USA > New York > The documentary history of the state of New York, Vol. III pt 2 > Part 41
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Preached at the house of Mr Curtis-about 100 persons pre- sent-very attentive-appearance agreeable.
Wednesday 25th .- Three miles from Curtis's, in another settlement. Visited several families. Afternoon preached to about 150 persons. Gave to different individuals 3 of Dodridges Addresses, 8 Catechisms, one of Janeways Tokens.
Thursday 26th .- At No 4, 4 miles to the west of No 7. This place is quite new-began to be settled about 2 years since- contains about 40 families, and 140 inhabitants. I found no chh. in this place. But 12 professing members belonging to the chhs. in West Sinsbury, in Paris & in Union in Connecticut. Appointed a lecture to-morrow at 10 o'clock.
August 27th .- As those scattering nembers have for sometime been desirous of forming into a elth. state, I found npon exami- nation, that the way was prepared for it. I accordingly wrote them a confession of Faith and a Covenant, and after examining them as to their views and objects in forming, and after they had made the confession of faith, and entered into covenant, I declar- ed them to be a regular chh. of Christ, and then led them to a choice of Deacon, and ordained him. This body of Christians appear to be happily united in sentiment, and it promises fair + be hereafter a flourishing chh. I gave them one volume . che select Sermons, 6 of Dod. Addresses, 3 bibles and 2 ' adresses. The people are extremely poor, but many of them very desirous of having a settled gospel, which, however, they will not be able to effect for some years.
28th .- Visited a number of families, and found them almost suffering for the necessaries of life.
Sunday 29th .- Had nearly all the people in this town, and many from Nº 7-a very attentive audience. I intended to
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have had a communion, but they could not obtain wine altho they sent 20 miles for it. Nº 5, west of this town needs assistance.
30th .- Left Nº 1, and to Redfield. Found Mr Johnson. The Overseers of the town have given him a tract of land to preach 8 years. He receives nothing from the people. He has formed a chh. of 18 members-a regular people-all congregationalists.
31st --- Rode to Sandy Creek-33-25 of which a perfect wild- erness. Here I found M' Hackly-once a preacher, and indeed he now preaches every Sabbath to his own family. He is alone as to sentiments. The people are baptists from Rhode Island, and are a most wretched people-the filth of the world.
Sept 1st .- Went with Mr Hackley to some families, to see if a lecture would be agreeable. Upon the whole it was thought best that a lecture should be preached, whether the people would attend or not, and appointed it to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. Spent ye day in visiting some wretched families, who appeared to have no sense of religion. The people are in general nothing- arians or fatalists,-or Methodists and baptists, who are the worst of all.
2d .- Preached to about 40 people. The most I can say is, that the people behaved with tollerable decency-3 or 4 only left the house in sermon time. Gave one bible, 2 Addresses, and half a dozen catechisms to such persons as I thought would receive them.
Afternoon, at Nº 7-Preached a lecture-about 10 persons present. This is a new settlement ; extent 6 by 10 miles on the N. branch of Sandy creek, 8 miles from the lake. Began to be settled in ye year 1800-contains now 75 families, and a number of young men who are making openings. No chh. 2 or 3 fam- ilies of baptists, 3 or 4 Deists. The people stand in special need of assistance, and most of them are very thankful for every thing which is done for them in a religious way. The people meet every Sabbath, and perform regular exercises, by praying, read- ing and preaching. I have seen no people who I think stand in more need of the cultivating hand of the Societies than this, unless it be Camden. They have no proper books to read upon ye Sabbath, and indeed nothing but a few ordination sermons. Gave an order for one of the select sermons, 2
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bibles, 6 Dodridge's Addresses, 10 catechisms, and one of the Societies addresses.
Saturday the 4th .- A little unwell from bad diet. Took phys- ic, and obtained considerable relief. Gave one of Janeways to a family of poor children.
Sunday 5th .- Preached in a mill-a dreadful place to preach in. 96 persons present-a small No evidently impressed with a sense of their sins. After the congregation were dismissed, a baptist very unexpectedly arose, and proposed a contribution at the lecture to-morrow, observing that they could not expect the continuance of such priviledges unless they showed a disposition to assist a little, that their poverty was such that they could do but little. Received by contribution by the people in Nº 7, or Adams on Sandy Creek, $2,03 cents after lecture on Monday 6th.
Nº 3, 7th .- Rode from Sandy Creek 13 miles-appointed a lecture to-morrow at 2 o'clock.
