come.

have been planted by his hand. They belong to whom he knew, and addressed him: “What is all the class I have already noticed; they are of ma- this? What is doing to-day?" The reply was, "The jestic growth, and droop beautifully-among the people, sir, are all meeting to pray for your convernoblest of their kind. They are fine living memo- sion." It sunk into his heart. He is said to have rials of the man, and promise to live for ages to exclaimed to himself, "Then it is time I prayed for myself!" He was not seen that day. He was seekNothing, perhaps has preplexed us more in the ing in solitude what they were asking in company; life of Edwards, than the circumstance of his sud- and "while they were yet speaking," they were den and painful separation from his church here, heard and answered. The pastor gave unquestionafter his remarkable usefulness among them. It able evidence of the change; he labored among a has contributed to shake our confidence in the re- beloved and devoted people for nearly half a centusults of the previous revivals; and mostly the peo-ry; and was for that period deservedly ranked with ple have been exposed to severe reprehension. With the most useful and able ministers of the New Tesout intending to justify or condemn either party, tament. the following remarks may assist to an amended judgment of the case.

The influence of his labors, and those of President Edwards, remains visibly and most happily over this 1. Edwards asked too much at once. The peo-people. The pious persons have much gravity and ple had been educated in different views on the steadiness of character; they incline, after their subject of communion; and to have enforced his great teacher, to metaphysical distinctions; require stricter terms, would have affected them as citi- to be addressed through the understanding, and zens, as well as Christians. The law of the State look vigilantly to their motives of action. then forbade any man to use his rights in the commonwealth, unless he was in communion with a church. Those who would have been least concerned about terms of communion, had they touched only religious privileges, were most excited by the effect they had on those that were civil and

social.

2. While the more worldly portion of the parishioners were thus suddenly exasperated at the prospect of degradation in society, the truly pious people were not prepared to uphold, zealously, the stricter plans of their minister. The subject was new to them; the system in which they had been educated, and which had the sanction of Stoddard, was the system on which they looked with partiality. Besides this, their pastor, while living among them, was, to their common minds, only a common man. As great unpleasantness had arisen, a change might be good for both parties; and they expected if he should leave, they should still find as suitable a minister.

3. Then, it must be admitted, that the manners of Edwards were neither social nor prudent. He was a recluse and a student, laboring for the church universal and generations to come; this his people did not appreciate. And he certainly was not prudent in the use of ministerial authority. It is remarkable, too, as an anomaly, that while his opinions were in advance of his times, his practice was often behind them. He adopted methods of public rebuke and humiliation which were getting obsolete; and inspired the people with fear, lest, if not themselves, their friends and children, should be exposed to such odious discipline.

Those who know something of human nature may easily comprehend how fewer and lighter circumstances may lead to a crisis, such as we have often deplored in the life o. Edwards; and when the case is really seen, not as we now are accustomed to look at it, but as the acting parties saw it at the time, it will appear that it might happen without great blame to either.

The body of the professing people here have been attached, from the earliest settlement, not only to orthodox sentiment, but to true piety. A pleasing instance of this occurs in relation to the first pastor, Solomon Stoddard. He was engaged, on an emergency, for this people, when at Boston, and about to sail for Scotland. The good people, however, soon suffered disappointment, for he gave no indications of a renewed and serious mind. In this difficulty their resource was prayer. They agreed to set apart a day for special fasting and prayer, in reference to their pastor. Many of the persons, in meeting for this purpose, passed, necessarily, the door of the minister. Mr. Stoddard hailed a plain man

Those who cannot venture on the ground of nice speculation, express the same fixedness of mind, in and to the means of religious worship. When, as an attachment to the simple elements of religion, yet, no taste may be awakened towards these objects, the sense of duty and the force of habit will so characteristic, they must not be omitted. constrain conformity. Two or three instances are

