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From the Rev, ASAHEL BRONSON, dated | Spirit with special revivals is 74 or 75,

Cayuga Co. N.Y. October 23d, 1831.

Revival in Lysander, N. Y.

I commenced my labors as a missionary in this place on the 22d of June. Soon after I arrived here, there appeared to be an unusual religious excitement amongst some of the people. About fifteen persons became pious in the estimation of Christian charity; twelve of whom have since united with the Presbyterian church. About four weeks since, we had a protracted meeting. It was an unusually solemn time. The meeting continued five days. Not far from sixty persons, as nearly as can be ascertained, have found peace in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Among this number are to be found some who were decided deists and universalists. The work of the Lord is still progressing. My ministerial labours have been constant. I have preached from four to six sermons in each week, besides attending prayer meetings and visiting from house to house. I have baptized four adult persons and two infants. I have administered the Lord's Supper once. A temperance society has been organized, and a Sunday School established.

which is about two thirds of the whole number of churches under the care of Synod.

Since my last report, in March, the Lord has blest my little portion of his vineyard with some additional showers of his grace. In the former part of the month of June we held a four days meeting, which the Holy Spirit honored and made instrumental in the hopeful conversion of several souls. During the meeting and within a few days after, we trust about 30 persons were brought to bow in willing subjection to the Prince of Peace. Of these, about 20 have united with the church under my care, and a few others are expected still to do so. We have received in all since my last report, 30 on examination, and 5 by letter: The present total number in this church is 102.

PENNSYLVANIA.

From Mr. I. TODD, dated Gibson, November 3d, 1831.

Revival in Gibson, Pa.

In my last I informed you that the Lord had begun to favour us with a refreshing from his presence. It gives me pleasure now to have it in my power to say that he has continued to bless us with

From the Rev. J. Mrxns, dated Brock- the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit port, Sept. 27, 1831.

ever since. In September we had a four days meeting in this place, which the Another year's service as a missionary Great Head of the Church was pleased of your Board was finished on the first of to favour with his gracious smiles. No this month. A variety of circumstances sooner were his people "all with one achave concurred to delay my report to a cord in one place," than the Lord made later period in the month than it should us sensible of his special presence. A have been. Among these has been the deep solemnity seemed to rest on, and meeting of the Synod of Gennesee, which appeared to continue from day to day on held their sessions in our church the oth- the minds of both saints and sinners. er week: and a most blessed meeting it God was pleased to give his people near was the most so by far that this Synod access to the mercy seat. The heralds has ever enjoyed. Besides attending to of the cross who were present were enathe ordinary business of review, the Sy-bled to exhibit the truths of the gospel nod had little to do, and seemed desirous of doing but little except to tell and hear of the wondrous things God has wrought within our bounds during the past year, to devise plans, and form purposes of greater usefulness, and to encourage each other to hope for richer blessings for the year to come. The free conversation on the state of religion, interspersed as it was with prayers of thanksgiving and songs of praise to God for all his mercies shown, was of the most thrilling inter

est.

The aggregate number of communicants received by all the churches within the bounds of this Synod the last year. was reported to be about 4035; and the number of churches blest by the Holy

with great earnestness and much affection, and to accompany those truths which they delivered with powerful appeals to the heart. The result was that the convictions of a number who had been awakened before were deepened, and several who come to the place altogether unconcerned were pricked to the heart. Nor is this all; twelve or fourteen. entertained hopes before the close of the meeting. Half of this number were from abroad. Not a few left the place with serious impressions resting on their minds and some under deep anxiety. I understand, that not less than sixteen, belonging to neighbouring societies, who now give the pleasing evidence of having been born again, received their first

impressions at the four days meeting in this place.

procure them. I have continued to attend a Bible Class at Sawickly, consisting of about 20 members; and one at Duff's, containing about 30.

Guarding against Error.

