good effefts. This day I visited two families. Wednesday. After preaching one ledlor, I rode to Bethlehem, which was about thirteen miles, 'Thursday, I visited three families. Friday, I visited six families more, it was not con- venient to preach on either of these days. This is to the first day of July, here I left your im- ployment until the nineteenth of the same. JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR Tuesday the nineteenth of July. I rode fourteen miles, and visited two families. Wednesday^ I rode to Dalton three miles, visited three families, and preached a ledlor. After which rode sixteen miles. They are new be- ginners in this place. There are a few Baptist professors and two or three of the congregational order. 'Thursday, I rode to Jefferson five miles, and visited four families also preached one led:or. In this town there is a part of a baptist church, and also some members of the congregational order, the baptist in this town appear to be pleased with missionary labours, and are very attentive to the preaching of the word. No special revival here. Friday, I rode to Bartlit twenty nine miles, and vis- ited one family. Saturday, within one mile and a half, I visited seven families. Sahbathday [July 24], I preached to a very full meeting for this place, three sermons. Monday. After conversing until late in the morn- ing with the family where I put up, I rode to Tamworth which was about twenty four miles, on my way I made three family visits. JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR I'uesday, it being a very rainey day I rode but four- teen miles and made two family visits. This was the twentysix of July, and from this to the twentyninth of August I was a candidating, or visiting my family. Monday August twentyninth. I rode to Dalton about twenty miles, and visited three families. But was prevented preaching by reason of a townmeeting. 'Tuesday^ I preached one sermon, and visited two families ; after which rode to Gildhall, which was twelve miles. Wednesday, I attended the installation of the Rev. Mr. Burge,^ who was installed at Gildhall the last day of August, and after which installation I rode seven miles. "Thursday, September the first, I rode four miles, and preached one led:or and also visited one family. Friday, after visiting two families in this place (Dal- ton) I rode to Lyman eighteen miles. Saturday, I visited two families, and attended one conference, in which I discovered a good degree of seriousness, among the hearers. (2) Caleb Burge, the author of a work on the Atonement. He was dis- missed from this church in March, 18 14, (^Gazeteer of the State of Vermont, Za- dock Thompson, 1824, p. 138. The 1842 edition gives a wrong date for this installation ceremony at Guildhall.) He had preached a year, 1806, at Wash- ington, Sullivan Co. {^Neiv Hampshire Churches, R. F. Lawrence, 1856, p. 476.) [^3] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR Sabbathday [Sept. 4]. I preached three sermons to a very large collecfbion of people for this place, and I can truly say that I have not discovered so much seriousness in any place, that I have vis- ited as there appears to be here. There appears to be a work of grace indeed, and one evidence that this is the case is, that old christian people are much ingaged in, and annimated with, this work. Several new converts sence last spring have joined themselves to a neighboring church. Thus a spiritual rain fall on one town and not on another. " The Lord reigneth let the earth re- joice, let the multitude isles be glad thereof. Monday^ I visited two families after which I rode to Concord in Vermont, ten miles, here I visited some pious people as I hope and trust, and preached a le6lor. Tuesday. This day I had two ledors appointed, but was prevented preaching but one, by reason of rain, I rode two miles and visited two families. Wednesday^ I rode to Littleton which was five miles, and preached a ledior, after which rode to Ly- man, five miles, (this is the town which I have mentioned above) here I preach the second ledior this day, and also I made two family visits. [H] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR 'Thursday^ I rode to the west side of Lyman six miles preached a leftor and visited two families. In this part of the town they are principly Methodists. Friday^ I returned to the east side of the town, and preached a le6lor in the fournoon, after leftor I spent some time in conversing with my hearers upon the most important things of the gospel, and the necessity of imbracing of them in order that they might be eternilly happy in glorifying