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The grounds of the Christian's hope;
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CONTAIN IN G. ,724.5°
A BRIEF ACCount of THE work of GoD's Holy
SPIRIT IN A REMARKABLE REVIVAL OF RE-
LIGION IN WEST-HARTFORD, IN
| "THE YEAR 1799.
*
#
DELIVERED ON THE
FIRST SABBATH OF THE YEAR soo.
By NATHAN PERKINS, A. M.
PAST or of THE CHURCH.
l
PUBLISHED Br THE Reapest, AND Ar THE extens;
OF THE HEARERS,
... º
HARTFORD :
PRINTED By Hudson AND GOODWIN,
18oo,
DISCO U R.S.E. ſ.
1 PETER. iii. I 5.
BUT ſančify the Lord God in your hearts, and bº
ready always to give an anſwer to every manº |-,-, . . .
a/ºth you a reaſºn of the hope that is inº
meekneſs and fear. w
UNE circumſtance, in the Chriſtian
worthy of particular notice, and ferº
guiſh it from all other ſyſtems of Moi
loſophy, antient or modern ; and this w
ing, uniformly and invariably, the human
God as the fountain of all exiſtence and M.
ºneſs, the only legitimate objećt of all religious"
adoration, and praiſe. This is a circumſtance
favour of its divine original which has in it, greatº
weight of evidence. And this reſpect to be con-
tinually paid to the Supreme Being is, alſo, to be
more than mere form, or a thing of courſe. It
muſt go from the heart. Thus, in the words now
read, we are called upon from the heart to pay all
due reſpect and reverence, adoration and love, ac-
knowledgments and praiſe to him. Sanélify the













4.
Lord God in your hearts.--To ſančfify the Lord God
in our hearts is to fear, worſhip, ſerve, and obey
the one true and living God, who is over all,
bleſſed forevermore, in whom we live, move, and
have our exiſtence.
WE are, likewiſe, required, in the text, at all
fit ſeaſons, and warrantable occaſions to afford
others who may deſire it, all proper information
concerning the grounds of our hope in divine mer-
cy and forgiveneſs, or that we are reconciled in the
temper of our hearts to the divine charaćter, and
entertain the pleaſing idea that we have in truth re-
*ed the glorious Salvation of the Goſpel. Or
Nying may be, that we are in duty obliged,
Afit occaſion offers, to lay before them
s of our belief of the goſpel as celeſ.
igin, and that the ſcriptures of the
w-Teſtament are the word of God,
genuine, and not the work of man’s
As this ſame Apoſtle elſewhere ob-
% have alſo a more ſure word of prophecy;
Vito ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light
fineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and
Hay ſtar ariſe in your hearts. Knowing this firſ:
ºat no prophecy of the ſcripture is of any private inter.
pretation. For the prophecy came not in old time, by
the will of ſlam : but holy men of old ſhake as they were
moved by the Holy Ghoſt. Moreover—
THE reaſon of our hope of perſonal forgiveneſs.
or our belief of revealed Religion is to be given,
with meekneſ; and fear. There ought to be great
diffidence and caution left we offend God and our













5
brethren—expoſe religion itſelf to unjuſt reproach
—or prejudice others, who never felt its power,
though admirers of its form, againſt it. Meekneſ;
and fear, here, ſtand oppoſed to forwardneſs, ſpir-
itual pride, and boaſtful confidence. The deceit-
fulneſs and treachery of the human heart make it
proper for Chriſtians to be always on their guard:
—and always humble.
WHAT is intended, in further diſcourſing upon ...
the words before us, is to explain the duty, here
preſſed upon Chriſtians :—And then to accommo-
date the ſubject to the ſeaſon, it being the firſt ſab-
bath in a new year, and to the fituation of this “
congregation, by recounting, in a conciſe manner,
the very remarkable revival of Religion among us,
during the year now cloſed. . . . .
THE duty here preſſed upon Chriſtians conſiſts
of two parts, the firſt is ſančiffing the Lord God in
our hearts ; and the other is giving a reaſon of the
hope that is in us, of an intereſt in the ſalvation of
the Goſpel, or of our belief of its truth, with
meekneſs and fear. * -
THE firſt part of the duty here urged upon
Chriſtians, is ſanétifying the Lord God in our hearts.
And one thing implied in doing this, is acknowl-
edging, and having a realizing ſenſe of his being
and attributes. No ſervice rendered unto him,
can be acceptable, or rational, but what flows from
a ſenſe that he is, and that he will reward all who
diligently ſeek him. There muſt be a belief of his
6
exiſtence. But without faith it is impoſſible to pleaſe
him : for he that cometh to God muſe believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently ſeek
him. All religion begins with God. A firm belief
that there exiſts at the head of the univerſe one
great, original, deſigning cauſe is the firſt principle
of all religion. And this firſt intelligent cauſe is
worthy of all poſſible adoration and praiſe. He is
the Creator and preſerver of all worlds. By the
word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all
the hoſts of them by the breath of his mouth. He
ſtretched out the heavens over our heads as a cur-
tain, and laid the foundations of the earth. He
ſpake and it was done. He commanded and it
ftood forth. At his call the mighty frame of the
created univerſe aroſe into being. The heavens de-
clare his glory, and the firmament ſheweth his han-
dy work. He guides all the motions of the natu-
ral, and all the actions of the moral world. And
his being muſt be realized in order to our ſančišfy-
ing him in our hearts. He muſt be ſeen and acknowl-
edged as the one only living and true God, who
has all power, wiſdom, knowledge, and goodneſs:
—as exiſting in, and of himſelf—independent—
eternal—and unchangeable.
AGAIN, the duty of ſančiffing the Lord God in
our hearts is making him our conſtant fear. We
are always to feel a reverence of him, both in his
being and attributes. Hence the following exhor-
tation in the prophecy of Iſaiah, Sanétify the Lord of
hoſts himſelf, and let him be your fear, and let him be
your dread. To ſančiff, applied to God, ſignifies
7
ſººn
to confeſs and celebrate that to be holy, which in
itſelf was ſo before. A reverential regard to him,
in all his adorable excellencies, therefore, comes in-
to the very nature of the duty of ſančifying him.
We are always to treat him, his being and perfec-
tions, with all poſſible reverence; and above all
things elſe, to dread his anger, to all the fierceneſs
of which we have expoſed ourſelves on account of
our fins. And fear not them, ſays our bleſſed Lord,
which kill the body, but are not able to kill the ſoul, but
rather fear him which is able to deſtroy both ſoul and
body in hell. It muſt be clear to all, that to main-
tain a conſtant and deep reverence of God is an ef.
fential ingredient, in the duty, now under confid- -
eration. To ſančify the Lord God in our hearts is to
look up to him as infinitely holy and glorious; and
in our lives, to pay a ſacred regard to him, in alſ
his adorable attributes. Such therefore as treat,
with diſreſpect, his name, his Providence, his laws,
his word, his ordinances, and ſabbaths do not ſanc-
tify him, in their hearts. * , -
It may be further obſerved, that the duty of
~ ſand ifying the Lord God in our hearts, is endeavour-
ing to maintain a devotional frame of mind towards
him, at all times ; and whenever the ſtated ſeaſons
of the exerciſe of ſuch a frame of heart return, ac-
tually engaging in it, with becoming fervour. If
we feel that he alone is glorious in holineſs and the
only proper object of homage and adoration, we
ſhall be ſenſible of the obligations under which we,
and all rational creatures are to him. Living,
therefore, in the daily exerciſe of a devotional tem-
8
per, and being ready to perform all the offices of
piety, when the ſtated ſeaſons of them return, or
when divine Providence calls us, is undoubtedly
implied in the duty of ſančiffing the Lord. Such
then as live in the allowed and habitual neglečt of
pious and devotional exerciſes, cannot be ſaid to
ſanétify the Lord God in their hearts, or lives.
THE duty of ſanétifying God in our hearts, a-
gain, implies that we actually chooſe him as our
portion and hope. He is, in himſelf, infinitely
worthy of all poſſible expreſſions of love, grati-
tude, admiration, and obedience:—infinitely wor-
thy to be choſen as our ſupreme portion. We are
perfectly ſafe when we make him our help and
hope. They that truſ; in the Lord ſhall be as Mount
Zion which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.
He is the inexhauſtible fountain of all goodneſs and
glory. He is all-ſufficient for our happineſs: He
has power to protect us, whatever may be our dif-
ficulties and embarraſſments—wiſdom to guide us
into right paths—mercy to pardon us, however
heinous our guilt—goodneſs to bleſs us and ſupply
our wants, great as they may be—and grace to ſub. Tº
due the corruptions of our nature. His arm is
able to ſave—his ear is ready to hear—and he nev-
er will leave or forſake thoſe who chooſe him for
their portion. His infinitely glorious attributes,
indeed, render him the proper portion of the im-
mortal mind. Sanétifying him in our hearts is
chooſing him as our God—our help—our depend-
ance. The Lord is gracious and full of compaſ.
fion ; flow to anger ; and of great mercy : The
9
Lord is good to all ; and his tender mercies are
over all his works. He is, conſequently, infinitely
worthy to be choſen as a portion. He is poſſeſſed
of all poſſible excellencies, over all, bleſſed forev.
er more. Happy, then, muſt all be who have
choſen him for their God! - - - -
THE other part of the duty urged upon Chriſ
tians, in the words before us, is being always ready
and willing to give an anſwer to every man that aſ:-
eth a reaſon of the hope that is in them, with meekneſ;
and fear.
THE hope here intended is no doubt a hope of
pardoning mercy and ſalvation—of peace with
God, or the Chriſtian’s hope. If the hope here
ſpoken of mean a belief of the truth of the Goſ.
pel, yet it chiefly intends a hope of a perſonal in-
a tereſt in the invaluable bleſfings of the Goſpel, and
the ſalvation which it offers. Entertaining ſuch a
hope, we ſhould be willing to have others know
the grounds, upon which it is built. They may,
with great propriety, aſk us the reaſon of our hope
—why we allow ourſelves to expect ſalvation—why
we truſt pardon hath been extended to us. It is
true that many times, others in propoſing the
queſtion may have an ill and captious deſign— s
Where it is apparent that the queſtion originates
from improper motives, from an ill deſign, or cap-
tious temper, and where there is no proſpect of do-
ing good an anſwer may be withholden. But when-
ever duty requires us to give a reaſon of the hope
B *
J. O.
that is in us, it muſt be done, with meekneſ; and
fear ; a fear left we communicate wrong ideas and
impreſſions;—leſt we prejudice others againſt ex-
perimental godlineſs—and left we ourſelves; thro'
the deceitfulneſs and treachery of our own hearts,
be built up in ſpiritual pride. Diffidence, meek-
neſs, and caution ſhould ever accompany our rea-
fon of the hope that is in us. Becauſe every thing
which looks like oſtentation, ſpiritual pride and ſelf-
conceit in religion is peculiarly odious. Whenever
we undertake, conſequently, to declare our hopes
of divine mercy, or to ſtate our views and feelings
in reſpect to Religion, it ſhould be done as mention-
ed, by the Apoſtle, with meekneſs and fear.