Fourteen belonging to this society have, as I have reason to believe, passed from death unto life since I last wrote. One of these is a man of seventy, Considering the prevalence of numeanother a child of ten. Two others were rous and dangerous errors, I have deempersons who had gone to such lengths in ed it my duty to deliver discourses on iniquity, that I was almost induced to be- several of the distinguishing doctrines of lieve, that God had already said concern- grace, or of the Reformation; such as ing them, as he did concerning Ephraim those of the Trinity; the Divinity and viof old. "They are joined to their idols, let carious righteousness of the Son of God; them alone." Ten stand now propounded the Deity, Personality and effectual for admission. They will probably be re-work of the Holy Spirit; the deerees and ceived the secondSabbath of this month,on which will be our next communion season. Previous to the revival in this place our church numbered only 26 members. If all that now stand propounded are added, there will be 52 belonging to this church. This will make just double the number. Several others who do not come forward now, will probably before long.

From the Rev. J. Andrews, Pittsburgh, September 27, 1831.

sovereignty of God, personal election and the final perseverance of the saints; justification through the meritorious righteousness of Christ, imputed to those who believe; the original and total depravity of men, and their absolute dependence on God for a new heart and progressive sanctification. And, that I might be able to exhibit these doctrines in the light of revealed truth, I have devoted as dated much of my time as could be spared from public labours to study and mediation upon these subjects. I have also been recently more convinced than ever of the necessity and importance of a systematic knowledge of the truths and precepts of the Christian religion; or of seeing them in their connexion and relation to each other. It is a means of giving stability to the mind, and of preserving it from being "carried away with every wind of doctrine." These remarks are peculiarly applicable to the young. I have, therefore, considered it my duty, in the present state of things, to form catechetical classes, for the purpose of instructing this interesting class of the people, among whom I labour, in the knowledge of the principles of Christianity in that systematic form in which they are exhibited in the Shorter Catechism. In Sawickly I have formed such a class, consisting of 16 members. Its meetings are held once in every two weeks. The members are required to commit the answers of the catechism accurately to memory, and study with care the lessons assigned. At the first meeting, they recited and were examined on the answers of the first ten questions; at the second they recited the same and ten additional answers, and were examined on the last ten; on the third they recited all the answers from the beginning to the thirtieth inclusive, and were examined on the last ten. This course, if Providence permit, will be pursued until we shall have gone through that excellent and most comprehensive form of sound words. It is also intended, if Providence afford health and opportunity, to form two or three catechetical

Since the date of my last report, I have succeeded in forming two Sabbath schools, which have done well. One of them was opened with 40 scholars. These have punctually attended, and made evident improvement. Several adult persons, who failed to obtain an education at the proper season, have become learners at this school, and, in consequence of indefatigable industry, will soon be able to read the scriptures and become acquainted with their precious contents. The superintendant is much gratified with the close attention, good order and increasing knowledge of the scholars in general. Besides these schools, another has come into operation in a place where efforts were used in vain to establish one last winter. It is conducted by a single individual. On the 10th of July, the scholars of three schools were collected at the house of worship in Duff's congregation, and a discourse, adapted in simplicity to their capacity, was delivered. They conducted with great propriety, and appeared to be highly attentive to the truths communicated. On the 28th of August, I visited and addressed a school at Sawickly church. It commenced with 19 scholars, who have increased to 40. From a late report of the superintendant it appears that their improvement has been great, and that the teachers deserve much credit for their diligent attention. This school has a library, which has contributed to give it interest. And such has generally been the effect of libraries where the people were willing to VOL. IX. Ch. Adv. 4 Q

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be driven from us until every heart shall be brought to feel his influence, convincing, comforting and "building up.”

classes in Duff's congregation, to be conducted on the same plan. To assign shorter lessons might seem to promise the attainment of a more accurate know- His influence has, I hope, been also ledge of evangelical truth and duty. But beneficially felt to some extent at Unity. there is reason to apprehend, that too At our meetings there for some time I many would become weary of a course had observed much seriousness, and in which could not be completed within the some cases apparently deep conviction compass of six months or a year. At and anxiety. A four days meeting was the close of each examination, I endea-appointed,commencing on Friday the last vour to address a practical exhortation day of September, and the Lord's supto the members of the class: and I find per to be administered on the Sabbath no doctrine which will not admit of a following. Although a number appearpractical application. The congregations || ed among the anxious on Friday and Sain which I labour as a stated supply, are turday, only two applied for admission not divided in their views of Christian || who, upon examination, were received. doctrine. They are firmly attached to The meeting throughout was attended the doctrines, government and disci- with considerable excitement, particularpline of the Presbyterian Church, as ly on Sabbath evening and Monday. On laid down in our standards; and would be Monday evening a number professed to afraid of the boasted new light of the pre- have obtained hopes of mercy; four of sent day, lest it should prove to be dark-whom have since, upon examination, ness; and of a form of ecclesiastical go-been received as members. Those who vernment which, from its feebleness as a bond of union, is justly comparable to a rope of sand.

