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A mtn*8 heart deviseth his way, but the LordilirecteUi his steps. Fbot. xvi. 9. JVVw-Forfe: miNTED BT J. O. TOTTEN^ 155 CHATHAM- STREET. i8ia 't f'l % f :,f^ ;* ;;;■». fi* ti^-' ,..> . '/ :i^i^X' -'(■^ iM$ '„!« •;,'.) py'i**. ;^^¥* >• 1,. ^.^' ADVERTISEMENT. W^HEN I first began to write my Journal^ I had no thoughts of ever making it public. I wrote some few things merely for my own sat- isfaction> and for the satisfaction of my rela- tives. For two or three years I almost wholly neglected to keep any journal^ as will be seen in the following sheets : and I have noted but a few things which occurred in each year of my travels^ excepting the last year that I was a missionary, when I was more particular in keeping my journal than I had been any pre- ceding year. I cannot say that I have ever been solicited by any person to publish my journal ; but I have followed my own judgment and inclination in this particular. In writing it, I have not studied elegance of style, so much as I hare simplicity and truth in my relations. I have not at any time, while writing my journal, tried I to hide any of my imperfections, or the circum- stances of my parentage or private life. But have purposely exposed them, that the power of divine grace may shine more conspicuously >vhen contrasted with the weakness of the in- strument wliich the Lord has used to effect tlie great and glorious work of salvation in the souls of men. fe. C. / 9 r- t tm •-m % -jliiVS The Journal, &c* H ' itl^*'' ^'■^f^-'.^'^'' 'i>':V> ^.' t WAS havti in the year 1781, in the town of Tolland, state of Connecticut. When I was about two years old, my parents moved to the town of Chatham, in the same state. My parents never belonged to any particular church, but always entertained a great re- spect for religion and religious people. They iiistructed their children in the presby terian way. At a very early period of our lives, we were obliged to attend the presby terian meeting, read our bibles, and learn our cat^ echism. My father (though a stranger to experimental religion at that time,) would ' often exhort us to refrain from all immorali- ties, and to attend to all the outward means of grace; and would also tell us of the dread- ful consequences that would acme to as if we disobeyed the Lord; and of the happiness that would attend us, if we were obedient^ 6 i^ to God. I used often, at such times, to feel much convicted ; and would frequently retire in secret, and pray to God, and form resolu- tions to serve him all the days of my life. I felt at these times, an awful dread of the judg- ment day, from a conviction that I was not fit to meet God in judgment. I remember one evening of hearing njy mother and eld- est sister conversing on the subject of the judgment day: my sister expressed an ap- prehension that the day was near, and would ^oon commence. I v;^as struck with such an awful sense of my undone condition, that I burst inlo tears, and cried aloud. But yet I knew not the way to be any better, but to live a sober life, which I was resolved tp do. But I soon broke my resolutions ; and as I had no one to say to me, " This is the way, walk ye in it," I had no consistent views of experimental religion. I had then never beard any one speak of a change of heart : for in those days, and in that place where I lived, the greatest part qf the professors of religion denied that such a thing was attaiI^> able in this life, as the knowledge of sins hxf give»i Nevertheless my convictions did not wholly leave me till I was sixteen years old, which was the time of my conversion to God. Yet previous to this I often run into wicked- ness of various kinds, sueh as anger, profane language, and sometinies disobedience to my parents. But I as often repented, and promise ed reformation. I recollect when I was a- bout eleven years old of being in the field at work one day, when 1 got very angry, and used very wicked words ; but such a horror and guilt as instantly fell upon my soul is be- yond the power of words to describe. I fell instantly to the ground, and cried aloud for mercy. Then T thought all was lost forever » I had sinned against the Holy Ghost. Af* ter continuing in this situation for sometime, imploring divine mercy, I arose and direct- ed my course towards the house ; but could not restrain my tears, nor refrain from crying aloud for some time. But at length I got to the house, took my testament, and qpened to these words, "Let not yoitr heart be troubled, ye believe in God, be- lieve also in me.^ It was then that I felt a ray of light and hope to visit my mind. But I had no one to teach me the way to God — no one to point me to a remedy for my disease^ *- » I languished in thid situation fot six months. During this interim I often went to bed under awful apprehensions of death and destruction, and afl dften was alarmed with frightful dreams. The day of judgment was often depicted to mj frighted imagina* tion> in scenes the most terrific that can be conceived, whilst asleep, and I wou.W awake all trembling, and bathed in sweat, as cold as clay ; And when I was awake my mind was in a continual state of perterbation, until toy life became a burden to me. When morning came I wished for night, and when night came I wished for morning. Some- times I was afraid 4o skep, lest I should wake in hell > At other tinaes I wished for death. Then again, when I realized the dreadfiil oonsequences that would ensue, I wished that I inight never die. I often envied the meanest reptile, and. wished that it might have been my lot to have been one of them. But At these times I was often solicted to gointorvde company; and did frequently go ; but could not avail myself of any means thai would afford' relief to my troubled mind»^ I*i the midst of my laughter audi i;: ^ ..A,:'. %■ vs jollity, my soul was harrasscdVilh the most exquisite tortures, and I feJt ready to sink into hell. Oh how glad I would have been .many times to have had some one taken me by the hand, and led me into the way of righteousness. But so little did I know of God, or what he would have me do, that I expected 1 should always have to endure the same anguish of soul if I would be re- ligious, and save my scml at last. I have tfot a doubt but that I might have experien- ced religion at that time, if I could have had any one to instruct me in my duty to God. At those times I often kneeled down and prayed to God, in the woods, fields, barn, or any where when alone ; yet I had nevet seen any person kneel to pray to God in my life ; but the practice of kneeling to pray to God was,, by the generality of professors of religion, laughed at as ridiculous. I was continued at school the most of my time, until I was sixteen years old. The last winter that I went to school, I very nearly lost all my convictions ; by having a wicked, profligate teacher, I was led into some wicked habits that I bad been a stran^ ■":4. , "' ^0 I ger to before, particularly card-pfeLying.~^ My father finciiiig me to grow itiofe dii^sipa- ted than I had ever been before, took me from school, and put me out to a trade.— ' The man that I went to serve my time with;^l was a Methodist class^leader. Soon after I went to live with him I felt my former con- victions to revive. This was in the fall df the year— the spring following, 1797, I be- lieve the Lord graciously converted my soul : Glory to his holy name. From, this time I went on my way rejbi*^ ing, for about two years ; wheii ian unhappy drcumstance occurred, which had like tb have destroyed all my reli^on. We parted {nay master and I) by mutual consent, and I hired myself to a presbylerian inan: hete 1 had jSghting enough. I employed allm;^ Vacant hours Hiis year in studying. I began to feel much exericised about presOching, this year. I often exhorted, and felt exceedingly happy while in this eler- cise ; but as soon as I had done, I felt that I could not have a constant enjoyment, unless i was continually employed in tii4§ work. At these times I often wandered m % ifeiMMi tfHiiiiii U: > , into the fields an j woods, and thought th^t I was the most solitary being living. I felt an unwillingness to comply with what I felt was my duty, Sometinaes I thought my ex- ercises must be from Satan, to destroy my peace : at such times I wx)uld resolve in ray . mind that I would never preach; and would try to cast away all thoughts about^ it ; but my exercises would return with redoubled forc^, until at length I was constrained to cry put that my burden was greater than \ could bear; and finally I made a promise that I would never preach. Upon this my mind was greatly distressed, until I finally despaired of salvation : for preach I thought I Would not— I could not; and to divert my mind from all thoughts about preachings I thought that I would travel froni plaQe t^ place, and accordingly did. But this mea- sure proved ineffectual*— my conyictiQus still increased^ until my life became a, bupdep tq me^ But at lengtl^^I came to a resoluticm to ma)(e a trial, if the Lord wpuld open my ^vay. , It happened that a few days after I. came, to this resolutioo2ihe preacher on the drcuit •tf- ttimM mtm tm ■■MHIMI ' 'T'^l ' 12 ' ' ^'. > ^N f was taken unwell, and he came to me and f requested me to take his horse, and go around his circuit, and fill his appointments. I re- ceived this as a call from God, and conse- quently did not dare refuse, but went as he directed. I had good times, and had some reason ♦o believe that God approbated my proceedings. After this I travelled oiice around Nf w- London circuit with brother O — —, who was as a father to me ; he advised me to pre- pare for travelling, and go to conference with him. Accordmgly I obtained my recommen- dation from the Quarterly Conference held in Middle-Haddam, on New-London circuit, and went to the Annual Conference which was held in New-York, 1801. I was re- Chived by the Conference oh prol)atioD, and was appoint^, with another preacher, to a missionary station, to labour in the province of Upper Canada. I left New-York; imrae- diately after Conference was over, and pro- ceeded on the way to my appointment. I had great trials in my mind duiing my jour- ney ; had it not been for the preachers thai \7^ere with me, I believe I should have turn- W5f- 0i Imck when I came to the gr^at wilder- SMS between the Black River and the rivar St Lawrence. We travelled one whole day without seeing a house, and were six hoUrs in crossing the river St Lawrence, in an open boat, in a dark night,; without light or copipass. When I got into Canada, I had but seven pence of money in the world. Being with-* out money, in a strange land, among stran- gers, and about six hundred miles from home, I Had exekrcises on this occasion very painful indeed. I travelled but a few days among our societies, when I was sent by my Presid- ing Elder to form a new circuit between the head of the Bay Quinty and Little York,.and back^^to Lake Sinko. Wh^I started to go to my new appoint^ ment, 1 1<^ the house of one of our friends early one morning, and travelled six hours through the woods, when I came to two sraaH log houses. I inquired if they would let me have something for my horse to eat. But aa ^ I had no m(mey I could not get any thing fot 'ngrself or my horse. By inquiring for the next settlanent I found it was dght miles dicH % ff i.i! taut. Night was dow approaching, and I knew not that any person would entertain meiflgottothe settlem^t. In this situar Hon I fdt greatly distressed, and kn^w not what to do. To turn back I knew was imposn^ possible that night, for muc^ of the way "there was no road, and a dangerous river to ford. I finally concluded to go forward, to the next settlement. I rode about two miles on my way, when I came to a spot of rushies, where I turned out my horse, and sat down on a log and wept, wishing myself . to my f^ tlll^touse: But I had not been long in this situation, when I beheld aman coming on the ^ame road that I came. When he came up to me, he inquired if I was a methodi6t^ preacher. I tpid him that I prcrfessed to W one. Sai4 he, I have heard c^you at the set^ tlemen^tbat you passed a few miles back, and lhBk§e come to accompany you ibrcyugh the w« 1.111. i.iB'iri'-ii riilii, 16 V: lariei) out for clean hearts. The same etve^* log I preached again> after riding ten miles. The mighty power of Ood was displayed-^ some fled from the house—some forraaliitir irembled under the word. I do expect that iKxme good was done. Monday, I felt much out of health in body, hut U^anquil and Imppy in my mind Tuesday, I preached on the subj^t of ho^ iiness— many of the people had sitrang exep^ dsesforsanctiflcation. One young womaa t;mei for mercy, and soon found pardon*^ blessed be God for it. Wednesday evenii^, und^ preaching the mighty power of God was displayed^— maigr were slain to the floor, and oried aloudfor .