God. and after takeing an affed;ionate farewell of them, I rode to Littleton five miles and preached a leftor, and where I saw some seriousness among my hearers and also visited three families. Saturday^ I rode to Dalton ten miles, and visited two families. Sabbathday^ [Sept. ii] I preached to people of va- rious sentiments and feallings, and while some were disturbed, others it appeared were pleased. Monday^ I rode to Granby' in Vermont, twelve miles, The way in part being filled up, by a hur- ricane in June last, it was with much difficulty (3) "A considerable settlement had been formed in Granby, previously to the year 1 800, and the numbers continued to increase with considerable rapidity till after the year 18 10. But when the cold seasons commenced the people began to abandon their settlements, and continued to leave the town till 18 16, when there were only three families left, and the town lost its organization." (Thomp- son, /. c. ) It was re-organized in December, 1821. [15] J O U R N J L OF MISSIONART TOUR that I got through the woods, yea, such was my situation for a short time that there were scase any hope, but that I should be abhged to take up my lodging for the night in the woods, But as providence would have it, I got through just before dark. This day visited two families. 'Tuesday^ I preached in the afternoon and evening. In this town there are about thirty or forty fami- lies, and some of them have been in the place twenty years, or more, and that, without any saw- mil or gristmill, or blacksmith, and for their grind- ing, sawing, and Blacksmithing, they have been abliged to go nine miles and one half and in this way some of them, have, almost brought up large families. There is no church in the place, and but few professors, they appeared very desireous for missionary aid. Wednesday^ I rode two miles and one half, and preached a ledor in the fournoon, in the after- noon rode to Jefferson, which was twenty miles, when I arrived, the people where I called was all in bead. But notwithstanding was kindly re- ceived by them. Thursdayy I spent the fournoon with the above fam- ily, and in the afternoon, preached a leftor, and spent the remainder of the day with this family. In this place the professors of religion are princi- [i6] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR ply Baptists, and are much pleased with mission- ary labours. Friday, I visited three families in two of which there were sickness. After which, preached a ledtor. Saturday, I rode to Gillhall which was twelve miles, and visited three families. Sabbathday [Sept. i8]. This day, The Rev. Mr. Burge being absent and it being the best place to convean Gilldhall, Maidston, and Northumber- land, I preached at the Court-house in the upper part of Gilldhall three sermons. Monday, I rode to Northumberland Meetinghouse and preached a ledlor, and visit three families. 'Tuesday, I Rode to Maidston (Vermont) three miles, and preached in the afternoon, and visited two families. There is no church in this town, nor in Northumberland and but a few church members. Wednesday, I rode to Brunswick six miles, and preached in the afternoon and also visited two families. There is no church in this town and but a few church members. Thursday, I rode seven miles further in this town, and preached one leftor, and visited two families. Friday, I rode to Stratford in N. H. three miles, and preached one sermon, and also visited two families. Saturday. After visiting a sick man in the morning, [17] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR I crossed the river into Brunswick, about one mile, made one visit, and preached an evening ledlor. Sabbathday [Sept. 25], I preached two sermons, it being a very rainey day I had but a small num- ber of hearers to the meeting. Monday. I this morning rode four miles, and preached a ledlor, in the afternoon I swome my horse through Connefticut river to Stratford, made two visits and preached an evening le6lor. 