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"the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the "blind? Have not I, saith the Lord? Now there"fore go, and I will be with thy mouth." I added encouragement,―signifying that if they could be prevailed on to exercise their gift, in more public prayer, they might find assistance far beyond expectation: and that this might lead to advantages great and extensive.

Immediately I called on one to pray. His heart was prepared to yield. Several others followed. It was to me a delightful season. I can never forget the wonder, the joy, and the praise, with which I accompanied the utterings of their heart's desire and prayer. There was something very pleasing in the unadorned simplicity and earnestness with which their desires were expressed. But the fluency, the excellency, the evangelical propriety of their expressions, I regarded with astonishment. I could impute it only to the outpouring of the spirit of grace and of supplica"tion." I thought I saw herein a pledge of great and extended benefit-a cloud which at first was no bigger than a man's hand, was now extended, and still grasping a wider space.

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Now commenced the " Saturday Evening Society." The outlines of this institution were proposed at the close of this meeting; and an appointment made. Various regulations were afterwards prepared and established,

This Society, together with Church-members, comprehends such as are awakened to a very serious apprehension of eternal things,- made willing to renounce all sin, and appear to be earnestly seeking the Lord. It is intended to be in the mid-way between the outer court, and the Lord's table. A candidate is first proposed at one of the meetings; and, after a certain time, if approved by the members, is admitted. This Society still continues: and has been still encreasing. It now consists of between forty and fifty, exclusive of those who before were Churchmembers. These have been chosen out of the world, and many of them recovered from the very confines of hell, in little more than the space of a year. Hitherto they have seemed to be bearing their cross, and, in paths of self-denial, following Jesus.

The men-members of this Society are all expected to take their turn in prayer. Every member is encouraged to state any difficulty or discouragement wherewith he is exercised-to ask advice in any matters relating to experience—and to give any information in regard to the Lord's work on the minds of others. Through the blessing of God on this establishment, the feeble of Christ's flock have been much strengthened, the fearful encouraged, and many helped on their way.

This Society has proved the groundwork of many a useful establishment. The members of it, lying in various directions, have instituted weekly prayer-meetings, at the distance of a mile or two from each other. There are now as many as five or six of these praying companies. The Lord has blessed them. They have proved nurseries to the church. Plantations they are, refreshed with the dews of heaven; and still promise a great increase.

The first instituted weekly prayer-meeting, held, on Thursday evenings, at my house, soon became too numerous to be continued there. The heat, by reason of the crowd, was even in winter so oppressive as to threaten serious injury. Our friends readily came to a resolution to build a large vestry-room adjoining the chapel. This room will hold about two hundred and fifty people: and is comfortably filled. Hither many come who have been awakened under the ministration of the gospel, or by other means. And hence, many are added to the Saturday night meeting. And thence, the table of the Lord is furnished with guests. Thus are we permitted to see the goings of our God in his sanctuary. "Lord, take

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not thy Holy Spirit from us!"

You will not expect, my dear Sir, that I should be permitted to enjoy, unmolested, these spring seasons of divine refreshment and consolation.

Not holy Angels only encamp around the Israel of God, but evil and envious spirits too. No earthly paradise is secure from the approach and malice of the Serpent and his seed. Nay, it is the bright sunshine of divine favor upon mankind, that rouzes, beyond every thing else, his envious rage. We have heard the blasphemy and derision of his agents. Sometimes they have avowed their opposition, and published their shame. More generally, their measures have been secret:, they have acted the coward's part; and aimed at nothing more than to bruise the heel. Like Amalek, they have" smitten the hindermost, and the feeblest "of the people, when they were faint and weary"they have harrassed the lambs of the flock. the Shepherd's watchful eye and all-gracious arm has provided for their relief" faint, yet pursuing."

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But

In some instances, indeed, Satan has been permitted to transform himself into an Angel of lighthe has pushed some forward under the eye of public observation, dressed in the garb of profession, affecting the language of Christians, talking of religious affections, joining the company of genuine disciples, and exhibiting something like the fruits of the Spirit. Their profession has been of short continuance-having 66 no root in themselves"--they were "led away by the error

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"of the wicked;" and their fall has been the triumph of the enemy. We have seen now and then, with painful concern, a fair blossom blasted and falling; "nevertheless the foundation of God "standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord know"eth them that are his." Many joyful captives, the prey of the mighty, are still with us

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they are our joy and our crown." Nay, the Lord of Hosts is with us! his voice is heard on high" they shall never perish, neither shall any "pluck them out of my hand.

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Among the many instances of converting grace, I have been called to witness, some have been attended with very remarkable circumstances. But I forbear, at present, stating particulars.. It were to wound the feelings of individuals, and "to offend against the generation of God's "children."

I have already, I fear, presumed too far, in adverting to the case of one happy pair. But I have been made to rejoice over them with joy and singing; and out of the abundance of the heart my pen has written. With deep concern, I had long witnessed their thoughtless dissipations. And while I could scarcely mingle the most distant feeble hope with my grief, God, who saw the storm ready to burst on my head, prepared a covert for my frail humanity—a rich cordial for my troubled

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