THE pious Pſalmiſt profeſſes himſelf to be ready
to inform all who feared God, or where there was
any favorable proſpect of good to be accompliſhed,
what views and ſenſe he had of divine things,
Pſal. ixvi. 16. Come and hear, all ye that fear God,
and I will declare what he hath done for my ſoul—He
made no objections againſt imparting to others, his
fenſe of divine things, where it might be done with
propriety. To open, however, your views and
experience of divine things before the profane and
impious, or at improper times, would be injuring
the cauſe of the Redeemer, and unneceſſarily ex-
poſing his Religion to reproach. We have the ex-
preſs prohibition of the glorious founder of our
holy Religion on this point—Give not that which is
holy unto the dogs, neither caſt ye your pearls before
ſwine left they trample them under their feet and turn
again and rent you. |
ºf f
IT is not only, we conceive, 2ccording to ſcrip-
ture, but conſonant to the laws of benevolence, to
impart to others when time, place and circum-
ſtances render it fit, the hope which we have of
ſalvation, and the grounds upon which it ſtands.
If it be deemed altogether right to impart for the
benefit of the world, important diſcoveries in any
uſeful arts and ſciences, why ſhould it be thought
improper to communicate the hopes of forgiveneſs,
which we may cheriſh, together with the reaſons of
them : If a neighbour or an acquaintance had paſſ.
ed from a ſtate of ignorance and rude and ſavage
manners, to much uſeful information and knowl-
edge—or from deep poverty and narrow circum-
ſtances, to eaſe and affluence—or from a low and
private ſtation, to reſpectability and honour—or
from extreme fickneſs and diſtreſs of body, to
health and ſoundneſs would not the change be men-
tioned with pleaſure ? Would not the event be
quickly known abroad, and be celebrated by all,
except the envious and malicious : Why, then,
ſhould a change infinitely more important and in-
tereſting be concealed ; or why ſhould it be thought
wrong or a mark of ſpiritual pride to mention it
May we not ſpeak of the change, when it is ſpirit-
ual and moral—a paſſing from death unto life—be-
ing turned from fin unto holineſs—being brought
Out of darkneſs into marvellous light in the Lord :
WHENEver a work of divine grace, through
the convictive and regenerating influence of the
Holy Ghoſt, takes place among a people, an ac-
count or narrative, conciſely drawn up, of ſuch a

# 2
work, may ſubſerve many happy and important
purpoſes. All the praiſe and glory of it ought to
be aſcribed where due, to him, who doth all things
according to the counſel of his own will : Who,
as a perfect fovereign, works when, how, and
where it ſeemeth him good. All bleſfings, indeed,
whether temporal or ſpiritual, come from him as
the overflowing fountain : Every good and perfect
gift proceedeth from the Father of lights, with
whom there is no variableneſs or ſo much as ſhadow
of turning. He will have mercy, on whom he
will have mercy. He grants his Holy Spirit as
ſeemeth good in his fight, to render effectual upon
the hearts and conſciences of people, the miniſtra-
tions of the Goſpel. Whatever inſtruments are
honoured in accompliſhing his gracious defigns, his
is the power; and his ſhould be all the glory.—
Paul may plant and Apollos water, but he giveth
the increaſe. When he has deſigns of good for
individuals or a congregation of his people, or ſpir-
itual bleſfings to impart, he will employ ſuch means
as, in his ſovereign will, are agreeable to his infi-
nite wiſdom. - . - -
To lay before the mind a juſt and faithful narra-
tive of a work of God’s Holy Spirit in bringing
the careleſs and hardened finner to attend to his
ſalvation, with all ſeriouſneſs and diligence, and to
embrace cordially the glorious Redeemer —Or
when many—very confiderable numbers are thus
affected by a general attention, muſt redound great-
ly to the honour of religion;—is a delightful proof
of the truth of the Goſpel ;—is a clear diſplay of
I 3
its power;–muſt enliven the zeal of pious Chriſ.
tians—animate their affections—bring them to the
throne of grace in fervent prayers and praiſes—be
the occaſion of thankſgivings unto God from ma-
ny;—and of the advancement of his glory. The
many valuable purpoſes, therefore, which may be
anſwered by ſuch an Account are a ſufficient rea-
ſon, why it ought not to be omitted. A congrega-
tion of worſhipping Chriſtians ought carefully to
notice all divine Providences to them. If afflićtive,
to be humble under them. If proſperous, to be
thankful for them. If general health have been
enjoyed by them, while other places have been viſ-
ited with waſting fickneſs and great mortality, it
ought not to be forgotten. The more important
likewiſe the bleſſings conferred, the higher do the
obligations of gratitude riſe, and the more need to
be duly appreciated. Temporal mercies, impor-
tant and great as they may be, are not to be com-
pared to ſpiritual. -
There are, likewiſe, times and ſeaſons peculiar-
ly fitted for the purpoſe of directing the minds of
a whole congregation to the ſpecial operations of
God’s Providence or grace. Such are the preſent
ſeaſon and occaſion. We are now entered upon
another year of our lives. This being the firſt ſab-
bath in it, a brief recapitulation of the chief mer-
cies of God to you, the year now cloſed, may teach
—awaken—quicken—and impreſs you.-Upon a
retroſpective view of the many favours of God,
both temporal and ſpiritual to us, we may well ad-
dreſs our ſouls, as the pious Pſalmiſt doth, in the fol.
\
i4
lowing words—Bleſ; the Lord O my ſoul : and all that
is within me, bleſ; his holy name : Bleſ; the Lord O my
ſoul, and forget not all his benefits.
EveRY thing indeed which may be conducive to
the good of ſouls, in a ſpiritual ſenſe, or tend to
promote the intereſt and credit of the Redeemer’s
kingdom, or to advance the cauſe of piety and mo-
rality, ought to meet the wiſhes of the friends of
Zion. Moſt ungrateful and baſe would a people be
to forget the work of divine grace, in calling up
their attention to things heavenly, through the min-
iſtrations of the SAN cru ARY. In truth, the
preaching of the doćtrines of religion, in their
purity and with plainneſs, is the moſt powerful
mean of building up the peace and happineſs of
mankind :—Of this you would have a full convic-
tion, were you to be eye-witneſſes of the ſtriking
difference, between a people who enjoy, and thoſe
who do not enjoy, the advantages and light of the
Chriſtian diſpenſation.—We may, indeed, well
weep in the ſadneſs of our hearts, that ſo many,
who fit under the light of the glorious Goſpel, are
ſo hardened in impenitence and wilful neglect of
duty.—But for our encouragement, may we not
conclude that, wherever the means of grace are
granted, or the truths of Chriſtianity are juſtly
and clearly exhibited, there they are more or leſs
proſpered. The viſible ſucceſs attending them is
frequently next to nothing : The ſeed ſown ſeems
to periſh in the earth—God’s miniſtring ſervants
ſeem to labour in vain, and ſpend their ſtrength for
nought.—They take up this heart-rending lamenta-
I 5
tion, Lord who hath believed our report, or %whom
is the arm of the Lord revealed / They cry out, of
ten, with the prophet Jeremiah, who was greatly
diſcouraged by his want of ſucceſs—O that mine
head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears,
that I might weep day and night for the ſlain of the
daughter ºf my people / But nevertheleſs, even, in
times of general deadneſs and inattention as to reli-
gion, there may be many, on whoſe hearts, though
unknown to all around them, the Goſpel diſpenſed
may have its deſired effect. For the faithful diſpen-
ſation of the Goſpel is at all times more or leſs ſuc-
ceſsful. Some are awakened, though they never
diſcloſe their feelings to their neareſt friends—
Some are convinced of their danger from fin, and
groan in ſecret. Some are ſavingly enlightened,
and experience the renewing power of the Holy
Ghoſt, though they dare not admit a hope of their
intereſt in the atoming blood of a precious Re-
deemer. Others are edified, confirmed, and com-
forted : are enabled to give a reaſon of the hope that
is in them with meekneſ; and fear. -
BUT at ſome peculiarly happy ſeaſons never to be
forgotten, but to be remembered with admiring
joy, and adoring thankfulneſs, it pleaſes a gracious
and merciful God, in the riches of his goodneſs, to
bow the heavens and come down by his Holy Spirit
to a congregation. He clothes the means of grace
with wonderful power. A ſpirit of prayer is given,
in a ſurpriſing manner: Heavenly dews ſoftly de-
ſcend, and enliven the fields of Zion.—Näy, mighty
ihowers of grace are poured out. The Father of
15
mercies, a ſovereign God, opens his treaſures of
awakening, convincing, and renewing influence;
cauſing it to rain Oil one city and not On another,
and who ſays, I will pour water upon him that is thir/ly
and floods upon the dry ground : I will pour my ſpirit
upon thy ſeed, and my bleſºngs upon thine offspring.
And they ſhall ſpring up as among the grºſs, as willows
by the water courſes. One ſhall ſay I am the Lord’s,
and another ſhall call himſelf by the name of jacob ;
and anotherſhall ſubſcribe with his own hand unto the
Lord, and ſurname himſelf by the name of Iſrael.—
God’s word is as a fire to melt, and a hammer to
break the rock in pieces. The peculiar and diſ.
criminating doctrines of the Goſpel, when the in-
fluence of the Holy Spirit accompanies them, have
a wonderful force. For the word of God is quick and
powerful, and ſharper than any two edged ſword, pier-
cing even to the dividing aſunder of ſoul and ſpirit, and
f the joints and marrow, and is a diſcerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart.
