a large audience. O that God might have the praise.

"Sept. 17. Set out for home.

66

Sept. 18. Found my family and people well, having been absent eleven days. It has been the most remarkable journey I ever took. I have been better in health than common, when from home, and have seen the great power and mercy of God displayed, in awakening and converting sinners. This great work appears in Conway, Ashfield, Buckland, Williamsburgh, Goshen, Chesterfield, Northampton, East-Hampton and West-Hampton. O come. Lord Jesus, and spread the triumphs of the cross through our world."

During his ministry, it was Mr. Hallock's custom to make an annual visit, in autumn, to his parents and friends at Goshen, and in the vicinity. Beside this, he seldom took a journey, if we except short tours, sometimes for preaching and sometimes to meet ecclesiastical bodies. It is highly gratifying to find him the same devout man and active minister abroad as at home. Whatever relaxation he might need, at any time, from the severer duties of his station, he seems never to have put off his clerical garments, as too grave on a journey, or in the houses of near relations. Once, in prospect of a journey, he made these resolutions:

"1. To watch over my thoughts and conversa

tion.

"2. To take some time for private prayer and meditation, morning and evening.

"3. To be ready to preach, if requested, and to do and get all the good I can."

Again, he writes; "To-morrow, expect, if I live, to set out with Mrs. Hallock to see our friends in Goshen and Plainfield. O Lord, if it be thy will that we should go, wilt thou be with us, going and coming, and while there, and may our journey be for thy glory, our spiritual comfort, and the edification of thy people, for Christ's sake."

On his return from one of these autumnal visits, he makes the following entry in his journal: "In this visit, have seen and heard refreshing things in respect to the work of God, in particular at Plainfield. Have preached six times, besides speaking at conferences. I have had a sweet visit with my brother Moses; and now, O my soul, give God all the praise, for to him only is it due." In bidding his brother's family farewell, at the close of these strictly religious visits, it was his custom to have the children arranged before him, and then, in a most affectionate and solemn manner, to address them on the concerns of their souls. "These scenes," remarked one who was no stranger to them, "were often overwhelming.”

CHAPTER X.

A time of thick moral darkness. -Miscellaneous extracts from his journal.-Anecdote-the lost sheep.-Illustrations of human dependence, a youth rowing up Niagara-floating ice-unskilful boatman.-Joyful change of feeling.-Death of a sister.-Attempt to divide his parish.--Refuge in trouble.-Harvest-thoughts.-Extraordinary supply of forage.-Motive in planting an orchard.-Traits of character illustrated by facts,-course to reclaim a Christian brother-reproof of an infidel-effort to remove an infidel from the board of school-visiters-admonition of some thoughtless youth -anecdotes in reference to a new house for public worship.

THE first twelve years, after Mr. Hallock's ordination were years of deep spiritual declension, in all the region round about him. We now find him in the midst of this dreary period-altogether the darkest time of the same length, which he was called to witness in the course of his ministry. To use his own language, in a sermon which he published some years afterwards: "spiritual things appeared gradually to decline, and the church was reduced to a very low and gloomy state." Yet, in this season of peculiar trial, we find him at his post, diligently sowing his seed in the morning, and in the evening not withholding his hand.

"Dec. 20, 1789, Lord's day. To-day, began to preach systematically. O that I might go forward in my proposed plan, only in the strength of the Lord Almighty.

"April 18, 1790. Religious matters, in this place, look darker and darker. My soul is perplex

ed to hear that children and youth get together for vanity.

"Aug. 8. I think, that if God should ask me as he did Solomon, what he should give me, I would answer; Lord, that I might be faithful!'

"Oct. 10. Have had but little freedom, this day, in public or private. It seems almost as if I could never preach again. O, such scenes are humbling and distressing; but they are for the best. In prosperity, we are apt to think we shall never be moved; but when God's face is hid, we are troubled. Be still, O my soul, in submission, for it is our Father's good pleasure. Had a little refreshment last evening in secret. Preached, on Thursday, a funeral ser

mon.

"Aug. 4, 1792. Resolved to fast and pray : 1. On account of my sins, the sins of my people, and of the land.-2. That I may be humbled under the testimonies of God's displeasure.-3. For Zion in her present melancholy state, especially in this place. -4. That I may search my own heart, and inquire whether it is not owing to my slothfulness, that the vineyard in this place is thus grown over with thorns, and broken down."

Far as Mr. Hallock was from superstition, he could yet receive valuable hints of duty from the more striking events of providence. One day, he took a walk into his field to see his sheep. On calling them around him, one was missing. After a general survey of the pasture without success, he returned to his house. The thought of the lost sheep still gave him inquietude. At length, he concluded to

go and make a more thorough search. To his equal surprise and joy, he found the stray sheep, in a remote corner of the field, alive, yet in need of immediate help. The poor animal had passed its head between two rails of the fence, and unable to extricate itself, had eaten into the earth every thing green within its reach. Having relieved the object of distress, he began to inquire with himself: "What use can I now make of this singular occurrence? Is it not possible, that some one of my spiritual flock is at this moment in deep distress of soul? I will go through the parish without delay, and ascertain the fact." He went; and actually found a member of his church almost in despair, to whom he was happy to impart counsel.

66

Aug. 26. There are some unhappy difficulties among the members of the church; and if any thing is said which reproves them, I am rather accused of being partial. O that I might be prudent and faithful, and that peace may be restored to this church, I have been exceedingly tried and perplexed in this matter; but O may I love God, and share in the promise: All things work for good.'

"Sept. 22. Had a church meeting; and, after prayer and considerable discussion, two contending brethren settled their difficulties; in which, it appeared to me, the kind hand of the Lord was evidently seen. 'O the hope of Israel'—

"March 13, 1793. To-day, returned from the Monthly Convention at Brother Hawley's. Saw a number of my dear friends in the ministry--felt embarrassed in conversation and in every performance