Mr. W., the former pastor, had been incensed by his neighbor's geese straying into his garden. He threatened that if they should do so he would kill them; and on one occasion, in a moment of vexation, he did kill one of them. Now it happened that the geese were the property of a widow, and were under the care of her daughter Mary; and the one killed was a pet of Mary's. She was the first to descry the mischief; and, full of distress, she ran within, exclaiming, " O, mother, will you think it! Mr. W. has killed the goose;" "Killed the goose,

แ

my child!" cried the astonished mother. Yes, mother; O, I think I shall never be able to go to church to hear him again!" This allusion to church restored the parent from present anger. "Mary!" she said, "never speak such a word as that, my child!" "Well, then, mother," she replied, checking herself, “I think I shall never be able to go without thinking of my goose!"

Among the attendants at church is a person who indulges in intemperate habits. The ministry of Dr. Penny cuts and confounds him; yet he attends. He told him that he would give him a couple of thousand dollars if he would leave the town, for he thought he should shoot him some day. Still this man never thinks of leaving church, as a remedy which he has in his own hands!

One of the parishioners, on getting married, and referring to his conduct in domestic life, remarked to his pastor, with complacency, that he had set up family prayer. "Family prayer!" said the minister, "but you swear still, don't you?"""" "Well, but you know," he replied, "one must have family prayer. Of the two, I had rather give up swearing than family prayer." Habit and example had taught him to look on it as a part of the furniture of domestic life!

The more remote influence is striking and beneficial. There are very few families in the whole township without domestic worship; there are not more than three families unconnected with a place of worship; there are not half a dozen persons given to intoxication. There is no poverty; there are no criminals; the jail is often empty for three months together; and the judge passes on his way, having no delivery to make. A lady's veil was found lately on the high road. It was hung on the

hedge by the wayside; it remained there all day, | services were well sustained. Both himself and and, in fact, till the owner came and claimed it.

Their morality has yet a higher complexion. No small evidence is given of this in their treatment of the ministers of the mother church. They agree to their salary in common hall. Dr. Penny's, as the actual pastor, passes as a matter of course. But Mr. Williams has resigned his charge, and is wholly superannuated. Yet they do not say of him, He is a withered tree! No: they agree, as freely and without remark, to the salary he has always enjoyed. This I think noble, and the delicacy admirable. Yet these people are a plain people; who shall say they are not refined and elevated?

I embraced readily all opportunities of intercourse with this excellent people, and the views they gave me of their social and domestic habitudes were very grateful. The society is somewhat more mixed than it might be found in most towns of its size; as, from its reputation for comfort and beauty, many families in easy circumstances have retired hither. I attended with my friend, Dr. Penny, on one occasion, a party of considerable size. We were introduced to a pretty suit of rooms, in one of the cottages on the hillside which I have noticed. There were from fifty to sixty persons present; mostly young persons, and all in a state of Christian communion. The intercourse was unconstrained and cheerful; the manners amiable, without reserve and without assumption; the tout ensemble equal to any thing of its kind in our own land.

Dr. Penny are recently settled here. They are different men; but they understand each other, and act in perfect accordance. In the first separation of the younger church, there was some feeling to allay. Had they meanly attempted to promote their individual importance by increasing it, it would have sown discord in both communities; but their determined co-operation has annihilated the jealousies which were contingent on the separation, and though meeting on different spots, they are truly one community.

Nothing was more striking to a stranger than the great punctuality in attending the call of worship. I was prepared to see them go, but not as they did. While the bell is ringing, the people pass along the streets like a stream; when it has ceased, the town looks like a deserted village. In the morning our watches deceived us, and Dr. Penny and myself happened to be a trifle too late. I saw nobody on the way-and nobody entering-I feared we should have a bad attendance. The fact was, the church was full. Scarcely any body came in after we had entered.