Such as never had the happineſs to ſee, among
a people, a general attention to Religion, or to be
witneſſes of a revival of it, can hardly realiſe the
aſtoniſhing alteration which it makes, or have any
very adequate idea of it. They wilſ, with difficul-
ty, be led to conceive it poſſible, that the Goſpel,
in its miniſtrations, ſhould be ſo powerful. We
find, alſo, ſome who have the diſtinguiſhed lot of
being in the midſt of ſuch a ſcene, wholly neglect,
either through conceit of their own rank in ſociety,
or pretended multiplicity, importance, and crowd-
ing nature of worldly buſineſs, or mere ſlothful-
17
• *
neſs, to ſee it, or cooly and candidly examine the
fact. A few, moreover, either ačtually do, or af.
fect to diſbelieve the whole, imputing what is un-
- common, either to enthuſiaſm—ſympathy—the
power of imagination—or to ſtrains of pathetic el-
oquence, in the Miniſter of the Goſpel, or to ſub-
jećts of terror ſet before the mind, in glowing lan-
guage—or the operation of animal affections, or
ſome other equally inadequate cauſe. Such will
not come and fee. They keep at a diſtance from
everything of this kind. If they would lay afide
all prejudice, and carefully examine for themſelves,
they would ſoon be ſatisfied. But the misfortune
is that ſuch are their prejudices, or perverſe ſenti-
ments, that they cannot endure the thought of ſee-
ing or hearing any thing like experimental Reli-
gion. Unhappy is it for themſelves, for ſociety
and for real piety that they have imbibed the no-
tion, that all Religion conſiſts only in mere exter-
nal obſervances, and a life viſibly moral and de-
cent. While actuated by theſe views and ſenti-
ments, they will, of courſe, be implacable ene-
mies to a revival of Religion, or a work of con-
vićtion and converſion. If any who hear me, have
any doubts about the reality of ſuch a work, a fe-
rious and diligent peruſal of the ſcriptures, and a
candid and patient examination of the nature of
the Goſpel, would, it is apprehended, entirely re-
move them. Let the following accounts, on divine
record, be here well weighed, of ſeveral inſtances
of the wonderful power of a preached word, in
~ ;-- G. -
I 8
different places. Upon critically examining theſe,
penned by inſpiration, we ſhall ſee a ſtriking coin-
cidence with all genuine revivals of Religion, a£
any time, and among any people, in any part of
the Chriſtian world.—For it is the ſame grace of
God which renders the Goſpel ſucceſsful in one
age, place, and heart equally as another.
IN Sanzaria, we have a narrative of a work of
divine grace, where the glorious Goſpel preached
by Philip, an evangeliſt, was rendered effectual,
by the effuſions of the Holy Spirit. A Chriſtian
church was there gathered.—When a furious per-
ſecution was commenced againſt the church in Je-
ruſalem, Philip went down to Samaria, and preach-
ed the Goſpel. The people heard the word with
great joy, and ſpared no pains to be, where it was
to be ſpoken. They were all attention to it ; ſoli-
citous to learn the way of ſalvation and life. By
the convićtive operations of the Holy Ghoſt they
were brought under awakenings. Their religious
impreſſions greatly affected them, and terminated,
in many caſes, happily. The effects evidenced the
reality of their faith and repentance. We are told
that many believed the Goſpel; and were added to
the church—and received the holy ſacrament of
baptiſm. Aćts viii. 5–8. Then Philip went down
to the city of Samaria, and preached Chriſt unto them.
And the people with one accord gave heed unto thoſe
things which Philip ſpake, hearing and ſeeing the mir-
acles which he did. And there was great joy in that
city.—But when they believed Philip preaching the
things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of
I Q
jeſus Chriſt, they were baptiſed, both men and wo.
Ž897?.
AT Awarzoch, likewiſe, the word preached was
remarkably ſucceeded by the awakening and renew-
ing power of God’s Holy Spirit. The Miniſters
of the Goſpel, who carried the good news of par-
don and life to that place, found mercy to be ſuc-
. ceſsful. The people were deeply attentive. Many,
after an anxious ſolicitude about their everlaſting
ſalvation, were made the ſubjects of the renewing
grace of God. In conſequence of their cordially
embracing the Goſpel, they took upon themſelves,
a public profeſſion of religion—joined the church
—and received Chriſtian baptiſm. Aćts xi. 21—25.
And the hand of the Lord was with them, the Min-
iſters of the Goſpel, and a GREAT NUMBER believed
and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of theſe things
came unto the ears of the church in jeruſalem. And
they ſent forth Barnabas that he ſhould go as far as An-
tioch. Who when he was come, and had ſeen the grace
of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with
purpoſe of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For
he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghoſt and of
faith , and much people were added unto the Lord. A
large acceſſion was made to the church. Such as
entertained a hope that they had been brought from
fin to holineſs, and been the ſubjects of a work of
the ſanctification of the Holy Ghoſt, made a pro-
feſſion of Religion, joined the church, and receiv-
ed the holy ordinances. But the word of God grew
and prevailed. The people were all earneſtneſs and
engagedneſs to hear the word. They were deeply
2 O "
affe&ted with it. By the concurring influence of
grace, the truths ſpoken were ſucceſsful on the
heart. Siſter-churches partook in the joy. The
pious labors of God’s miniſtring ſervants were
owned. What is worthy of particular notice here
is that there was apparently no open oppoſition to
the power and prevalence of the Goſpel, in either
of theſe places. But, on the contrary, great ſat-
isfaction and pleaſure. The people were, cheerful-
ly and harmoniouſly, attentive to the preaching of
the word, and greatly rejoiced to behold its benign
effect on the heart and life. For a reformation of r
morals always attends a revival of religion. And
there was great joy in that city,
AT THESSALONICA, the preaching of Paul and
Silas was remarkably bleſſed by the attending influ-
ence of the Holy Ghoſt, though a moſt unreaſona-
ble and violent oppoſition was raiſed, by baſe and
lewd men, againſt the Religion of Chriſt, and his
Miniſters—againſt the Goſpel, and its obtaining
credit and power among any of the people. ‘. But
man, however inimical to the peculiar doctrines of
the Goſpel, cannot ſtop their progreſs, or prevent
others from feeling their force. For notwithſtand-
ing the violent enmity againſt the Religion of Jeſus,
many of both ſexes, and among the moſt reſpect-
able, were exceedingly attentive, became deeply
impreſſed with a ſenſe of divine things—hopefully
obtained pardon—and were the happy ſubjects of a
work of ſanétification on the heart. Aćts xvii.
Now when they had paſſed through Amphipolis, .
and Apallonia, they came to Theſſalonica where was a

2 I
ſynagogue of the jews. And Paul, at his manner
was, went in unto them, and three ſabbath days rea-
ſoned with them out of the ſcriptures. Opening and al-
ledging that Chriſ' muſt need; have ſuffered and riſen -
again from the dead : and that this jeſus whom I.
preach unto you is Chriſt. And ſome of them believed
and conſorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout
Greeks a GREAT multitude, and of the chief women wor
A FEW, - J
At Berea, a ſimilar attention to Religion is re-
lated in the ſacred pages. The ſame Goſpel was
efficacious—the ſame God adored—the ſame Sav-
iour received—and the ſame profeſſion of faith
made. The moſt reſpectable people of that place
heard the word with joy. Such, too, as were care-
ful to attend upon the preaching of the word, and
the ſeaſons and opportunities devoted to religious
worſhip, were greatly moved; and many of them
effectually called. But ſuch, as either wholly neg-
lećted, or openly oppoſed the work, were left of
God, in his righteous and ſovereign Providence,
to remain ſtupid and hardened in fin, impenitence,
and unbelief. It is particularly noticed of the con-
verts at Berea, that they manifeſted the genuineneſs
of the work, by a diligent and faithful peruſal of
the holy ſcriptures. And in all places, where it has
pleaſed a gracious and merciful God, to excite, by
his ſpirit, any uncommon attention to Religion, an
abundant reading of the inſpired volume, and con-
ſtancy and engagedneſs of mind, in waiting upon
God in all his inſtituted means of religious inſtruc-
tion, are equally obſervable. Ağskvii, Io, 11, 12,
. 2 2
And the brethren immediately ſent away Paul and Silas
by night unto Berea, who coming thither went into a
ſynagogue of the jews. Theſe were more noble than
thoſe of Theſſalonica in that they received the word with
all readineſs, and ſearched the ſcriptures daily whether
thoſe things were ſo. Therefore MAN r of them believ-
ed, alſo of honourable women which were Greekr, and
of MEN Awog A FEW. -
BUT the hiſtorian informs us, that the enemies
of the work at Theſſalonica, were not contented
with abuſing, inſulting, and belying the Preachers
of the Goſpel, at home; but, to ſuch extreme
lengths did their malice carry them, that they went
to Berea, and exerted themſelves all in their power
to put a ſtop to the work there. How prepoſte-
rous their zeal againſt the Goſpel ! and by what a
mad perſecutin g ſpirit were they ačtuated
At Coxſwza, a moſt furious oppoſition ſhowed
itſelf, againſt the regular Miniſters of Chriſt for
preaching the plain, and powerful doćtrines of the
Goſpel. The enemies of Religion always manifeſt
their malice againſt God and Chriſt, by fingling
out his Miniſters as the objects of their implacable
rage. No falſhoods are too groſs for them to at-
tempt to ſpread, nor hatred too deadly for them to
exerciſe. But mighty is the power of Goſpel-
truth : its glorious doćtrines will have an effect on
the heart. Even in Corinth, though ſo many op-
poſed and blaſphemed, ſtill NUMBERs believed :
were convinced of the danger and guilt of fin :
and were brought to a ſaving knowledge of God in
Chriſt. In conſequence of a hopeful change of
23
heart by regenerating grace, they joined the church,
by a public profeſſion of Religion; and received
the holy ſacrament of baptiſm. Acts xviii. 8. And
Criſpus the chief ruler of the ſynagogue believed on the
Lord with all his houſe; and Mawr of the Corinthians,
hearing, believed, and were baptized.
We have the following narrative of a work of
God’s Holy Spirit at EPHEsvs. The preaching of
the Goſpel, in that place, was remarkably bleſſed.
Many were viſited with awakenings and convićtions.
And were ſavingly wrought upon by divine grace.
As the natural and neceſſary effect, they forſook
their idolatrous and evil pračtices. They made an
open confeſſion of their ſcandalous crimes, and
ſhameful deeds, in following the magical art. They
PUBLIcLY profeſſed their faith in Chriſt. The
Goſpel preached had the ſame benign influence
upon them, as it has in all ages and places where
the divine ſpirit is poured out in his awakening and
renewing power. But an oppoſition aroſe, here,
alſo. Idolaters, and ſuch as acquired a living or
gain from idolatrous practices, ſet themſelves to op-
poſe the Goſpel, by reviling its Miniſters, the uſual
reſort of all envious and wicked enemies to the
Goſpel itſelf, and its divine Author. Aćts xix. -'
17, 18, 19, 20. And this was known to all the jews -
and Greeks alſo dwelling at Epheſus, and fear fell on .
them all, and the name of the Lord jeſus was magni- &
fied. And MAN r that believed, came and confeſſed,
and ſhewed their deeds. MANr alſo of them which’
uſed curious arts brought their books together, and burn-
ed them before all men ; and they counted the price of
24.
them, and found itſfy thouſand pieces of ſilver. So
mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.
IN theſe ſeveral accounts of a work of divine
grace, in ſcripture, in different places, a great uni-
- formity, in the effe&ts of the work, and the man-
ner of it, is very obſervable. And thoſe ſcripture-
narratives, I have very briefly rehearſed, to ſhow
the importance, as well as nature of a work of
God’s Holy Spirit, among a people ; and to juſtify
the giving an account of ſuch a work wherever it
may, in the infinite goodneſs of God, be granted.
