Letter to John Davis 1781

Benjamin Wallin to John Davis [1731-1795]

Mazepond, April 18. 1781

The following is an Extract of My Papers lately Received from the Revd. Mr Bacchus of Middlburgh New England and dated Boston April 13. 1780.

"Very Dear Sir For several years past our hostilities have Engrossed the peoples attention in general thro' the whole Country, and but little appearance of Religion, a few places only Excepted, till lately, a great and glorious work has opened before us. In August 1778. I perceived a little beginning of Conviction on a few Minds in our own Society which gradually increased so that 22 very agreeable Members were added to our Church and Many More are soon expected. Brother Enhanan Winchester83 who was born seven miles west of Boston 1751 is Now owned of God in an astonishing Manner. He began to Preach 14. Days after Mr Whitefields death and after Labouring a few years in those parts he went to South Carolina. A year ago he had Concluded to return to his Native Country; but a revival of Religion at Welch Neck, on Pedee River, where he was preaching, prevented it; from May 30th to august 29th inclusive he Baptized 239 persons, 100 of whom were Negro Slaves, who before were in a State of Heathenism, and averse to attend Christian Worship; but before he came away it was usual to see 4. or 500 of these poor Creatures at Meeting, and the work prevailed when he came away in September. On November 16 he called to see Me in his way to his Fathers house Expressing a strong faith of seeing glorious things in those parts where he has Preached about as many Sermons as there has been days Notwithstanding a severe Winter. Our Ministers have been greatly quickened, and the Effects have been such that about 100. persons have been Baptized at Rehoboth 70. at Swansey 40. in Taunton and Raynham adjacent to Me, and Many in Neighbouring Towns .... A remarkable work also is begin in Newtown and Brookline by Means of Mr Winchester among his own kindred and acquaintance .. I Preached there last week, and was delighted with what I saw. Besides a glorious work begun last summer in the Western parts of our Government. Elder Peter Worden of NewProvidence and Elder Nathan Mason of Lanesborough Baptized 300 betwixt May and January. In the same space Elder Cooling at Brinfeild Baptized about 80. and thro' New-England there is Now the greatest prospect of a general thorough reformation that has appeared within 35. years and in some respects greater than I ever saw before. Notwithstanding the Torrent of Corruption seemed likely as if it would have drowned the Land. 0 help us to praise and pray." So far from thence.

Dear Sir, I have .scarce time to write the above: have Not been on Horseback since last at Waltham: since which also, Neither Mr Davis, nor any from thence, have called upon Me. I have No great Expectation of paying you another Visit, being in a manner altogether confined, and can preach but little. I wish the confirmation of your health, and increasing comfort and usefullness and with Love to Messrs. Thompson's, Auther's, Carter, and all Christian Friends.

I am Dear Sir your affectionate Brother

Benjamin Wallin