^Bercy ; but one only obtained a dear testi«- moaiy that his sins were pardoned. Some backatiders were reclaimed. Soon after this I bad deep watera to wade through. I find that Satan always attacks me the hardest When God blessesmy la- bours most. Sunday ^9, I preached at Reddo to mcftt people than could get into the hou^^ Some were much exasperated. When Idealtwitib Ui<.. - ^MiiifiiiliMliiiiiiiiiH 17 them faithfully they roared out like mad men. . But though they threatened me, they broke none of my bones. God restrained tilieir wr&Jth. l;w Monday S4» I rode to lake Lo3rada. On my way 1 stopped to warm myself. I con** vars^with the people of the house on reli- gion^— they were soon melted into . tears— 1 left them full of good resolutions. > In the evening I preached at brothei* tfiow's. The power of God was present 4o heal. The people were generally sifect'^- ied. Some cried out-^maqy fell to the floor ^fv^tvro est three obtained religion, one of whmn has since commenced, a travelling preacher. .February 97, 18091, I preached, but fdt little liberty, and fear but little good was done. Sunday 98, 1 found more liberty in my mind* I think that I know how t>kyii felt .Whai he cried out, '^ A^ the hart panteth al^ ter the water brook, so panteth my. soul after thee, O God*'' March^ This day one soul professed to be sanctifled* The society in this place k '♦ ♦ !*• .# m iM) <[ ii ■».^M ft i : . 18 f small; but they are all ia a ffame; th«j seem to be devoted entirely to God, and they Hfe all atbiffiit for heaven. :4 ^ About this time I had strong reasonings with Satan. I thought sometimes that God had not called me to the work of the mimstry, i at length came to a r^oli n to desist and go home. I sat out to meet the preacher whe travelled with me, to inform him of my deterr mination. ButO the distress that my soul was exercised with, was past th6 power of language to describe. I reasoned' with myr self thus, Have I beei^ deceiving nkyself by thinking that God has called metopreaditbe gospel, when he has not. 1 tbiunght» if I have deceived myselfin this particular, I have ideceived oth^s also ; and if so, what a dread- fni curse must Ml upon me. But one thing IkniBw, that 1 had not deceived myself or others designecBy. In the evening I be- .^ug^iheLcnrdtogive mea witness, if he had ^^ thi^eemr f-'-Jft-:'.^ TX5^.>-r- 10 mercjr. The Lord joyfully flanciified two souls, acGordiog.to their own testhnony. M this was the witness, that I had asked ef Ood, mconfinnattonofmy call to the work of the ministrj, I could not teatoiably doubt Any longer as io this point I took some cmtAg^ from this, send thought that I would coirtinne ft while longer, ahd Me What the Lord Would ^o by me^ and with me ; -for at that time I ca^ jsay, that I wanted nothing^ more than to do the wiH of God/ > fiuiilfty i^y i preached at (he Ninth town; wiB had the ov^shadowing of the Holy Gho^ in trlidi ; many shouted akmd foir joy, at)d theglory of God was in the midst. ^ ^l!ueaday, I preached by request of a yoUng man, (who was sick wkh the pteuridy) from those words, ''What is man f"* I felt goodliliertyM my soul: two or three persons were slain to the floor : weprayed with them for some time, but th^ did not obtain comfort to their SDuW Thursday; und^ preaching aU the people wefit alea4 The Lcvd was with us of a. truth. Jibcmttke&ist^ April a^house inf^xapm&i 90 I til Cornwall for meihodif t preaching. Corn^ wall is ft wicked ahandbiied place. Th^ Church clei^yman and his wife were the fifstto join a dandng school that was set up in the place, in order to give countenance to civil mirth, asUieysaid. : I preached in this plate once, to a large number of people, who Were generally much affected, and very at? tentive. May 5, at the Matitdsi meeting-^iouse the power of God was most remarkably manifestjt ed. St)on alt^ I b^an dpeaking many eL the people fell to the floor, and aied aloud for mercy. Four or five, souls professed to be joyfully converted to God during the ineet^ ing^ and the people of Cod a^ipearedto be much revived, and^ishouted aloud the praises of God ; ; andihe noise was heard a&r off. April 9> I preached at the widow Elliot^St [Her husband lately died happy ill God;] The people were much affected. Abou^ twenty appeared to be pow^fully convictedd^ tspake to them severally concerning the ^te oftheir souls--4hey, were all in tears. I trust some good was done at this meeting. April Uvlhad a ^iarious and refreshing; » u »-r!sSS=,:,-.j«iipJ!l(»e«a»-j»a f^ ':^&. '' ^"i$ y^^*'" '-': '> <■ *! " ^*«!. '' i* i^ m time. Tlie Lord has been very good to ti^^ Jate. I fed almoti a constant conunHnioki withbtm. a Our quarterly meeting commenced tbe d5th of April : we had a great and glorioui» seaseii at this toeeting. Our quarterly meet- ing being over, I was left alone on tbe circuit My first appointment was at tbe widow Elli- ot's. The Lord was with us of a truth. I £)und many on full stretch for rdigion. from this I went to Isaiah Keelojr's. i found thai &e Lord was to work in that place. I'lns week I got lost in the woods; but after umindierii^ for some considerable tfane» I finDid my way in to a settlement. The 'Same ev^ing a few people collected tqgdher for a meeting, and the Lord was in the midst Two souls professed to be converted to God, and One sanctified. Glory be to God in the highest May ^,1 joined four in society, andvl bave good reason to believe that they were happy in God. About the last of May^ the L6rd waib pleased to lay on nra his afflicting hand. I waaviol^tlyseized with the fever aitfl ague^ r I," »«IP" Sd i which lasted me for the space of four w^*ek8 ; but I was at length instatataneouely delivered from this affliction, I believe in answer to mtf-- ny prayers which were offered to God in mf behalf by my brethren. ♦* July My I was stationed on the circuit that I had formed when I first went into the j^Ch vince. They are a very profligate fiecgple on this circuit. They threatened my life a number of times; but the Lord restrained them, that they did me no harm. The Lord raised up many witnesses of the power of dt vine grace, on this circuit. I formed a socie^ in almost every settlement between the head of the Bay and Little York. It might be said of many places, that the wilderness did bud and blossom as the rose. October 25, 1 was removed to the Bay ciiS* cuit. Soon after I came to this circuit the Lord began a glorious work of religion. While I was preaching at Richard Osborn's, two backsliders were reclaimed, and we had a shout of a King in the camp. Glory to God lor what my eyes saw in this meeting. Noven^ber @9, 1 formed a new society at a place called the Little Lak^ There has been :i:r-""r~!rr^:3rr-r' •• ^ •' .ti.-Lxj^imu.i..i>iiu 93 preaching in this place for some years pasV but the seed has apparently fallen by the way-side, till of late the word has taken ef- fect on many minds : — many are inquiring af- ter the truth. ^January 11, 1803, 1 preached again ^tbro? ther Osborn's. The Lord is at work in this place — many souls are earnestly seeking re- ligion. In the evening, at brother Yallow's, ]^any of the people were brought to cry for mercy ; four or five professed justifying grace during this meeting. Tuesday we had a very glorious time— the people of God shouted*-— one soul was converted, and two backsliders reclaimed. . The work of God from this time forward went on in a very rapid and glorious manner. It first begati with some of our greatest op- posers; and I believe, within the Cotijrse of six we^s, about thirty souls were converted to God in the meetings that I attended ; be* side, many sanctified, and some backsliders reclaimed. » February 10, 1 preached in Kingston. Soou after I began speaking many of the people crtU aloud for men^, and numbers wi^ r 9hin to the floor; three sottls found j^eace/ The noise was so gr^t that ifij voice was eempletelj drowned. I left many of the people on the floor earnestly ctyiiig for mer- cy. Our quarterly meeting commenced Fe- bruary 13. Cn Saturday the Lord made bare his glorious arm : numbers oC the peof- pie cried out for mercy, and fell to the floor. About ten found pardon in this meeting, and many were much exercised for holiness of iieart. On^e Sabbath following the slain of the Lord were many. In the galleries and bdaw, the floors were covered with people crying for mercy. Such a time I never saw before. The cries and screeches of the distressed quite drowned th^ preadier's voice. We all left the pttlpit, and dispersed among the pecqple^ and began pt lying for the mourners. We continued upwards of three hours in this ej^ ^pcise brfore we concluded. The number; that professed to obtain religion during tiiia meeting was tw^y-eight; and many others to be sanetilied, The work oC God, s^r this meeting, h^ i ^5 pu on all parts of the circuit. It went on during. the winter wi^h increased rapidity. '^About one hundred souls were converted be- tween the first of January and the first of April. I laboured day and night in public and in private during the winter; but my excessive labours proved too much for my constitution, and occasioned a severe fit of sickness, which left me in a state of dtbility, Irom which I have never fully recovered. During this winter I preached from seven to fourteen times a week. One day I attended a funeral where a Church clergymen .officiated. After he had gone through with his ceremonies of burying the dead, I requested liberty to address the people in his meeting-house, (it was an ex- treme cold day) but he possitively refused to let me speak either in his meeting-house or in the bmrying ground. As the property was his own, I knew that he had a right to forbij my speaking there, and therefore I requested >11 who wished to hear the word of God to withdraw to the street. /^Accordingly the greatest pari of them did. I stood on a logy : and aaOod gave tome I delivered to the peo- ^ ' ^ pw nj K i . II , i' \f ij f ^K0Wf^^ n M pie. I faithfully declared the curses of the law against the workers of iniquity » The most of the people listened with ^reat appi^- rent atttintion and seriousness. Some were x)frended, but none more so than the priest. I would here make a few remarks respecting this man and the Church of England in gene- ral in Canada. Mr. Langhorn (for that was his name) was an Englishman, a man of but small natural or acquired abilities. He built a number of meeting-houses with his own mo- ney. He was paid by the crown for preach- jng, (as the most