8th .- Preached to a congregation of about 50 persons, mostly women and children. This town is settled in 3 different parts, and there are meetings on the Sabbath in 3 places. They are generally baptists and congregationalists-a considerable number of universalists. Gave 10 catachisms to the children, and one of Janeway's Tokens. Two years since there were but 7 families in the town-there are now 150.
9th .- Rode a mile to the north, to visit a poor sick distressed family. Baptized 5 children, their mother being a member of the chh. at Paris, N. Y. Afternoon, preached at another part of the town-8 or 10 men present, and about 20 women and children. The people in this town appear to be very thoughtless. Gave 10 catachisms to a Mr Tuttle to distribute, and 1 catachisms.
After lecture rode to Nº 4, or Champion. Having preached 3 times since the Sabbath, I find myself unable to preach again the present week.
In Nº 1 there are about 30 families which need assistance. In Nº 2 there are 70 or 80 families-have meetings on the Sabbath and need assistance, but I could not make it convenient to visit them.
Friday 10th-Visited a school-the first I have found since I left Nº 7 in Camden. This school consists of 25 children-have VOL. III. 71
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an excellent instructress, and are in general forward. Gave 5 catachisms.
This town contains about 70 families considerably scattered. Here is a chh. of 11 members formed by M' Bascom.
Saturday .- Visited several families.
Sunday 12th .- Preached to about 200 souls, and an attentive audience: After meeting brought the chh. to a choice of a Decon, and ordained him-a Mr. Carter. Received one member to Communion-baptised 5 children. After meeting rode a mile, and baptised 6 children whose parents were so poor as not to be able to clothe them decently to appear in the congregation. The people are in general congregationalists. There are a few baptists and methodists, who have a little influence.
Monday 13th .- Rode to Nº 11, or Lowville-preached a lecture in the evening to 30 persons, and appointed a lecture to-morrow in another part of the town, 4 miles to the southeast. Gave to the people 2 addresses.
Tuesday 14th .- Preached to an audience of 60 persons of almost all denominations, and appointed a lecture to the N. E. 33 to-morrow. This town is in a broken state-abont halff are congregationalists-the remainder are methodists and baptists. There is one baptist chh., no congregational chh. About 10 professors congregationalist, but none who are willing to under- take to perform on the Sabbath, and the people in general attend on the baptists.
Wednesday 15th .- Preached to about 60 persons. In this quarter of the town there is evidently an awakening. I con- versed with the people. and instructed them about 2 hours after the service.
Thursday 16th .- Rode to Turin 10 miles. Appointed a lecture on Saturday. Visited several families. Friday, visited a sick man-rested the remainder of the day.
Saturday 17th .- Preached a lecture,-about thirty persons present. Some appeared to be much affected. Found after lecture that there are a number of professing Christians in this town, and that they wish to form into a chh. state-presented them with a Confession and Covenant-expect to form them to- morrow and have a Communion, if no difficulties arise-con-
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versed with three persons which are not professors, but wish to become such. There are in this town many Methodists and baptists, who are doing great mischief in dividing ye people. A number of people have been under serions impressions, and stood in great need of assistance. Received from Utica by post a number of books-postage 2s. York money. The Society's comittee I think have made a mistake in sending so many bibles. It is very seldom that a family is found without one, and if there is, it is generally some deist who will not have one in his house. Dodridge's Addresses are greatly needed. Drew an order in behalf of the new chh. in Turin for one volume of Select Sermons, 2 of Janeways Tokens, 5 of Dodridges Addresses, ten catechisms, one fast sermon, and one of Societies Addresses and Instructions.
Sunday 19th .- A large congregation-perhaps 160-appear- ances agreeable. After service in the forenoon seperated the professors from the congregation-found but 4 males and 2 females-23 others in town, but are unwell, and could not attend. After reading the confession and covenant, and find them agreeable to all the members-and upon their making the confession of faith and entering into covenant, I declared them to be a regularly organized chh. of Jesus Christ. After meeting in the afternoon, admitted 2 persons into the chh. and baptised 2 children-could have no communion as no wine was to be obtained. Had a chh. meeting and brought them to the choice of a Deacon-Judah Barns was chosen, and upon his acceptance I proceeded to ordain him. A day of great fatigue. This chh. I think will increase and flourish. Deacon is a most excellent character and has great influence-for 2 or 3 years he has pre- served regular meetings on the Sabbath. The methodist and baptists appear to be a little vexed at ye above proceedings. It is probable that the formation of a chh. will be the means of checking their progress. There are a goodly number of valuable men in this town, tho' not professors. Gave 1 bible, 4 Dod., and S catechisms to individuals.