Facts are of the higheſt conſequence to mankind in
teaching them the real nature of religion. If we
would learn the nature of any thing, in the cleareſt
manner, we muſt go where that nature is ačted out.
i
A deſire to know what effect the Goſpel has upon
others is very commendable. And how great the
coincidence is between the work of grace to be re-
lated, in the ſequel, and the above ſcripture-ac-
counts, muſt be left to the candid hearer to judge.
DISCOURSE II,
I PETER iii. I 5.
Bur ſančify the Lord God in your hearts, and be
ready always to give an anſwer to every man that
aſketh you a reaſon of the hope that is in you with
meekneſs and fear. - : / -
IN diſcourſing upon theſe words it was propoſed to
explain the duty here preſſed upon Chriſtians—and
then to accommodate the ſubject to the ſeaſon and
the fituation of this Congregation, by recounting,
in a conciſe manner, the very remarkable revival
of Religion among us, during the year now cloſed.
THE duty here preſſed upon Chriſtians, it was
obſerved, conſiſted of two parts, Sanétifying the
Lord God in our hearts ; and giving an anſwer to
ſuch as deſire a reaſon of the hope that is in us of
pardon and ſalvation, with meekneſ; and fear. Af.
ter explaining the duty, the way is prepared to at-
tend to the main deſign in view, to give you ſome
general account of the work of divine grace, in
this congregation, the ſeaſon paſt.
ID
26
THREE remarks reſpecting this work tending to
place it, in a true light, ſhould be here made.
THE firſt is, the very great uniformity in the
views, feelings, and impreſſions of thoſe, who have
been the ſubjects of it. This is no flight evidence
of its being a real and genuine work of the grace
of God. For if true Religion be the ſame in all
who poſſeſs it: If the human heart, in its natural
ſtate, be equally depraved in all : If the goſpel be
the ſame in its deſign and power : If its doćtrines be
the ſame at all times; and if God’s Holy Spirit be
the ſame in his operations, this conſequence muſt
neceſſarily follow that the views, feelings, and im-
preſſions both under religious awakenings, and
thoſe convićtions which commonly precede renova-
tion, and in converſion will be uniform, or very
fimilar. They will indeed be in kind, though not
in degree, exactly alike. Differing in many cir-
cumſtances, they will be ſubſtantially the ſame. A
very great uniformity has been obſervable, which
is a proof that the work is not apocryphal. If it
had been the effect merely of enthuſiaſm, or of a
heated imagination, it is not at all probable there
would have been ſuch an uniformity. -
ANoTHER remarkable circumſtance attending
the work is its great regularity. The whole pro-
greſs of it, from the firſt commencement of it un-
til the preſent day, has been diſtinguiſhed by or-
der, peace, union, and ſedateneſs. There have
been no diviſions, herefies, envyings, contentions,
ſeparations, viſions, trances, and impulſes. No
hard judging, raſh cenſoriouſneſs, and unchar-
27
itableneſs. All, who were under ſerious concern
about their ſalvation, even when moſt deeply affect-
ed, manifeſted no diſpoſition to have others ſee and
know their diſtreſs, though very often ſo great as
almoſt to overwhelm them. We had no outcries,
falling down—or bodily agitations. Such things
often, through the temptations of a ſubtle adverſa-
ry, mingle with, and diſgrace revivals of religion,
and lead others to oppoſe and condemn the whole,
making no diſcriminations between the precious
metal and the droſs. Things of this nature when
found attending any uncommon ſeriouſneſs, are to
be lamented, but ought not to induce us to reject or
diſcredit the whole. Many wiſe and eminent Di-
vines and Chriſtians ſaw ſo much fanaticiſm, diſor-
der, diviſions, and bodily affections, in the extra-
ordinary work, in this land, in the years 1741-42
as to lead them to condemn and reject the whole as
mere deluſion and enthuſiaſm. But, it is believed,
that even the moſt uncandid and infidel mind,ifanac-
tual witneſs, could not point out one inſtance in the
preſent caſe of what might, with any propriety, be
termed enthuſiaſm. Through ignorance of the na-
ture of Religion, and becauſe they will not fairly
ſee and examine, the enemies of God and the Goſ-
pel, it is well known, call all ſerious and real piety
by the opprobious names of fanaticiſm and ſuper-
ſtition. Such as never felt any cordial eſteem for
vital piety, uſually, are not wanting in attempts to
load it, with contempt and ſcorn. The work of
God’s Holy Spirit, among us, has been exceedingly
regular: It has been all of a piece : One contine
28
ued unfolding of the power of truth : A diſplay
of the efficacy of the peculiar and diſtinguiſhing
doćtrines of the glorious Goſpel : Chriſt has ſeem-
ed to come forth in the riches of his grace : To
ride in the chariots of ſalvation: His word has been
powerful indeed. O what attention what ſolem-
nity In what glory and majeſty did Chriſt appear t
Behold, ſays the prophet Malachi ſpeaking of the
majeſty and grace of Chriſt, I will ſend my meſºn-
ger, and he ſhall prepare the way before me : and the
Lord whom ye ſeek, ſhall ſuddenly come to his temple;
even the meſſenger of his covenant whom ye delight in :
Behold, he ſhall come, ſwith the Lord of hoſts. But
who may abide the day of his coming * and who Jhall
ſéand when he appeareth 2 For he is like a refiner’s
fire, and like fuller’s ſoap. And he ſhall ſit as a refiner
and purifter of ſilver ; and he ſhall purify the ſons of
Levi, and purge them as gold and ſilver, that they may
off r unto the Lord an offering in righteouſneſs. Then
ſhall the offering of judahand Jeruſalem be pleaſant unto
the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
THE only further remark here neceſſary in order
to give a juſt repreſentation of the work, is the viſ-
ibly good fruits and beneficial tendency of it al-
ready exhibited ; and which will, no doubt, more
and more appear. No religion is of any worth or
can be genuine, which does not mend, the heart,
and reform the life. The tree is known to be
good, in the world of nature, by the good fruit
which it bears. The beauty of holineſs is its ten-
dency to happineſs, and the glory of religion is the
bleſſed effect which it has on the heart and life. It
29
is good as it does good—makes better men—better
citizens—a happier world. It does good in this
world, as well as prepares for felicity in the next.
If the Goſpel have been received as it ought to be,
by any of the children of men, there will be a viſi-
ble alteration in the life, the general deportment.
Morality, indeed, is built upon religion as its only
ſure and ſolid foundation. No real piety of heart
can exiſt, of courſe, without moral virtue. Juſ-
tice, temperance, ſobriety, and all the amiable
train of moral virtues flow from the fear of God :
From faith and repentance. If we fear God, we
ſhall keep his commandments. If we love him,
we ſhall be truly benevolent towards man. If we
love Chriſt and believe in him we ſhall follow his ex-
ample, and imitate him, in meekneſs and humility.
If we have holineſs of heart, there will moſt cer-
tainly be holineſs of life. If we have religion in
the heart, it will ſhow itſelf in a well-ordered con-
verſation. We are created anew in Chriſt Jeſus
unto good works, which were before ordained that
we ſhould walk in them. This is a faithful ſaying,
and I will that thou conſtantly affirm, that they which
have believed in God, be careful to maintain good works,
for theſe are good and profitable unto men. The fruit of
holineſs will always be found, where there is the
implantation of the principle. A reformation in
morals among a people is the only proof, upon
which any manner of dependence either can, or
ought to be placed, of a real work of grace. And
the outward reformation here in thoſe who have
been affected, has been in proportion to the work
3o
of God’s Holy Spirit. Vice is avoided by them as
odious.--—Virtue is revered as amiable. Evil prac-
tices are ſhunned. Charity, kindneſs, condeſcen-
tion, and a forgiving temper are nouriſhed. Slan-
der and backbiting diſeſteemed. Rioting, diffipa-
tion, and vicious amuſements are not ſeen. Pro-
faneneſs, one of the crying fins of the land, and
on account of which the land mourneth is greatly
diſcountenanced and ſuppreſſed. Peace, union,
Chriſtian harmony and friendſhip obtain. Envy,
malice, and hatred in a good degree have diſappear-
ed. The holy ſcriptures are more generally eſteem-
ed, and abundantly read. Public worſhip and di-
vine ordinances are more highly venerated, and ex-
emplarily attended. Knowledge in religion has
been ſurprizingly increaſed and diffuſed. Prayer,
both private and ſocial, is ſet up and conſtantly per-
formed.—How many more praying individuals, and
praying families . The morning and evening ſacri-
fice, oh how delightful the idea, aſcends to the
throne of the univerſe, to a prayer-hearing God,
from many a heart and houſe, where heretofore
nothing of the kind was known. Divine and pre-
cious ordinances are both honoured and devoutly.
ſolemnized. The goſpel is not only admired and
revered, but openly profeſſed. A general ſeriouſ.
neſs, viſible to every eye, has been ſpread over the
congregation. How are morality and virtue eſ.
teemed, loved, and purſued How is fin mourned
over, as the ſource of all our miſeries, rendering
us loathſome to a holy God . How is a Saviour’s
name adored, and ſalvation ſought!—What deep
*
31
attention in God’s houſe ! What defire and readi-
neſs to hear divine truths How much more valued
are moral and religious inſtructions and inſtitutions?
| Such outward reformation clearly diſcovers the gen-
uineneſs of the work. Can the effect exiſt with-
out the cauſe 2–Can pleateous ſtreams flow, where
there is no fountain : As proofs of the good ef.
feets of this work of grace, a regard to, and ſanc-
tification of the holy ſabbath, and an affectionate
love to, and ſolemnization of the ſacraments of
the Goſpel, have been mentioned. And they have
been mentioned, becauſe a denial of the ſabbath—
of ſtated prayer——of the holy ordinances—and of
the miniſtry of the word is confidered by the moſt
judicious and knowing Chriſtians, as a real denial
of all religion, and a full evidence of a deſtitution
of its principles. f !
IN the courſe of the work of grace among us, a
very becoming and ſteady zeal has been manifeſted
to all goſpel-inſtitutions. Since the commencement
of the ſeriouſneſs, above ninety have received the
ordinance of Chriſtian baptiſm; and many of them
adults. Parents, as well as children, have received
that ſacrament, ſo plainly inſtituted by the glorious
Saviour, and ſo conſtantly adminiſtered by the A-
poſtles, under inſpiration, to their converts as the
initiatory ordinance—as we have ſeen, in the ac-
counts which are given us, of the revival of reli-
gion, in fundry places, briefly recited in the for-
mer diſcourſe. How affecting to ſee parents firſt
offering themſelves, and then their houſeholds, af.
ter the ſcripture-pattern, at the altar, to receive
32
Chriſtian baptiſm . The acceſſion to the commun-
ion of the church has been very great. One hun-
dred and eight, fince the commencement of this
uncommon attention to religion, have joined them-
ſelves to the Lord, by a public profeſſion. And a
number more propoſe ſoon, by the leave of Provi-
dence, to manifeſt, in the ſame public manner,
their regard to Chriſt and his precious ordinances.
Such are ſome of the viſible fruits of this work of
grace already exhibited. And ſuch the reformation
which is its reſult.