'Tuesday^ I rode to Cockburn'* six miles, the way was very muddy and bad this was on the twenty seventh day of September. There were several snow squalls during the day, and the tops of the large mountains were white with snow. I this day visited two families and preached in the evening. Wednesday^ I rode five miles further in this town, and preached two ledlors, and also visited two families. In this town, Colbrook,' Lemington, (4) This place was granted December I, 1770, and named in honor of Sir James Cockburne of London, a grantee. Incorporated December 16, 1797. The present name Columbia was adopted June 19, 181 1. (5) An effort had been made to organize a church in this vicinity in 1802. The town of Colebrook offered a minister a salary of 200 bushels of wheat— to be paid on the first of January, $100 in money — at the end of the yi ar, and 30 cords of wood — presumably almost any time ; but this munificence was contingent upon the co-operation of the towns of Cockburne — now Columbia, Stewarts- town, Canaan, Lemington, and Minehead — now Bloomfield, Vt. The mem- bers of this church, when it was finally organized, were to be found scattered up and down the Connecticut valley from Stratford to Canada, a distance of nearly forty miles. To those qualities which Dwight specified as necessary for the suc- cess of the New England minister — the wisdom of the serpent and the harmless- ness of the dove — the fortunate pastor of this church must have added no little physical endurance. [.8] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR Stuart, and Canaan there is a small church of the congregational order, somewhere from twelve to twenty members. Thursday^ I crossed conne(5ticut river to Lemington, (Vermont) and visited two families, But by the people not getting a previous information which was expeded that they had from me, I did not preach. Friday, I rode five miles, preached one ledlor and visited two families. Saturday, I went to Cockburn two miles, visited three families, and preached an evening ledlor. Sabhathday [Oct. 2], I went one mile and preached to a very full meeting. Monday, I rode to Minehead six miles, preached one sermon, and visited two families. 'Tuesday, I rode back to Cockburn about four miles, preached a lector, and visited three families. Wednesday, I rode to Colbrook eight miles, and preach a le6lor in the afternoon and another in the evening. Thursday, I went east of this town fifteen miles, to the town of Errol, which lays east of the north notch of the white hills, it is in the upper county of this state, there are seven families in this town, [^9] JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR and not a professor of religion among them. I went into the town in the afternoon, and preached the same afternoon, and evening, and appointed a meeting for the next morning. Friday. This morning, after holding a meeting two hour long, in which my hears were very atten- tive, and some of them much affected, and after which they insisted, that, if ever I should come into them reagons I must call upon them and also wished me to inform other Missionaries if any I should see of their needy state and invite them to make them a visit. I took my leave of them and rode back to colebrook fifteen miles, and visited one family, also preached in the evening. Saturday, I rode to Canaan in Vermont fourteen miles and visited two families. Sabbathday. [Oct. 9], I preached two sermons. Monday, I rode into the province of canady, and vis- ited two families But was prevented preaching by a previous appointment of a Methodist which was to be the same time that my appointment was made. 'Tuesday, I rode to stuart, which was three miles, visited one family, and preached in the evening. But much indisposed by a grievous headake. Wednesday, I visited two families. But was very feeble in consequence of my indisposition the day before. [20] 7 O U R N J L OF MISSIONARY TOUR 1'hursday. I rode into the provence of Canady three miles, visited one family and preached in the afternoon and evening. Friday, I rode two miles further into the provence, and preached a ledor and after ledor, spent some time with my hearers upon those important things of eternity, and the nessity of being pre- paired for the same — and visited one family. These people were all from different parts of the states, and are much pleased with Missionary in- structions, and all the missionary that go into these parts call upon them. Saturday, I rode to Colebrook twelve miles and vis- ited two families. Sabbathday [Oct i6], I preached to a large collec- tion of people for this country. Monday. This day being very rainey I was pre- vented from going abroad. Tuesday, I rode to stuart six miles, and visited four families. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I visited and attended ledors with the Rev. Mr. Souther- land^ of Bath, who was on a mission at this time. (6) Affectionately known to a past and forgotten generation of New Hamp- shire clergymen as "Father David Sutherland." He was a Scotchman, and the pastor in Bath from 1805 till 1844, dying July 25, 1855. [21] JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR Sabbat hday [Oct. 23], I had this day a very full, and attentive meeting. Monday, I rode three miles, visited two families, and preach in the evening. Tuesday, I rode three miles preached one sermon and visited two families. Wednesday, I visited three families. 