Such was the influence which attended our assembly, that it seemed grievous to conclude the public worship. And the congregation when [♦]dismissed, although it was then almost dark, appeared loth to leave the place.
[♦] “dismised” replaced with “dismissed”
April 28. I concluded the solemnity with a discourse upon John xiv. 15. “If ye love me keep my commandments.” There appeared great tenderness in the audience in general, but especially in the communicants.——O how free, how engaged and affectionate did these appear in the service of God! They seemed willing to have their “ears bored to the door posts of God’s house,” and to be his servants for ever.
*Observing numbers in this excellent frame, I thought it proper to improve this advantageous season, as Hezekiah did his great passover, (2 Chronicles xxxi.) in order to promote the blessed reformation among them: and accordingly proposed to them that they should renewedly enter into covenant before God, to watch over themselves and one another. And especially that they would watch against the sin of drunkenness.—They chearfully complied and explicitly joined in that covenant; whereupon I proceeded in the most solemn manner to call God to witness their sacred engagement; minded them of the greatness of the guilt they would contract in the violation of it; and that God would be a terrible witness against those who should presume to do so, in the “great and notable day of the Lord.”
*It was a season of amazing solemnity, and a divine awe appeared upon the face of the whole assembly! Affectionate sighs, and tears, were frequent in the audience: and I doubt not but many silent cries were sent up to the fountain of grace, for grace to fulfil these solemn engagements.
[On Tuesday he went to Elisabeth-Town, to the meeting of the Presbytery: and spent the time in a free and comfortable state of mind.]
Saturday, May 3. I rode from Elisabeth-Town home to my people, near Cranberry; whither they are removed, and where I hope God will settle them as a Christian congregation. I was refreshed in lifting up my heart to God, while riding; and enjoyed a thankful frame of spirit.
May 4. My people being now removed to their lands; I this day visited them, and preached to them from Mark iv. 5. shewing the reason there was to fear, lest many hopeful beginnings, might prove abortive, like the “seed dropped upon stony places.”
May 5. I visited them again, and gave them directions relating to their business.
I daily discover more and more of what importance it is, that they become industrious, and able to raise the necessaries of life within themselves; for their present method of living greatly exposes them to temptations of various kinds.