In the evening I was to preach to the joint congregations. I walked out to the burial-ground, which had become a favorite resort to me as a place of study. It is very attractive. For pious remains and memorials it is the Bunhill Fields of Northampton; and in every thing else it has the advantage. Its size is considerable, and it has received I had good opportunities of conversing with the additions lately. The ground swells pleasantly; it young persons, and especially those who had re- is not neglected, nor is it exactly kept, so that it has cently joined the church. I found them intelligent, an air of freedom and negligence not unbecoming. well-taught, affable, benevolent, and pious. Dr. It is near the town, so that the dead are not forgotPenny collected several young female friends around ten; and it is out of the town, so that it is not liame, and we got into full conversation. He called ble to disturbance. The aspect is serious and solithem his children; and looking on them with pas-tary, but not depressing; the earliest and latest toral complacency, wanted to know if I could equal them from among my English circles. This was a challenge playfully given; my looks told him, if they were true to me, that I did not shrink from it. But I have seldom been in so engaging a circle. You must not accuse me of national partiality, if I say, I felt it to be unusually English. The open heart, the winning smile, the bright intelligence, the simple white dresses, and the fresh complexion, which is less common here, all reminded me of some of our sweetest youthful circles at home.

lights of the summer day glance sweetly over it.

The setting sun found me pacing alone its verdant and unfrequented paths. There were no recent interments to give you distress; and the white marble slabs spoke of piety, hope, and endless life. Here and there, as guardian of the spot, stood the aged elm-tree, casting silently its long shadows over the silent graves; and everywhere the grass had tufted itself around them, while Aaron's rod, that buddeth, with its profusion of yellow blossoms, waved gently over them. It was a delightful re

sound to be heard, except the distant lowing of the domestic cow. Nothing moved except myself, and a few birds which were flitting about, with no song, but a plaintive note, as if lamenting a hand that fed them, but feeds them no more.

I had an opportunity of attending a prayer-meet-tirement. Not a creature was to be seen, not a ing with this people. It was on the evening, and held in the court-house. There were, I should suppose, about 200 present. Dr. Penny presided. It was conducted in a similar manner to our own, except that the short address was given at the commencement instead of the close, and in this instance, formed a sort of guide to the prayers. Two of the brethren were called on to offer supplications. They did so in an edifying manner; and the people participated, as those who were accustomed to value the exercise.

On the Sabbath I had engaged to preach in the evening; but had reserved the other portions of the day for the privilege of hearing. I attended at the mther church in the morning. It is larger than most, and equal to any I have seen. It will seat 1,600 persons, and might be made to accommodate many more. There were perhaps 1,400 assembled. I sat by an old standard of the place, and sang out of a book that had passed through three generatons. The services were interesting. The serTer, on this occasion, was read.

in the afternoon I worshipped at the Edwards Church, an offshoot from this, and only about two years old. It will seat about 800 people, and about 300 were now present. Mr. Todd, the excellent pastor, officiated. He read his sermon; and all the

Here I walked till I was weary, and then I rested on the tomb of Brainerd, desirous in the recollection of him to find an improved state of mind for my own duties.

I passed from the ground to the church. It was quite full, being a contribution not only from four joint churches, but from the Episcopalian and Unitarian also. My services were kindly received.

Before my arrival at this place, I had learned from Mr. Todd that there had been a considerable revival during the last winter in the town, and in proportion as by knowledge I acquired confidence in the excellent pastors, I was anxious to possess myself of exact information on the subject. I had lengthened conversations with them, and with Mr. Solomon Stoddard, the descendant of the pastor of that name, for this purpose. The latter gentleman, with the sanction of the ministers, has been kind enough to supply me with the substance of these communications; and as it will doubtless be a most acceptable document to you on every account, I shall insert the whole of it as the summary of what

is most important, in leaving this interesting place and people.

