"1. I am resolved to avoid all known sins, and to practise all known duties; to read the word of God, and other good books, and go according to the light I find in them. "2. Resolved to watch over my conduct respecting my aged parents, never to give them an unkind word, but to love and honor them, as enjoined in the fifth commandment, and to obey and follow them, wherein they follow Christ. "3. I am resolved, three times a day, unless my circumstances render it impossible, to retire and read a portion of Scripture and pray ;-to be much in ejaculatory prayer, and in times of unusual trouble to be more than commonly prayerful. "4. Resolved to keep a general journal of the most remarkable occurrences of my life. "5. Am resolved to be faithful to my dear consort, to seek to instruct, watch over, and bring up my children in the fear of God, and to pray and travail in birth for them, until Christ is formed in them the hope of glory. “6. I am resolved to show my superiors, inferiors and equals due respect at all times, and not to have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect to persons. "7. Am resolved to be careful of another's character, and to say nothing against him directly or indirectly, unless I think the interest of religion and the honor of God call me to it. "8. Resolved, never to look upon myself to have attained, but to press forward. "9. Resolved, never to put myself forward in any thing, especially in matters of religion, but always to take the lowest place. "10. Resolved, in all my troubles, to be careful how I complain or speak of them; and to say and do that which may be most for the glory of God, who is as worthy of praise in my adversity as in my prosperity. "11. Resolved, the first thing in the morning, to give myself up to the Lord; to study what I can do most for his glory that day, and by prayer to set about it; and that this shall be the last thing at night. "12. Resolved to receive all unkindnesses with patience, to keep counsel and speak against no persons, unless I think I am in duty called to it. “13. Resolved, if in my power, to read at least four portions of Scripture, or hear them read, every day. “14. Resolved, to try all my sermons by God's word, and endeavor to get good from them before I preach them, and to deliver them as if I was about to give up my last account. "15. I am resolved, not only to preach what I find agreeable to the word of God to others, but to endeavor to practise it myself. "16. Resolved, that nothing be lost, but, that what little time and strength I have, be spent in the service of God. "17. I am resolved to pray for all people, especially for the church and my enemies. "18. Resolved, never to be too much lifted up. nor too much cast down, but to hope in God and not indulge despair. "19. Resolved, to watch against the love of this world, as a sin which doth easily beset me. "20. Resolved, to inquire with candor after the truth for the truth's sake, taking the word of God as my only guide, looking up to the Holy Spirit to guide me into a right understanding of it. "21. Resolved, to watch against a murmuring, fretful spirit. "22. Resolved, to watch in the day of prosperity, lest I forsake the Lord. "23. Resolved, to 'remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.' "24. Resolved, to avouch the Lord Jehovah, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as my God and Father, my Redeemer, Sanctifier and Comforter. through the everlasting atonement of Jesus Christ. "The preceding resolves, I have generally renewed Saturday evening, with a covenant, in which I have endeavored to give my heart, soul and body, name, interest and happiness, for time and eternity, to God in Christ; also my wife, children and friends; my people, the world, and dearer Zion; that all might be consecrated to the fear, service, kingdom and glory of God:-at the same time praying, that God would be my Father, and put me among his children; that the Lord Jesus Christ would be my prophet, priest and king—my righteousness, wisdom, sanctification and redemption; and the Holy Spirit, my sanctifier, supporter and comforter. And although, as I have said, I trust, the weekly renewal of the preceding resolves and covenant has been profitable, and tended to prepare my mind for the Sabbath, yet the practice has taught me this; that it is one thing to covenant and resolve, and another to do; or, in other words, how much easier it is to resolve and covenant than to perform; and that I am absolutely dependent after all, on the gracious and quickening influences of the Holy Spirit. CHAPTER IV. Goes to Connecticut and studies under the direction of Mr. Fowler.Enjoys a religious revival.-Conversion of Miss Humphrey, afterwards Mrs. Hallock.-Spiritual feelings.-Useful labors.-Visit from his brother.-Earnest desire to preach the Gospel.--Pursues study with Rev. Samuel John Mills of Torringford.-Short journey.--Residence in Stockbridge, with the late Rev. Dr. West.--His opinion of Edwards on religious affections, and of Taylor and Edwards on original sin. "I HAVE Considered 1783 an important year to me. I suppose I was fitted for college in the preceding September. On the invitation of Mr. Abraham Fowler, who had preached at Goshen as a candidate, and with whom I had formed an agreeable acquaintance, I sat out the twenty-sixth of May, for his house in West-Simsbury,* Connecticut, with a view to spend the summer with him in study. The day I left home, I wrote thus: 'Left one poor brother and seven sisters, as I have reason to think, in an unconverted state—it is a cutting thought—O Lord, pity them.' I did not then know, what I afterwards found to be a fact, that my youngest sister had a hope. I tarried with Mr. Fowler until the first of October. Mr. Edmund Mills preached this summer in West-Simsbury, and Mr. Fowler at SalmonBrook. Mr. Mills was very spiritual and had great assistance from above. Not long after he came, a revival of religion began. I believe, about one hundred manifested hope. Before it commenced, the *This is the place where Mr. Hallock spent the remainder of his days-the name being afterwards changed to Canton. |