'Thursday, Friday, and satterday I visited from house to house, eleven families. It was not convenant to preach on these days. Sabbathday [Oct. 30]. I preached as usually, and nothing special from common took place in meetings. Monday, I rode to Lemington two miles, preached a ledlor, and visited three families. Tuesday, I rode five miles, visited three families, and preached an evening ledor, a full meeting for the place, this was in the lower part of Cockburn. Wednesday, I rode to Stratford seven miles, visited two families, and preached in the evening. Thursday, I rode five miles, visited two families, and preached in the evening. Friday, 1 visited two families and preached in the evening. [22] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR Saturday. I rode one mile and visited two families, in one of these families there was something asid from what is common, two old persons were there, the one ninety five, and the other from what could be gathered over one hundred years, they were both blind and had been so for many years, one of these women made a profession when young, and the other about four years sence. Sabbathday [Nov. 6J. I had this day a very large collediion of people to meeting, for the place, and a very canded attention paid, and some appeared very much stured up, and affeded. Monday^ I rode four miles, preached one ledior, and visited two families. 'J'uesday^ I rode ten miles, preached one sermon, and visited two families. Wednesday^ I rode six miles, preached two sermons, and visited two families. 1'hursday^ I rode two miles, preached once, and vis- ited two families. Friday. I this day rode to Northumberland, which was five miles, made three visits in families, and preached in the evening. Saturday, I rode fifteen miles and visited three fam- ilies. [^3] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR Sahbathday [Nov. 13]. I supplyed the people with preaching at Northumberland by way of an ex- change. Monday^ I rode to Littleton eleven miles, visited three families, and preached in the evening. In a number of the above town, about four years sence, a great many of the people were Method- ists, but now, here and there one that can be said to imbrace such sentements. Notwithstand they have left, that is the Methodists, a very unfavor- able impression upon the minds of many, with regard to the distinguishing dod:rines of grace. Tuesday^ I rode to Bethlehem ten miles and visited three families. Wednesday^ I this day by desire attended to a plan for a meetinghouse in this place and, after some consultation upon the subject I under took to make a draft for the same. T'hursday seventeenth of November being thanksgiv- ing day, I attended to its usual solemnities. Friday. This was the day by previous appointment for selling their pew ground. After digesting in their minds as far as they could my plan, they chose it in preference to one which they before had obtained. This rendered it necessary for me to finish my proposed plan, and so the Saturday and monday was taken up in attending to it. JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR Sabbathday [Nov. 20], attended to its usual sol- emnities. Tuesday^ I this day visited five families. Wednesday^ I this day visited five families, and fin- ished my plan for the house. 'Thursday^ after a good deal of conversation with some of them, concerning an unhappy division which took place among them, about the spot where the house should stand, I took my leave of them, and rode five miles, also visited one family. Friday. I this day rod thirteen miles, to a town called Peeling, through the south notch of the white hills, and a very bad way I had. It was work enough for one day.'^ Saturday. I rode seven miles and visited three fam- ilies. Sabbathday [Nov. 27], after meeting I rode three miles. Monday. I preached one leftor, and visited one family. (7) Dr. Timothy Dwight, of Yale College, who rode repeatedly through this part of New England at about this time, describes in several places the diffi- culties of bridge-building and road-making in this wilderness ( Tra-veh in Netu England, etc.). "The mire was often so stiff, and so deep, that our horses scarcely struggled through it." Elsewhere the denuded rock afforded no foothold, and horses were said to travel long distances without resting a foot on the "earth." Yet many of the early roads were built not to the market but to the meeting- house. (Lawrence, /. c. ) [-5] JOURNAL OF MISSIONART TOUR After visiting my family on December twenty fourth, I resumed my missionary labours, and rode fourteen miles, visited three families and preached in the evening. This was in the town of Merideth, the east side of Marimack river. Sabbathday [Dec. 25], I rode four miles, and preached three sermons.