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ted to impress the mind with exalted views of him whose goodness called all nature into existence. But though the peculiarities of creation excited her admiration, the wonders of redemption drew forth her adoration and grateful love in a much higher degree. This was the central point to which her thoughts, affections, and language tended. This was her resting-place; here she found her soul at home; it was the summit of Pisgah, from which she could survey the promised land.

In this sequestered spot she made herself acquainted with many commentators on the Sacred Scriptures. The whole of Dr. Matthew Henry's voluminous work she read entirely through; and that part of it which was written on the New Testament she read through nearly three times. With Doddrige's Family Expositor, with Poole's Commentary, and a variety of smaller, but equally excellent books, she made herself quite familiar. From these various works it was her custom to make extracts of such passages, as were either peculiarly beautiful, or expressive of the language of her heart. These selections, which fill two small trunks, she has preserved with much care. And though they are unequal in importance, they discover a sound understanding, a discriminating judgment, and a refinement of taste; and evince a mind, capable at once of relishing the beauties of composition, the flights of genius, and the excellencies of religion. The general tendency of these extracts is, to amplify and recommend the love of God in Christ Jesus. And, I have no doubt, were a considerable portion of them committed to the world, that they would prove as beneficial, as they must be acceptable, and fix the attention of the pious mind on that glorious object, on which it was the delight of her soul to dwell.

I have already observed, that when the dear subject of this memoir returned from Bristol, her father manifested most decided marks of disapprobation of her forming any connexion with the Methodists; but that when he found the purposes of her heart were not to be subdued by prohibition, he suspended his hostility, and permitted her to enjoy the means of grace in peace. Soon after her return, he strictly commanded her to attend the church. To this, for some time, she yielded the most implicit obedience. But returning home one Lord's day, greatly dissatisfied with something she had noticed, she appeared much dejected. Her father, on perceiving it, naturally inquired into the cause, and, on her informing him, she had the courage to add, "It is like sitting

among the dead," and at the same time expressed a wish to be compelled to go thither no more. From that time he relaxed in the tone of his command, and, though several persons endeavoured to keep alive his prejudices, by carrying tales to him which were calculated to excite disgust against those with whom his daughter had formed an acquaintance, yet his personal inquiries and observations concerning them, soon convinced him that these injurious reports were without any just foundation. Were men, in the more exalted stations of life, to adopt such rational measures, and form their judgments from facts, rather than from tales, of which it is hardly in their power to detect the falsehood, the truths which they reject, as well as the characters of those whom they despise, in consequence of the impositions which have been practised on them, would appear in an amiable light. But this can only be done by forming a personal acquaintance with their doctrines, discipline, and measures. Mr. Smith, after some time, took this step, and the happy effect which resulted from his free inquiry was, a disregard to those invidious reports which he was now able to detect.

When her father was first seized with the palsy, the unwearied attention of his daughter towards him, made a deep impression on his mind. Her pious affection appeared to display something superior to the mere discharge of filial duty. She seemed to act from a more noble principle than that which he had inculcated in early life. A spirit of meekness, of patience, and of peculiar tenderness, beamed through all her words and actions and spread an indescribable lustre over those deeds which would have been amiable without any embellishments. Being much in her father's company during his long confinement, she had frequent opportunities of recommending to him the necessity of experimental religion. And on finding him willing to receive information on this important subject, she spoke closely and pointedly to his judgment and conscience, in her most winning and artless manner. At their joint request, some of our preachers were frequently called in to assist Mr. Smith with their advice and their prayers. And so far had his prejudices forsaken him, that during his illness, his daughter procured numerous prayermeetings to be held at their own house, for the special purpose of his salvation. This method was not adopted without his consent and approbation; for as his affliction increased, and he advanced in years, he became more than usually attentive to divine VOL. I. 60

things. And such of our pious friends as have assisted on these occasions, and witnessed the visible effects produced, are fully persuaded that their prayers and labours were not in vain in his behalf. (To be continued.)

RELIGIOUS AND MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN SOUTHOLD, L. I.

To the Editors of the Methodist Magazine.

