Ripley083

My friends followed me this day from the South Settle-ment of Pagans, to the Oneida Indians, and from thenceback again to the Barn, which is the first I ever preachedin; an din this small village we had at least three hundredpeople assembled, of whom were many deeply humbled atthe goodness of my Master, that was mouth and Wisdomto me at each different place. I feel myself much obligedto all who have accompanied me, being a lonely stranger,but more especially to those who prepared my way, andfound me a horse to ride through the woods. May theGod of Jacob return it back again upon their posterity;and keep in remembrance my desire to please Him, andprofit every individual who has sat under the sound ofHis Gospel, which was sanctioned by His Adorable Pre-sense. [Vernon, Oneida County, 20th 7th mo. 1805.] I went out to the other end of the village to have ameeting in a school-house, where many assembled to wor-ship God, and hear a stranger. May the blessing of theHighest attend my feeble efforts, for without this, in vainwill my labour prove: yet, I am of opinion, that my workwill have its reward in that day, when every secret thingshall be made public to all Nations, and this my love, forthe salvation of precious souls. I can appeal to Thee, myGod, who art the Searcher of all hearts, that the Kingdomof Jesus Christ is my glory, yea, my chiefest joy,that ab-sorbs all my powers of soul and body. When I camefrom New York, it was to suffer Thy Will; trusting formercy from Thy Endless Liberality, that has thus far pre-pared the hears of the people to receive my labour, andentertain me as a messenger sent out from God, the Fatherof our Lord Jesus, and the whole family of Heaven andearth. Any one who depends upon God, doing His SpecialWork, will acknowledge that He is with me to provide mydaily bread, as occasion requires, which is according toHis ancient promise, “They that Fear the Lord shalllack no good thing.” The Love of God to His children isgreat; how am I made sensible of His Fatherly Care at