The life of "Reformation" John Adams, an elder of the Methodist Episcopal church

Front matter

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Chapter I

Birth. — Hears Blias Smith and other Christian Baptist Preachers. — Convictions.— Elder Gleorge Pickering. — Stephen Bailey. — Conversion. — H. Field, D. Perry, and John Brodhead. — Joins Class. — Baptized. — Persectitions. — His Parents and Sister experience Religion. — Joins Church in full 25

Chapter II

Impression that he must Preach. — Elder Asa Kent. — J. Nutter. — Preaches his first Sermon. — Lewis Bates. — Revival at Durham, New Hampshire. — Keeps store at Middleton, New Hampshire. — Preaches at Milton and Middleton. — Revival. — Is licensed to Preach. — Joins Conferenee 32

Chapter III

The two John Adamses. — Poland Circuit, Maine. — E. Stevens. — Bro. Jones.

— Camp-meeting. — Father Merritt. — Sister Caldwell, the Mother of Professor Caldwell. — He experiences Sanctification. ^ — Singular Case of Conversion. — Livermore Circuit, Maine. — Revival in Chesterville, Farmington, Wilton, Strong, and Livermore, Maine. — H. T.'s Call to the Ministry.

— A great Number join the Methodists 38

Buxton Circuit, Maine. — Major Edgecomb and Family. — Conference at Bristol, Rhode Island. — Receives Elder's Orders 47

Chapter VII

Poland Circuit, Maine. — Bro. R. Emory. — Bro. Wells. — Great Revivals. — Reformation in Otisfield, Minot, Poland, New Grloucester, and Paris, Maine. — Discussion between the Calvinist Preacher and himself. — Revival in Woodstock, and Norway, Maine. — Conference at Concord, New Hampshire 49

Chapter VIII

Poland Circuit, Maine. — Bishop George. — Ordination of Captain I. S. Davis. — Exchanges with Bro. Chamberlain on Scarborough Circuit. — Powerful Reformation. — Conference at Hallowell, Maine. — Bro. Briggs. — Baptism at Mount Vernon, Maine 51

Chapter IX

Scarborough Circuit, Maine. — Reformation in Arundell, Kennebunk, and Hollis, Maine. — Revival in Saco. — The Settled Minister and C. V. — Gospel Net at Cape Elizabeth, Maine. — The Dream of a Lady at ^Kennebunk. — Her Conversion. — Great Numbers join the Church. — The School-house at Wells, Maine. — Settled Minister in Lyman, Maine. — Preaches at Alfred Corner. — Meets with Opposition from Jacob Cochran. — Cochranism. — The Dream. — Another Dream. — Conference at Lynn, Massachusetts. . 53

Chapter X

Salisbury Circuit, Massachusetts. — The Boy and the "Huckleberries." — Preaches in Kingston, Newmarket, Epping, Lee, and Newington, New Hampshire. — J. P. Harvey. — Preaches at New Rowley, and Newburyport. North End. — Preaches on Peter's Words at Joppa School-house, Newbury, Massachusetts. — Persecutions. — His Marriage. — Conference at Nantucket, Massachusetts . 60

CONTENTS.

Chapter XI

Salisbury and Newburyport Circuit, Massachusetts. — Camp-meeting at New Concord, New Hampshire. — The Dry Bones. — Conversion of J. M. — Visits Maine. — Forms a Class in Hampstead, New Hampshire. — Desired on Landaff Circuit, New Hampshire. — People will not consent for him to go. — ■ Conversion of the Man in whose- House they lived at Salisbury. — Modern Scribes and Pharisees. — The Heavenly Knitting- work. — Progress in Christian Perfection. — Piece entitled "Fanaticism" appears in a Newburyport paper. — His Father reclaimed from a Backslidden State. — Work in Seabrook, New Hampshire, and Salisbury, Massachusetts. — The Devil-sent Preacher. — Visits Newington, New Hampshire. — Bro. Medcalf and Bro. J. S. — Visits Stephen Merrill Clarke in Salem Prison. — His Execution on Winter Island. — Trials. — Camp-meeting at Sandwich, New Hampshire. — J. A. C. and J. S. — Conference in Barre, Vermont. — The Sanctified Presbyterian. — Bishop George 64