of the Church clergy are in that province). He had his circuit, and tra- velled around it once a week on foot, and read the same sermon to every (Congregation on, his circuit. He was a strict Papist in principle, respecting priests marrying ; an inveterate enemy to the Methodists. He never made but one sermon in his life be said, and that was against the Methodists y in which he tri- ed to saterize the internal evidence of religi- on, which the Methodists profess to be pos- sessed of. The clergyman in Kingston preach^ed four times a year to the Mowbarnvks, ior which he was paid by the king eighty 1> s own mo- 27 doltars fof each sermon. He would pla)r cards and go to balls. The clergyman in , York was his son. I did not learn that he was inmioral, unless attending balls is count* ^ed inunortality. The prie t in Cornwall i "^ ]bave motioned before. This^is the true state of the Church clergy it* the pmvince of Up- per Canada. Thereinattention to the duties of their functions is to be attributed in a gr^t measure to their deriving their support frcnn the Crown, and not from the people. If thdr support was derived ftonx the voluntary con- tribtttipns of their people, they would be more attentive to their duties. But thena- nature of all religiotis establishments is such, that they have a tendency to lull the clergy into security. They hold their emoluments not by the voluntary will of their people, and ^ which would in such a case depend in a igi ' t measure on the services they rendered them, but as it now stands, they can have their sti- pend whether (he people heat theni or not. A Church clergyman in Canada may go into bis me^ng-house and read his services, if there is not one present besides the cl^k, axid is entitUto his pay : such instances do ^ 128 frequently occur. But to return. The 3ame evening I preached but a small distance from the meeting-house, above-mentioned. Soon after I began speaking, three men arose off their seats, and appeared to be in a parox- ism of anger. They approached me within reach; and when I announced th<^J curses of the law against them, they gave back » biit after assuming a little more fortitude,' they would make towards me with their fists bran- dished: and thus they did alternately advance and retreat, three or four times, till at length they fled from the house, raging and swearing like mad men. God makes the wrath of men to praise him, iwid the remainder of wrath he restrains. Satan has his limits, beyond which he cannot go. I was taken sick soon after this with the measles and lake fever, both at once. About the time that my measles were coraingout, I fell into a creek, and my horse got awajr from me, and I had to wade through a parting, in the ice, twice across the creek : the Water was Nearly up tomy iieck. After getting my sad die-bags on the opposite side, I caught my horse, but had not rode mof e til|||^ ^ inil^ or ^ f 29 two when he again broke through the ice in another small run of water, into which h% threw me. The weather was freezing cold» and I had. jet to ride twenty-two miles, as wet as I was, before I could get to a house; in Consequence of which I was immediately con- fined to my bed, where I lay four weeks. During tliis time I was as devoid of m()tion ai if I had not amuscleinmy body. But contrary to the expections of any person who saw me in my sipkness, after four weeks I be- - gan to recover some strength. In two weeks after I attended a quarterly meeting, and preached my farewell sermon in Canada ; and the next day set out for the States, in compa- i^ with brother Tompkins, having been ab- sent two years. Being yet in a < very debili- tated state, and haying exercised the preced- ing day too much for my strength, I had a relapse of the lake fever. It was Monday morning that we left the Bay of Quinty, aiMi . before night I was taken with the fever. Tuesday 1 felt some better^ ^aad concluded to ^ cross Ibe river St. Lawrence^ . Brother Tom-^ kins had a fit of the lake fever wUle i% che . boat. I thought he would have died before > c* Si m^mmm > y.w '" 30 we reached the opposite shore. He had been in Canada but one year^ and had had the fever and ague twice, the bloody flujp^onoe^ the measles once, and lake fever twice, inclu- ding the present. He was extremely debili* tated, and I was as much so. We only crossed the river this day, and put up at a tavern on the dockj where we tarried that night, and the nejfct morning set out to go through a piece of woods thirteen miles in length. When we bad got through to a house, we fed our hor- ses. We had then to cross a small river: the boat would carry but one horse at a time^ and only a woman attended to put us over, consequently I had to assist her. Nosoon* er had I got across and mounted my hcjirse, than the fever again attacked me. We had then eight miles to ride to the nei&i house, through cedar and hemlock swamps half the way. ^ Here I had like to have died. I could get no water, but what came out of the swamps, which wis extremely dis- agreeable to the taste. 1 once laid down on the leaves, and told brother Tompkins that I could go no fertber, I must die here. I felt entirely discouraged, and would not have lift- w- 31 In ed my fiiiger to have'saved my life. I lo&t all desire to see my friends : there was noth- ing in the world that had any charms to me " — all was gloomy as the valley of death. Brother Tompkins entreated me to make one effort more ; he thought we might find water soon: but all that he could say had no effect. At length he mounted his horse and rode on, calling at the same time' to me toibllow. Just as he was about to disappear^ I felt a faint desire revive to see my friends once more. I arose and mounted my hors^ and rode on, groaning and crying every step. At length we got to a small house that had been erected but a short time before. We tied out horses to a stump, and I begged the privilegje of the woman of Jth6 house' of laying down on a bed. I lay about three hours^a^d thed we rode seven mile further, and crossed the Black River V Sowe continued day after day until we arrived at Fort Stanwick. From here Itodehome. After visiting my friends a few days I at- tended the New-York Conference, which was k^d at Ashgrove. At this conference I re^ ceived deacon's orders, ajid was stationed on fWlf^ |U I I JIVl^Wl|9««P«IP|il« m^r^immiF'' Fktcher circuit, which lay on thi Uae be- tween Lower Canada and Vermont* I tra- velled on this circuit for some time without seeing any thing very particular. The If ork of God went on gradually . , T I suffered some persecution this year froa iDraial professors, as well as from the wick- ed world; yet I had some gracious times. I fouiid niany precious people in this cir^uil, I think We bad about one hundred souls con- verted this year. The year following I travelled on^ Brandon eircukr I had some good times on this cir- cuit, particulady in Brandon^ town* The year following I was stationed on Al>^ banydrcuit. July Wf 1805, Fpreached in Albany city. The Lord, was powerfully ' present. I fdt wellinmyown«oid. r' t ^iuly 16,1 preached at Manhatenbook; The society iii this place is very Idw in r^&lig^on ; yet soni'^ individuals appear to have some life. Jnily 26, The Lord displayed- his power among us. We were very mueh refireisbed < in time of preaching, and espedaDy so atlb^r Sacrament of. the Lord's Supper*-^^! i^ v/lf 33 . July 219, 1 preached at brother Shaw's/ m Greenfield. It was rather dull, and I fear no good was done. July SO, I pi'eached at the widow Dodge's, I trurt sonie good was done. The Lord ma- irifesfed his presence in our midst July 31, I had sore trials. The people where I preachled were in the field at work, and would- not so much as attend meeting, and yet they belonged to society] August 1, 1 rode to Scott's Patent, and held a prayer-meeting in the evening. li was the best I had been in for some time. The soci- ety here are truly alive to God. At my next appointment the Lord display- ed his mighty power. Many shouted aloud, Glory to God. At New Durham it was the same. Many shouted, and praised God aloud. At Windham I preached in the presbyterian meeting-house. Two of their preachers be- ing present, I strove to convince them of the absurdity of absolute predestination. I met with no opposition. We raised a society in this place soon after this of about fifty mem<* bers. W^m^^ ^fm^ 'm/mmm 34 Tbursdajr 6tb, I preached among the btfH tista. Some I understood were very m«ch displeased because I disturbed them in thieir Laodedan ease. Is it not strange that no kind of preaching will offend some people so much as that which is against sin and the devil?. Thursday 8th» I preached in RenslerviUe to a number of hearers, the most of whom were very happy, and shouted aloud the praises of God« I feel my mmd engaged with God at present I wish to spend my self in hii^ cause. Some few souls have lato« ly been brought to the knowledge of the truth in this |^ace«. At my next appointment many were slain to the floor, and expressed great happiness in theiif souls. Soon after this I was confined to my bed by the rheumatism, so that I neither travel- led nor pre^bed for some time. ^ In Xhe, spring of this year I was placed in Albany city, by my presiding elder. Here I had some good times: a number of souls were converted to God. 35 After conference I was removed to New- York. This appointment caused me a se- vere trial for some time, until 1 saw the work of God revive among the people, which was 8«on after I went to the citj. Souls were converted by hundreds this year. We join- ed between Tour and five hundred in society. And we calculate that some hundreds who were awakened in our meetings, joined other societies. However, I was not exempt from temptations and trials from various causes, particularly the first part of the year. Yet I can truly say the Lord was and is still my helper, and in him I put my trust. I found some advantages this year for the improvement of my mind by studying. I gained sqnae knowledge of the Greek lan- guage. The greatest disadvantage or mcon- vepiepcel exp^iencedwas the confinement of my Ubours to one place, as I had been in the habit of travelling very extensively. I could not at ^rst content myself to be thus conned : but when the work of God b^an to revive, I found work enough to employ all my time. And when I saw thfit God appro- ved my labours, I felt reconciled, for I ^11 36 ever believe that my appointment in this city was from the JL.ord. - ' During the summer season I usually preached four times on the Sabbath, and walked three or four miles. I made it my practice to preach once on the Sabbath in 'the Park, for which I suffered considerable op^ position ; yet Gpd blessed my soul in pr nich- ing there ; and I telieve many others were blessed who heard the word in that place. There were hundreds attended here who sel- dom wenit to any other place of Worship; many of whom were awakened, and profess- ed to experience religion, and have since be- came steady hearers of the word, and attend* ants on the ordinances of God's house. It was most commonly the case that after I had preached four times on the Sabbath, we continued our prayer-meetings until ten or twelve o'clock at night, and sometimes till one in the morning. At these times it was very common to see eight or ten soUls con- verted to doA in each of the ' meeting-houses in one evening. During thisi year I wrpte but a small part of my journal, Whai I did is as follows ; ^''"^^ff^^mm iti es 9? tiudday morning I felt much distresMd iii my mind: mysoulwasathirst^for the living Ood. I Jrew a determination to seek for full sauctilioBtioii of soul. I went to class fasting. I preached in the afternoon from ** Quench not the Spirit.'' I felt but little liberty, and . much exercised after pveacbing. t In the evening I attempted to preach a- gain ; but Oh ! my words were without life or energy; and I fear but little good was done. I felt greatly distressed after preilch- ii^. I Wasiett a stand to know what to do, Satan so harrassed my mind with sore temp- tations. It semed to me that I must delist from preaching. Again I was afraid if I did I should loQ^re ray soul, and pmsh eternally. I irelpriied home and besought tk6 Lord virith earnest prayer/ but found. no relief. My 4^4epartedfroio me that night. My life uqw"b§can(i<^ a burden.to me ; and I 'thought^ I was a burden to others. I ooncluded that t di^npgood in the world— all was darkness, and 4^1)1 ^nd wpe before me. But Oh! bow litl||&4PW^ understand of the ways of Cfod ; and hoiw apt are we to complain when uqder l^e cfaas^ning rod 1q m^ soul as in the dust, and to excite a .sEiofenirdent spirit of prayier to God to subdUe tlie base eorruptions of my heart, and to •leave nothing remaining contrary to his most fcplywill. IV^yicrywas, n ' ^< I CAhnc»trdit till pute -within, <* Till I am wholly Ictt in thee.