"It soon became evident that a decided impression was made on that day. Religious meetings "Northampton, in Massachusetts, on Connecticut were fuller, prayer was more fervent, religion beriver, is a township about six miles square, and in came a subject of more conversation, and a gene1830 contained 3,600 inhabitants. Of these proba- ral desire for a revival seemed to pervade the bly four fifths live near the centre, constituting the churches. The interest increased; and the last week village; the remainder reside in different and dis- in January, the pastors thought it advisable to aptant parts of the town, in small settlements. A point special meetings, in reference to the peculiar Congregational Church was organized here in circumstances of the people. Daily morning meet1661, and till 1824, it continued the only church in ings for prayer, in private houses, in different parts the town, the people all worshipping in one meet- of the town, were now commenced; and a public ing-house. Its second and third ministers were service was appointed for each evening in the week. Solomon Stoddard and Jonathan Edwards, the for- The morning meetings were conducted by laymen: mer for fifty-seven, the latter for twenty-three years. some of the evenings were occupied by the pastors, About ten years ago a small Unitarian society was in endeavoring to arouse the churches, to make formed, who erected for themselves a house of wor- them feel their responsibility, and engage actively ship. Since, an Episcopal and a Baptist meeting-in stirring up each other, and in conversing freely house have been erected, but very few of those de- with the impenitent-duties which had been greatnominations are resident here. Probably four fifths | ly neglected. On other evenings, the churches met of the whole population remain orthodox Congre- for united prayer; while non-professors were invitgationalists. ed to assemble in another place, and were solemnly urged to attend to the concerns of their souls.These meetings were well attended, and deep impressions were made on some minds. At the close of the week an inquiry-meeting was held, at which a considerable number were present.

"The church, since its organization, has been visited, in not less than twenty instances, with the special effusions of the Spirit of God. Of these, five occurred under the ministry of Stoddard, and two very remarkable ones under that of Edwards, of which he published a detailed account. Much, doubtless, of the prosperity of this church, even till now, is, under God, to be attributed to the reaching, example, and prayers of that distinguished man. He was dismissed in 1750, and from that time revivals have occurred at intervals of from three to ten years. Those in 1819, 1826, and 1831, were especially powerful, and the results were the accession of more than 500 members to the church.

"A very large meeting-house was erected in 1812, but two years since it became evident that the congregation was too numerous for convenience, and for the labor of one pastor. In consequence, a vo-pastors; and the result was a determination that luntary colony was formed to constitute another church, which, in memory of Edwards, was called the Edwards Church. It at first contained about 100 members, and in January, 1833, the Rev. John Todd was installed its pastor. A place of worship was built the same year, and dedicated December the 25th. In June, 1833, the Rev. Joseph Penny was installed over the First (old) Church, which had been more than a year without a minister.

"At the close of the year the state of religion was low, religious meetings were thinly attended, and great apathy prevailed. The week after the dedication of the Edwards Church, a committee was appointed by its pastor and brethren, to go, two and two, and visit all the members of that church, to excite them to activity in their Master's service, and to fervent prayer for his presence and blessing. The effects were apparently good, considerable feeling was discovered or elicited, and a desire for a revival produced. The first Monday of January, by recommendation of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, was extensively observed in this country as a day of fasting and prayer, for the conversion of the world. It was thought best here, that the exercises during the day should have special reference to the condition of these churches and this community. Accordingly prayer-meetings were held in the different districts of the town in the morning, and in the afternoon a public meeting was attended, at which the pastors made a full and particular exhibition of the proofs of a cold and dead state of religion here, and urged on the churches the importance of awaking from their lethargy, and engaging in united and earnest prayers and exertions for the prosperity of our Zion. The ineeting was fully attended, and solemn, as was the monthly concert in the evening.