DEAR BRETHREN,

THE following letter, giving an account of the revival of the work of God at Southold, Long Island, if you think proper, you are at liberty to publish.

New-York, November 3, 1818.

DEAR SIR,

SAMUEL MERWIN.

Southold, October 21st, 1818.

I EMBRACE an early opportunity, to present you with the statement of a few particulars respecting the late revival of religion in the town of Southold (L. I.), which, you may doubtless recollect, was the subject of a recent conversation. The joy, with which you regard every increase of pure and undefiled religion, especially in that part of the Church of Christ over which you are placed in charge; together with the gratification, which I myself receive as the bearer of good tidings, will, I trust, be a sufficient apology for this intrusion upon your time and attention.

The Methodist preachers who have laboured on the Suffolk circuit, have long looked with deep interest upon the town of Southold. Situated in the extremity of the circuit, and almost of the northern branch of the Island, it has suffered much from a neglect, which, in a more central relation might have been avoided. For many years, the smallness of the Society, and the general prejudice against Methodism, exposed the preachers, who visited the place and its vicinity, to very considerable embarrassments-But more lately, these difficulties have been lessened by perseverance and exertion. The activity of Brother Reynolds especially, whose labours are much spoken of, in this part of the Island, contributed, under the divine blessing, in no small degree, to remove the imaginary scandal of Methodism, and pave the way for the future extension of its influence. But to circumstances relative to this place, which have transpired within the last four years, I need not particularly advert, as your Presidency over the New-York district, including this circuit, has perhaps given you a much better opportunity to become acquainted with facts, than I can possibly have. I will hasten therefore to the primary object of this communication.

The late work of God in Southold, commenced about the end of July last. The first dawn of its gracious rise, appeared under the exercises of a minister of the Baptist denomination, who had come upon a visit from Connecticut. His labours were chiefly confined to the upper part of the town, where the members of that church principally resided. It was not long, however, before the work found an easy transition into the meetings of our society, in consequence of the awakening and conversion of some, who were partial to

the Methodist preaching, and had been in the habit of attending our ministrations. The first instance in which the symptoms of a real concern visibly appeared, was on the evening of Saturday, (July 25) when brother Jewett preached; and after preaching five young men, groaning under the burthen of sin, came forward to be prayed for; but the meeting concluded before any of them received the assurance of pardon. Upon remarking these favourable occurrences, it was thought expedient to commence the exercises of the following day, with a prayer-meeting at eight o'clock. At this hour the house was unusually crowded, and the congregation deeply solemn and engaged : The order of preaching was conducted as usual, and accompanied with the administering of the Lord's supper. After the close of the Afternoon preaching, the unwillingness of the congregation to retire, the attentive seriousness of all present, and the distress for sin with which many seemed to be affected, Suggested the propriety of prolonging the meeting, with the exercises of singing and prayer. These exercises had not long continued, before the anxious conviction for sin which before was silently moving, like an insinuating and searching flame, through every bosom, now burst forth, no longer to be repressed, in loud cries and earnest prayer. A general and powerful descent of the Holy Spirit, rendered the place awful, and astonished even the pious servants of the Lord who were pleading before the throne of grace, in behalf of the penitent. But it was an astonishment of joy. A rapid series of conversions took place; and before the meeting concluded, not less than nine young persons gave glory to God, and declared they knew, that for Christ's sake, their sins were pardoned. Many more left the house under deep exercises of soul, and earnestly groaning for deliverance. The occurrences of this Sabbath will long be treasured up in the memories of those who were present, and who shared in its glorious result. Many who came in the morning at eight, did not leave the sacred spot until eleven o'clock at night, the hour when the meeting finally closed. And it may not be unnecessary to add, that the suddenness of the commencement of this work, and the rapidity of its procedure, exceeded what has generally been observed on similar occasions. "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

During the following week, Brother Jewett laboured in the place, favoured likewise with the assistance of Brother Reed, who kindly crossed over from Sag-harbour, for that purpose. The ordinary temporal concerns of those, who were particularly engaged in the work were almost entirely suspended.— Meetings for public prayer or preaching were held every evening; and occasionally during the day, in different private houses social companies met together to unite their hearts and voices, in fervent and affecting addresses to heaven. Indeed, for many weeks, scarce a solitary evening was permitted to pass away without being improved in the manner just stated.

