Revivals (Stanton)

FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

Voluntown, Ct., Dec. 28, 1842.

Dear Sir:—We have in old Connecticut a great variety of the popular religionists of the present age, and here has been a great excitement for some time among the popular herd. Some, and I think I may safely assert many, or a great proportion, are for helping God do his work of converting sinners; and they depend mostly or quite on works, their own works, anxious seats and the like, arguing that such is the breaking down of sin, taking the first step towards the Saviour, and that the next is the more easily taken then.—The “anxious” are told that they must kneel when prayed for at the close of the services, and it is not unfrequently the case that such as will not bow to the inventions of man are abused by such as lead their meeting.

I have just learned that a young woman who has recently been on the anxious seats for prayers has been detected in stealing money from a member of the church where this protracted meeting has been carried on; and further, that she took the money, a few dollars, in something less than a dollar at a time, while she was professedly concerned about her soul! From her own confession of the crime, she would, after taking a few cents, go on the anxious seat, and after being on the anxious seat would take a little more! Whole amount taken was about six dollars. It is lamentable that the cause of Christ should be so trifled with. I would that error and hypocrisy were done away, and the cause of God and truth prevail more abundantly; yet not as I will, but as God shall direct, and to him be all the praise on earth and in heaven.

I have never made so much noise about my profession as some in this section do, nor boasted of piety in myself so much as some. I have not been fit, nor can I say I have felt it my duty to unite with any church in this section of country, (for I consider them all in this vicinity more or less contaminated with false doctrines and false notions) though I have recently been strongly solicited so to do. They have too much of the do and live system, or that of works. If I ever was born of God, it is all of grace, and for it I would and do praise my Master in heaven. Grace, grace—yes all of grace—not of works, lest poor self should boast.

Although others may discontinue the “Signs,” yet it is my desire to have you continue them to me. I take much pleasure in reading its pages, and also the “Advocate and Monitor.” I will labor during the night season, (if I cannot without it pay for them) to get money for that purpose.—My prayer is that the Signs and Advocate may be continued, and that God will give to their editors and correspondents wisdom from on high, so as to conduct them to comfort the brethren and sisters who may read them, and that all contentions, strifes and jarings among Old School Baptists may be done away, and I rejoice that such a spirit is now manifest. May God continue to bless you.

I subscribe myself, my brother, one of the least of all God’s children, if indeed I am one. Adieu for the present.

WM. C. STANTON.