Chapter XII

Martha's Vineyard Circuit, Massachusetts. — J. Fillmore. — Labors at Holmes Hole, Edgartown, North Shore, Tisbury, and Chappaquidick. ■ — Elijah Hedding. — Camp-meeting at Falmouth, Massachusetts. — Lorenzo Dow. — Persecutions. — Good Meetings. — Reformation. — Visits Nantucket, Massachusetts. — Elder H., the Baptist. — The Wreck. — Classes formed. — Many join. — Opposition. — Mr. Morse's Conversion. — Holmes Hole in Old Time, —- Persecutions. — Conference in Bath, Maine. . = , 91

CHAPTER . XIII.

Martha's Vineyard Circuit, Massachusetts. — Rev, Mr. Thaxter's Letter, and the Reply of the Selectmen of Newington, New Hampshire. — Sweeping Revival. — ^Visit to Tucanuck Island. — Imminent Danger. — Goes to Nantucket. — Bro. Hyde. — Conference at Providence, Rhode Island. , , , 134

Chapter XIV

Maiden Circuit, Massachusetts. — Visits New Hampshire and Maine. — Camp= meeting at Marshfield, Massachusetts. — Camp-meeting at Sandown, New Hampshire. — Tour through Massachusetts and Rhode Island. — Preaches at Chelsea, Massachusetts. — Visits Medford, Charlestown, Boston, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Roxbury, Marshfield. — Conference in Barnardj Vermont 165

Chapter XV

Scituate Circuit, Massachusetts. — Preaches in Cohassett, Hingham, Weymouth, and Braintree, Massachusetts. —Preaches at Duxbury. Hull, and

CONTENTS.

Dorchester. — Wellfleet. Camp-meeting, Massachusetts. — Great Kevival. — Warned to Train. — Goes to Newbury, and Newburyport, Massachusetts. — Revival. — Nancy Towle. — Bro. Buck and Bro. Pickering. — Pamphlet published against himself and Nancy Towle. — Newburyport "dogs." — Lorenzo Dow. — First Methodist Church at Newbury 175

Chapter XVI

Newbury Circuit, Massachusetts. — Camp-meeting at Gorham, Maine. — Visits his wife's friends at Waterford, Maine. — Falmouth Camp-meeting. Massachusetts. — "Letter from the Son of Man to the Eight Hon. John Adams, a Methodist Preacher." — Zion's Herald's account of the Reformation in Newbury and Newburyport. — Sandown Camp-meeting, New Hampshire. • — Carried off by a Mob. — Crowded Congregations at Newbury. — Bro. Binney. — Desired to go to the Vineyard. — Starts, but comes back. — Bishop Hedding. — John Newland Maffit. — Joins the Free Masons. — Stops at Waltham, Massachusetts. — Conference at Wilbraham, Massachusetts 195

Chapter XVII

Martha's Vineyard Circuit, Massachusetts. — Caleb Lamb. — Great Drought, in a natural and moral sense. — Labors all over the Vineyard. — Reformations. — Bro. Upham, — D. Lawrence. — Birth of his first Child. — Singular Exercises of Mind. — His Mind carried away with spiritual things. -— His Watchers. — His Recovery. — Plains of Moab. — Bro. D. D. — Jotham Horton. — Bro. J. P. —Visits Nantucket. — Reformations. — Bro. D. N. — Remains at the Vineyard 201

Chapter XVIII

Labors on the Vineyard. — First Vineyard Camp-meeting. — Lunenburg Camp-meeting, Massachusetts. — Visits Lowell, Massachusetts. — Newington Circuit, New Hampshire. — Camp-meeting at Rochester, New Hampshire. — Bro. Fisk. — Visits Dover, Rye, Hampton, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. — Visits Lowell. — Bro. A. D. M. — Conference at Lynn, Massachusetts 282

Chapter XIX

Bow Circuit, New Hampshire. — S. Green. — Father Peaslee. — John F. Adams. — Bristol Camp-meeting, New Hampshire. — Bro. Kinsman. — Bro. Kimball. — Bro. Harlow. — J. Bisley. — R. Newell.— M. Newhall. — L. Bennett. — Preaches in various Towns. — Birth of his second Child. — Preaches to the Prisoners in the State Prison at Concord, New Hampshire 290

CONTENTS.

