promising character. None are suspicious of iniquity in him about the matter. But it is presumed he is either dead or sick on the road from Boston. We wait to hear the event unfolded. Several likely young preachers have come into this state of late. I hope Providence will open the door for the gospel to spread among us. Infidelity and stupidity are very prevalent. Corrupt doctrines are circulated; and Arminianism is not without its votaries. I find a clear understanding of the doctrines of the gospel is very necessary for ministers at this time. We had need to study and pray. We have lately lost a preacher in these parts, the Reverend Mr. Carpenter. He was a man of unexceptionable character. His funeral sermon will soon be published, when (God willing) you shall have a copy sent you. Was disappointed in not visiting you last winter-hope to see you within a few weeks or months. Pray write me every opportunity -let me have some useful ideas...... Remember me at the Throne of Grace-more especially Zion in general.

Yours sincerely, &c.

LETTER IV.

TO THE SAME.

REV. AND DEAR SIR,

Rutland, Dec. 29, 1799.

Yours by your brother T has been received, and it was like good news from a far country. I almost envy the happiness of such ministers, whose lot is cast among a people where God is pleased to pour out his spirit in so plentiful effusions. Yet souls are as precious in one part of the world as in another, and wherever God is calling in souls, it will afford joy to the people of God. Accounts from below, of late, have often refreshed the souls of the pious in these parts. There have been, and still are, instances of awakenings in this state, though they have not been general.

At Mount Holley, a town about sixteen miles from

Rutland, there have been nearly forty who have lately entertained a hope. I have lately been with them to assist in gathering a church, and was abundantly satisfied with their appearance. A few drops have fallen on Pittsford, the town adjoining this. But the general inattention in this state is gloomy. But little inclination to settle the gospel. We have an ordination ap-. pointed at Brandon on New-Year's day. Regular candidates have almost forsaken this state. Dissensions about politics have had an unfavourable influence on religion, as they have greatly tended to alienate the affections of the people from each other, at least in many towns in the state. However, I think they have in a measure subsided. The late melancholy news of the death of General Washington seems to shock every heart. I think we may view it a great frown of Providence. May it teach us to cease trusting in man, whose breath is in his nostrils. I have for a long time been very desirous to pay you a visit, but family and ministerial affairs have hitherto prevented: still, I hope to see you before long. The longer I live the greater my work appears. But have great reason to be humble that I see so little fruit of my labour. A number of churches among us have agreed to spend some time every other Thursday in prayer for the outpouring of the spirit. I hope we shall find the Most High a prayer-hearing God. While it is well with you, pray remember us.

Believe me, faithfully yours, &c.

DEAR SIR,

LETTER V.

TO THE SAME.

Rutland, Sept. 22, 1801.

I am scarcely able to express my desire for an interview with you and my old friends at G. Providence has for a long time prevented. Hope however it will be but a few months before I shall converse with you face to face. For the present, as a substitute, I H

wrap myself up in a small piece of paper, and have agreed with Deacon H. to carry me, post free, in his pocket. The main thing you want to hear about is the state of religion among us. Although, for the most part, stupidity reigns triumphant, yet there are hopeful appearances in some places. Deacon H. will tell you the good news from Swanton. There seems to be considerable attention in a great number of towns to the northward. Perhaps God has yet mercy in store for poor Vermont. The missionaries from Conn. have been of singular service. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. We have, of late, a little inquiry among some young people about religion. A number sent for me last Sabbath to converse about their soul's concern. Five or six children and youth are crying out, "What shall we do to be saved?" I take a little courage that these few drops may presage a shower. Pray for us that the Lord would carry on his work. We sensibly feel the frowns of Divine providence in removing Dr. Edwards from Union College. The prospects were promising. But the Lord

reigns.

It has been a time of mortality for months past in the east parish in Rutland. A young man was thrown from his horse the other evening, and was killed almost instantly.

I am preparing another political discourse for the press, delivered on the 4th of July. I feel an aversion to preach, and especially to print, on the subject, but I find it unavoidable without giving offence.

I thank you for your correspondence. Pray write every opportunity. I hear from you with joy. What is the meaning of Zech., chap. v., 5-11 verses?

Yours, in the fellowship of the gospel, &c.

DEAR SIR,

LETTER VI.

TO THE SAME.

Rutland, Oct. 3, 1802.

Finding that the bearer had no letter for me was attended with some disappointment. However, I suppose you did not consider yourself indebted. We love to work for wages, and the sentiment will abide with us till we get to heaven. Mr. B. informs me that 'tis a time of coldness among you. This makes it hard studying and preaching. But, after all, perhaps it will be found at the day of judgment that he is most faithful who, out of right views, has done the most to prepare matters for that day. Yet the conversion of souls is pleasing to the benevolent mind, and will be a subordinate object of attention. We have nothing very special. A few individuals are serious. Let us prize even the day of small things. At Castleton there has been considerable attention to religion for months past. About twenty-six have been added to the church. In Ira, about three miles from here, a family is visited of late with the influences of the spirit, who have always neglected meeting and things of a religious nature. 'Tis best God should so work as to make it evident that 'tis all of him.

The missionaries have been peculiarly useful among us; and, generally, met with a kind reception. I think that the missionary spirit that has appeared of late is an omen of good.

I have this day finished reading a fourth volume of Mr. Fuller, an ingenious European writer. You have doubtless read his "Letters to the Calvinists," "The Gospel its own Witness,"-"The Gospel a Faithful Saying," and the "Backslider." They are admired by the serious; and, I think, are worthy of a place in every minister's library.

I intended to have been at G, the second Sabbath in this month, but sickness I think will prevent. One of

my children, a daughter of fourteen, is very sick. God is correcting us. I have doubts of her ever recovering. I find I deserve chastisements.

I intended to have written more, especially more to the purpose, but weariness of body and mind prevents. 'Tis Sabbath evening-the fatigue of the pulpit and of my distressed family must apologize.

We live at a great distance, but would it be too much boldness for me to suggest, that, should we spend one quarter of an hour every Saturday evening at the Throne of Grace, to intercede for our own souls and the souls of our people, and for Zion in general, we might thereby be peculiarly present in spirit?

Yours sincerely,

LEMUEL HAYNES.

CHAPTER VI.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

THROUGH the instrumentality of Whitefield and his fellow-labourers, our own country was blessed with extensive revivals a little before the middle of the last century. Owing to various causes, the fruits were in some measure blasted, and the churches were covered with a cloud of portentous darkness. In many parts of NewEngland, "religious awakenings," as they were styled, were regarded with a suspicious eye. The special influences of the Spirit were in a great measure withheld, and for half a century the church was enlarged chiefly by gradual additions.

But, near the commencement of the present century, copious showers of Divine grace began to be more fre