Monday 20th .- Rode to Leyden-to Boon's Black River Settle- ment 12 miles, and appointed a lecture to be attended this eve- ning. In this settlement there are about 50 families-much
1
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divided. Mr Ely preaches to them every 3d Sabbath. Mr Ely is hired by this and another settlement 5 miles back, where are abont 50 families. Mr Ely has formed a chh. In the evening preached to 40 persons who appeared to be attentive. Gave one Address and 1 catachism to a poor family.
Tuesday .- Rode to Remsen 14 miles. This is a broken society The people are very ignorant and very wicked-about 3 months since a stranger came into the town, who appeared to be a pert coxcomb, about 28 years of age, who calls his name Alexander. He soon obtained a school, and in about a fortnight set up preaching, and he pretends to preach every Sabbath. Who and what he is they know not-but that he is some notorious villain I believe there is no doubt. Many of the people-especially the wickedest part-are very much attached to him. There is no chh. in town, and but one professor, who belongs to the chh. in Stuben.
Wednesday 22d .- Preached a lecture-not more than 25 people present, and a number of those were far from being decent in their behaviour, and it was not in my power to make them feel reproof nor the force of truth.
Thursday 23d .- Appointed a lecture to-morrow on Canada Creek, on a corner of the Royal grant. Feel considerably ex- hansted from much labour. I intended to have visited Stuben once more, but have been too long detained below. When at Stuben I promised some books, and have now drawn an order and sent it to Deacon Milotsed, who will receive and dispose of the books according to my directions-viz. one bible 2 of Jane- way's Tokens, 10 of Dodridge, 20 catachisms, one of ye Society's Addresses, and one fast Sermon. Drew also an order for the same No of books for the people in Remsen, and such of them as I have not disposed of myself I have left to the disposition of a M. Hoit, ye only professing pr in town and an excellent character.
2.1th .- Rode to the Royal Grant, 6 miles-found that in this part of the Town of Norway-the people are all baptists, and that they had not appointed a lecture. I accordingly passed on 10 miles to another part of the town called Potter's bush. Here I found a chh. of 30 persons, and was received with gladness
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25th .- Too much fatigned to preach.
26th .- Sunday .- Preached to about 200 persons-very atten- tive. Administered the Lord's Supper. After meeting en- deavored to settle a difficulty in the chh., but could not effect it. Rode 13 miles to visit a dying person, and to baptize a child. This town is almost ruined by methodists and baptists, and the difficulty in the congregational chh. has had a very bad influence. The chh. is proceeding upon ye advice of Mr Alexander, which I think was very wrong. 2 of the best members of this chh. are become baptists in sentiment-and they came forward and stated their difficulty between their consciences and their covenant-and no one in ye chh. supposes that they are not con- scientious in ye matter-and yet Mr Alexander advised the chh. not to dismiss ym, but to proceed to excommunion, and brought the chh. to a vote that there was no possible way by which any member could be seperated from the covenant only by excom- munication. This is what is stated to me by ye most judicious members of the chh., and I think that this will be ye ruin of ye congregational interest in this town.
27th .- Rode ten miles to Salsbury (county of Montgomery) having previously appointed a lecture this day. Preached to about 150 persons-appearances good. Had a conference in the evening-as many present as in the afternoon. This people like most others in these parts, is very much divided, and the methodists are prevailing.
28th .- Rode to Johnstown, 39 miles. In the towns between Salisbury and Johnstown missionaries are not needed. The people are in general Dutch and have regular preaching. At Palatine the Gentleman preaches part of ye day in English and part in German.
29th .- Rode to Mayfield 10-put up with Mr Teneyck-of him I have obtained the following information respecting mis- sionaries in Canada-who has conversed with Mr MeDole who has been a missionary in Canada 3 years since-is now settled there-who thinks that missionaries are greatly wanted. The people are perishing for a lack of knowledge. They are from United States principally and have been almost entirely neglected. They receive missionaries with gladness. The field of labour
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in that part of ye world is very extensive, and the methodists are now making great strides. Mr MeDole has formed many chhs., but is altogether alone in a great country between Kingstown and Montreal. This account confirms what I heard at the Black River, but did not then receive it from such characters as I could confide in. In Elizabethtown in ye above tract, they are very anxious to obtain a minister. Their offers as to pecuniary affairs are great-300-York money a year. The people in that part of the world wish for candidates for settlement.