Chapter XX

Bristol Circuit, New Hampsliire. — C. Beede. — Camp-meetiBg at Elliot, Blaine. — The Verse the mob made about him. — Camp-meeting at Gilford, New Hampshii-e, near Lake Winnipiseogee. — Tents blown down. — Bro. Banister. — Conference at B., in Vermont. — Endangered near Whitefield. — Locates 297

Chapter XXI

.Supplies Newington and Rye. — Camp-meetings at Allenstown, New Hampshire, and Elliot, Maine. — Temporal Business. — Conference at Sandwich, New Hampshire. — Reenters the Travelling Connection .300

Chapter XXII

His Son and Father die. — Newington and Rye Circuit, New Hampshire. — Camp-meeting at Chester, New Hampshire. — Camp-meeting at Rochester, New Hampshire. — Reformation. — Conference at Lyndon, Vermont . . 301

Chapter XXIII

Milton Circuit, New Hampshire. — Dedication of a Church at Wakefield, New Hampshire. — Camp-meeting at Rochester, New Hampshire. — Bro. Perkins. — -Bro. Thurston.^ — Bro. Mugford. — Bro. Gordon. — Bro. Caldwell. — H. Stevens. — Bro. Barlow. — Camp-meeting at Chester, New Hampshire. — Camp-meeting at Kennebunk, Maine .306

Chapter XXIV

Milton Circuit, New Hampshire. — Builda at Great Falls, New Hampshire. — Various people say various things. — Requests a Location . , . . .309

Chapter XXV

Supplies Milton Circuit. — "Workmen. — His Daughter dies. — Church at Great Falls. — Employ him, then dismiss him, — Persecuted by his own people. — Preaches for the Congregational Church in Berwick, Maine. — Bro. Stevens and Great Falls Church. — "Widow Ramsdell in Lynn. — Bishop Emory. — Begs the privilege of speaking in Conference, and is refused 315

Chapter XXVI

Salisbury, Massachusetts. — Goes to Durham. — A False Report. — Preaches at Blackberry Hill, and Cranberry Meadow, Berwick, Maine. — Goes to Boston, Massachusetts. — Stops at E. T. Taylor's. — G. Storrs. — John P= Hale. — Camp-meeting on Durham Neck, his farm, — Bro. McCurdy. —

CONTENTS.

Bro. Hatch. — Bro. Fuller. — Bro. J. M. Foye. — Bro. Swings. — Preaches at Durham Point. — Camp-meeting at York, Maine. — Bro. Stockman. — Bro. Butler. — Bro. Baker. — Bro. Perin. — Bro. Brown. — Travels and Preaches in every direction. — He and his Family visit their Friends in Maine . • • • 322

Chapter XXVII

Labors in Hampton, New Hampshire. — Camp-meeting on his own ground at Durham, New Hampshire. — State of Religion anciently in Newburyport, Massachusetts. — Preaches in the Universalist Church in Great Falls, New Hampshire. — Conference at Great Falls . . 346

Visits Martha's Vineyard. — Camp-meeting. — Goes to a Protestant Methodist Camp-meeting at Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts. — Conference at Lowell, Massachusetts 411

Chapter XXXI

Labors in various places. — Visits the Vineyard. — Camp-meeting. — Labors on the Vineyard. — Visits Newburyport, Massachusetts. — Preaches at South Newmarket, New Hampshire — Amos 7:5. — Camp-meetipg at Durham, New Hampshire. — Preaches at Lee, New Hampshire. — Preaches in Durham, Hampton, Rye and South Newmarket, New Hampshire. — Preaches in Epping, Lee, aild East Kingston, New Hampshire, — Goes to New Bedford, Massachusetts. — Preaches at South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.— Phebe Stowell's Dream. — Sreaches at New Bedford. — The Swiss young Lady. — Returns to East Kingston, New Hampshire. — Kingston Plains. — He visits Lee, New Hampshire. — Preaches at Kingston Falls. — William Judkins, a Relative. — Death of Bro. Enoch Sanborn, at Kingston, New Hampshire. — Death of Sister Elizabeth Sanborn, in the same town. — Attends Annual Conference at Dover, New Hampshire ........ 419

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXII

Labors at Berwick, Maine. — Visits Lowell, Massachusetts. — Visits Newburyport, Massactiusetts. — Visits Lee, New Hampsbire. — Starts for tbe Vineyard Camp-meeting. — Great Revival at Bridgewater, under Bro. Palmer. — Visits Father Bates. — Preaches at New Bedford, Massachusetts. — Welcomed to the Vineyard. — Vineyard Camp-meeting. — Preaches in New Bedford tent. — Revival in Westport tent. — Hawkins, the reformed drunkard. — Preaches at Edgartown. — Sister Eunice Coffin, one of the first fruits of Methodism on the Vineyard. — Visits Sister Hannah Look. — Visits other old Friends. — Bro. Blake and Wife. — The Leviathan. — Revival at Holmes Hole. — Clothier Grifford, the Phrenologist. — Visits Ichabod Norton, Esq. — Sick Divinity. — Bro. Thomas Stewart. — Goes up the Vineyard Sound with a Company, on board the Whale-ship Almira. — The Sailors deeply affected. — Hard Parting with his Horse. — Revival at New Bedford. — Preaches at Soutb Dartmouth, Massachusetts. — His Dream of the Sheep. — Baptizes Bro. Sherman by Stratagem. — Lanson Gammons' Dream. — Arrives home at South Newmarket, New Hampshire. — His Tenant at Durham Neck. — The Wood-chuck Dream. — Suffers HI -treatment.

— Baptism at Durham. — Reformation at Rye, New Hampshire. — General Burnham's Sickness. — Labors at Durham, New Hampshire. — Preaches the Funeral Sermon of Major General Burnham. — The Sermon. — Memoir of General Burnham. — Hears Miller. — Visits Raymond, New Hampshire.

— Funeral of Elder Demeritt. — Labors at Raymond. — Sets out for the Vineyard. — Rev. Paul Couch. — Visits Father Bates. — Reformation at New Bedford. — Bro. Otheman. — The people waiting his arrival at the Vineyard. — Bro. Stickney, a Man of God. — Labors on the Vineyard. — The Ship Pocmonit. — Labors all over the Vineyard. — The Gospel Team,

— Great Reformation all over the Vineyard. — The Spiritual Ladder . 442

2*

GENEALOGY REV. JOHN ADAMS.

Henry Adams came from Essex, England, in the year 1635. He was the first town clerk of Braintree (Quincy), Massachusetts. He had eight sons, one of whom bore the name of Joseph. Hemy Adams died Oct. 8th, 1646. Joseph, his son, married Abigail Baxter, and died at Quincy, December 6th, 1694, aged 68. He, also, had a son Joseph, who married Hannah Bass, a daughter of Thomas Bass and Ruth Alden, which Ruth Alden was the daughter of Hon. John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, pilgrims who came in the Mayflower, in 1620. This Joseph Adams died at Quincy, Eeb. 12th, 1736, aged 84. He had sons, Joseph and John. Joseph was born at Quincy, graduated at Harvard JJnivc^" sity, and was settled as minister at Newington, Ne^ Hampshire, about the year 1714. He marrie'^ ^"^^ wives. Widow Janwin, whose maiden name Knight, and a Miss Brackett, of Greenland, N. H. ^^d sons, Joseph, Ebenezer, and Benjamin, and a daughter, who married a Rev. Mr. Gray, of Bost^^i- Rev= Joseph Adams was uncle of

XX GENEALOGY.

John Adams, second President of the United States. He died at Newington, May 26th, 1783, aged 95, and was buried in the tomb beneath the Newington church. The parsonage where he resided is now owned by Captain J ohn Adams, a descendant. Rev. Joseph's son Joseph was born at Newington, graduated at Harvard University, studied medicine, and practised at Newington, He married Joanna Oilman, of Exeter, New Hampshire, a daughter of Major Ezekiel Gilman. They had seven sons and two daughters, Ezekiel G., Ebenezer, Joseph, Dudley, John, Benjamin, Nathaniel, Elizabeth and Abigail. He resided, while at Newington, on what is now known as the Brasbridge Place. He afterwards removed to Barnstead, New tiampshire, where he had a grant of land, and there died. His son John was born at Newington, Feb. 17th, 1759, and married Abigail Coleman, of that town, by whom he had two children, Elizabeth J. and (Reformation) John Adams.* Abigail Coleman was the daughter of Phineas Coleman and a lady whose maiden name was Huntress. Mr. John Adams died at New- ''^ton, Aug. 27th, 1831, aged 72. His place of residence IS now ^ ^art of Mrs. Sarah Adams' thirds. John Adams (Reformation; ^^^^ Newington, Feb. 14th, 1791, and died at NewmaiV^t, New Hampshire, Sept. 30th, 1850, aged 59 years and 7^ monr... He married Sarah Sander-

^ They have a half-brother. Nathania Adams, residing at South Bei vviek, Maiiioc

GENEALOGY.

XXI son, of Waterford, Maine, by whom he had four sons and two daughters, John 1. 1., Enoch George, Charles W., Sarah Elizabeth, Mary Abbie, and Joseph Martin R. Charles W. and Sarah Elizabeth died in infancy. The rest are living.

Oct. 20th, 1852. ) Island Alcove, Durham, New HAMPsmRE. } li LIPE OF REFORMATION JOHN ADAMS.

LIFE AND LABORS

OF

REFOEMATION JOHN ADAMS.

Chapter I

FKOM MT CHILDHOOD TO MT CONVERSION TO GOD AND MY BECOMING A BIEMBEE. OF THE METHODIST SOCIETY.

I WAS bom at Newington, New Hampshire, February 14y 1791.

I do not recollect that I had many serious impressions on my mind till about thirteen years of age; then my attention was very much called up while hearing Elder Eli as Smith preach a funeral sermon from Job 14 : 1. Time appeared to me very short, and my life as a vapor ; I felt myself hastening to a solemn judgment ; I reflected on my past life, and prayed to the Lord to prepare me for His heavenly kingdom. I remained serious for a number of weeks, and, at times, felt, as I thought, some answer to prayer but as my parents were not religious, and I had no one to give me religious instruction, my- serious impressions at length wore off.

I then plunged into the follies and vanities of the world, and thus remained for a considerable time, living in pride, and running with the multitude to do evil. At length, my attention was very much called up again by the death of a cousin of mine, a young man I much loved ; this lasted but a short time, I wore it off, and grew more hardened in sui. 3

Yet God, in his mercy, spared mj unprofitable life till I was past seventeen years of age. About this time the Christian Preachers, so called, began to preach in the town, and a number were hopefully converted to God. One time, in the meeting-house, while J. Rand was preaching, I was powerfully awakened, and many were led to cry for mercy. Some came forward to be prayed for, and one of my young associates jogged me by the elbow to go with the rest, but pride prevented. I believe if I had taken up that cross, God would have converted my soul, but, by refusing to come forward, I resisted the Spirit, wore off my convictions, and, of course, while pursuing the downward road to death, grew more hardened in sin ; but God, in mercy, followed me by his Spirit, ''reproving me of sin, and of righteousness and judgment." Here I would observe, I went on a Thanksgivingday to Greenland to hear Elder G. Pickering, the first Methodist I ever saw. His preaching so affected me that I drew up a determination to live better : but that very evening was prevailed on by some of my companions to join a ball, and accordingly went, my own heart condemning me before God. Yet, sad to tell, I shook off conviction, and grew worse and worse. I advanced so far in wickedness that one time I kneeled before some opposers to pray like a young man having one talent. Upon serious reflection, however, I was very sorry for it, for I then believed Christians enjoyed what I should want in a dying hour. About this time S. Bailey, a young man from Greenland, one of my associates, experienced religion among the Methodists, and felt it his duty to preach. He came to JSTewington and preached in the meeting-house. The settled minister of the town was about to be dismissed ; almost all his hearers had dismissed themselves. My great-grandfather was the settled minister before him, and preached in the town till he was ninety-five years old. But to return to S. Bailey. On the Sabbath many

EEFORMATION JOHN ADAMS.

came to hear the young man. In the afternoon I came, and in the eyerdng also. His text then was, Eccl. 11 : 9, Eejoice, 0 young man, in thy youth," &c. ; these words were directed to me in particular, and sunk deep in my heart. One young woman experienced religion. That night I formed one more resolution to seek the Lord, and prayed to God for mercy before I retu^ed to rest. The next morning I prayed again, and became very serious for a number of days. At this time I worked in a brick-yard among many that were much given to profanity, and one day I got off my watch, and spoke a wicked word, for which I was very sorry. Friday my mind was much exercised about going to class meeting, the first held in the town. I was much tempted by the enemy not to go, but something whispered within. ' ' You had better go." I formed a resolution, and went. S. B. met me at the gate, and asked me if I was almost tired of living in sin. I told him I was, and went in. It was a powerful time, and many bowed down to be prayed for, and I among the rest, for the first time in public : jet I found no peace. Here I became more convinced of a proud and hard heart. Satan tried to shame me for bowing down. But that night, while going across a pasture alone, I bowed down to pray for mercy ; yet the tempter drove me from my knees. I went on further, and bowed again, however, and here I had a clear discovery of my lost condition and the damning nature of sin. Hell now appeared before me, and I saw the justice of God in my condemnation. 0, the distress my soul was in I cannot describe ! Satan said it was too late to find mercy. God appeared to be angry with me. The heavens appeared like brass over my head, and the earth wore an aspect of extreme gloom to me. I thought I should live but a short time, and then die and be miserable forever. The fear of death, judgment, and eternity seized my guilty soul, and sleep departed from me that night. In the morning I sat down to breakfast, but could not eat. I burst into a flood of tears, and then retired to a room to cry to God for mercy. My distress lasted all day. That night I went to prayer meeting, but found no relief Sabbath morning before meeting I saw two young men whom I told I should join no longer in the ways of sin. I exhorted them, if I w^ent to hell, to seek the Lord. They were much affected, and shortly after both found peace.

But my heart remained very hard, and I mourned on account of its hardness, and I began to fear I had no true convictions, and was distressed because I was no more distressed. At noon- time I heard a man vindicating Universalism, and was somewhat tempted with it ; but that night I dreamed I saw the devil, and it appeared that he was the Universalist preacher that I heard talk that day.

I awoke, and believed God showed me that he was a false teacher, but my soul remained in distress, my food became unpleasant, and I Avent mourning day and night for some time, crying, "God be merciful to me a sinner:" at one time almost in despair, at another with a gleam of hope. Ofttimes I threw myself on the cold ground, and wept before God in the silent watches of the night.

On Friday night I went to class meeting at E. Coleman's. I was much distressed on the way. Satan told nie I should not get converted at that meeting, but S. B. met me again, and told me God was willing to convert me that night. I thought I would believe it, and I bowed down with the rest. My strength failed me, and I sunk on the floor, and there I had a view of my Saviour while I lay at his feet.

At length I arose, my tears were dried up, and distress gone. I felt calm and serene, but did not know this was religion, for I expected it in some other way. I said, however, if I perish, it shall be at the feet of Christ ; if I go to

REFORMATION JOHN ADAMS.

hell, it shall be a beggar for mercj. Some one said, You will not go so." We then prayed again, and I felt all slavish fear gone, and wanted to praise God. I arose; the first words were, ''I am not afraid of all the devils that can come in mj view," and immediately I felt the glorj and power of God in my soul. I saw a fullness in Christ for all that would accept. 0, what love I felt for Christ, his people, and for poor sinners !

I invited them to my Saviour ; I then could join in singing praises to God. This happened June 23, 1810. That night I went to the pasture where Satan drove me from my knees : there I praised God in a humble posture. Glory to God, my soul was happy !

That night I slept but' little. It is true I was somewhat tempted if I went to sleep that I should not feel the glory in my soul when I should awake : but early the next morning I arose to tell the people where I then lived, what I had found, but it seemed to them an idle tale, for they did not realize it as I did.

That day Satan sent some of his agents to persecute me. I could then pity and pray for them.

Sabbath-morning I visited my parents. I told them God in mercy had forgiven my sins, and I asked then- forgiveness, and hoped to be a better child to them than ever. I exhorted them to seek God, and prayed with them ; and they were much affected. I exhorted a man present to seek God, but he neglected it, and, with several others, was blown up by powder on the fourth of July.

The Sabbath was a blessed day to me, in hearing S. B. preach. Tuesday evening, at meeting, I began to doubt, and fear I was deceived, and it distressed me much ; but that night, after meeting, I went a distance from the house, and bowed before the Lord with a determination not to arise 3^ till God blessed my soul, and, after wrestling some time Tvith God, I felt the witness of his Spirit, and could say : —

*' All my fears are driven away, By brilliancy of gospel-day ; Which shines so clear, I must belieye That I do in my Saviour live."

After this I felt a strong confidence in God.

July 4th, I went to a field-meeting, by the river side. The people came in all directions. S. Rand preached on Prov. 10 : 24, and W. Williamson on Heb. 5 : 9, and a number of powerful exhortations were given, while sinners were crying for mercy, and Christians rejoiced in God, their Saviour. The work continued to spread in the town.

S. Bailey soon left; it was hard parting with my spiritual father, but the Lord sent other faithful servants, — D. Perry and J. Brodhead. The work continued to spread. A society was formed, and I joined class on trial. Some said I should get myself into bondage, but I ever found class-meetings to be good meetings, calculated to strengthen and unite the converts together.

Here I would remark that some of my young companions tried to entice me into sin ; others said I should hold out but a little while, and others, still, persecuted me, while the devil tempted me. So I was troubled on every side, fightings without, and fears within. One day, some of the wicked threatened to ox-goad me for praying before them in the field, where we were at work. The man that I lived with was opposed to the work, and said it was a delusion ; but one night he dreamed he was in a dreadfully dark place, and there appeared a light, and in that light he saw the Saviour. He then awoke, and sprang out of bed, and cried to God for mercy. Shortly afterward he came out happy in God. We then enjoyed blessed times together in family prayer. He was more than seventy years of age when God

REFORMATION JOHN ADAMS.

spoke peace to his soul. His conversion was made a blessing to others, and the work continued to progress.

Soon after this I was baptized with others, and great seriousness was on the minds of the people by the river side. D. Perrj baptized and H. Field prayed. I found great peace in this cross, and was encouraged to press on. The praying army increased, and my sister experienced religion. The attention of my parents was called, seeing that their children engaged for the Lord.

One night I felt great distress of soul for them, and came down from my chamber about midnight, and wept over them, and begged them to seek the Lord. I then went out of doors in the cold, and prayed for them.

The next morning my mother was struck under conviction, and was in distress some days, crying to God for mercy continually. She now gave up her self-righteousness, and said to me, "John, I shall surely go to hell, for I never did one good thing in my life." I observed to her that it was darkest just before day-break, and the Lord would soon appear for her soul.

Shortly after this, while praying alone, her distress was gone, and she heard heavenly singing over her head. She then came into the house, and said she knew what she had to do, which was to watch and pray, and then it would be well with her. She then fell on her knees and prayed. My father was much affected, and said they were all going to heaven but him, and he was a poor, hardened sinner. He then came upon his knees with the rest of us, and cried to God for mercy. I was then led to give glory to God for the peace I enjoyed, and for the prospect of my parents joining with me in the way to heaven.

My father remained serious awhile, and then turned o.gain to the world. This was painful to me^ but as I had

LIFE AiND LAROJIS OF listed during the ^var, I felt determined to war a good warfare.

Shortly after this I joined the church in fall, and was appointed a leader of the class. This cross was somewhat heavy to take up, Imt God was a present help in every time of need.

Chapter II

FUOM MY IlKlNG APPOINTKD CLASS LEADER TILL I WAS RKCKIVEI) ON TRIAL INTO THE TRAVELLINQ CONNECTION.

Soon after God converted my soul, I often had my heart drawn out after sinners, and would often dream of warning them to flee from the wrath to come, and would awake and find myself weeping. The impression would follow me from time to time, that I must leave all and preach the gospel ; but I Avould keep these feelings to myself, and sometimes think it was a temptation. It would come to me, "You have hut one talent, and what should you say to the people ?" ^riicn this text would iinpresH my niind : " 1\) liini tliat hath, to him shall he given; hut from him that hath not shall be taken a way even that which he hath." I knew if I would not inif)rove the one talent, I was not fit to be trusted with five. I found that, Avhenevcr I Avas willing to speak for the Lord, he l)lessed my soul.