^ Monday^ I rode eight miles, visited three families, and preached in the evening. They have no settled minister in this place of the congrega- tional orde and are very much divided. "Tuesdayy I rode to a town called Center harber, at the North end Winnoposockey pond or lake. This day visited three families and preached in the evening. Wednesday^ I rode one mile, preached one ledlor, and visited four families. T'hursday, I rode eighteen miles to a town called Toughtonborough and visited four families. Friday^ I rode two miles, preached one sermon, and visited one family. Saturday, I rode five miles, visited one family, and preached in the evening. ( 8 ) This day was Christmas, and it is interesting to notice that with consist- ent puritanical contempt for "the arrant whore of Rome" no mention is made of the holiday. In the larger towns, and in the cities, the day was being ob- served at this time. [26] JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR Sabbathday [Jan. i, 1809]. This morning I vis- ited one family, rode three miles, preached three sermons, and converced with some, who appeared to be very serious. In this place there is a cal- venistick Congregational church, and there are some appearances of a refermation among them. Monday^ I rode to Wolfborough, four miles, preached one ledior and visited two families. 'Tuesday^ I rode to the north part of Wolfborough eight miles, visited three families and preached in the evening. In this part of the town the people are very attentive to meeting. Wednesday^ I rode eleven miles, and on my way, preach one ledior, and also visited four families. Thursday, I rode four miles preached two sermons, and visited three families. This was in the town of Touftonborough. Friday, I rode four miles, visited four families, and preached in the evening. A very stuped place this Saturday, I rode to the north side of Wolfborough, eight miles, visited three families and preached in the evening. The people here are very attentive to meeting. Sabbathday [Jan. 8]. I rode one mile and preached two sermons, the people came to meeting from [-7] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR various quarters, and very attentive. After meet- ing I rode three miles, visited three families, and preached in the evening. This lector was in the town of ossipee. Monday, 1 rode to the east side of Wolfboro which was seven miles, visited three families and preached in the evening. In this place Methodism is in its full bloom. 'Tuesday, I rode sixteen miles visited four families and preached in the evening (Ossipee). Wednesday. I rode to Brookfield which was seven miles, visited three families and preached an eve- ning ledlor. This was in a society of Methodest. T'hursday. I preached at the last mentioned place, and visited two families. Friday. I rode one mile, visited one family and preached an evening leftor. Not much else but Methodism here, yet they were very attentive at meeting. Saturday I rode three miles, visited two families, and preached in the evening. Sabbathday [Jan. 15], I rode to Ossipee four miles and preach, after which visited three families. Monday. I rode five miles and preached a ledior, also visited two families. [28] JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR Tuesday. I rode to Alton twenty miles, visited seven families. Wednesday. I rode seven miles further in this town, visited two families and preached in the evening, the people are much divided in this place. 'Thursday. I rode seven miles in a distressing snow storm, visited one family, and preached in the evening. Friday. I was by reason of the storm the day be- fore prevented from riding, but preached a ledlor in the evening. Saturday. I rode to Milton which was thirteen miles, and visited two families. This town was taken from Rochester, it is but a few years sence they became an incorporated town, they have built them a good meeting-house, and some are desireous for a settled minnister, but they are a devided people, there is no church collected and orgonnised in this place. Sabbathday [Jan. 22]. I preached three sermons. Monday. I visited three families, and preached in the evening. Tuesday. I rode six miles, visited two families, and preached in the evening. Wednesday. I rode five miles, visited