"The next Sabbath, the two churches celebrated the Lord's Supper together; and it was a solemn and interesting occasion. During the week, similar services to those already mentioned were held.Towards its close, it became evident that increased effort was demanded, and that a crisis was nearthe standard of the Lord would go forward or backward, according to the faith and zeal of those who bore it. The church had not yet, as a whole, come up to the work; nor had the convictions of the unconverted, in many instances, resulted in submission of the heart to God. On Saturday, a select meeting of brethren was held, to confer with the brethren, in equal numbers from each church, should, the ensuing week, visit, two and two, every family belonging to the two congregations, to press on professors of religion their obligations, and the importance of consistent and decided action, and to pray with them in behalf of the unconverted members of their families, and also to converse fully with the impenitent, and beseech them now to be reconciled to God. The visiters were animated, the visits were thorough and solemn, and the results happy. This week, in addition to the (now) usual morning and evening meetings, there was preaching every afternoon. The meetings were throng. ed a general solemnity pervaded the people, and the inquiry-meetings brought together a large number, anxiously asking what they should do to be saved. Instances of hopeful conversion began now to occur, and religion to be regarded as 'the one thing needful.'

"Yet there was no visible excitement either in the meetings or in the town. A passer-by would have noticed nothing peculiar in the aspect of things abroad; and the meetings were distinguished only by numbers, profound attention, and the head bowed down, indicating unwonted emotion. The next week the morning and evening meetings were continued, and, in the afternoon, social meetings were held by the visiters in their several districts, for conversation and prayer. It was now easy to converse freely on the subject of religion, with all classes of persons: the conscience was tender, and the impenitent, generally, seemed to expect and to desire to be addressed. The inquiry-meetings were thronged: from 130 to 200 persons were present, and it was a scene of thrilling interest. All were invited to attend, who wished for personal conversation in relation to the state of their minds. Du

"The meetings were conducted as follows:-One of the pastors commenced with a prayer and a short address; after which, the pastors and brethren took different parts of the room, and conversed with each individual in a low voice, endeavoring to ascertain the precise state of mind, and to give such advice and directions as the case required. Lists were taken of the names and residence of each person present, that they might afterward be visited and conversed with at home. An hour was thus spent in conversation, and, in some instances, after-committee credible evidence of piety, and publicly ward, those who had come to the decision to renounce their sins, receive Jesus as their Saviour, and dedicate themselves to the service of God, were requested to rise; and it is believed that such a call was, to some, the means of conversion at the moment. Those not occupied in conversation were advised to spend the time in silent meditation and prayer, giving their whole minds to the subject, and bringing them to an issue at once. The meetings were closed with an address and prayer, and seasonably dismissed. They were eminently blessed, and were, doubtless, the birthplace of many souls.

to promote the eternal welfare of their pupils. The great and ultimate object which they have in view is their conversion and salvation; and, in dependance on God, they labor and pray for this blessing. They endeavor, by exhortation and influence, to persuade them, without delay, to devote themselves to the service of Jesus Christ.

for refuge to the Saviour. Christians were then | enforce the lesson, but to use every proper means seen and felt to be in earnest-to believe and to act on what they professed-to relax their hold on earthly pursuits and pleasures, and to seek first and chiefly to do their duty to God, and to their dying fellow-men. The result was, a general solemnitya conviction, even among the most thoughtless, that God was here, that religion is a reality, and that the only true wisdom is to give it immediate and earnest attention. The minds of all were open to personal exhortation and reproof, and conversation and personal influence were instrumental of the happiest consequences.

4. In this work was seen the immense value of religious instruction. Those who were most interested, and who were soonest brought to repentance and submission, were, in general, those who had been thoroughly taught the truths of the Bible, who knew their duty and obligation, and who, when the Spirit touched their hearts, had no shield of error or ignorance, no cavils or objections to interpose, to blunt the edge of conviction. They saw the claims of conscience and of God, and felt them to be irresistible. Such a revival is eminently the time, when the seeds of truth sown in the youthful mind spring up and bring forth fruit. In one of the congregations, of one hundred hopeful converts, seventy were members of the Sabbath school.