** , ^ 1^'«^r«»6^i^n*and igain from my bed, and Ikrayedtothe Lord. At length the glcriuus Sftvimiir appeared for my help: he broke my .iard healft^— Ifelt that God was reconciled^— 1 liea^d his pard(»iing voice. Oh! hoW pre- «idtt8 was M& love to my (hiristy soul ! In the kfid^nlng^my desire wp:g o^rong and sirdent for k3>^^^9. 1 felt my soul much drawn out iii ^ee^xft |E ayi^. I read niy bible^cm my ki^eesi tieBe€:hing God to impart unto me a kr^ow- "»'•■*' ■ ' ''•' "''"Wp^inpiPPW. I' "II "I iii.p^iPlllpiBBfUJJpf wmm"' Iff ^"'^ wnnniippi 39 leSge of bis biessed will. Soon after I arose I wsLS called upon to visit a sick . sister, and found her about to depart tbid life. I conr versed with ard prayed for her. The LorA bcoke into her soul with great light and liber- ^l I asked her then if she was afraid to die* She r^liedv No, no-^Glory to G^d! -She Many spokfi feel%ly of the dei^liugs of God tQ their squIs rt^^om^ were over^^Jl|€toed^wilh^4ijen8»> c^^^ the divine . goodness ; . and others shouted with a peat shout. Glory to .God. . . The same evening, in. the Bowery meet^ ing-hpuse, many were brought to cry for m^f? cy. They flocked around the altar; aad their qry j^^as, Fray for me— Lord have mer^ cy on my poor soul I'^the meeting continu»> ed until ten. o'clock at nig^t. Many^ Lhe*f. lieve will remember that day in great eterni" The nextdsiy I felt much worn down ii^ IjMpdy, but h^py in my soul, and resolu t^y^' bent . to do . ihe will i of hiiiven in alt tbiiigs, soik as I shall know iii%^|us g^aob^ as^ililtiag me. While I see imls cmnii^ home to God, my heart "leaps for joy.«7f HjUndreds are unbracing the glorious gospel of Jesu^v W^p.M-M«U I Mp™^yi|jBf;;p|p|p|^;pppipp^|p;>f>i|piii..i^itii,W^ I HHIlliii I |i mp^ii, ^ 41 ' January 39, I did not enjdy that degree of jpeac^ m my sotil.th^ I somettol^had done, yet I feel ^t mueli ai$ ever determined to be for God. 1 sp^ntthe fcu'ehodn in visiting, praying, and reading : ontb^#liak it was i^jgocd day to my soul Sunday ^th, I preached in tbei momi% ib the Hudson meeting-lonse. it Wal a good season tomy doul, aiiilibdie>^to m^ ffy others. In the afternoon I pteiiehyi at. '^oofelyn to a society alive t^ (Jci.^ Jt great Mmhi^ ^hid v^y recently ebtaiiied;r<^&^^ idlhat piace. The Lord wad with $16 4dy imiih^ Heaven seemed to ^iMimthe t^ AsaMyt aiid ali^s^mnedto fell th^ infinei^cea of the Divine Spirit. In the ev^ing k wiia itol«ypo#«rfdla8inthfeni#Bing:;^ ' .Moni!ay, I spbnt the forenoon in visiting frid«r^%pfe to houses Oh h(^ pfeeious^ tfaer iak^ ^V4^ to my soul this dirjr; C Ahvugri find vitfmgtfrbm hfiWise toboUie^ ^d^if^ sfinK^g, and ptaying kt and with«?i^ peo- ple %> be prolitabteto^niyddul; ifid to lii^ s^ls^the pedfio. • - X ^ ^ -^ - Ttieddaj^l^ a^^tSd^sneasiireiof^pM^lf in> y'QXxL The for^oon 1 spDat *> D •^i llfllll* Jl| *,IHi.M»IH"i w-/ ^lk< mm nm^yv^kmvAi luaipYofes^ed to be^m y^rt^ to. O^d :* m^y others cried abud to; ||l«|toM?f mer^jrm s^vmk fcpi^ f^Bic^. TJbe : :«v^ mee^g cootie 9o4 by,;^le (Joi^vfMft^ 1 What Wjalcbfuy nmM^f^^T to r^w cwir cgnftden^ im \^^hoB|weccwftWBe<: ■ it h^ uad^ severe tmk in 6iiiili 'f"^'' iiAMiiim)i l^r.il|llWHili|ll|JMJMp<|PfPPM|PRpPfl|r^l^^Rp|P|P|!||P| 4» Sunday 14, In tli6 mbrnihg I sirofelo preach. : It was a go6d'tiiiie to iny settle Brother G^—ttl6d my aiq^amtment mlthe aftehiocm-^^bd blessed the" word td nianj^ sKMik At evening I preacIM hi the Afrki^nf neeting-hotise: the Lord manifested hip pr#e sence in a gloriouB maimer. I have always- fbMd it^'good^torpreadr to tiial p^Ie : God is witbth^a— 4ie kaa n^ respieet to pessdiis-^; a^ colours end pecsoi^ are alike t^ 'him> if Ihey feai* liim'and wolik lr%ht pirticulai^ly ut tfaa l^e ^giiliiinB of tbd year. I bad-considieii^ Ue ofpotMod trm flame who did oot lik^ all mf, proceidiiigi^ partibakrfy my .hdldiiig j^r^ty^er^meeth^ alter preadiing (^ Sunday ^liiriiiingtg,^^^^^ tef ipraaddlfg in ^e PlMk. Bbd I ft0t fedMv^d tbe pa^roaage of maiiy at ^^(ttsdTi^haara^teri, I mttithavi^ iAfiAk rx^ Adtkay^SM^^ Siitlld^God^thattbi^^ the ediincil\nd prayers of4hbs6%feth^^^^ often reoetviid i^# covirag^ i^heii lij^cm tb^ p(Hnt of giving these exercises ov^, aild I have ever stnde feU the mftst j^nciere respect fin* those hr^hren. Several ctn^nmstanccs wbtdi occurred diiringiaiy stay in New-Yof k, add the exer* cises of iti^ Mind in cdnseqtiwce ofihem^ determined me id alter my state isf life. I had ever felt a deiermination in my d\m mind, to inarry w^never I conld answ^ mrjr mind in my ohoice of a compamon.^^^ N<^ the close of the year, by a series of cpn^ cltrring citcumstances, too numerous to mm^ lion here> I thought- H my duty to marry, and Consequently did so, ' Aa little loiig^ er ; and would often say, God will open pur' way sooner oi^later; if we put our trust in him^ ; smd do our duty> and agaiii woiild say, Ne^ verljbtmy sufferings hinder you from doings yf^iirdUty-=-*I am willing to bear ray part of thftsuSeiings which your calling and atten-^ tion toyoiir duty sulbjects us to, rather than you should omit' your duty on my account* And I can truly say, that the wiHingness' which she ha9 manifested to suffer for th6 c- "«^MP»l'»""»"'l'WPI»'^^l»»» •)! 'WW •' I J W»W"^i^«p"P^ 46 msm of Oo^ ha6 ofteb inspired me with aew <;oi||ragQ,wbeQ I have been ready to faint hi 9Qr miod. Our conference this year .was held ia Coeyemau^s. It ke^gan on the second day of ]^y * Al tbid coiiference I was appointed to a missionary statipa Frooi conference Ire- iMrned toConnectieut. ^ May 10, I807j I rode ten miles, and fwfc «p at a tavern inCoxaokie. The old gen- tleman of the hoUse was very sociable for a* time ; btit when I attacked him on: his princi* pies;,, which Wei» rigidly .Calmistic, he le- sQTjted to the riteienaiiv^^ too commoii to thos^ iiCthat prJuticipl^Viz. a0g^<»* and ofiminatioii^ Sunday 11,1 rode ten mites in the morn- ing, and preached in Catt^kiU at ten o'clock-. \ kd a px^itms season with that little per-^ secuted society. . This society I had formed 9ome yeais before. I preached at first in the street, as there was no Itmse in the vil*- lage opea %r our reception. In theaft^ 90oi3 I ijode to LivingstonV manor, and pleached in the evening at barother DeckeE^S. One mauiiappeared to be powerfully awaken*- ed,^ and criedfor m&ccy. *>- ■■.. in 47 Monday 13, 1 rode to Dorset, and put u^ ivith friend H , bnt was treated with the greatest indifference and disrespect. They neither asked nie to eat nor drink, as I re- member. I left the house very earl^ in the linorning, and was obliged to ride ten miles before I could get any refreshment. Soon al- ter I had eaten I was seized with a violent vomitbg, and might have died where I lay by the side of the rode, had not a gentleman who was travelling by discovered me, and as- jBisted me in getting to a houses vAere the peopte treated me with the greatest kmdnes9. Aftet staying a.t this house for some hourst, I rede twelve miles further, and got home the same evening. After staying at home a Tew days I 0etouticNr New-York. Thefirstday ItodetoNorwalk, and through the inter- cesision of brother D I preached in G»- naan in the evening. It was a very good and refreshing season : many of the people ap* pea^ to be de^ly awakened. The next ^^'I went on the gjreen near tiie presbyte- %an slc^ii%-hpuse in Norwalk> and sung two hymns befc^e I could collect any people. At length a small company cai£Le together, (o ff]ifm I pr^chea. There ,wa9 f gr^t . seri- riQU8i)eps and attention discovered by all pre- pent^; Xhe same day I preachei) in Middle- iex to a few people, the most of whom w:ere greatjy affected, and some wept aloud, -j ; Sun4^y 18, 1 preached in Nprwalk town- house early in the morning. Ther^.appear- ,ed to be a design for keeping me put; of the hoii^e, but by means of a small boy I got the ,AooT opened, and the bell rung, . A liirge .APQijbier of people collected, ai^d I pr^aphed from **The^ shall go away into everlastirig j^upi^bmont, but the rightteous into life eter- ^nal." A deep attention appeared in fevery : countenance— ^maaay wept, and I trust that som§ gpoA was done. In the after^op^^ ^ I preached at. a sphool-hopie al^ut op§ mUe ftomthetovmtpupe, Mffii^,]^^^^ . 04. The il«prd W:a8 eminently present :wit|i us:— -ins^y sh^Jatc^ ploud the pjr^seEf of Gfp4 ---some, wept, and (Ah^rf traiibjed, andsppie iied frptti the houBe. It was. on the whole a glorious ^ tiiflie. , After ^meetiiig I rpdi ^ Stamfctd, (fdght mil^ indi^W3|)ie^;Mi^ ]^j^i^ tp a,sCTipusjppi|- gregation, hut rather hard. The Lord was precious to my soul. s . 4d ^ Monday I rodethirty'seven mil«s toNe^ York, aiMl took my losings at Alexander BiaLnk8^ much out of health, and v^y much 73it%tied. Wednesday 211, At six o'clock 1 preached in ihe Park, to a very large concourse of seri* 0U8 well-hehaved people. Thursday ^% I preached again in the Park, to soihei thbusaMs of people. The niighty power of God was displayed, aM a solemn awe seemed to rest on every mind. Some trembled, while others wept and shouted aloud the praises of God. At half past deven in the evening I preached in the Bowery meeting-chouse, to a crowded cofigregatton ; aiid the presence and power of God seemed to perVade the whole assembly. The shouts of God's people, ^nd the cries and screeches of those tb/onvicted, quite drowned my voice. Many'feU prostrate! on thefloor, and the plice was gloriously awful by reascm of the Lord's pre^nce. I trust some good was dene. Friday 213, 1 rode to Tuckeboe to brother Sherwood^s. The next day I wassick, and kept my bed: but glory to God I was ha|qpy £ -f^m ^PPP" V 50 jo tfae Lord, and ftlt willingdo £e wheq^vei I can beof nomore um in the world. Sundaj ^25, 1 preached at a new place on the post road. The people appeared to giifl|i good attention, but they were uncoounonly hard. At five o'clock I preached at tfae ilUf thodist meeting-hou9e in Tarry town. I bd- Ueve that the power and presence oC God was Adt by all presenly and (me woal wait M^i^kea* ed. Hare a Dittch Refiormed minister nt- lermed bis people that an impostor was going to preach in the Methodist meeting-house, in order «to hinder the people Lffom beaiing 9ie. But the pecftle-'a curiosity was so much excited to see an imppstpr, that I had many more to preach to than I otherwise should have had; but one of our brethren threat- ening to prosecute him for defan^icNii he absconded early the next morning. Monday 3^ I rode eleven miles toCoH^r- barrick, and preached in the evening at bro^ ther Aud'^son's. It was a good and gracious time to many souls — God's people shouted aloud for joy. Tuesday Q7? I cross^ the river to Har ve?