The subjects of this gracious visitation, near its commencement, were principally young persons both male and female: but after a partial cessation of the work, it broke out afresh, among those who were farther advanced in life, or were heads of families. As to the number of Converts, it is difficult to ascertain it with precision; but as far as I have been able to learn, the number is not much short of seventy: of these, I believe eight bave united themselves to the Baptist, five to the Presbyterian, and thirty five to the Methodist Church. We have good reason to believe that a few more will join us, which may perhaps make our increase rising forty. In such a place as Southold, this number of additional members is of considerable importance. Among those who have during this revival, openly witnessed a good profession, are many whose parents have long been useful and pious members of our church; and it is to be hoped, from this circumstance, that parental example and instruction, united with di̟

vine grace, will tend much to fortify their minds against any disposition le "turn away from the Holy Commandment," and renounce their religion.

The urgency of circumstances rendered it necessary, that one of the Preachers on the circuit, should be located to the spot, during the continuance of the work. This appointment devolved, principally upon Brother Jewett; whose attentive and vigorous exertions are mentioned with grateful affection, by the friends and members of our church in Southold By this arrangement, it is not unreasonable to suppose many inconveniences were avoided, and a proper direction given to the proceedings of those engaged; and we are happy to observe, that the different meetings were conducted with remarkable regularity and decorum. The public preaching and prayer-meetings were chiefly held in a commodious apartment, appropriated solely to that purpose, at the house of Sister R. Peters, to whose kindness we feel ourselves peculiarly indebted. The preaching room was always filled, and very often crowded to overflowe ing: so that on some occasions, many of our hearers were under the necessity of leaving the house, or standing without.

Instances of deep awakening, leading to unusual exercises were not unfrequent. I should, with pleasure, notice some particular facts of this nature, did the present opportunity permit, but I wish to reserve what room I have left for the purpose of giving a brief sketch of the introduction of Methodism into this place. A relation of the circumstances connected with this event, I think can not fail to be gratifying to one who delights to trace the finger of God, amidst human occurrences.

In the year 1794, Mrs. Moore, long a worthy member of our Church, but who is now praising God, with the church triumphant, and a few other pious females, residing in the town of Southold, severely felt the want of religious priviliges the congregation to which they were united, being too far distant for their attendance; and the then resident minister of the parish, being in their view, not sufficiently interested in the spiritual welfare of the people. In this state of things, they agreed to meet together on the Monday evening of every week, for the purpose of a prayer-meeting; in which, they made it a subject of their petitions that God would send them a godly and qualified Minister, to cheer their drooping souls, and dispense to them the pure word of life. Two Monday evenings successively, in pursuance with this agreement, they met at the house of Brother P. Vail, the present leader of the Class, who joyfully united in the same pleasing task, and at that time, though living in the enjoyment of religion, was not attached to any religious denomination. But on the third, having repaired to the usual place of meeting they were greatly disappointed, upou learning that our Brother was indisposed, through the excessive fatigues of the day (it being about the beginning of harvest in the month of June) and had retired to rest. This circumstance threw a temporary damp upon their efforts. They were fearful that the pious servant of the Lord had become discouraged; but unwilling altogether, to relinguish their design and return home without the accustomed exercises, after a short consultation in the street, they resolved to resort to a pleasant and retired grove in the vicinity, and there continue their fervent application to a throne of grace. To this spot they accordingly went; and there, while engaged in solemn devotion, Sister Moore felt convinced, that her prayer was accented, by a deep impression of these words upon her mind, "I have heard thy cry, and thy groaning, and am come down to deliver thee." (See Exod. 3 ch.) Persuaded of a divine answer, the little company received the communication with joyful gratitude, and left their evening retreat, giving glory to God, under the pleasing expectation of better days.

The counterpart of this relation changes the scene to New-London. Here the late Wilson Lee had been stationed, to whom invitations had been occa

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