VIRGINIA.

From the Rev. W. D. SMITH, dated Grave Creek, Ohio co. Va. Nov. 1st, 1831. Revival in the congregations of Wolf

Run, and Unity, Va.

have been received, both at Wolf Run and Unity, are of the most respectable class; whose example and influence it is to be hoped, will have a good effect. tinue to bless us while the present "little May the great Head of the Church conshower" shall increase to a "great rain.”

A distillery relinquished.

gave rise to the idea of attempting to form a society in the neighbourhood. The effort proved successful. At our first meeting we formed a society of 40 members, and the owner of the distillery stated publicly to the meeting, that he would immediately cease the manufacturing of ardent spirits.

I stated in my last communication that with hopeful prospects. We have formThe cause of Temperance advances solemnity began to prevade our meetings ed a new society at the Forks of Wheelat Wolf Run. On the fourth Sabbath of ing, seven miles from Wolf Run meetAugust we enjoyed a very comfortable ing-house. There was in the immediate communion season. On the Thursday vicinity an extensive distillery, owned and preceding, I appointed a conversation kept by a member of the church, a man meeting after preaching, which was more of considerable wealth, respectability and numerously attended than I had antici-influence. His example as well as his pated, although our meetings for some distillery did much harm, which first weeks previous had been unusually solemn. The meeting was indeed solemnly interesting. The aged sinner of seventy mingled his tears with those of the youth of sixteen; and the profane, intemperate sabbath-breaker bowed with him who had trusted much to his morality-all seeming equally "to loathe themselves" as the "chief of sinners." After some hours spent in conversation and prayer, the meeting was dismissed with the intimation, that on Saturday morning the church session would receive members. Fifteen applied, and upon examination were received. Two others were received on certificate, making in all an addition to our number of seventeen. Our meetings still continue solemn and interesting. I preached there on last Sabbath. There was more depth of feeling, more bowed heads, more flowing tears than I have witnessed on any previous occasion. The presence of the Heavenly Messenger sent to "convince of sin, of righteousness and of a judgment," was very manifest. May he not

I have formed three Bible classes, one at each of my stations for Sabbath preaching, which seem to be attended with a good deal of interest, and bid fair to be

useful.

Our Sabbath Schools are still going on, have generally increased their number of scholars. Some of them will be under the necessity of stopping their operations during the winter, which I fear will have a bad effect.

NORTH CAROLINA.

From the Rev. E. GRAVES, dated Orange,
N. C. November 1st, 1831.

A good work begun.
Since my last quarterly report I have

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Previous to receiving an appointment as your missionary, I spent two weeks among these people. A communion held at Gilead on the fifth Sabbath of May, appeared to be attended with the blessings of God. On the 1st of June, I commenced labouring statedly at Gilead and Red-House, dividing my time equally between the two congregations. I have generally preached twice on Sabbath. Sometimes twice, and thrice, during the week. By the last of August I preached 40 sermons, attended several meetings for prayer, and visited near 60 families. The most of these families have been visited frequently, and the subject of religion, in some form, presented to the mind. This part of ministerial duty, has occasionly been painful, sometimes pleasant; at other times highly delightful. The Presbyterian body now occupies In many cases, 1 trust these visits have prominent place in this county, and conproved beneficial. Whatever the result tinues to extend its influence, independmay have been to those visited, to me ent of every effort that is put forth to opthey have often been seasons of refreshment. By this, I do not intend conveying and influential citizens, regard the docpose its progress. The most intelligent the idea, that difficulties have never oc- trines and discipline of our church with a cured-or that I have never felt a simple favourable eye. They attend our meettimidity about entering on the perform-ings, and they unite their best wishes and ance of a branch of ministerial duty, ne-worldly means in our behalf. c ssarily connected with so many difficulties. They must be expected and met by that ambassador of Christ, who In accordance with the pledge of your would go to Heaven, attended by a Board to the American Sunday School throng. To attend properly to this part Union, I have established seven schools, of my office, I have found wisdom, pru- which contain 260 scholars, and are prindence, and ingenuity, but above all, much cipally conducted by members of the of the Spirit of Christ, absolutely neces-Presbyterian church. The most formi