ONE would be ready to conclude, that all hear-
ers would be pleaſed, though from different mo-
tives, with a recital of the principal facts which
have characteriſed this mighty influence of the
Goſpel upon the heart and conſcience. Thoſe who
love a Redeemer’s name, and to whom his ſalva-
tion is dear, will feel the warmeſt emotions of fer-
vent gratitude to God, as the all-wiſe diſpoſer of
events, the fountain of grace and glory. Thoſe
whoſe hearts have been deeply affected will weep
with joy, at the retroſpective view of what they
have both ſeen and felt. Such as have no more
than an outward reſpect for the Goſpel, and have
been accuſtomed to look up to Religion, as an
honoured and revered name, will receive new im-
preſſions in its favour, it may be hoped. Such as
are enemies to, and diſbelievers in the power of
godlineſs will ſee clear evidence of the truth of the
Goſpel, and of the efficacy of free ſovereign grace.
Facts will be ſtated, with fairneſs and candor; and
under a conviction that it is more eligible to come
33
fhort, than to exceed in the detail. For falſe zeal
is never produćtive of good, but often of miſ-
chievous effects. Hear, therefore, and judge for
yourſelves. - - - -
It is now nearly a century, fince the firſt ſettle-
ments were made in this place. Invited by the
pleaſantneſs of the fituation and fertility of the
ſoil, worthy and reſpectable families from the town
fixed there reſidence here. The firſt inhabitants
lived ſeveral years, without enjoying the ſtated
miniſtrations of the Goſpel, becauſe not nume-
rous enough to be able to bear the expenſe of its
decent ſupport. They, accordingly, attended pub-
lic worſhip on Lord’s day, as often as convenience
admitted, in the town from which they had recent-
ly removed. A church conſiſting of twenty-nine
members was gathered ſome time antecedent to the
ordination of a ſtated Miniſter of the Goſpel, in
ſaid church. After a ſuitable length of time to be
well ſatisfied of his qualifications for the evangelical
miniſtry, they choſe the Rev. BENJAMIN Colºros
for their Paſtor. On the 24th of February 1713,
he was ſolemnly ſet apart, by ordination, to the
work of the Chriſtian Miniſtry over them. He la-
boured in word and doćtrine for the ſpace of forty-
four years. Being unable any longer on account
of the weight of years, and infirmities of body to
perform the arduous duties of his ſacred office, af.
ter making trial of ſeveral candidates for the Goſ.
pel miniſtry, the eyes of the people were, at
length, fixed on the Rev. NATHANIEL HookER,
º, -
34.
who was ordained over the church and congrega-
tion December 21, 1757. The Rev. Mr. CoETon
died March 1, 1759. And the Rev. Mr. Hook-
ER eleven years after, June 11, 1770. He was
called off from his work in the prime and flower of
life. His popular talents endeared him to his peo-
ple, and his literary taſte made him agreeable to
his acquaintance. -
IN the year 1745, in the time of the great revi-
val of Religion in New-England, and various other
parts, in the term of one year, forty-two were ad-
ded to the church, thirty-fix of whom were females. .
This was under the miniſtry of the firſt Paſtor.
The irregularities and enthuſiaſm of that truly won-
derful day offended many, and brought a reproach
on the work. But it would be uncharitable to
condemn the whole, becauſe there were impure.
mixtures. The next largeſt number added to the
communion of the church, in one year, was elev-
en : This was in 1763, under the miniſtry of my
immediate predeceſſor. And ſince my miniſtry
commenced among you, before this year, the larg-
eſt number added to the communion of the church,
in one year, was fixteen, which was in the year
1781. The average number of admiſſions to the
communion of the church, for ninety years, is
five, and a little above. Since the firſt embodying
of the church the aggregate ſum of admiſſions into
communion has been four hundred fixty-eight, be-
fore the preſent extraordinary attention to Religion
began here. And fince this, the admiſſions have
been one hundred and eight ; and it is expected
35
feveral more will ſoon come forward, and manifeſt
their regard to religion, by a public profeſſion.
After a due time for cloſe ſelf-examination, and eſ-
tabliſhment in the ways of God, ſuch as have ob-
tained a hope of reconciliation to the divine charac-
ter, and of a cordial reception of the ſalvation of
the Goſpel, have expreſſed an earneſt deſire to hon-
our God and divine ordinances, by a public pro-
feſſion of their faith. The admiſſions into com-
munion, ſince this ſeaſon of religious attention,
have been almoſt one fourth part of the number of
admiſſions, for ninety years. The whole number
of admiſſions, during the miniſtry of the Rev.
Mr. Colton, which was forty-four years of ac-
tive ſervice, was two hundred and fixty-three. Du-
ring the miniſtry of the Rev. Mr. HookER, which
was thirteen years, the admiſſions were fixty-five-
And ſince my paſtoral relation to you, for twenty-
fix years, the admiſſions excluſive of the paſt year
have been one hundred and forty—and as above
ſtated, one hundred and eight, within the compaſs
of one year paſt.
IT may be uſeful to add here, that the deaths or
funerals, for ninety years, which is the length of
time this people have been an eccleſiaſtical ſociety,
according to the laws of the ſtate, are one thouſand :
The baptiſms two thouſand : The admiſſions five
hundred and ſeventy-fix. There have been more
than half as many admiſſions as deaths—At a me-
dium, the admiſſions have been five, before this
feaſon of religious attention ; the deaths eleven ;
and the baptiſms twenty. The general ſtate of re-
\
ligion, it hence appears, for ninety years, has been
nearly the ſame, except in the time of the general
ſeriouſneſs in the country in 1741. The ſtatement
. above made, and I believe it is correót, ſerves to
evince the importance of the paſt ſeaſon: For the
admiſſions into the communion of the church have
been equal, according to this ſtatement, to twenty-
two years, upon an average, for ninety years to:
gether, If we allow as much fincerity in theſe, as
in former ad miſſions, and charity cannot forbear to
allow, at leaſt, as much, we ſhall have a very fa-
vorable opinion of the work of the Lord, and feel
what a delightful occaſion we have of pious grati.
tude. It is, moſt certainly, a pleaſing and profita-
ble reflection to think, that when you look back
upon your own hiſtory, ſince you were firſt a peo-
ple, that the admiſſions into the communion of the
church have been more than half as many as the
deaths. This is not what I ſhould, by any means,
have imagined until actual enumeration. And the
fačt may befides anſwer the valuable purpoſe of en-
larging our charity. The above ſketch of your
own hiſtory, in regard to religion, muſt be inter-
. eſting to you all, eſpecially to the riſing generation.
No. hearer, it is preſumed, however judicious,
could have formed any correót idea of the propor-
tion between the deaths, admiſſions, and baptiſms,
without an actual computation, from authentic re-
cords. This vie w, alſo, gives ſome uſeful informa-
tion concerning the ſtate of religion, and beneficial
and happy effects of the miniſtrations of the Gof.
pel ; as well as intereſting leſſons concerning hu-
gîrāīl ſlature. . . - • ‘i º .
THERE never has been before the preſent any
very great revival of religion here fince the firſt
gathering of the church. Some years and ſeaſons,
indeed, there has been more attention or regard to
it, than others.--Such a year as the paſt this peo-
ple never ſaw. And probably never will, while
any of us now before God, in his houſe of prayer,
are living. O that we might ſee many ſuch happy
revolving years l—Few congregations are ever ſo
highly favored as to experience ſuch a day of divine
grace and the mighty power of the Goſpel. Few
perſons ever have the happineſs to live in ſuch a
day; or to be witneſſes of ſuch a ſcene. But bleſſ.
ed are our eyes for they have ſeen, and our ears
for they have heard | Praiſe ye the Lordſ—Let us
lift up our hands in the ſančiuary, and bleſ; the name
of the Lord / . . . . - , ,
| THE paſt year has, likewiſe, been diſtinguiſhed
for a fimilar work of grace, in many places around
us—and in various other parts of the United States.
The Holy Spirit has been vouchſafed, in an unuſual
manner, to accompany and bleſs the means of
grace.—The heavenly dews of divine influence
have fallen, like the natural rain on graſs, newly
mown.—The prayers of the friends of piety, for
fucceſs to the preached word, have been remarka-
bly anſwered. Multitudes and multitudes, a good-
ly number, have been gathered into the family and
kingdom of Chriſt. Upon Zion a glory hath ſhin-
ed. The walls of Jeruſalem have been built up,
38
Saints have been quickened and refreſhed. Sinners
have been converted. God has been glorified.
. Here the blaſpherning atheiſt has been brought to
adore and love that God, whoſe very being he had
before denied. There the ſcoffing infidel has bow-
ed to that divine Redeemer, whom before he had
utterly renounced, and has placed his hopes of par-
don and ſalvation in that atoning blood, that peace-
making and life-giving blood which he had before
reproached, with cruel malice. Here the viſionary
denier of the penalty of the divine law, and the
puniſhment of the incorrigibly wicked in another
life, has haſtened to renounce his errors, and trem-
bled left his fins ſhould bring him into that place of
torment, which before he had viewed as the vain
dream of ſuperſtition. There the profane, impi-
ous abandoned tranſgreſſor, hardened in vice, a
profeſſed contemner of things ſacred, has been
brought to admire, delight in, and receive that
Goſpel, of which he had, all his life, made light.
Such charaćters, ſeemingly the furtheſt off from
all mercy, have felt the power of quickening grace,
and exclaimed in wonder and gratitude, “Salva-
tion O the joyful ſound ! O for a thouſand tongues
to ſpeak the Redeemer’s praiſes tº
. For ſeveral years paſt, errors and herefies have
prevailed, in the United States, to an aſtoniſhing
degree ; owing, no doubt to a variety of cauſes,
and among others to the corruption of morals dur-
ing our revolutionary war ; and to the amazing
ſcenes unfolded on the theatre of Europe ; and to
the number of looſe, infidel, and atheiſtical publi.
39
cations ſcattered over this country, in its whole
length and breadth, by the votaries of MoDERN
PHILosophy, and the New THEoRIEs of Liberty
and Equality. Piety ſeemed to be flying away from
our land—Religion declined—morality lanquiſhed
—vice grew bold—profaneneſs, revelling, diſhon-
eſty and finful amuſements rapidly increaſed—uni-
verſaliſm—infidelity—atheiſm—ſcoffing at all ſeri-
ous godlineſs—contempt of the holy ſabbath—de-
fertion of public worſhip—omiſſion of family-reli-
gion—and diſregard of divine ordinances have
ſpread, in a degree, which call for tears of grief,
threatening, in their progreſs, to lay waſte all the
moſt valuable intereſts of ſociety. . . . . .
... THE people of this congregation did not wholly
eſcape the widely diffuſing contagion. Since my
paſtoral connection with you, you have been noted
for order, peace, good agreement, among your-
ſelves, and general attendance on the public wor-
ſhip of the Deity. A few individuals excepted, all
were ſteady and exemplary in ſo important a duty.