- traw. 51 Wednesday M, I preached in the evening at brotlMnr Nooal'd. Il waf a good time, and reireriiingtoinaiiy 8oals. ^ Tkttrtdaj W, I rode fourtera mileslo Tach pan, and preached in the evening ii^ a ^choul- '^hcflBse. The people in this place are princk ^ly Dutch, are very tenatioiis of their old tridflions, and much prejntbced against the lirtliodists ; nevertheless there was a good immber that attend/ed, and appeared serious «ifd wellrhehaved. fViday 30, 1 rode fourteen miles to an En* l^iflh aettlenient, and preached in thewoodi lp% large cofq;r^tion rf people, among whom were two presbyteriao ministers. I feh the mighty powar and presence of God while I announced the curses of the law a- gUost the workers of iniquity. I felt as if some good was done. One young man was powerfully awakened, and followed me to my next appointment, and constantly w^t dur-> ing preadiing. At my evening app(»ntment a very singular circumsiance took place. Our meeting was held in a barn, in conse- quence ^ the ntitnber c^ people being so great thact the h'^uae could not contain then^. "'^PWiprar'^'WIP'*^ Q5 There was heard hy all present an extraordr* nary thumping on the outside of the barn. Immediately after it. was heard on the scaSbM above our heads. \ The people were allpanic struck. An awful silence reigned anKmg them for fifteen minutes; when all on a ntii^j den there :wa3 a general outcry : the wicked trembled and shook, and some cried aloud. loainAodiately after the noise ceased, the power of God came down on the people in the .most extraordinary manner I ever beheld ; the terr ror and joy that seeriied to reign alternately, rendered the soeneas impressive as any that has ever occurred in the -compass of my know- ledge during twelve yearjsi tr^^velling^ and I think it will be remembered by many who were present to theday of .eternity. Saturday, I rode twelve miles and preach-* ed i.t five o'clock in Clarkiown courthouse. It being the day for the meeting of the officers of the militia, we had a very large congrega- tioG of people ; but a more hard and ill-bred set of people I never saw. . Sunday, At ten o'clock I preached in Har- vestraw to a nuoierous, concourse of people. There was a very great !3ove among therti : 5d manf scouted, ottiers wepfaloii ; and smiie cried fer mercy. It was oil the ^vhole a good and glorious time. Id the afternooh I cross- ed G»v€r ibe wet toCoIIarbarrick ; but we did but just escape wiA our lives: the wind dr^ve the waves in upon Ud a number o^ titoeiB, but through ttie kind iitterpbsition of H^v^n we were p^eser^ : but lean truly say, that in the midst ^ my danger my mind mind was tranquil Kind stayed on C^od : the fear 0f death Was gon^ : I felt that God w^d reidoi^iSed. This afternoon i preached inth^ M^tiodidt meeting'h6ti«e/ It was very rainy, au^butSawpeopIeeittehdad-Mrc^ had but a *uiktii!ne. ^ Afoad^, June I, Ijrode elevien miles to ■^yrrytowfl, andprfjachod ta the evenmg tp a a^GDiifiderableiiumberofs^ious, united) hap- py '«p«;ep}e/ on Cjuistiin Perfection/ The Lord^ iiKta» present Tvith us of a truth: God's peofdie shoiif.ed--H5(^e wept, and some ran ; butit fi^as agood time. ^» [Tuesday, rode tiKi miles tothecan^p^me^tf ing «t Tfidpehoe. At this camp-meeting *»he Lovd wi^dught woiidets-^iteaiiy souls w^e hop€luU$r -eenverted, and^ others sanctiSei ^ Our m etitig lasted until Friday noon. I rode id the afternoon eleven miles to the Col- larbiirrick. * ^ .SatMtd^ay 6^ I todfs seven mil^, and pi^eaeb^ ed ', in the Presbyterian meeting^houte ; in Peekslikill. In Cfmsequen(;e of th&rain, I sti^y- ed and preathcNlihe]^ again on the Sidjiafith at tetl o'clock* Ididnoifee} much liberty is my mind, bluing much harrassed wiUi temptations.^ In the afternoon I rodethlr- teeia/milies over the: Highlands, 9;nd preached to' a c^gri^tiod of Baptists. I came ta 4he place just as the JBaptidt preacher hjaddis- missed hm coBgregatioid. 1 intr^oedipy- self to him a& a ]Vf ethocUst raissipaiffy,^and requited 1iberl^t>f him to preach to Msl^eo- ple^ which he readily granted, and stayed iiimself to hear me. I pr^eacfaedonithsf sub- ject of Chrtf^ian Perfiection. The p«op|ie re- ci^ved the doctci^e' as cordiaUyfii^Ir could wish-^many of them expressed theiir heairty concurrence in it. The preacher was qpda- blfe^fiidfriendfy: we parted in love. I trust >^8iat some good was done». Onlay it be re- remembered lu 4<6rnity'for good to ev^y souL In the evening I prieacliedat St— >— W *'J ' ■ ^g « ' s- ^^ ( 56 in Fii^iU, ta more . j[>eo^le; than the bouse could Gcmtain. Many of tbeiii appeared to be mmh afibc ted : I found good liberty in spes^iog?r?thetLd»:dfiw'ad;prj^ to Qiy soul. Monday 8, 'Brotl^r Wr?^— ^ went iito JE'ishkill town in onler. to. procure some place Sot me tof»rea(^at LJkipoiitio&efi^ibr. each of tibei4Heetid^hdii««^?bfit hisjpftitions were rejected with disdain. He then strode to ob- taiioi a 'private house, but was denied. Bf liiia«tinifilajrriy«cfem town, when he met, me ^isiiinidrmed pieof bis disappiHiitmient^ I tb^iweMbtoctJxe street; and sunglMo hjimns, sitting pa my horse, 'iAfcw, people colloct€id^:to.whom I gave an^^xhiortation, jmd ^ok the dbf t bffiiiwy feet aaa testis^ony a- ^instlhei^^ and left t|iem and rode |o Pongh- l:ee|>8ie tfie ea^e evening, eleven w ' tea die- tahfce,^ Then^xtev^nij^.Ipeacheu m^ . Methododist meetkg-haetse in that pli^e- I i|elt ,^^t liberty in>jnyi soul, and wa^ happy ' 4p;thfi:LiQrd,i^^>^'i5^':v -• ,. ;;,. -inllttjesday 9, I^stayedfc Ppughk^epae: and pi^bediufttee^faiing tp.a Ifurgg eontgi^ga- tionC I il M% Bbierty in speaking, . and. ti^ust flome^gDod was' done. WU«^ were much affected. MibtfMMIMni 56 r Wednesday 10, 1 rode seventeen Imlw ia Rhinebeck. I felt iny mind tbis ixy niucb stayed oatbel^rd, and fully determined to be for Ood the remainder of my days. Thursday 1 i, I demoted this day to prayer, reading, and m^editation. I felt in a good mea- sure the presen(m»of God in my soul. Inibt evening i pfeached atbrother G^-— ^'alD a few serious genteel people. Friday 10, 1 rode eleven miles to brother Row^'s, and preached at &ur .o'dodt, v. ml In the Methodt0|imeetiog-4iouse, on iioliaeaa of Heart. The Lord was powerfully present -^--some were^slain to the floor^r-oihersi diout^ edaloud for joy-^* — - exbortedv in Jbeiefourse of the meeting one •"*• 57 poor miserable dmnkard fell to thi^tmd and cried aloud formercy. After oiir first meeting was pver, tlie peoj^e seemed: deteir- mined not to leave the plabe ; therrfore, af- ter a few minutes intermission, I pteachedto them again [our number, during this time c(Mitinued td increase] on the subject erf Chris- tian Perfection. ' The air resounded ^ith the shouts of the happy blest: One i fell pros- trate to the giound, and cried aloud for mercy for a while, and then seemed to sWoon away, aiid all her itnotions ceased. I beHeve that the Lord would have grants her reli^ in a shcHTt tmleif her wicked'u][Xcle'ba^iQM]ft dragged heir^flkt'of the meeting. When h^ got h^r home he tried a number of experirr^ehts to wake her up^a^heTcalledit. HepuHed'faer under jaw tilllhe blood gushed butr^f' her inoikih: ne^ vertheless she remained enlifdl)^^ tiaotionless till about Diner o'clock in the e^nihg, ; when the >Ldrd liberated her soul and body, and f aiiN^ h€r upalivmg witness of his pardon- ing mercy. During liie time she coMiniied in her helpless situation, multitudis of peo- ple of every descriptidn wept to see her. N6 coubt there were many opinions respecting tl ■"^ 5g ber exercises:; but tbe generai opinion seem- ^ to be, iMi the^ were the efieds of the eperatiMjflf the idiviae Spirit; particiilarly the wonmuibf the fajouse, who, previous to this occnrrence wai^ no profeffitor^ but ati (^poser to religion, was constrained to ai> knowledge tfa»t her ezercisfs were caused by the mighty powerioC God. I trust that this meeting iKrill tend to tbe frntiiering of the gQd»* pel, and the religion of our Lord and Savibut Jesus Christ. Sttodaj 14,1 rode inthemoming fivennleB to neasant Tallejr. Hereliisaiid m large coDgregation coliectedln an ordmtd, io v^hotn I preached. Many appeared to be prfdied to the heart; and ibaiyeTeason to believe tiiat thnoppcrtnnitywillbetemfinibeved by ma^ ay preckna souls iia eternity. Inlthe after^ noon I rode ft^mtles, and preached in a place catte 1 lohnstinvn, to a hrge^^^in^'egation; but a more band and senMless people I do not recollect of ever preaching to. I prepcfar ed in the open 6dd. 1 felt greatly dBstressf ed when I considered the daogeFOUs situation that these predbtis souls were in. «9 ^.% JMondft; 15, 1 was constrained to cxj aloud t^ ih^ L»rd» &c ii seemed thi^^ I , coiM ndi live on account eSmy distress of spul which I leltfer the careless multitude in this place that are heedlessly running the dawn war4 r^ to eternal rcrin. Noone butGedl^nows what deep distress of miadIwasexerciBe4 with this day. At elev^ o'clock t preached kft Clermont, to a decent, serioua peoj^le. We had some little disturbancey but oa, the whole it was a good tinoe. Tuesday l6, I preaclied in a ta^era in Johnstowm la general the people were sor k^an and aU^nti^e ; some were much a&ctr ed) audi hope that* som^ good was dooc^ The same evening I rode to Hudson, nine wlesi, and preached in die market to i» few .earless rude people. I fear but little good was done. I find heavy crosses of late. I a^ almost rear dy sometimes to afarink from the cross. Oh! if sinnecsdid but know how siacerely I wish th^r salvation, tliey would not nriock and ridi- cule the gospel of Jesus Christ. The same evening I preached ia a sehool-roonE^ which wm crowded with peqple. It was a refresh- ing season to my souL I"WI^«^»" mimmmmm Wediiesday 17, 1 rod€ to Albany, (tl^y miles). In tke ev^ing I afttended a prayer^ taeeting. DiikJtor P-^-^— ^ gave notice that 1 would preach in the Pasture in two weeks from that day. ^ ^' Thunsday 18, 1 tode to the Hellebarrick, td brother Tabor*s, ' Frid^y^^ening, I preached in the meeting- house, to a small cdlection of people. The Lord was with us of a truth. Saturday, Brother Tabor accomp^ied me to Schoharry, and obtained a place for me to preach in a private house, where I preachiBd in the afternoon to a small number of peopte. But they seemed to be very jealous and afraid of me. - Sunday ^1, I preached in Hhe village. There were but a few present when I began meeting, t^t we had more than the house could contain before I conducted. It is pro* babl€f that there are no people in the world more set in their old professions and traditions than the people in Old Schoharry. I spake pointedly ag^nst sabbath-breaking, drunk- enness, swearing, dancing, and gambling, for which crimes the people in this place are no- 61 torknis. I stayed at a tavern. Saturday eveningf After I had got to bQc|> (bere came in a x^ompaay of people of different ages and pro*- fusions, together with a fidler, and begap to. dance, and continued it until day-light oa Sunday, morning ; and when I sp^ke to them against these things, they toldme theii; dcmi- ni did the same, apd sometimes much worse ; tjiat he was frequently, so intoxicated aa tQ be unfit to preach. I never was ihore seasible of the trjith of what the prophet says, yi^. ** tike priest, like people." l3runken priest^ ^rutt^en professors. And yet there are ^p people more tenacious of ibeir religion than this class of professors ; none are ragre .£^fraid of itinovations in their religion, . nor niore op- pos^d to all those who preath strict morality. 