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A "good old way" of conducting Bible
Classes.

Bible Classes are maintained in both congregations, and are numerously attended. The following method of instruction is pursued. A doctrine is announced to be proved; it is explained so as to be understood by all who are present; and a variety of scriptural passages are adduced to confirm it;-which passages are to be committed to memory. At each meeting of the class, questions are asked upon the doctrine previously proposed; the proofs in support of it are recited; and another doctrine is mentioned to be established. This exercise is designed to expose the multiplicity of errors which are at present propagated with so much art and zeal; and to explain and recommend the peculiar doctrines of the Presbyterian body. It is intended, in short, to enable the members of the church to comply with the exhortation of the Apostle Peter: "To give an answer to every man that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them." A due portion of time is likewise employed in a catechetical examination on a select portion of scripture, according to the plan of the Union Questions: an exercise well fitted to commuuicate a general knowledge of the contents of the sacred vol

ume.

still exists concerning things that are spiritual, justifies the hope that other important accessions will soon be made to the church. And as there is "joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," what a debt of gratitude is due to the Almighty for so abundant a harvest; where, lately, there was no temple, no minister, and no worshipping assembly;-where the untutored savage roamed, and the beasts of the forest sought their prey.

From the Rev. S. CowLES, dated New Athens, November 1st, 1831.

In making this second quarterly report for the last six months, nothing requires special notice as extraordinary. Such common success has attended my labours, as to keep me in a good measure from the desponding thought, that such an unworthy and ill-qualified person has not been called to labour in the public service of the Lord. The distance travelled this last quarter has been about 660 miles, discourses preached 54, family and school visitations 41, school established 1, the Lord's supper administered three times, members received on examination 14, adults baptized 3, infants 9; making in all during the last six months, distance 3330, discourses 105, families and schools visited 61, established schools 3, Lord's supper administered 3 times, admitted to the communion of the church on examination 22, on certificate 7, baptized adults 8, infants 16.

From the Rev. T. CRATTY, dated Bucyrus, Crawford co. O. Oct. 1st, 1831. A church organized at Sandusky, Ohio.

Since my last report the Sandusky congregation has been organized into a church. We elected two elders; and on Encouraging additions to the churches at the second inst. we had the Lord's supEast Hopewell and Millersburg. per administered. The season was one The audiences on Sabbath still in-of some interest and encouragement. crease, and fixed attention, with deep so-There were six added to the church on lemnity, are usually manifested. An im- examination for the first time, three of portant addition has lately been made to whom were young persons and four of the churches of this location. At the com- them teachers in the Sunday School. munion in East Hopewell, on the fourth There were two or three others who had Sabbath of May, thirty persons made a previously expressed a desire to join the profession of religion; and fourteen, four church, but were detained at home by of whom are adults, were admitted, by sickness. We indulge a hope that durbaptism, members of the visible church. ing the occasion there were some deep At the communion in Millersburg, on the impressions made which will not soon be first Sabbath of July, fourteen persons lost, but which will, by the grace of God, were received into the church; and four-be cherished and kindled into a flame. I teen, one of whom is an adult, were baptized. Since your Missionary arrived here in March of last year, the number of professors of religion connected with each congregation has been more than doubled, and the universal interest which

have good reason of thankfulness to God that he has blessed my labours, and at the same time much grounds of shame that my labours have not been more abundant. May God pardon me and make me abound more in the work of the Gospel.

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