30th .- Rode to Galoway, a part of New broad Alban, 8 miles. This town, like all others in this quarter, is very much divided. The Presbyterians are, however, taking measures for settling the Gospel by uniting with a part of Amsterdam.
Oct. 1st .- Preached to 35 persons, at Deacon Otis's-ye people attentive. Visited several families. This town does not stand in great need of missionary labours ; and yet as much so as any part of ye country that I have yet seen
2d .- Spent the day in study.
3d .- Sunday. Preached to a large audience, in a meeting house-the first house I have preached in since I left Deerfield. I find the people in this part of the world much more attentive apparently in ye time of service than in New-England. It is the practice of this people always to have a contribution when they are supplied. Received $2. 16c. 5 mills. This chh. contains 50 members. Gave'one of Lothrop's Challenges, and of Dodridge's Address to Deacon Otis, to be circulated in the neighborhood.
4th .- Rode to the Northwest to Northampton, IS miles. This lies a little North of Sacondaga river, upon a branch of the Hudson, 50 miles Northwest of Albany. In the evening preached a lecture to 10 persons-and appointed another on Wednesday 2 miles to ye North. This is a large town ; but ye people are divided into 8 or 10 different seets ; and no one keeps up meetings upon ye Sabbath. It is probably as corrupt a place as Sandy Creek ; yet I find here and there a good character.
5th .- Visited several families.
6th .- Visited school, and preached a lecture ; about 40 persons present. Here are but 6 professors of religion, and that by
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account very corrupt. Appointed a lecture to-morrow, 8 miles to ye Southeast, in the same town.
East of this in the county of Saratoga, lies a town by ye name of Northfield, quite new; and perhaps in much need of assistance- but cannot visit them. But very little attention paid to religion here, as may be seen by ye small number who attend lectures. There are abont 150 families in the town, considerably scattered. No missionary has visited this town before except Mr Fish, about 6 years since.
Oct. 7th_Visited several families-find them very corrupt, and apparently without any sense of religion. Afternoon, preach- ed a lecture ; about 40 people present. Some appeared to be affected, and the preaching appeared to have some effect. As there is no other town in this county which needs assistance, I have concluded to leave missionary ground to-morrow. Before I came into this county I felt worried that I had reserved but 2 Sabbaths to be spent in it; but now I find that I should have done well to have tarried one Sabbath more in the county of Oneida .. Unless I tarry in this place, I know not where to go to spend the Sabbath ; all the towns I can hear of are supplied.
And as I can preach no more this week, having had 3 lectures and as both myself and horse are worn down with hard service, and can travel not more than 25 or 30 miles a day, I conclude to set out for home. 10 o'clock-have just heard that my family are sick.
Oct. 8th-Rode to Ballstown, 28 miles : Almost exhausted from having spoken so much, and from travelling.
Oct. 9'h-Rode to Bennington, 50 miles.
Oct. 10th_Preached, &c.
Oct. 11th-Rode to Halifax, 36 miles.
Oct. 12th-At home.
GENERAL REMARKS.
July 21st 1802 .- I this day passed thro' the affecting scene of parting with my family, for the term of three months, to journey into the Northern counties of New-York, and to perform the duties of a missionary. May I and my family enjoy divine
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protection ; and may the pleasure of meeting my family and people again, be greater than the sorrow of parting with them.
I expected to have obtained some information respecting the northern country from the Revd Mr Field of Cherlamont, but was disappointed, as he was not at home. Proceeded from Cherlamont, on the turnpike, over Housie mountain. The land on the mountain appeared to be good. I am not a little surprised that it has not been settled. When I came to ye west side of ye mountain, I found before I began to descend the most sublime prospect I had ever seen. The high mountains, which present on all sides, apparently locking in with each other,-the scattered fields upon those mountains-the blooming appearance of vegetation-and the valleys below filled with houses-appearing to be sunk so low, as to be almost lost, was a prospect that led me into a train of agreeable and elevated reflections. Having passed down the mountain I came into the town of Adams, which is remarkable for limestone. 5 miles from Adams is Williams- town-The College consists of about 90 scholars-a president and 4 tutors. There are 2 eligant buildings-standing on elevated ground about 40 rods from each other. I put up with Dr Fitch- a valuable man-and has an agreeable family.
22d-Left Williamstown about 8 o'clock-took the road to Albany across the mountains, on the ground of the proposed turnpike. After passing a high mountain, came into a valley, and into the town of Petersburgh, in ye state of N. York. This town contains about 2900 inhabitants. There are 2 chhs. of Pedo- baptists, and one of Saturday baptists. After passing in this valley about 3 miles, I rose another mountain, and for 10 miles found a most intolerable road. Passing off' this stony and hard ground, I came down into Greenbush, a level country-for about 4 miles from the mountains the soil appears to be good-from thence to the river it is too sandy.
ALBANY, July 23, at Trobridge's .- At 11 o'clock left Albany. From Albany to Schenectada is a barren sandy plain-the road very bad in consequence of sand-but 3 or 4 houses in the whole 17 miles. Schenectada makes a singular appearance, being built in the old Dutch form-houses in general but one story, or a story and half, and standing endwise to the street. Its local
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situation is excellent, standing upon the south bank of the Mohawk-and there appears in every [thing] a simplicity, and neatness that is very pleasing.
Passed the Mohawk at Schenectada-found an excellent turnpike for about ten miles. Some very good meadow on the left. The country in general level. Soil, except in the meadows, a hard gravel, not very productive. Fields of grain, however, appear good. People in the midst of harvest. After about 10 miles from Schenectada, the country becomes more hilly. As we pass up the river into Montgomery county, we find for several miles but little intervale ; what there is, appears to be good. On Tripe's, or Tribe's hill, about 20 miles above Schenectady, we have the prospect of a few hundred acres of excellent meadow, which was formerly the seat of the famous Hendrick, the sachem of the Mohawks. The ancient and elegant seat of Sir William Johnson I passed about 4 miles back. This is commonly called the Old fort. On Tribe's hill, I had great satisfaction and pleasure of meeting a Mr Plum, an old acquaintance from Westfield, and was treated with great kindness in his family-tarried with him until Monday the 25th; received correct and considerable intelli- gence from him respecting the country-especially in Montgomery county.
There is an apple tree on this hill, which I am credibly in- formed produces apples without a core or seeds. There is also in this town, what is called by the people the Jerusalem thorn. There is also a singular production called mandrakes-of which I have taken a rough drawing.
This place appears to be a perfect Babel, as to language: But very few of the people, I believe, would be able to pronounce Shibboleth. The articulation even of New-England people, is injured by their being intermingled with the Dutch, Irish, and Scotch. The character of the Dutch people, even on first acquaintance, appears to be that of kindness and justice. As to religion, they know but little about it-and are extremely super- stitious. They are influenced very much by dreams, and appa- ritions. The most intelligent of them seem to be under the influence of fear from that cause. The High Dutch have some singular customs with regard to their dead. When a person
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dies, nothing will influence ye connections, nor any other person, unless essentially necessary, to touch the body. When the · funeral is appointed, none attend but such as are invited. When the corpse is placed in the street, a tune is sung by a choir of singers appointed for the purpose-and continue singing until they arrive at the grave; and after the body is deposited, they have some remarks made-return to ye house, and in general get drunk. 12 men are bearers-or carriers-and they have no relief. No will is opened, nor debt paid, under 6 weeks from ye time of death.
July 26th .- Left the river about noon, and turned to the North. Preached the afternoon to a body of people in the north- west part of the town of Amsterdam-people kind and friendly; soil good-very productive in wheat ;- a silicious earth.
27th .- Left Amsterdam, and travelled 5 miles to Johnstown, a very pleasant village-containing one Dutch presbyterian chh. and an Episcopalian. The village is tolerably well built. It is a county town-lies about 4 miles from the River, and contains about 600 inhabitants. In this town there is a jail, court-house and an academy. About 2ths of a mile from the centre of the town, we find the buildings erected by Sir William Johnson. After leaving this town, I passed about 10 miles in a heavy tim- bered country, with but few inhabitants. The soil, however, appears to be in general excellent-the country is a little more uneven than it is back in Amsterdam. After travelling about 10 miles in a tolerable road, I came to Stoncarabe (or Robby as the Dutch pronounce it.) This is a parish of Palatine, and is composed principally of High Dutch, or Germans. Passing on 4 miles, came upon the river in another parish of Palatine-a snug little village, with a handsome stone chh. Having travelled a number of miles back of the river, I find that there is a great similarity in the soil, but some difference in the timber. From Johnstown to Stonearabia, the timber is beech and maple, with some hemlock. In Stonearabia the timber is walnut, and but- ternut. The fields of wheat are numerous, and the crop in general is excellent. In every thing but wheat, the husbandry appears to be bad. The land for Indian corn, it is evident from appearance, is not properly plowed-they plow very shallow.
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