four families, and preached in the evening. [^9] JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR Thursday. I rode five miles, visited two families and preached in the evening. While I was in this town there was a great attention to meeting, and some seriousness appeared to follow the meetings. They, as well as others in other places, were very thankfuU to the society for my labour among them. Friday. I rode to Brookfield eight miles visited three families, and preached in the evening. Saturday^ I rode eleven miles, visited three families, and preached an evening ledlor. Sabbathday [Jan. 29], I rode to Ossipee four miles preached three sermons, and visited three fami- lies. In this town there is a small church of the Congregational order, they appear very thankful! to the missionary society for their missionaries la- bours among them. Monday. I rode three miles, visited two families, and preached in the evening. 'J'uesday, I rode one mile, preached a ledor, and vis- ited one family. Wednesday^ I rode two miles, preached one led:or, and visited two families. 'Thursday. I rode three miles preached once, and visited two families. [30] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR Friday. I rode one mile, preached one sermon, and visited one family. Saturday. I rode to Eaten seven miles, visited two families and preached in the evening. Sahbathday [Feb. 5]. This day in consequence of a severe snowstorm the people did not assemble, consequently there was no meeting. Monday. In the afternoon I rode ten miles, and the way was very bad, by reason of the snows drifting into the path. This day I visited three families. "Tuesday^ I rode to Friburg four miles and attended a funeral with the Rev. Mr. Porter,^ of one of the four first that came to this town who was well but about ten minutes before he was no more. And this evening preached in the house of morning. Wednesday^ after takeing leave of the distressed morners, I rode to Chatham ten miles, and preached in the evening. (9) Nathaniel Porter, D. D., was for fifty-eight years pastor of the church in Conway, N. H., organized August i8, 1778, by the Rev. Mr. Fessenden, of Fryeburg, Me. , where Dr. Porter had many friends. He was born in Topsfield, Mass., January 14, 1745; died at ninety-two years, November 11, 1836. He was a graduate of Harvard College, in 1768. He "endured great privations, worked hard by day, and wrote his sermons by the light of pitch-wood at night." He was dismissed for preaching a Federalist sermon one Fourth of July. ( Com- memorati-ve Discourse, Nathaniel Bouton, Concord, 1859). [31] JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR Thursday. I rode seven miles, visited one family and preached in the evening. Friday. I rode four miles visited two families and preached in the evening. Saturday. I visited one school and three families, also preached a ledor in the evening. In this town are about thirty families but are very much divide in sentiment. Sabbathday [Feb. 12], I rode four miles, preached three sermons and visited one family. Monday^ I rode seven miles, visited one family, and preached in the evening. 'Tuesday^ rode back to Friburg, and visited two fam- ilies, also preached in the afternoon. After this I rode three miles, visited a family where there was sickness, and preached in the evening, at this place the people were very attentive to preaching. Wednesday. I rode five miles, visited three fami- lies, and preached in the afternoon. After which, rode four miles. Thursday. I rode to Eaten eleven miles, visited two families, and preached in the evening. Friday. I rode to Sandage nineteen miles, visited two families, and preached in the evening. This people are very much divided. [32] JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR Saturday. I rode in the rain ten miles and visited three families. Sabbathday [Feb. 19]. I preached tow sermons, and visited one family. Monday. I rode two miles, preached one sermon, and visited two families. 'Tuesday. I visited two families, and preached in the evening. Wednesday. I rode nine miles and visited two fam- ilies, But was prevented from preaching by pub- lick bisness being in the place where I deseigned the meeting. 