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Distinction between human and divine agency.

duties. They stop to qualify their statements on these subjects, and to give such explanations respecting the sinner's dependence on divine grace, as serve to ease off the pressure of obligation and to quiet the conscience, while submissively waiting for divine grace to do every thing for him. Meanwhile very little is said about the guilt of rebelling against God and persisting in that rebellion after duty is known. Ministers of this class appear to have given but little attention to the great principles of the moral government of God, the foundation of moral obligation, and the manner in which God deals with creatures who still possess, though ever inclined to pervert, the powers of moral agency. They seem to make no distinction between that kind of operation which is necessary to transform an idiot into a rational creature, and that which is required to a change of disposition in a voluntary transgressor. Especially do they appear to overlook the fact that the change necessarily implies the act of the sinner himself; that while the divine efficiency is acknowledged, the nature of the case requires the voluntary agency of the sinner in turning away from sin and submitting to God. Overlooking this point, they fail to urge upon sinners the doing of that which is as essential to their conversion as the divine agency itself. These brethren moreover seem to think there are comparatively no evils to be guarded against, excepting those of extravagance and innovation."

CHAPTER XIV.

Arrival at Hartford.

ON the 31st of October, Mr. Walton with his family arrived safely in Hartford, the field of his future labor and the place of his final rest. "On our journey my eyes were ever toward the Lord, trusting in Him for protection and for all things necessary for us; and I enjoyed such a measure of peace as leads me to believe my mind was stayed upon Him. As we approached this city, thinking of the new and important field of labor upon which I was about to enter, and how much depended upon the success of the experiment, very peculiar emotions were excited in my mind; but I did not sink in despondency. I was and still am supported by a hope approaching to confidence, that God will be with me and prosper my labors here."

"Dec. 11.-Before leaving Alexandria, we received so many and such substantial proofs of affection from our dear people there, that I felt, in the possession of their affections and in the many spontaneous expressions of good will and of regret at my leaving the place from others, richer than if the wealth of the town had been made my own. I never had before known how much my labors were appreciated, nor what a hold I had upon their affections; and truly I can say the same with regard to my feelings towards them. They will ever be dear to my heart; and Alexandria will

An appalling discovery.

ever be a name associated with the most delightful recollections."

While memory, moved by feeling, thus embraced the past in its fond endearments, judgment suggested that the present must be improved and the future anticipated. In good earnest, therefore, he commenced his labors among his new people. At one meeting, some two or three were considerably impressed," and indications of good things from the Spirit of God cheered his labors.

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A singular occurence in the pulpit on a Sabbath afternoon at first much disconcerted him, but finally proved that there is a source to which faithful ministers in desperate extremities can confidently repair.

"In the afternoon, while they were singing the second hymn, I made the appalling discovery that I had left my notes in my study! It was a new train of thought which I had not made familiar, and I feared I might not be able to collect it. What could I do? I thought of taking another subject, but none occurred. The only resource left was to look to the Lord for help; and blessed be His name He did help me. I was enabled to collect nearly the whole, although there were ten or eleven distinct items. I felt that it was the more embarrassing, because there were a considerable number of intelligent men present, who had not been to hear me before. I was very near asking the church to pray for me, without mentioning the cause, but saying there was a special cause. However, I concluded not to do so, as it might operate unfavorably. O for a heart to be thankful for this special mercy!"

"Dec. 23.-The congregation increases, and there, is much that appears encouraging. Last Sabbath evening I appointed an inquiry meeting—a few attended. Last evening, (Saturday) quite a large number of young people attended our meeting, and I had unusual liberty, and there was much solemnity."

Again he expresses his conviction, that "there is a wide field of usefulness here for me; it seems to be opening every week."

Effect of the truth.

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A protracted meeting.

"Jan. 1, 1833.-Was much assisted and encouraged last Sabbath. In the evening some remained after the congregation was dismissed. A new case of awakening under the discourse, the notes of which I had mislaid—' Is there not a cause?' * * "I think my own mind becomes more solemn, and my interest in the church and in the salvation of sinners here increases." * * * 66 "Two interesting young men came to me this morning. It seems they have set apart this day for fasting and prayer. They have been much aroused. One stated that he had given up his hope. He has seen that he has mistaken the nature of religion. Under the discourse from the words, 'Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation,' he thinks he surrendered his heart to the Lord. Others have experienced similar exercises-some, as I am informed, from other churches."

Having witnessed the happy results of protracted meetings in the sphere of his former labors, he resolved in connection and in concurrence with the brethren, to set apart days for a holy convocation, at which the great interests of eternity should be urged on immortal minds, and fervent prayers offered for the salvation of sinners. This meeting commenced on the 8th of January, the day previous to his installation. Speaking of this meeting under date Jan. 25, he says: "Truly it has been a time of decp interest; probably among the most important events connected with my life and labors. Brothers Lansing and Norton assisted me for one week; then brother N. alone for another week; now brother Kirk is laboring with us. The church has been greatly blessed. The hearts of professors have been thoroughly searched; many have been humbled, confessed their sins, and rectified evils which had been covered up and more or less darkening their prospects and burdening their consciences for a long time."

"On Friday after the commencement of the meeting, the church were called up to renew their covenant. The ministers followed, and one of the brethren prayed for us. This was a time of deep solemnity and deep feeling. I

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Its solemn effects.

was almost overpowered by my feelings, and the exercises of this day seemed to give the most decisive impulse to the work of God." * * * "This (Saturday) evening I believe more conviction was produced than has been produced any evening since the meeting commenced. Our church have kept two days of fasting and prayer, and exhibit every appearance of increased engagedness, and the work is now in a more encouraging state than it has been at any former period. I have been sick for three days, though not confined to my bed, taking medicine, yet still attending to my public duties."

"Jan. 31-The interest increased until the last evening that brother Kirk continued with us. Multitudes went

away who could not get into the house. Last night the house was full again, and I preached. The number of inquirers appeared to be quite as great at the close, though not so many people attended."

"Feb. 8.-This evening had an interesting and profitable meeting of young men at my house. To see so many who had recently given their hearts to the Lord together, and to hear them pray and tell what God had done for their souls was indeed delightful. I have just enjoyed a sweet season of prayer, and had more decisive evidence of right feeling in that prayer than I have had before for a long time. I feel that I do desire to see the Redeemer honored by the conversion of sinners, and my faith is stronger and more intelligent than ever before."

"I have been confiued almost entirely to my house by a heavy cold for the last few days. I never desired health, and strength and ability, to labor a great deal for the Lord, so much as I do now. I feel as if I never had so great a work to do; and yet I sometimes feel as if my best energies had been expended in Alexandria, so that I can never labor again as I did then. But the Lord knows, and he can and will give me grace sufficient for me."

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About this time he published a pamphlet, entitled "Preparation for Special Efforts to promote the work of God," a discourse founded on Judges v. 23. Curse ye Meroz, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.' In the preface he says, that in attending pro

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