Dangers have here however threatened the intereſt
of religion. Endeavours have not been wanting
to caſt an odium upon it by an open and avowed
denial of the ſabbath—ſtated public worſhip—ſtat-
ed family-prayer—holy ordinances—regeneration
by the power of ſovereign grace—faith in a crucifi-
ed Redeemer—juſtification through his righteouſ.
neſs—free pardon—and the ſcriptures of the Old
and New-Teſtament, as the PRIMARY rule and only
ſtandard of belief and pračtice. There have been
for ſeveral years it muſt be owned, a general cold-
49
neſs, deadneſs, and inattention to the Goſpel.—
There appeared to be leſs regard to vital practical
s godlineſs than common, for ſometime ; and the
admiſſions into the communion were no more than
five, for the whole of the four paſt years.--It ſeem-
ed as if God had almoſt intirely withdrawn his
gracious influence. We were left to mourn an ab-
ſent God—barren ordinances—unſucceſsful Goſ.
pel—and cold hearts. The viſible attendance nev-
ertheleſs on public worſhip had not very greatly de-
clined, during this ſpace. . . . . . . "
IN the cloſe of the month of March, and begin-
ning of the month of April laſt, ſome hopeful
ſymptoms of a greater regard to Religion, among
a few individuals, ſeemed to be manifeſted. Here,
and there, one, began to enquire, Is there any
thing in religion, beſides the external forms ? Is not
vital experimental godlineſs ſomething more than
mere pretence. Theſmall beginnings grew more and
more, from day to day. A great proportion of the
people began to awake, as it were, into a ſpirit of
enquiry and thoughtfulneſs. The appearance of
the congregation was noticed, and inſtructions a-
dapted to it were every ſabbath attempted. Such
ſubjećts were choſen as were deemed moſt proper,
and treated in a manner that would probably be af-
feeting—In this fituation were things, for about
three weeks. It was then judged expedient, ſuch
was the ear to hear, and ſo eager the defire to at-
tend, to inſtitute ſpecial religious meetings. This
meaſure was adopted, after much deliberation and
prayerful anxiety, becauſe it was of ſuch a nature
4. I
as would draw forth public attention, and occaſion
cenſure and reprehenſion from ſuch as might be, in
any degree, prejudiced againſt what is, uſually,
termed a revival of religion. Theſe ſpecial reli-
.gious meetings became indiſpenſably neceſſary to
prevent enthuſiaſm and diſorder; and were attend.
ed beyond expectation. An air of thoughtfulneſs
and deep concern was very viſible to every one preſ.
ent. Through the influence of God’s holy ſpirit, a
ſerious enquiry “what ſhall I do to be ſaved” was
among us. The ſpecial religious meetings were,
more and more, crouded. They were ſolemn and
impreſſive. Such as attended at firſt, out of idle
curioſity, either ſoon left them, or were affected too
deeply to help liſtening with careful attention. The
people who reſorted to theſe religious meetings,
and there were in various parts of the ſociety, five
of them, in a week, became more and more anx-
ious to hear the Goſpel diſpenſed, and to know
their duty. To the word ſpoken, and prayers of.
fered, they liſtened with eager attention, often
bathed in flowing tears from beginning to end.
Such ſubjects were choſen, and diſcourſed upon as
were beſt calculated to place truth before the mind,
in the moſt engaging and affecting light. The ob-
jećt in view, in theſe diſcourſes, altogether was to
impreſs truth upon the mind—to lay all the grand
and peculiar doćtrines of Chriſt in their proper or-
der, connexion, and extent before the hearer, and
in all their weight and importance. The wiſh was
to make them ſee, know, and underſtand the truth ;
F.
42
and not to move the animal affections, or natural
paſſions of the ſoul : For a religion made up of the
natural affections of the foul is of no worth, but
often extremely dangerous.-Subječts of terror
were infrequently ſought; and when treated, were
not dreſſed up in language calculated to terrify. Di-
vine awakening influence, in a ſurprizing degree, ac-
companied the means of grace. The Holy Spirit
in his convićtive power was evidently poured out, in
plentiful effuſions. Conſcience was rouſed, and deep
impreſſions of a religious nature made on many.
Often forty or fifty would be moſt deeply affected ;
and be all in tears, during the religious exerciſes;
and ſeemed as if they could not bear to have them
ended. The convićtions of many [the word is
here uſed to denote the concern and anguiſh of the
foul before the renovation of the heart] were deep
and awful. They were bowed down under the
weight of them. They wept plentifully under a
fenſe of their fins of heart, thought and life:—
and their expoſedneſs, in conſequence of their fins,
to everlaſting ruin. With God was terrible majeſ.
ty. They ſeemed to be overwhelmed with anguiſh
—ready to fink under their ſenſe of their fins. De-
ſtruction from the Lord was a terror to them.
They trembled at the wrath of God due to them.
Their anguiſh of conſcience—their anxiety—their
diſtreſs were great beyond words to deſcribe. They
were crying out, “What ſhall I do to be ſaved :
Where ſhall I look for help ? How eſcape the miſe-
ry I deſerve?”—Here it may be uſeful conciſely to
ſtate the progreſs of the work of convićtion, or
43
the points to which, in general, the ſubjećts of it,
were brought. For though their convićtions were
different in degree, in duration, and terror, yet they
were alike in ſubſtance. .
THE firſt thing of which they were convinced,
was that they were guilty finners before God; that
their hearts were a fountain of evil ; that their
lives, though in the eye of the world free from .
blame, were one continued ſeries of fin and rebell-
ion. Numberleſs ſins came to the mind’s view,
which before were either forgotten, or deemed no
fins. Before being awakened they had no idea of
their finful and periſhing ſtate. It ſeemed ſtrange
to them that any could be ſo unconcerned about
their fins heretofore. t
AGAIN, they were convinced of the being and
attributes of God. Formerly they did not realize
his exiſtence and perfections. He was not in all
their thoughts. They ſcarcely turned one thought
towards him. But paſſed on in life, from week to
week, and year to year, ſtupid and heedleſs. The
wicked through the pride of his heart will not ſeek
after God. He ſeems not to be preſent—He is re-
garded no more than though he did not exiſt. But
now duties omitted, a God forgotten, religion ne-
glečted, a Saviour diſregarded, a Goſpel ſlight-
ed, ſalvation unfought, ſeaſons and opportunities
of grace unattended, time miſimproved, talents
miſapplied, calls of mercy unheeded are re-
fle&ted upon, with horror and amazement. Now
a God, whoſe being all creation proclaimed, a God
poſſeſſed of all poſſible excellencies—infinitely holy,
juſt, omniſcient, omnipotent, omnipreſent, whom
44.
they had never loved, feared, or obeyed and to
whom their final account muſt be rendered aroſe
to the mind’s view, and produced diſtreſs inexpreſ-
ſible. -
FURTHER, under their awakenings, they ſaw
likewiſe that a holy law righteouſly condemned
them. They felt at the ſame time condemned by
reaſon. Conſcience continually upbraided them.
Their hearts were full of oppoſition to this law, in
the violation of which they had always lived. They
could not bear to think of its ſtrićtneſs and penalty.
They hated the law becauſe ſo ſtrićt a rule of life,
demanding ſo much of them ; and its penalty, be-
cauſe ſo ſevere a puniſhment was threatened to all.
diſobedience or want of conformity. They had
frequent riſings of heart not only againſt God, and
the Redeemer, but againſt the law and Goſpel, and
all the ways of religion, its duties, doćtrines, and
ordinances. {
AGAIN, in the courſe of their awakenings, they
were brought, by the ſtrivings of the Holy Spirit,
to ſee that the carnal mind was enmity to God and
the law, to Chriſt and the Goſpel, and Goſpel ſal-
vation. They ſaw, moſt clearly, that they were
wholly oppoſed to holineſs, and a holy and ſove-
reign God ; that they had not the leaſt degree of
love to either : That they wou LD not come to
Chriſt for life, pardon, and help : That their hearts
were hard, like the flinty rock, ſtubborn, and un-
yielding. They felt that they would not bow to
a ſovereign God, or accept of his offered ſalvation
in the Goſpel. They would, in converſation, ſay,
4.5
“My heart will not ſubmit—I will hold out lon-
ger—I will ſtill ſtrengthen myſelf againſt God.”
At the ſame time their diſtreſs was overwhelming.
They clearly perceived that all that ſtood in the way
of their ſalvation was their own wickedneſs of
heart—their enmity to God—their own proud re-
bellious hearts. They were rationally convinced,
indeed and ready to aſſent, that God was both
ready and able to ſave and pardon—that Chriſt was
both able and willing to pity, hear, and bleſs—
that he was an all-glorious, all-willing, all-ſuitable
Saviour—that the law was ready, its honours be-
ing completely reſtored by a Redeemer’s ſacrifice—
that all heaven was ready—and all the really pious
on earth wiſhing that they would come, and receive
the water of life freely, but that their own hearts,
through pride, obduracy, ſelf-righteouſneſs, and
unwillingneſs would not bow or conſent.
Moreover, their awakenings or convićtions
were uniformly carried ſo far, as to demonſtrate to
them, that they were in the hands of a ſovereign
God, who would have mercy on whom he would
have mercy : That they lay altogether at uncove-
nanted mercy: That out of Chriſt, God was a con-
fuming fire; and that it was a dreadful thing to
fall into the hands of the living God: That he
would be juſt, and the law juſt ſhould they be left
to final blindneſs of mind and hardneſs of heart,
to periſh forever in their fins—to treaſure up wrath
againſt the day of wrath and revelation of the
righteous judgment of God—to be puniſhed with
everlaſting deſtruction from the preſence of the
46
Lord and the glory of his power —And ſhould
the ſmoke of their torment aſcend up forever and
ever, it would be no more than what ſtrict equity
required. - -
LASTLy, In the midſt of all this diſtreſs and an-
guiſh of mind, while their hearts were riſing up in
oppoſition to God, they were brought to ſee, that
he alone could help them—could bring them out of
an horrible pit, and ſet their feet upon a rock, and eſ:
tabliſh their goings : That they lay abſolutely at his
omnipotent mercy, and free, rich ſovereign grace:
That in themſelves they were helpleſs and hopeleſs
—altogether dependant on an infinitely ſovereign
God for his grace to regenerate them—his compaſ.
fion to forgive them—his goodneſs to bleſs them—
and his love to ſave them, poor, guilty, vile, per-
iſhing tranſgreſſors. In this ſtate, they would cry
for mercy and help, like blind Bartimeus—jeſus
thou ſon of David have mercy on me 2 Lord, if thou
will thou canſ, make me clean / O Lord rebuke me not
in thy wrath neither choſen me in thy hot diſpleaſure.