'Thursday and Friday, I rode to Hollis which was seventy miles. This compleats twentysix weeks mission. TOTAL In thirty eight towns, I preached one hundred and sixty eight sermons, Visited three hundred and twentysix families, visited one school, and attended one conference, and rod on my mission Nine hun- dered ninety four miles. In the above narrative, I [33] JOURNAL OF MISSIONJRT TOUR have stated the simple truth, with regard to some of my publick labours on my mission ; It would exhaust my patience to write, and yours to read, all my publick labours, through the seen which I have passed. My mission, I would just observe, has been very pleasing on the whole, for nothing is bet- ter calculated to inliven the fealling of the truly be- nevolent soul, not only toward God, for his distin- guished goodness toward the pious ; but also for his restraining grace to the world that lieth in wickedness. And, nothing can so clearly demon- strate this truth as being among mankind, and being made acquainted with their situation. Could you my friend, (the society) become fully acquainted with the feallings of many of the hope- fully pious in the new settlements and see and heare them, express their thankfuUness for missionary la- bours ; realizing at the same time their dependence on God, to make these labours affectual to their salvation ; and a means to bring sinners to repent- ance, and secure them in Christ. You would not give grudging, nor think that you spent your strenght for nought. The people in general have been very attentive to meeting, not only to go to meeting, but also to attend when they were there. But a very little dis- order, has taken place on my whole Mission. Now [34] -: JOURNAL OF MISSIONARY TOUR and then, among the Methodests/° an outbrakeing in their periodical growns and Amens^ and this they would call the hight of regularity, and, but now and then one would have the ill manners, and bad breeding, to appear light and trifling when at meet- ing. But there were a general seriousness on the minds, and people did not only here attentively, but many appeared to feal sensibly the things that were delivered from time to time. And in this way, under God, if means fail not, the wilderness I doubt not will become a fruitfuU field, not only in a natu- ral sence, but also a spiritual sence, and when the solitary places thereof shall brake forth into singing, and also the desert feal the joys of heaven. I have been perticularly requested to return to the society the greatfull thanks, not only of people in common but also of many of the first characters in the country, for my labours among them ; and at the same time, wishing and praying for the con- tinuation of your thotfulness for them, and that in this way the blessings of thousands ready to perish may come on you. (lo) The members of this Church have been so often mentioned here, that their exact numerical insignificance is surprising. Dr. Dwight (/. c. ) gives a cen- sus of the congregations in New Hampshire, in 1810, as follows : Presbyterian or Congregational, 117; Presbyterian proper, 9; Episcopal, 3; Baptist, 22; Methodist, i; Universalist, I; Friends, 6; Sandemanian, I. In Vermont with its population of 217,913, there were "at least" 85 Congregational or Presby- terian ministers, and but one Methodist clergyman. [35] INDEX Alden, Dr. Ebenezer, 4. Alton, N. H., 25. Bartlett, N. H., 6, 8. Bath, N. H., 17. Bethlehem, N. H., 6, 7, 20. Bloomfield, Vt. (formerly Minehead), 14, 15- Brookfield, N. H., 24, 26. Brunswick, Vt., 13, 14. Burge, Rev. Caleb, 9, 13. Canaan, Vt., 14, 15, 16. Canada, 14, 17. Center Harbor, N. H., 22. Chatham, N. H., 27. Cockburn, — see Columbia, N. H. Colebrook, N. H., 14, 15, 17. Columbia, N. H., 14, 15, 18. Concord, Vt., 7, 10. Conway, N. H., 27. Dalton, N. H., 8, 9, II. Eaton, N. H., 5, 27, 28. Errol, N. H., 15. Exeter, N. H., 3, 4. Fessenden, Rev. Mr., 27. Franconia, N. H., 7. Fryeburg, Me., 27, 28. Grafton County, N. H., 6. Granby, Vt., 11. Guildhall, Vt., 9, 13. Hampton, N. H., 3. HoUis, N. H., 4, 5, 29. Hopkinton, N. H., 3. Jefferson, N. H., 8, 12. Lemington, Vt., 14, 15, 18. Littleton, N. H., 7, 10, 11, 20. Lyman, N. H., 9, 10, 11. Maidstone, Vt. , 13. Massachusetts Missionary Society, 5. Meredith, N. H., 22. Merrimack River, 22. Milton, N. H., 25. Minehead, — see Bloomfield, Vt. New Hampshire, Methodism in, 31. Northumberland, N. H., 13, 19, 20. Ossipee, N. H., 24, 26. Peeling, N. H., 21. Poor, Gen. Enoch, 4. Porter, Rev. Mr., 27. Rochester, N. H., 25. Sandage (?), N. H., 28. Sandwich, N. H., 4. Strafford County, N. H., 5. Stratford, N. H., 13, 14, 18. Stewartstown, N. H., 14, 15. Strong, Rev. Jonathan, 4. Sullivan, Gen. John, 4. Sutherland, Rev. David, 17. Tamworth, N. H., 8. Topsfield, Mass., 27. Tuftonboro, N. H., 22, 23. Vermont, Methodism in, 31. Washington, Sullivan County, 9. Whitefield, N. H., 6. White Mountains, 6, 15. Winnipisaukee Lake, 22. Wolfboro, N. H., 23, 24. [37] m\i ^ ibu; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 041 466 9