A narrative of the visit to the American churches by the deputation from the Congregational Union of England & Wales Volume 1 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836 Excerpt: ... explained, that some rain had fallen, and they had gone out to cover the saddles that they might not get wet. Apart from the unpleasantness and hazard of a wet saddle, the young people here are very chary of their horses and their accoutrements, as, more than any thing, these mark the respectability of the party. I took my leave of the people, while yet assembled, and waiting other services, as I had to hasten on to Staunton that day. My esteemed friend also excused himself to his people, and kindly insisted that he would convey me so far on my journey. I was greatly obliged by this mark of friendship, especially as it allowed me an opportunity of free intercourse with him on subjects touching his charge. I learnt that this neighbourhood had been long settled, though the population was so concealed; and that the present church is the third that has been built on the spot. The first was a mere log erection. The inhabitants were till a late period much annoyed by the Indians. There was a fort on the plantation where my friend resides; and most of the houses were fortified, and the people obliged to bring their rifles to church, to protect themselves from attack. My friend had been settled here since the year 1819, and it was his maiden charge. When he came, he thought there was a good impression on the minds of the people, from the sudden death of a beloved minister. The church was comparatively small, but there was a large body of hopeful young persons who had not yet professed the Saviour. His labours for the first five years were very successful. After this, there was a pause in his usefulness, which gave him much distress. He could not avoid connecting this very much with the abundant production and use of distilled liquors throughout his parish. They ha...