"5 In this work was eminently illustrated the practical importance of pressing upon sinners their obligations to immediate repentance. The impenitent were called on, without a moment's delay, to cease their rebellion against the authority of God, and accept of proffered mercy; they were told that to delay was to refuse; that nothing effectual was or could be done till the heart was yielded up to God; and that this work demands no length of time, no series of means, no protracted efforts, but might be, ought to be, must be, done now; that there is no other accepted time but the present moment; and that God now commanded them to repent. Such appeals were not in vain; and in many instances, during the sermon or the address, it is believed, the heart surrendered itself to the Saviour. No other mode of dealing with men can reach their case, or serve but as an opiate to their consciences in regard to present duty."

ACCOUNT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

There are large libraries in each school, books from which are given out every Sabbath, to be retained not exceeding a fortnight. Care is taken to admit no works into the library without careful examination of their character. They are numbered and charged to each scholar when received.

All absences are noted, and the teachers or the visiters (a board appointed for the purpose in the first parish school) are expected, every fortnight, to visit the families whose members have been absent, to notify the parents of the fact, and inquire the

reason.

The monthly concert for Sabbath schools is well observed, and is usually very interesting. There is, in each school, a missionary association, comprising most of the scholars, who contribute monthly for some benevolent religious charity. The funds of one of these are now applied to establishing a school in Ceylon; those of the other, in supporting a home missionary at the West. They will probably raise, during the year, 200 or 300 dollars.

Of course, all the labor connected with the Sabbath school is gratuitous. It blesses those who teach not less than those who are taught. It is the hope of the church; it is the great preventive of moral deterioration in our land; and the most powerful antidote to those evils which seem to threaten our popular government.

We passed through Amherst; and I may as well remark, that during my stay at Northampton I viIsited that place a second time, and Dr. Humphrey, obliging as to come over and spend a morning with with Mr. Adams, the pastor of the church, were so me at Dr. Penny's. This college is excellently situated on elevated ground, and in a country at once open, varied, and grand. It itself has a good and handsome appearance, but is not on so large a scale board in different families in the village. Professor as the number of students would suggest, for they Hitchcock, known advantageously to the public by his productions on geology, attended me over the premises. The accommodations for the general uses are decidedly good. There is a library of about 7,000 volumes; and there is an apparatus which cost 5,000 dollars, a recent purchase at Paris, It is a young institution; but it has grown rapidly, and it has done so without impairing its vigor.

The school in the first parish has about sixty teachers, and 500 scholars. That in the Edwards Church has thirty teachers, and 200 scholars. The teachers are in general intelligent, and nearly all pious, and professors of religion. Some of them are middle-aged; but most are men and women from twenty to thirty years of age. The scholars are from every class of families, including the most refined and respectable. About three-fifths of them are children under fifteen years of age; of the remainder, some are adults, from twenty-five to sixty; but the majority, youths of both sexes. The schools are held one hour each Sabbath, after the morning or afternoon service; they are opened with prayer. All the classes study the same lesson, which is a passage of the Bible, in course; a book of questions adapted to it is used; and the pupils are expected to commit the passage to memory, and be able to answer all the questions. The teachers meet, usually on Saturday evening, to discuss and prepare the lesson. One of their number, or the pastor, presides, and the meetings are opened and closed with prayer. These meetings are regarded as highly interesting and useful. Prayer-meetings have at times been held by the teachers on Sabbath morning, with particular reference to the duties of the day, and the results have been very happy. "In 1827, the state of religion was very low in The teachers are expected not only to explain and this college. Faithful religious instruction was

vivals' which have occurred in it in succession. It is, however, chiefly remarkable for several reCertainly revivals in this connection are of the most interesting character. Dr. Humphrey was kindly at great pains to satisfy my inquiries on the subject. Since then I have seen the account drawn up by Mr. Abbott; and it is so important, and I can so fully confirm it by the information I received, that I do not hesitate to make the following ex

tracts: