Fryday 7 [March 1806]

I have lately received some letters from my relations in the States which were refreshing to my soul. My brother John and his wife have found religion, and by my [their?] letters religion flourisheth in those parts. There appears indeed a general move among the People. May God speed his work. On this Circuit [Oswegatchie] there is a growing prospect. At a place called the little Nation there is almost an continual alarm among the People. It[s] member[s] profess to have found the peace of God which passeth Knowledge [Phil 4.7]. For my own part I am striving to move along in the path [of] Virtue. If I was to say I did not meet with pleasant seasons I should betray the truth and yet I am jealous of my own heart fearing lest one sound of my present enjoyment would arise from the creature. We are in a w[orld] where we are continually surrounded with external objects which [ms. torn] Religion from the soul. I confess with shame that I have not been sufficiently guarded against it. I see another growing evil also in some to whom is committed the Oracles of God (Viz) a Worldly spirit, A thirst for gain and applause; but I thank God who has kept me from as unhallowed a principal or desire. And may I be kept pure from the base desire[s] through Jesus Christ. I have in public and private borne a testimony against this spirit for which I suppose I have gained the ill will of some, but let it please or offend[,] I hope by the grace of God to be faithful trusting in him who will open his truth, for sinners. O Lord do thou help me through all dangers for Christ's Sake Amen.

1 March 1806	Manuscript	17 March 1806