have often said, "It is good for one to be here." Who would not endure a little toil, or suffer some privations for the sake of the gospel's being preached where it is so much needed, and so gratefully received ?

I spent ten or twelve weeks in the county of Bradford, in the State of Pennsylvania, on the Susquehannah and its branches; that is, the Tioga, the Towanda and Sugar Creeks. The Tioga rises in the mountains of Pennsylvania, and, winding its course through part of the adjacent State of New-York, it receives the Cownesque, Canesteo and Canhacton; and after running a distance of one hundred miles, falls into the Susquehannah at Tioga point, about thirty miles from its source: compassing in its course a valuable tract of country, in form resembling a horse shoe. In this tract is situated the towns of Athens, Ulster, Canton, Burlington, Troy, Columbia, Springfield, Smithfield, Wells, Chemung, Jackson, Laurence, Sullivan, Painted-Post, Covington, &c.

The Towanda and Sugar Creeks run in a southeasterly direction through a number of those towns, and fall into the Susquehannah twenty miles below Tioga point, within a few miles of each other. In this tract of country, are situated the following churches, viz: The Chemung, (where was the former residence of the venerable Roswell Goff, whose labours have been more abundant in this country than those of any other man.) The Towanda church on the Creek of that name in the town of Canton, Burlington on Sugar Creek, Smithfield, Columbia, and Tioga. In all the above places there is but one regular ordained preacher, Elder Jonathan Stone, of Smithfield. Some of these churches I found in an unpleasant situation, and in general in a low and tried state, as might naturally be expected from their

I also

being only partially supplied with public instruction. While in this quarter, I preached in all those towns and churches, as often as was practicable, generally three times on Lord's days, and frequently twice on other days. travelled down the Susquehannah to a town called Asylum, where I found a number of professors of different churches. I made them two visits, and was cordially received by them. We parted with reluctance. I crossed to the east side of the river, visited the church in Wisox, and had a pleasant time. Here is an Elder West, who preaches in this and several adjacent towns; also a Deacon T. B. Beebe, a licentiate, whose preaching is very acceptable.

I should have left this quarter earlier, but for having been solic ited to tarry and attend the ordination of brother Levi Baldwin in the Tioga church.

The church in Spencer made application to the same council to set apart brother Benjamin Ovatt. We rode sixteen miles through the woods without a house, and on the fourth of July, attended the ordination in Spencer CourtHouse.

After the ordination, I rode seven miles, and preached in a Dutch settlement on the Kioata Creek. Next day accompanied brother Goff home, and spent the Sabbath very agreeably with him and his people in Elmira, where I received several small donations for the society. Journeying west, I visited and preached in Paintedpost and Addison. Thence through a wilderness to a new settlement in Troopsburg, where the Lord was carrying on his work. Elder Bigalow had recently visited them, and had baptized fourteen, most of whom had lately belonged to a Methodist class. The class leader was among the number. They appear to be a happy band, and the work is still

An

going on among them.. They unanimously expressed their wishes to be regularly organized as a church of Christ; and having articles drawn and also a covenant, to these twelve brethren and eleven sisters I gave fellowship as a gospel church. On Lord's day following, I baptized two more, which were added to them. After preaching several more lectures, I continued my journey toward the Alleghany.

I next visited a small destitute church in Alfred, and some adjacent settlements in Alleghany county. I also attended a covenant meeting with this harmonious church, and broke bread to them. Having preached three times with them on the Sabbath, I took

my leave of them. From this I visited Olean-Point, and was here treated with much politeness and hospitality by Judge Brooks, as I had also been before, by Judge Gore, at Sheshequin. From each of those places I found it convenient to write, both to the Board and my family, from whom I had heard nothing until I came into this county. I preached at Olean on the Lord's day, and then went up the Alleghany thirty miles, preaching as often as I could, but was frequently obliged to decline the acceptance of pressing invitations. I returned and preached at Olean one Lord's day more and received several small donations." (To be concluded in our next)

12,27

3.00

48,77

25,

167.00

Oct. 4,

167,98

13,

14,

60,00

767.38

By do. do.

10,00

29,30

Lewis County, N. Y.

75,00

100,00

1817.

1,00

1,48

3,06

1,37

1,00

9,28

REVIVAL OF RELIGION

STATE OF NEW JERSEY. Extract of a letter from Rev. Levi Hall to one of the Editors, dated Wantage, Sussex County, State of N. J. Aug. 4, 1817.