For thine arrows ſick ſºft in me, and thy hand preſeth
meſore. There is no ſoundneſ; in my fleſh becauſe of thine
anger; neither is there any reſ: in my bones, becauſe of
my ſin. Thus the Holy Ghoſt, in the uſe of the
means of grace, the word and prayer, convinced
them of ſin. And when he is come he will reprove
the world of ſºn, and of righteouſneſs, and of judg-
ment. Of ſin becauſe they believe not on me, of right-
eouſneſs becauſe I go to my Father, and ye ſee me no
more. Of judgment becauſe the Prince of this world is
judged—For I was alive without the law once ; but
4%
when the commandment came ſin revived, and I died.—
For I through the law, am dead to the law, that I
might live unto God—Now when they heard this, they
were pricked in their hearts, and ſaid unto Peter, and
to the reſt of the Apoſtles, Men and brethren, what
ſhall we do.—So mightily grew the word of God and
prevailed—Then he called for a light, and ſprang in,
and came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas ;
and brought them out and ſaid, Sirs, what muſ. I do
to be ſaved 2 - - •
UNDER convićtion, all had ſuch views and im-
preſſions as above deſcribed. In ſome, awakenings
however were more deep and awful than in others.
In ſome they were fuller of terror than in others.—
In ſome of a longer, in others of a ſhorter duration.
Some remaining, for many weeks, under over-
whelming diſtreſs, bordering upon deſpair, and in
ſeveral inſtances, to the preſent time. In others,
conviction ſeemed to perform its work, in a ſhort
ſpace, a few days, or weeks. Compunction, and
horror of conſcience, in many, were exceedingly
great. Some were arreſted in a moment, in their
mad career of fin, and made to tremble before
God. They were, all at once, ſuddenly, from a
ſtate of ſtupidity and hardneſs of heart, wholly at
eaſe in Zion, deſpiſing or even ſcoffing at religion,
thrown into an agony of diſtreſs about their own
everlaſting ſalvation. Others were in a ſtate of en-
quiry and thoughtfulneſs, for many days, or ſeve-
ral weeks, and their convićtions gradually aroſe.
Others had, comparatively, but little horror and
anguiſh of mind, and could not feel that diſtreſs,
48
and amazement, and agony of concern, as others
whom they ſaw, and with whom they converſed.
They would ſay often, “ they wanted to have their
convićtions riſe as high as others experienced.”
Many were afflicted with temptations to caſt off all
concern about their ſalvation—would wiſh that they
had never been under any convićtion. Others had
no temptation to throw off their impreſſions—but
were continually in dread left they ſhould loſe them
—relapſe back into ſtupidity—provoke a merciful
God to withdraw from them, and give them o-
ver to final blindneſs of mind. Some had de-
termined that they would not be the ſubjects of
ſuch convićtions—and thought nothing could move
and affect them, as they ſaw others affected, but
ſoon were brought to feel as great or greater diſtreſs
of mind. As many as fixty, ſeventy, and eighty
were under deep concern, at one time—many more
thoughtful, and looking upon the ſcene before
them, with ſilent ſolemnity. Very various were the
convićtions of the awakened, in many reſpects,
and very various the occaſions of them, but ſtill
all, ſubſtantially, reaching the ſame point. while
under them, it ought to be particularly noticed, all
open fins were abſtained from—the holy ſcriptures
reſorted to—the ſabbath ſpent in cries for mercy—
prayer attended—the means of grace uſed—and
opportunities to hear the word preached, painfully
and diligently ſought.—During the time of divine
worſhip ſolemn profound reverence overſpread the
countenance. They heard as creatures made for
eternity, who do not know but the next moment
49
they muſt account to their judge : Were melted
down into tears and would aſk for deliverance from
miſery in the bitterneſs of their ſouls.-Perſons of
different education—of both ſexes—of all ages—
the man of firm nerves, and the tender child, and
the gay youth trembled under the apprehenſion of
deſerved ruin. You could not keep them from a
PAINFUL and DILIGENT attendance on the means
of grace. They could not hear enough of the
things of God’s kingdom. They were reluctant at
quitting the place of religious worſhip.–But were
each caſe to be detailed minutely, it would require
a volume to detail the whole.
Iwi LL now briefly ſtate thoſe views, exerciſes, and
feelings which gave them relief and hope. This is
a moſt intereſting part of the narrative. And it
may not be improper here to remark, that renew-
ing the ſoul after the divine image is the work of
the holy ſpirit: Born again not of the will of man,
nor of the will of the fleſh, nor of blood, but of God.
Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but God giv-
eth the increaſe. We are his workmanſhip created
anew in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works. Regene-
ration or the Goſpel new birth is the implantation
of a principle of ſupreme love to God in the ſoul;
is ſlaying the enmity of the heart againſt God; is
removing its oppoſition againſt divine things; in this
work the loftineſs of man ſhall be bowed down, and
the haughtineſs of men ſhall be made low, and the
Lord alone ſhall be exalted : The heart of ſtone is
taken away and an heart of fleſh is given: The taſte,
&
5o
temper, and reliſh of the ſoul is wholly changed :
The heart is reconciled to God and his law : And
has altogether different views, exerciſes, and feel-
ings towards divine things : Now it is holy, before
it was unholy : Now is turned from ſin; has a prin-
ciple of benevolence, whereas before it was ačtua-
ted by ſupreme ſelfiſhneſs. And ſuch views and ex-
erciſes of mind, as are now to be mentioned, were
uniformly experienced, as the grounds of a hope
that there was a real and found converſion, and that
religious awakenings and convićtions had termina-
ted happily. - - . . .
A cle AR, delightful refreſhing ſenſe of the being,
perfections and glory of God. Every thing ſeem-
ed, wherever they were, or wherever they caſt their
eye, to announce his exiſtence and glory. They
felt themſelves ſurrounded with his preſence. The
world appeared full of the riches of his goodneſs
and greatneſs. All his works, the fun, moon, and
ſtars—the ſky, the winds—the clouds—the moun-
tains—the vallies—the productions of the earth—
the revolving ſeaſons appeared to ſpeak in his behalf.
The whole creation ſeemed to them to proclaim his
glory—his wonderful name. And their heart ſeem-
ed to go out in love, admiration, joy—delight, and
praiſeof ſucha God—ſoholy—ſowifeandſogracious.
His ſovereignty, holineſs, and righteouſneſs they
could at once admire and adore. They ſaw him as
infinitely worthy of all love, praiſe, gratitude, and
obedience. They felt a wiſh that all would aſcribe
to him honour, glory, bleſſing, and ſalvation—
would come and ſee his glory—would come and
5 I
adore and praiſe. Such light, joy, and ſatisfaction
had they, as to ſay, whom have I in heaven but thee,
and there is none on earth that I deſire beſides thee; thou
art the ſtrength of my heart and my portion forever.
As the hart panteth after the water-brooks ſo panteth my
ſoul after thee, O God. My ſoul thirſteth for God, for
the living God: when ſhall I come and appear before
God. . . .
AGAIN, the law, againſt which they had before
ſo many objections, appeared to them altogether in
a new light. Before their hearts had riſen up in en-
mity againſt the divine charaćter, and the divine law.
They hated the latter becauſe ſo pure—ſo ſtrićt—
and ſo rigorous as they termed it, in its penalty.
Now it appears perfectly right and reaſonable in all
its demands, and requirements, its precepts and
threatnings even of endleſs miſery to diſobedience.
It appears to them holy—juſt—and good—worthy
of its glorious author—worthy of all obedience,
and to be the rule of their lives—and even glorious
in condemning fin, and all oppoſition to God.
MoREover, fin as a tranſgreſſion of this law,
and offence committed againſt God, appeared to
them infinitely vile and abominable, and they, as
infinitely wrong, criminal, and guilty for all indul-
gence of it, in heart or life—ſecret or open. They
could not deſcribe in words ſufficiently lively, how
odious they appeared, in their own view, before
God, the holy One who inhabits eternity. They
faw and felt what guilty, unworthy creatures they
were on account offin—that they deſerved for their
innumerable tranſgreſſions to be cut off from the
52
-earth—to be doomed to endleſs woe—to bear the
wrath of Almighty God, to all eternity. .
FURTHER, Chriſt, and his Goſpel, and ſalva-
tion appeared to them all-glorious. That he obey-
ed, ſuffered, and died to honour God—the divine
law, and perfeótions and government : To con-
demn fin in the fleſh: That his Goſpel and the way
of life propoſed in it, while they honour God and
his law, ſave alſo from the power of ſin—and con-
demnation to eternal death were obječts to them, full
of joy. Such a Goſpel—ſuch a ſalvation—ſuch a
Saviour—ſuch an atonement—ſuch a righteouſneſs
–ſuch a ſcheme of grace and pardoning mercy,
how full of wonder . How amiable how glorious
the croſs of Chriſt | Here was all their hope—all
their dependance for life, forgiveneſs, peace, and
eternal bleſſedneſs. This Saviour they felt asthough
they could not help believing and truſting in : This
Goſpel they could admire and welcome : This
method of deliverance from fin and miſery embrace
—on this atoning blood reſt for pardon and accep-
tance with a holy and fin-hating God. Chriſt, in
the riches of his grace and righteouſneſs, was to
them all and in all. Their help—their light—their
refuge—their hope—their glory—their joy.
THE ſacred volume likewiſe was, in their view,
covered with a new glory. Before they could neg-
lect it, from month to month, without any re-
proaches from their inward monitor. It lay by as
an uſeleſs book, comparatively.—They hated to
read it; or if they did, for form’s ſake, open it,
they could not underſtand or feel what they read.
53
But now it ſeemed new, containing new truths, and " .
new beauties. How precious in all its calls, warn-
ings, doćtrines, promiſes, and inſtrućtions : They
wondered they could not ſee it, in this light, before.
Formerly it was dark and like a ſealed book to them,
but now all light and glory :—Formerly dull and
unintelligible and unintereſting, but now pleaſing
and important, entertaining and intereſting above
deſcriptione—as the PRIMARY, only rule of faith
and morals.
THE duties and doćtrines of religion were, alſo,
beheld by them, in a new light. Faith and repent-
ance ſeemed reaſonable duties. In prayer and praiſe
they delighted. O what a happineſs and privilege
to be allowed to worſhip God: To truſt in a Re-
deemer’s merits—to hope for pardon, adoption,
juſtification and the favor of God . The peculiar
and diſtinguiſhing doćtrines of the Goſpel were al-
ſo all eſteemed and cordially embraced. How hap-
py to adore, ſerve, pray unto, and give themſelves
up to God! - -
ALL the ſpecial ordinances and inſtitutions of the
Goſpel, though before difeſteemed and neglected,
when refle&ted upon, ſeemed full of grace, and
divine wiſdom and goodneſs, precious and import-
ant in themſelves, and in the religious life, valuable
above calculation. The holy ſabbath, the Chriſtian
Miniſtry, and the two ſacraments of baptiſm and
the Lord’s fupper, when they came to the mind's
view, appeared unſpeakably important.