111 the afternoon I i*(kfet6^ Sharon, stventeen miles, and pr^ched to a targe congregation of people, many of whoiii were iiiuch affect- ed. The society wasr rather low, but some of them a]^pearie^ to be revised and r6fi^eehed. r stayed among my friends uilM '!fh^i*sday morning; ■ ' Tc^esday 1 preiched in a sitiall isdiool- 62 V house. I had but a dull time. I fear thai the word had but little effect. Thursday, at two o'clock, I preached again in Schoharry, and afterwards rode to the HeK lebarrick, and put up at brother Brown's, a local preacher, a zealous, good, useful man. He wa^ formerly a Baptist preacher; but from' conscientious motives joined the Metho- dists, and has adorned his christian and minis- terial character ever since, which has been a great number of years. Friday I rode to Schenectady, and preachr ed in the market at five o'clock, f. m. The militia were on duty this day. When I be- gan to preach, about twenty came up to tilie market, ground^ their arms, and attimd- ed totbe word with the gjreatest seriousness and attention . About twenty of the students of the college attended at the same time. All were serious and attentive, except one or two drunken men. The sara^.evening I preacji- ed in a school-room to a loving, h^py, pros- perous society. Saturday I rode to Albany, sixteen mileSi and found t^t xay appajntment was^ in the Pasture at eight o'clock next day. 63 Sunday it rsSned in the looming, neverthe- less I weht to the Pasture at the time appoint-* ed, and foUnd about one thousand peopte ga- thered : I preached to them on '■ fi"' ' I".' '■ <««)!>','»)> -vivwr ' 69 Tuesday 21, 1 visited among our isociety i but O ! I could not refrain from weeping \yhen I took a view of this society, and com-^ pared it with the state that it wa« in but two years before. They were then in a growing state; but now many of them have mpved aVray, and some are turned b^k, I am afraid, to perdition^ and the rest of them are general- ly lifeless, I preached in the presbyterian meeting-house. I think that I delivered my whole soul. Ifeel this day that I am clear from the blood of all men. . Wednesday 22, I rode twenty miles to Rutland, ^nd held a prayer-meeting in the evening. One young womin appeared to be powerfully awakened, and cried aloud for s(Hiie hours for niercy, but she did not find peace to her soul. Thursday 23, 1 rodie thirty-eight miles to Salem, and put up at a tavern. I held no meetings this day. / Friday, I rode to Ashgrove, and fromtherp to Tray, (forty miles) where I arrived b€^- tween eight and nine o'clock in the^evening; very much fatigued and worn down. Saturday 24, 1 rested. '! m&- 70 jSuiiday^5, 1 preached in the court-house at ten a'clock, and then crossed the river and prea^fied in Washington at three o'clock, an4 r^-crosaed and preached in the court-house a- gaia iir the evening. I found this a good day to my soul, andbdieve it was a refreshing seascm to many senilis. Thereisagbod soci- ety in Troy. Altbmigfa they are few in nura^r bers, yet I tliink the niost of them walk wor- thy of thehr high caMng. Since the time that I was there theyhav^hadalarge increase of numbers, and at present ihey are lively and flouri&hing. Troy, as to its natural situatbn, stands on the bgorders of tiie Hudson river^ on a dry, gravel ti»ttom/ No labour in paving the streets is necessary, except in a few places. It is laid out in squares— the streets cross each other at^right aisles, and Ihe place po- pulates remarieably fast. The Quakers have a large society in this city. The Baptists alifo bavea; targe society here, but have dimin- ishedl sotne since the last revival among the Methodists. - The Presbyterians are mucn mpre liberal in this pfaee than either the Qtia- kers or Baptists. - / ma ""'< 71 Within two weeks paai^ I have travelled upwards of tbfee hundred; miles» and preach^- ed about twenty times i inconsequence of which I feel myself extremely worn down; but glory be to God, his grace I find is suffir cient for me in all my trials and labours. Tuesday 27, I rode twenty miles to Coeye^ mans, and preached in the afternoon in the Methodist meeting-bouse. It was a good and gracious season to my soul, and to the souk of others. Wednesday 218, 1 rode twenty-four miles to New-Durham, and preached in the meet- ing-house. Glory to God^ we had a shout in the camp^ I felt well in my own souli. and I hope that it will not be a lost season to any j^esent, Thursday 39, 1 was muck out. of healthy and kept my bed most of the day. iFriday^ I rode to Windbaoi,^ eleven miles|. and preached in.a.sdiool-housi& We had a very melting, weeping, shouting time. I was still much QUt of health. In this place there is a fine, loving, united socidiy. Wh^enl - .' ■' •^^ :i^> -\. , ■ j^^ "i^?* -^^ «'' '^"^ ■ -^f^f^iT^- 73 quested liberty to withdraw from her chuioh > but this privilege was denied her, and she was cited to U'ial before the church, on the charge of her attendii^g Methodist meeting, (though she was aknowledged to be the best member they had in their church). But the charge was so obviously insufficient to excommuni- cate her, that the business was suspended, and she was straightway charged to hear the Me- thodists no more. ' After she had repeatedly requested dismis- sion, and finding all her petitions unavailing, w^ent «id jmed the Methodist church; But they, still intent on keeping her, (or else to injure her character, for I leave the candid to judge whether such proceedings do not carry the appearance of revenge) cited her - again and agsun to trial: but finding nothing a- gainst her moral character, they finally ex* pdled her for breaking covenant, about three y ea^ a(ter^ she had joined the Methodist. Satmtday 31, 1 devoted the day to prayery meditation, ind reading. I felt that i had much need of hotiness of heart. ' I want to ^nk deeper into Ae sprit of huml^e love. I am sensible I Uveiar, very &r beneath my G i I *fi t)1fiv96ge; HI wto hoKer I know 1 sboidd NSohdliy, Aiigiist 1, I prefecib^ ^wk tbe Smith 'iMounMn, in WiDdbfiDai in^ P»et^ bytef iaih itieeting-l^se. The people weft Very aittentiVe; an4 soiiie of tb^m liiii^li affeet^ ed. In IHk place there has been of li&te'li cbiisideriable ^revival ot reiigion am^]% the Presbyterians. Monday S, I rode four^e^ miles over anountaihs to Hnntersfield *. preached <'to a good Hiimberdfpec^Ie, the inost amoi^ other bard things, that I had preached. faUe dop- liines^ I ^jtd tjiat U is much easier for the Adrpcat^ of predestination to coi^tradict us i^\p^ OUf b^kS) t^at ifirhen we are.pres^ j^ay the Lord forgive t||em all the evil t^e^ liave spokqn against me, r Frona this plac^ I rode t^ brother Dillon'^> ^wenty^six miles, where I tarried a short t^ne. From thence I rode to bn)ther Gar^ rettson's, at Rhinebeck, twentyrtMro miles. While here I was severdy attacked with an influeaza. Duringthetimed! this affliction I was persuaded to go and attend' a sacramen- :tal occasion in Fougl^keepsie, which had like to have caused my death. But glory t6 Ood» 1 C9ka truly say, he was with; me. I had ^^t peace of mind, and felia sure trust in jphrist; i am blessed with kjaid friends m m «.* ■^^., '-•■3Bl PWP^P 9m this pbce: may the Lord rewnrd them i^ bun&tiUy with his grace and love. ' Sattirday 15, 1 rode sixteen lulled. Sunday IJ, I preached and adminifitered the holy sacrament It was a good and gra- cious time to my soul. The power and prd- >ence of the Lord was manifested. Simie l^ll 'totheiloor--'some touted for joy, and One soul ^was joyfully converted to Ood. In ^ 'evening we held a ptfayer-meeting. Om young woman fell to (he floor, and cried ir loud for mercy. A wicked persecuting mati came in and took hold of her with an intent tion to carry her away : I desireu im mi to do it: he ai^swered with an oath that bib would. I then told him possitively that he should not ; and as he persisted in his design, I requested the man c the house to com- mand peace, upon which he went out without •further trouble. r.-"^-'> n^^---:- ■:■:■-':: -^y-: ;.^^*., Monday 17, 1 had some conversation with a deist, and found, him tol>e a poor, simple, miserable creature. His objections against the M0lhodists were, they made a noise, and caused ignorant, vulgar people to fall down. •I gave hini to understand^ that if being igno- v^'')#'» 17 rant and vujlgar was all that m^e peofrile fall down, b» would soon be in thentunber; at whkh he.w$s oflfended, and I left him in his delusioti. • .' . From Pcmgbkeeipsie I returned to Rhine- beck, and attended the camp-meeting which }^^a held In that place. \Ve had a great con- (course of peo|^e, and the most disorderly I .f ver saw on such an occasion. Many of tlie Wicken conducted in the most scandalous juanner. (reproved ^ man tor swearir^g, and jk^struek Die with a cliib, which hurt mecon- «deraWy. • i ? Saturday ^% I rode twelve miles, and preached to a small number of pec^le. It Wa:s a precious time to my soul; and I be- JKeVe some were awak^nedr Stinday^lf^ I preached twice to^larg^ Dongregatio]), Soia^e, fell^to the floor in time ofpreaching» and many w^^ bathed in teari. I^rusttbis'day will be remembered in eterni- ty to thfe joy of some souls. . Monday S4j I preached in Pleasant Vsik- liey, state of New-York, to a small eollection of people-^tt was a good time* The same evening we held a prayer-meeting atii *', Satui^ay f^, l^rea^ed ii|/th^^v^o^ ii jAi^ edge of iii^fiei4 to a small cofi^ai^y «rf jittentiye pccqple. f ^ Sunday, Q% l preached in Heading townr jbtouse, and at^rother HilPs in the evening. The Lord is at work in this place ainong th^ peopl8,^nd Satan is at work also in stirring up the spirit of persecutioL. . i Monday^ 2t8, 1 preached in Reading in the ^ternppn, find in Betl],el in the evening. I' Mt great liberty in both these places^ but iBspeciiaUy 19 thejeveolng. Many of thepe^ ;|>le;)S|iiavMv«^y WecenUy, and one man .|e3d tale that lthat^ I Said was b d--d lie; mi 418^^ utidertoc^ to justify' W Associate Jfi^ mmff'^r* 91 whtit be said : thejr were boih (Nrbfessed tfai^ v^ealiits.* X do expect tbat tbisy f<^t tbem'' se!ve8 considerabJy crossed in 'their minds. Bui I do believeibat some considerable good was done. - ' ^^ Tuesday 2S, From a sense of duty 1 re- turned to Reading. Here I found tbat some &vil-dispd0ed people had be^ circulating sordefalse reports respecting my preacfaiiig, 4nd had strove to j>r«^Udice my friends a- |;ainsline. I finAtii^tHis always the case diat the aiemiea of religion persecute the hardest when God revives his woiitatany timeor plac^ and souls cry for mercy. This Wad thecase here. Sconefew sbuis had been aw&kenedy and ill consequence of that, every devise was used by our enemies to defiroy the work, and to turn back the serious i^^eek- ing souls. Wednesday, I rode to Wasiiington. . October 1 . 1 preached twG or three tiniies in Brookfield, and once in Washington this week. ' ; Sunday 4, I preached twice in Mount Tom, and once in Litchfield. They were good refreshing seasons? ..'.■. . I I fi II ■'. i r' ■^- . Mdkidaj^Mid Tues^ary I preached in: d^ Jben. ArQtheirs Hunt and Clfrk lajboure^ tiere, and I b^eve tk^ tbey bad geod 9W^ pess. From Gosheo I went to , Sbiaroi^ and attended a quarterly^meeting. . At jttus meet- log fhe mighty power of God was ^splayed r-many wereslain to tbe ground, ; I preacb- €d in tbe time of love-feast in a waggon in the strfeet. From quarterly-meeting I returned to Wilton. In tbis tour I rode about pa^ bandred and fifty mUesi^nd preached seven^ 4een times. FroQi WUton I went to Albany i from :tbence to Old Hartford, in Cimnecticut i Irom thence to Middletown and New-Havsn, ^nd from thence to Wilton. In this tour I travelled three hundred uriles wttbin tbree weeks, and preached almost every day, I think that I feel much more engaged with God at preselat, than I hate been for spme ithiie' past. After this toW, fpr some weeks I did not keep:any journal, owing to some singular .circuifislances, wbicb^it is not necessary to ^entiiHi in this pla^. ' May 6, 1808, our ccmfereuce begatn in ^^^^mimmmm^sBsamB "". '-"W m Ihe preachers m^genefcal.