[Mr. Hall, after giving some account of his trials in leaving the church in Pleasant Valley, and settle ment with this church, proceeds as follows:]

In

The

"IN the month of February, 1816, the Lord began to revive his work in this church. A few were baptized in this and the three following months. But in June the work was more powerful. Some appeared to be awakened in every part of the congregation, while others were rejoicing in the Saviour of sinners. this month I baptized five. Lord now poured out his spirit in a most blessed manner; and many poor sinners came with weeping and supplications for mercy. In July there were nine who gave evidence of their having been born from above; who, following the example of their Lord, went down into the watery grave, and were buried with him in baptism. A numerous audience attended on the occasion, and the power of God was evidently displayed.

Old

In August six more were baptized, and in September eight, in October ten. Mourning and crying for mercy were frequently heard and seen among those who were living without hope. saints were greatly quickened, and much engaged: prayer meetings were attended, three, four, and five nights in the week, in almost every part of the congregation. I preached and visited among mourning sinners and young converts day and night, till my bodily strength was almost exhausted : but while my flesh was worn out,

The month of November now commenced; and on the first Lord's day, which was our usual ordinance day, thirteen new converts were baptized; and after baptism we as usual returned to the meeting-house for singing and prayer, and giving the right hand of fellowship. A more glorious time I never witnessed. Numbers were rejoicing, having a good hope through grace; and many in almost every part of the meeting-house were mourn ing for sin, while penitential tears were trickling from their weeping eyes.

"Great was the day, the joy was great, When the divine disciples met."

There has been more or less baptized every month ever since. The whole number which has been added by baptism to this church in this revival, is eightyfive; and the shower, we trust, is not yet over. Some of our ministering brethren have visited and assisted us by their labours during this good work, particularly Elders Labeus Lathrop, Henry Ball, and John Wintermote. These were instrumental in refreshing the sheep and lambs of Christ.

There has also been a precious revival at Brookfield within two years past. They have baptized more than one hundred and seventy; and the second church in Wantage has also experienced a gracious shower of divine grace. They have added by baptism within two years rising seventy.

O that the whole earth may be filled with the glory of God, and the holy Spirit attend the word, truth spread universally, and error be found no more! Farewell." I am, Sir,

yours affectionately,
LEVI HALL.

Believing that any intelligence respecting the prosperity of Zion will be agreeable to you, I shall spend a few moments in addressing you upon that subject. In general, the churches in these parts enjoy a great degree of tranquillity; and although there are not such great accessions as in months past, yet there is a gradual increase, and the Redeemer's kingdom seems to be gently rising in glory.

At our last Association in September, we enjoyed a sweet and happy season. The letters from almost all our churches were filled with interesting and soul animating accounts of the work of divine grace upon the hearts of poor sinners, who were constrained, by the sovereign power of our exalted Redeemer, to throw down their weapons of rebellion, abjure the prince of darkness, and profess obedience to the King of Glory.

You will learn by our Minutes, the unusual increase of our number, by baptism, the year past. In our late session, no untoward circumstance occurred to disturb our joy; but peace, harmony, and brotherly love pervaded the assembly.

When the cause of missions was mentioned, the sacred flame kindled from heart to heart. Contributions from some of the churches, amounting to one hundred and one dollars, were presented as an offering to the Lord, to aid the Board of foreign missions in their glorious design. While the money was counting, four handkerchiefs dropped from the galleries, as a mite, consecrated by some generous females to the same important purpose.

As it respects our little Missionary Society, the prospect brightens. It seems to be rising in respectability and importance, its funds are increasing, and the field of operation extending. There are now twelve respectable female societies connected with us, who, by the fruits of their industry, greatly enlarge our funds.

There is an Institution in embryo, among us, for the education of young men designed for the gospel ministry. Yesterday we enjoyed a pleasing and delightful season in this place. It was the day set apart for the opening of our new meeting house for religious VOL. I.

35

purposes; for particulars, I shall refer you to the 13th number of our Magazine, which is now in the press.

ren.

I often reflect on the pleasing acquaintance I formed with you, and the rest of our brethren in Philadelphia. I wish a place in your remembrance, and desire a reciprocal correspondence. I am pleased with the improvement made in your New Series of the Magazine; and find, that in general, it is approbated by our brethI have the satisfaction to state, that those fears and disagreeable apprehensions that agitated the breasts of many of the brethren, have entirely subsided: and the friends of missions, in these parts, seem to place entire confidence in the wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness of the Board. I have sent you a copy of our Minutes, by which you will learn the state of our churches. But lest it should fail, I will here give you an account of our increase; which is as follows:-Added by baptism 870, by letter 215; making a total increase of 1085. The whole number of communicants in the Association is, 4360. After my respects to yourself and family, and my fervent wishes for your prosperity in the best of causes, I subscribe myself your friend and brother, In the gospel of our