ALL moral duties alſo appeared to them, when
they reflected upon them, highly reaſonable; and
54.
º
binding on the conſcience from the divine author.
ity, and from their conduciveneſs to the beſt good
of civil ſociety; ſuch as benevolence to man, right-
eouſneſs, ſobriety, temperance, humility, patience,
forgiveneſs of injuries, love of enemies, compaſ.
fion to the poor, honeſty, kindneſs, truth, and ab-
horrence of all falſehood. Indeed, in their view,
all the branches and duties of morality were cloth-
ed with a new beauty and glory. Y
Upon the whole, their hearts ſeemed to chooſe
and prefer religion, the Goſpel and holineſs, and
ſalvation to all temporal objects, purſuits, and in-
tereſts however dear or important. They felt pleaſ.
ed and delighted to find that repentance, holineſs,
felf-denial, mortification to ſin, and ſelf-abaſement
were the road to heavenly beatitude. . . . .
Such views and exerciſes as now ſtated they had
uniformly, in a higher or lower degree, in a more
or leſs clear, manner—not, indeed, juſt in the or-
der as now deſcribed.—In conſequence of theſe
views, their former great diſtreſs and anguiſh of
mind gradually left them. Some degree of com-
fortable hope would, in a few days, ariſe out of
ſuch exerciſes and tempers, as now ſtated. The
moſt, though not all, were able to aſcertain the
time, place and manner of the change, of which
they were the ſubjećts. The immediate effects of it
were ſo very perceiveable. Such light-peace and
delightful ſenſations filled their minds as were un-
ſpeakable. At firſt, they had no idea however that
what they had experienced was the new-birth or re-
generation.—Several days often paſſed, before they
55
even began to admit the thought, that they had
been the ſubjects of that great moral change. They
apprehended, at length that they could ſee and feel
the truth of ſuch paſſages of holy writ as theſe.
Tou hath he quickened who were dead in treſpaſſes and
Jins. For in Chriſt Jeſus, neither circumciſion, avail-
eth any thing nor uncircumciſion, but a new creature.—
Therefore if any man be in Chriſ he is a new creature :
old things are pa/? away, behold all things are become
new.—But ye are a choſen generation, a royal prieſthood,
a holy nation, a peculiar people : that ye ſhould ſhow
forth the praiſe of him, who hath called you out ºf dark-
neſ, into his marvellous light. . . . . .
AMong the large number, who have obtained a
hope of ſalvation, is a confiderable proportion of
thoſe in a ſettled family-ſtate in the world—in the .
meridian of life, and ſeveral ſomewhat advanced in
life: Alſo a good proportion reſpectable for their
rank in life of males as well as females, though
rather more of the latter—many youth, and ſome
quite in early youth. The work has been very
general, and not limited to any age, or part of the
ſociety. The exerciſes and inward quiet and delight
of thoſe; who have obtained a hope, have likewiſe
been very different. Some have had higher com-
fort and peace, and joy than others. Some have
had much leſs joy and comfort. Others are una-
ble to give any account of any deep convićtions, or
fenſible exerciſes of joy, when they hope a change
paſſed on their hearts. It may, therefore, be ob-
ſerved that it ſhould ſatisfy all if they can ſay, with
the blind man, “ This one thing I know that whereas
I was blind, I now ſee.”
56
AFTER having made a conciſe ſtatement of facts,
a few inferences of a practical nature will cloſe the
ſubjećt.
1. Is the above the nature of real evangelical
piety : Is the religion of the Goſpel, in its life and
power, ſuch Muſt all who are really poſſeſſed of
it, have ſuch views, exerciſes, and tempers. No
doubt they muſt have, in ſubſtance. There will
be a mighty difference in degree, light, clearneſs,
and knowledge, becauſe the education, conſtitu-
tional make of the mind, paſt life, ſtrength of men-
tal powers and means and opportunities of improve-
ment are very different, in different perſons. There
is a diverſity of operation but the ſame ſpirit. There
muſt, for eſſence, in adults be the ſame convićtions,
ſame new birth—ſame love to God—ſame faith,
ſame repentance, hope, benevolence, humility—
pardon—juſtification—ſame regard to a Redeemer,
to holineſs—ſame love of morality, of duty, of or-
dinances. The circumſtances will be very various,
where the principle and temper are eſſentially the
ſame. In common times, convićtions are not gen-
erally ſo deep and awful, but of longer duration,
leſs ſteady and uniform—often intermitted and then
revived. And the change in regeneration is not ſo
clear. Hope is gained more gradually.——But blind
eyes muſt be opened ; hard hearts changed ; vile
affections purified ; and morality and virtue prac-
tiſed. A holy God muſt be loved; a Saviour be-
lieved in ; fin repented of; and religion be higheſt
in the choice, in all ages and places. If we have
any religion at all, we ſhall prefer it to ought elſe,
57
# Iforget thee, O Jeruſalem, let my right hand forge:
her cunning. If I do not remember thes, let my tongue
cleave to the roof of my mouth; if [ prefer not jeruſalem
to my chief joyº All of whatever communion or de-
nomination, age or ſtation, that have the power of
godlineſs, have effentially the ſame views of, and
love to divine things. - . -
2. A great and general attention to religion,
among a people, is a diſplay of the rich mercy of
God. To be awakened to ſerious thoughtfulneſs
about our future ſtate, and to be brought under
convićtion of fin and danger is altogether reaſona-
ble, and an unſpeakablebleſfing in divine Providence.
But to be renewed in the temper of our hearts, by
the power of ſovereign grace, is the chief mercy,
the greateſt which can be conferred on us, in this
life. How happy the effect and conſequence of a
revival of religion on church and ſtate For religion
is the ſource of all ſpiritual peace—and lays a baſis
for our being happy in life, happy in death—and
happy to all eternity. No wonder then that Chriſt
ſays, there is joy in the preſence of the angels of God
over one ſinner that repenteth. One finner brought
home to God and duty is a great event. Notwith-
J%anding in this rejoice not, that the ſpirits are ſubječi to
you, but rather rejoice, becauſe your names are written
in heaven. It muſt be pleaſing to a benevolent mind
to look forward, and contemplate the vaſt ſum of
human happineſs which ſhall ultimately reſult from
the Goſpel. When one is turned from fin to holi-
neſs, is made a new creature in Chriſt Jeſus, his
.. g }:
58
eternal happineſs is ſecure. When numbers, in a
time of. general ſeriouſneſs, are, a foundation is
laid for a large addition to the general ſum of hu-
man felicity. Religion is a ſubject in which the
bleſſed above take an affectionate intereſt. Thoſe
benevolent ſpirits rejoice in the diffuſion of piety
among men. They love to ſee FRESH Accessions
to the number of thoſe who love and fear God.
There is joy in heaven when one finner repents; and
greater joy when religion generally prevails, and
multitudes are riſing to newneſs of life.
3. THE guilt of open oppoſers or ſecret enemies
to the prevalence of religion, we hence infer, is
heinous beyond all conception. Why ſhould any
be oppoſers of a work of grace among a people?
Nothing ſo much irritates many, as to ſee real piety
and religion. They reproach all uncommon ſeriouſ.
neſs. Atheiſts, infidels, univerſaliſts—and other
groſs heretics will always oppoſe, revile, deny, re-
jećt, and ſcoff at all praćtical and vital piety—or
any real attention among 2. people. They call it de-
luſion—enthuſiaſm—prieſt-craft—and even aſcribe
it to ſatanical influence. We have had no open op-
poſers that I know of. If any where there be any,
either open oppoſers, or ſecret enemies—any revi-
lers, blaſphemers, and ſcoffers we ſhould pray, as
our Saviour did, Fatherforgive them for they know not -
what they do. At the ſame time, we ſhould call
none oppoſers or enemies, without the cleareſt and
fulleſt proofs. For it is charging them with a crime
of the deepeſt die. All are to examine candidly-
and let none be inimical till they have weighed the
59 -
matter, with all poſſible care and deliberation. If
the work be not of God, the event will prove it.
If it be, to oppoſe it, is to oppoſe him. As yet we
have had no Apoſtates—and it is earneſtly hoped
there will be none. If there ſhould, it will not be
ſtrange ; for there was a Judas in Chriſt’s own fam-
ily. But if one or two ſhould relapſe into former
ſtupidity and vice, it ought not to diſcredit the
4. SUCH a res ival of - religion as above narrated,
and as has been, in many towns and pariſhes, in this
vicinity, by which thouſands have been added to the
Lord, and in various other parts of our land ſhould
convince unbelievers that there is a Holy-Ghoſt ;
and make them at length admit the divine original
of Chriſtianity. Every ſoul brought from a ſtate of
nature to a ſtate of grace may be reckoned a new
proof in confirmation of the Goſpel, and alſo a
new diſplay of its power. When natural men, the
ſpiritually blind, are enlightened in the knowledge
of themſelves and of a Saviour: When a dead ſin-
ner is raiſed to newneſs of life, we have the ſame
figns of power, and a proof of greater goodneſs,
• , in one ſenſe, than when fun, moon, and ſtars were
lighted up in the firſt world, or when a dead corpſe
is called into being. God, ſays Paul, who command.
ed the light to ſhine out of darkneſs, hath ſhined in our
hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of
God in the face of jeſus Chriſ ; and repreſents the
ſame power that raiſed J eſus from the dead, as work-
ing in them that believe. If one ſoul thus enlight-
ened, thus quickened ſets before us a lively inſtance
6¢,
of boundieſs compaſſion, and Almighty power,
how convincing the proof when great numbers, as
in the preſent caſe, are the ſubjects of renewing
grace;
3. THE real people of God, Chriſtians, ſhould
improve this deſcent of the Holy Ghoſt on ſo many
places, the ſeaſon paſt, for ſtrengthening their
faith 3-and as an occaſion of praiſe and gratitude
to a merciful God. Their prayers ſhould be inore
fervent. Their zeal more ardent. When God
pours out his ſpirit, how happy the effect! A revi.
val of religion is the conſequence. This ſhould lead
them to hope more firmly in the accompliſhment of
all the promiſes of the out-pouring of the ſpirit,
when the kingdoms of this world ſhall become the
kingdoms of our God, and of his Chriſt : And
to encourage their joint ſupplication, that this whole
land, and all the churches of Chriſt may be water-
ed with the ſame bleſſed dew of heaven. t
6. MINISTERs need not deſpond, though their
labours hitherto have not been remarkably owned.
They are to preſson, in laying before men, the PLAIN
and PEcuitAR, and DISTINGUISHING doćtrines of
the Goſpel.—God may ſoon bleſs and ſucceed them.
At the ſame time all ranks, ages, and conditions
fhould, above all, deſire to feel the divine influ-
ence, and to ſhare in the heavenly bleſfing. If
THIS PREcious season of GRAce—this Happy
day of God's Merciful visitation be not im-
proved, it may never return again. Now God
is ſtriving with us by his word, by his Providence,
and by his ſpirit. But if we continue to reject the