^ From ihb coiir ference I rec^ved wj apjpoiiiUticait to iravd ^on Schenectady oircuit; From Amenia I went to Nfw-York, and after staying there a few days, I rode to Ah- bany. It was about tjie 8th or 9tb rf June that I took my circuit. I -travellied ou thi^ circuit about three months, when I we^s atr tacked most violently with the ncrvoue feve?, which lasted me upwards of three: mopth^^ and finally left nie in a verjr debiltjgLt^ ^tc^t^, from which I have never recovered. £)qring the time that I was confined with the nerv^ jous fever, I suffered for upwards off ix w^lijs -with gr€at inward trials ; and the lastipart of the time, ^we suffered greatly in our outwalcd cireiuastaaces. \¥e were ^t length di^iyi^ tai||64iccessity of breaking up heus0dtee|p* iag : li put mj< wife And child out to board. The winter wa» extremely cddd, and J was very ^feeble ^ nevertheless, I. was neo^ita** -ted to. travel to New-^York; and Gouaectkut, .and 4^11 ta Albany^; ^d ift^w^ds c^- , ' tiuHed Toving .about &t four mpnth?^^ r wi^- ' • out bpise or^lsome. None bPt CM i^A(>ws iiiiiiiiiii HHg^^ wtit triala these Jthing$. caused me .and I have every reason to believe that my ex- treme trials ^<^ mind were a great cause of mcreasing my debility. Nevertheless^ God was with me in all my.suifiscings :. excep^ng about six weeks in the begipQing of my^s^r jlictions, I enjoyed great copfidenqe in Go^. puring that period, I experienced the greatr est trial in my mind that I recollect of .ey^ feeling in my life. I could not feel that rio^ sigiiation,to the will of God that I ought Ao fed : I thought it an extreme hard and difB- cult cross to give up travelling. God had blessed me much in that way, and I alway;s feilt d^ernnned to die in the iield. : My mind was greatly barrassed with trialsi and temptar tions that I never experienced before. Bui^ cfter passing a strict and impartial examijoar tion dmy own heart, I felt but one thing that I thought the Lord would disapprove, in me* ^At this time I could h&ve no inducement to deceive my own 9oul, for my physician ha4 g^yen me ovar to die-^all hopes of living weiie * g^ven up.) I felt no doubts respecting ^^ trutb of the doctrines I had preac]|e4 ; nor in respect to our plan of travdbng, ad » 1IWP « gdnenJ plain; but my conviction was tktt i Ought to have travelled at large, without con^ finiiig myself to any one circuit. I had often mentioned niy exercides to my brethren, but Ae most of them discouraged me froni pra^ eeeding in that way. I also had reasoned with myself thus: God has blessed me m die way that I am now in : this plau I have tried, and proved it to be a good and safe way ; my brethren are also blessed in travelling regular circuits, and they have no such exer** dis^ about travelling at large as I have, and I ought to respect their judgment. And again, if i should proceed, and travel at large others ^uld probably be induced to travel in the same manner : and I might injure the travel- Kng connexion* And furthermore, there are so many impostors in the world, who are travel*^ ling from plaice to place, I should subject my-^ self to the suspidons and censures of all who were not acquainted with me. These consi-* derations, together with many others of less moment, deterred me from the undertaking. But th*s thiiig exercised my mkid very se^ verely in my sickness, particularly in the IB i part of it. I could obtain no comfort to H 'if my soul. Whenever I prayed thit oAumoii of duty presented itself to my view, anAllidt conscious that! I had omitted my duty Jatijbis respect I tiiougfat that I should certainly die. These exercises continued, as I observ- ed| six weeks. When I lay on my 1 bed one night, labouring under the deepest distress ittf soul, I came to a resolution to go wherever God should direct me in bis providence at by his! Spirit, if he would spare my life, and restore me to health again. Immediately I fi^t the gldom and deep distress that had for six weeks pervaded my mind reuKH ved. The Lord poured forUi on my soul such a flood of light and love, and peace and jdy, as I scarcely ever experienced in my life* Now all was tranquil, placid, and heaven* like. No one can tell the J0y J then felt. My fever immediately left me in a great mear sure; and contrary to the expec^tions of all my friends, I began to recov^. Some people^ unacquainted with any ex- traordiimry communicatioas from ^e Spii^ of God, may mark this as enthusiasm ; and so Ihey may acQount all ^jb joyful, happ^i^ influences of theSj^rit that the christian fed4 ^^m tiitlil aiitttttfmiil 6f faiiaticism sMui^i% 11^ tliift exerciste wad caused by tlmBf^t^^ GH ns: I know that God, for dbtetlB €k^- Itas Ibrgiven all my «ins. ; ' BtlttoBiy tfaamel must acknowledge that f wa9 disc^edi^nt to the divine admonitions oC the Spirit; The cross ajqpeared to me insup- j^tiWe. My nature re^'ciled at the idea of •a i,ii v.muim ^ leav J tlie Methodist when he has been raised tip from a prii^te man to ati official station in ihe chnrch^ — ^then from the bareconsidCfratioti of pecuniary gain to forsake them, and join others whose doctrines are contraiy to his real belief, is a crime in my view almost unpaN dcAiable. fhen I can truly say that rto worldly consideration whatever had my in(fli|(- ence on my mind, except so much as ibl com* petent support for my Jhmily. In thissltutf- tibn my mind has been fear i^ve years. I a?*- dently desire to do my duty : but at j^resent my mind is suspended between duty and no- nessity. I am under the necessity of locair ing on account of my health. Ihaveth I foiind that the ckcuit was supplied with preachers ; ml my presidiqg elder informed me that I could have no circuit, unless he sent one of the preachers home. But I told him thai I ^ouH-i^^tber be without any appointment 'pyscSf^ than he should do so. In conse- quence of this, I bad no circuit till canfer-- ence ^ and therefore I travelled to the westi^ .Ward "Some considerable distasace^ and thea returned tb.Connecticut$ from wh^ce I rode tfi^ New*-Yorkv and attended conference.— il|rom this conference I received my stati<»i c^ N^wburgh circuit. At the time I receiv« etl my 'i^ointment, my family waa in Con- necticut, my furniture was in Troy, and my l^orse in Coe^mans. After I bad collated all .^etber on my circuit, I could gel no con- ^yenient hi>U0e finr my family to liv^ in. I l^d:tp storemy Avniture twice, which pro* ved a gprdftt triial to ]pe<: as no one aaeiated ine in providing a place.for my family, I nat? . i- mm m^m w lifally oonclttded thej did liot cordially re- eeive me. After 8ome ttme, a man who was not a methodist, provided a place for me^ MrherelJived during Ibe summer; but there being few of our society any where near, we found it extremely inconvei^ient on account of rect^iving any assistancQ for the necessai^ ries of iife» we moved in the fall into Newr burgh: Here I found a trial of quite a dif- ferent nature r soon after I moved intb the .place, tlie society got into difficulty ; one of the leaders refused to subnoit to the order of discipline, withdrew himself from our meet- ings, and set up one of bis own, in cqppoation to the regular stated meetings df the soci^y. We laboured, to convince him and his party K)f the impropriety of their conduct ; but our .labours availed nothing— they continued in- flexible. I clar kindness : many in the town of New^ burgh treated me and my family with great friendship: I think -^e were never blessed with morp generous friejids. . I left my circuit the last of April, and went Co Connecticut ; from there I rode to Pitts^ field, snd attended the annual conference; at which I was appointed to Granville circuit. My, wife and two. children w^rein Connect* • icut; my furalu^re and one child (a twin> ibreet mcmthi ») I) Twere m NetfimtgU: to n* ^, ^^r^- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) m 4/ 4v 1.0 I.I 1^ Ui|2j8 |2.5 ■50 *^^ M^^l Ui 1^ 12.2 ^ Ufi 12.0 ■UUU U 11.6 7] 72 ^;; w -^V-' v^* ■> ''^ '/ Hiotographic Sciences Corporalion 'ih WEST MAIN STRUT WIBSTRK.N.Y. 14580 (71«) e72-.503 ',lpq^||PipiHKIi ii(|p,i.ll|i.. *' ^*f. ir3 i90' §■ 1^:01^' •'^P#^Wy!^^' ;^j:' -^ffM'fi %t -^*m w -w p ■•-. ■1?*';%i' ^^■ \1> a .-^'. P^IP" I.I. JHWIPPP ■•9W ■swwp ftCte^ way I kwl^ftEe ftaidvw^ t; fti - '.Ji • -iK ■■ . :. ■ tiejrtBlcenpbntlMimselv^ whiih ibe^ xiaiiii^ the name of Christ, we sbouHl not see so iduc2^ stttpidit jv sd mneh pi!o&m^ amoiig tliem as we how 0See. How little 4o we ia general prize otir privileges, and what smaU; considerations \liill induce many to change Hieirreliji^n, or abandon it entirely. Ms^ the l^d have mercy oii lis. Our quarteiiy-raeeting Was h^d in JBetfe* lehem, Massachusetts. Brother R ^reiii;h^ &i on Suui^day i irery^ ieeling, p-^thetic did?; course. On the Sabbatli^ af our loVi&-fd3s% sbm^ of the children of Belial broke down tUi dodr and catne in^ and niade a great disturb aasiceiii: our ibeeti^g. ^er Idve-feast I jpteax^^ c^l Ifelt mucli ofth<3 divine assistance sasiili was^hapqpy. iClie j^ple were solemn ami tender^ and I teli^ eioi^e good wall dime. i^omqtuprter^rmeeting I wenttd Lenoz^ Ifiad^^jn appointmenf in the cocir^hpuse. Brother H^^«^ met me Itere^ and preatih^ i Fhmi Eemix I weiit^tQrreat»' Baitioftcinj^ W^ptti'^ w^ i^wyeili^^ 1 bad^w iqpp^iis|m^iii^ lodg»4[o{ti^^ ji^fdelHtteiidtt^ idil^^hiUuirjr had^ i^ ffW^4»l|n^Bo6ce, I pr8M$hedi>«--dM ^^^ ^^^W^^ST "• ■■ • ■' H «fj iimji'r^'mmmw 9? Jl U|i4er8landing that the Presbyterian minister had given out that he intended to dispute th^ first Methodist minister that preached in the place, I informed the people that if there wer§ any present who did not believe my doctrine, and felt disposed to controvert it, I hoped that they would do it now, or else for ever after hold their peace. A gentleman in the congre- gallon rose up, and said, I suppose, sir, you meai^me. I replied that I did know who be was. It was signified to me that he was their minister. I then observed that if he or any other gentleman present had any objections to the doctrine which I had advanced, I hoped tbat they would make them when I was pre- Bent, in order to convince meof my errors, or give me an opportunity of vindicating what I conceived to be right and true doctrine. He observed that it would not be polite for iiim ii> ent^into a dispute with me before all the j^ec^le. I told him, if he ever intended to make any objections to what 1 had advanced^ I thought that he ought to make them now. He said that he did not know that he should make any objection to what I had advanced^, jis he believed the principal part of the doo- t^ne : he choose to decline any conltroversy M mmif ^pnpMP ^PF mmm m' •iw.;*:. \, on the present occasion; and after some more desultory conversation we parted. ; I went from Great Barrington to Hillsdale, to Mr. Foster's, and preached in the evening and had a good time. Here brother Arnold met me, and the next day went with me to Amenia. Here we met brother Hunt. ) preached in the evening, and felt w^lL Here has been a revival of religion of late — ^the people are lively and affectionate. We put lip with brother Ingraham, a polite religiou^ family. From this place we went together to quar- terly meeting at Swago. It rained incessent- ly all the time that \go I went to Poughkeepsie, and preached on Wednesday and Thursd3y even- IPP wtm i ■ 'T- ^Km ings. The last evening 1 preached on the subject of predestination. Some said that I brought new things to their ears, and wished to hear more on the subject. , Friday I crossed the river, and preached in the evening at a school-house in New-Pall:?. ^ Saturday I recrossed the river and rode to Fishkiil. , Sundays at eleven o'clock, I preached at Fishkill landing, and at four o'clock in the Dutch Reformed meeting-house. The minr ister, Mr. W k, was very sociable and friendly, and void of prejudice. He in- vited me to stay with him over night ; but as I was previously engaged I declined his invi- llatioii. Four years ago I trKxl to get a house in this town to preach in, but could not, and was obliged lo preach in the sti'eet; but now the scene is altered ; prejudice seems to bodying ; many are enquiring after the truth : thus we see much prayer, zealous preaching, weep- ing, labouring, suffering, arid dying, all work for our good and the good of others. Monday, I preached at 11 o'clock in the Methodist meeting-house in the Highlands. i was very unwell, having taken a severe cold hy riding in the rain the preceding day aft^ preaching. . 1 I •"i^ i'*v'<-;- mmm^^^n"!' ■'0 ■"i» 1 1 100 The next day I rode to the Collarbarrick> and put up with brother Anderson. How manifold are the mercies of God! How many dangers he carries me through, and supports me under all my trials and temptations. He will never leave me nor forsake me; nor withhold any good thing from me if I walk uprightly. And even the chastisements of the Lord are mercies in disguise ; and when rightly received, will work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Some- times, during the past winter, when I have been riding, and suffering hunger and cold, and was sensible at the sanre time that my fa- mily were suffering with cold, in an old shat- tered house, my heart has sunk within me, but tears have come to my relief, fiuttheu at other times I have felt such an assurance of God*s favour, and such a confidence ii his di- vine goodness, that I am persuaded that all these things will ultimately work together for my eternal good, and the everlasting feli- city of others. FromCollarbarricklrode.to Wiltcm, in Connecticut^ Here I continued three or four weeks, and laboured with my hands every day, and preached almost every night. But '. ^^^' *at?^-;-. ■y^— p— i— ^Mwii n II I -■--.^. . 101 .10 1 r found that my excessive labdurd were too much for my constitution to bear. I left home the first of May, and rode to Hidgiield, where I met brother Russel. I stayed with him until the next day. I preached in the evening of the 9th at brother C 's to a few people ; but it was a good and and gracious time. Here I found soipe precious souls groaning for full redemption. God is wit?i them of a truth : they love the power of religion. From tMs I rode to Bed- ftrd, and put up with brother G. Lyon, who treated me with the greatest kindness. Sunday, Tith, I preached in the meeting- house. A number of preachers were present. After preaching in the morning we had the | Lord's Supper admi j mistered. Brother Jona- than Lyon preached in the afternoon, and I preached again in the evening. This was a gracious season to many souls. I have rea- son to believe that this day 'a opportunities will be long remembered. • The next day I preached in North-Castle meeting-house. It was a good season, tho' many appeared to be lifeless. From North-Castle I rode to New-York, in order to attend the Annual conferei^ce. 103 i I i Our conforence continued eight days. We had great union among the preachcrfl. I received mj station this year on Chatham circuit ; I fvad consequently to move my fami- ly upwards of one hundred miles. I went from eonfc'rence to Connecticut ; and after staying a few days at home I set out for my circuit, and reached it about the 8tb of June* Sunday 9, 1 preached in Hudson twice, and met class ; the society appear to be very low in religion. "^ Monday I rode to Kenderhook. From Ke^derhook I rode to Chatham : here I met my colleague, brother Matthias; we found that we had no appointments given out- Brother Matthias went to Hillsdale, and I wi^nt to Sand Lake. I preached Thursday evening at brother B 's to a small num-^ ber of lively people, and found it a good and refreshing season ta my own sottl. Friday I attended a funernl with a Pres- byterian minister. He read a dull, lifeless discourse to the people, on the subject of th^ impossibility of falling from grace; and I have no doubt but that it was cordially re- ceived by all the lukewarm and backsliden souls present. What good ieodeocy such preacaii^ can l^ve, on saints or sinners of ^;-^:^r'^ m m ^ ^mm 109 of any and every description, 13 past my power to conceive. I exhorted at the grave, but to h'ttle purpose, I fear. Sunday I6, at 10 o'clock, I preached to a small congregation. In the afternoon I preached in a school room, at China Hill, to a large congregation. Some cried aloud for mercy, others clapped their hands and shout- ed for joy, and the most of the congregation appeared affected. I have reason to believe that good js^as done. I, have been on this circuit nearly two weeks ; I can get no place for my family as yet. None but God, and the preachers, know what trials it causes us, to find so much difficulty in getting a place for our families every year : after nioving upwards of a hundred, and sometimes two liundred miles a year, (as I have done for five years successively) we have to look for a place for our families ; and being among strangers, it causes us trials of the most severe kind. Many, I do believe, have been induced to locate on this ground. It is possible that this thing will, in some fe- ture day, operate very much against the tra- velling plan. If every circuit had a house oa iifor the preachers, it would save the preach- > • r 3 I ■I I i I'. '\ ■ \ I1 I 4 ■■>,■'' hi t i I I mi 104 €FBin America seven thousand dollars a year; besides a great many trials of mind, and £s^ tigues of body. About two weeks after this I obtained a house for my family. I then hired a singe waggon and brought my family on the dr- cuit. But it was four weeks before I could g(*t my furniture brought on the circuit And when I got my family settled, the year was almost half gone. (I stayed but seven months here before I had to move directly back again one ht^ndted miles.) But after I had got settled my mind was eased of a great fotirden, and I laboured with much greater couriige and success, imake these remarks that our friends may know iiow much their preachers suffer for their good. I have no in- terest in it now, any farther than I feel inte- rested in the welfare of my brethren, as I ne- ver expect to travelon a. circuit again, unless I recover my health. J wish that our friends in general would take the subject into serious coi^ia^ration, and make the care of the pteacher^ ; their own, and if possible afford them assistance in the particular case above menUoiied. T^re haft been a great revival of religiim in the society at China HUl: upwairde of 'H*---- --^•*- 106 twenty have joined society, and there ia 4 prospect of many nlore joining. SomefeW have got religion in other societies, and there is a prospect of much good on the circuit at large. Our first quarterly-meeting com- menced the I lib of August, in Chatham. On Saturday we fiait a good and gracious time. I read the rules of our societies, and particular- ly the rules on dress, and informed our mem- bers that we were determifned to enforce all our rules on our soetoties, and we hoped tha^t all our official members would conciir with US' in thi*^ work, and every other member who felt zealous for the cause of God, would join with us in this important work : and we informed them, that all who wouM not am- furm to the rules concerning dress, could riot be admitted into love-feast. Our official inembiers promised us all the assistance in their power ; and I can truly say, that I nev- er received the aid of the official characters on any circuit more generally than I did on Chatham circuit ; and the Consequence was, that we had a gteat revival of reKg* jn, both in and out of the societies. Sunday 18, in love-feast, the power oi God was displayed: the people of Go# re- joiced> and som^ mourning souls were joy- V-vV i m 106., ^f^ily converted to God. 1 tmat thai .the whole meeting was rendered a lasting bless- ing to many precious souls. Monday 19, I felt great (Consolation in my mind, and began visiting, and contiuued three days successively, and found it profitableto my own soul, and I have jfg^on to believe that il was profitable to many others. Thursday I rode to Hudson, and attended a meeting in the evening, four miles out of town ; there ^re many in this place that ap- pear to be uader strong convictions for sin.; Friday 25, 1 preached at East Camp ; I had a good time to my soul : there is but a small society in this place. Saturday Q4, 1 returned to Hudson. Sunday 24, 1 preached twice, and felt thfa divine asastance, particularly ip the aftc?*- noon. In class-meeting we found four soulf^ crying fo mercy. After meeting I visited a sick woman, and bapti^d her child '.% after which I visited a member of our society^ jKJ|p 19 in a singular situation bpti) in bpiiy and mind. His nervous system is strangely af- fected — his body is remarkably emapi^ed-r yeVbi^iinaginesthathe shallliv^ a thnusand .yfars. Sonaetimes he thinks heis tbemiiii J^^mh spoken of in scripture; sometimes a if- a 107 reprobate, consigned 4o everlasting misery. His mind appears to be mo^ exquisitely tor- tured. Such another deplorable spectacle, I never saw, and God grant thatl-giay never see another like hiiii. " This quartllil have met with much opposi- tion from the world, and from lukewarm Me- thodists: nevertheless, we have had matiy souls happily converted, and the work in general is very prosperous. God is enlarging oilr borders on eveiry side-, we have takeuJn fourteen new appointments, and formed a liumber of new societies. My colleague and niyself have laboured in the greatest union.^ I have never travelled with any man that hr«3 attended to his duty on the circuit more faith-^ fully than he has done. Our societies (a few inSviduals excepted) the last quarter have cb-pperated with me in the execution of oiir rules on disorderly members; and expressed an anxious concern for the prosperity of our church. I did expect to have staye'd another year on this circuit, and the people expressed a des&'e that I should, and I had made some . pr^palratiohs for iti inasmuch as I had been moved firoin one to two hundred miles for five years successively, I thought it would be ad- ¥ • r iOS misBibl^ for meiocpntfai^ue here another year —but it was ordered otherwise. I left my circuit the first of April, in order to attend general ponference in New-Tork. The conference met the first oiMtny, 1819: about one hundred preacheri||||^tided, i^ all pavtliof the contin^t. It was a number c^days oefore we got the conference orgun* ized : our whole sitting continued three weeks. Some new reguj^titmst-wcre^iade, and some non^.i^sMAiiiml'alceratiQns in the farm of discipline, as in'ill be seen in the pr^nt edition. From genial confarence 1 went to Connecticut, and being much: out of health, I did not attend the annual confer^ce wUch was held ill Albiany. I recmved my appoint^ nient qpf^Mng ci^^ Juiy^Tt^ cmiUfU^ a]x)Ut six months, when my health had goi so bad that I was under the necessity to desist Ipm travelling. How I shall impend the rest of my shoti life, God only kiffif^ if my health dbould ever be sufl^eii|i||^i^ cu^llto l^ravel again ; but be thi8i^||||i^. to be resigned to aU Ihe |h| of ^€ttiv^ and clpsemy days inpeacel Jppsif year wrder fork. in ifiber rgan^ three aade> form es^nt vaiio ^tb, vlixik lealth easkf m of -f"