The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-02-03
From the Waterman of the Valley.
RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE
Belpr., TEashtngl1n a., o.


Bro. GoopMAN: II has often been remarked
''that the whirlpool of political excitement abuu, the
time of our presidential elections, has Of late years
become strong, engulph every other interest"
And facts in connection with the interests Of the
church have gone far 10 prove the remark true.
Subjects Of minor importance have too much en-
crossed their affections, ard the Of God, and
the salvation of souls, which ought always 10 lie
nearest to their heart, have been sadly neglected, if
not wholly forgotten. Ministers and spiritually mind
ed christians, have felt the setting strongly
against them and have often become almost dsrour-
aged in their efforts to beat ii back, to nny
special means for The uphuilding Of the Redcemors
Kingdom.
For the encouragement of those who mourn
ing the low state Of Zion, snd ferventy putting
up the prayer Of Ilabakl<uk; 80 Lord, revive thy
work in the midst of the years, in wrath remember
mercy" am constrained TO bear testimony to the
truth that ale that is with ia greater than he
who is against us"
During the hottest OF the contest in the late eec.
lion, and Immediately after, when the public mind
waiting in suspense for the results, we had ovi
dent tokens Of the presence Of the Lord among his
people in this place. l need not say, however that
those who were blessed with His presence, gave
the subject Of religion tho chief place in their heart
and mind.
For five six weeks previous 10 n series Of
meetings which commenced on Nov. l4lh the
Holy Spirit seemed TO be preparing the way for the
blessings which have received. The hearts OF
Gods children were searched, their sins revealed,
their souls BUNDLED into penitence, and drawn out
earnest and porseverins prayer. With the asss-
lance Of some noighboring minIste RS, continued
meeting several days 1t was truly refreshing
time. God seemed to be walking in very midst,
and pouring into souls the ulincss of his love-
Sinners wero led anxiously 10 inquire, "What they
should do to be saved?'' And many could say to
them, "Oh and taste and see, that the Lord is
good and gracious"
Most Of the churches testify thai their faith
has been greatly quickened their zeal animated, and
their love kindled anew in the Of their Re-
deemer. The thew song Of praise" is now upon
the lips of many who before ashamed to speak
,he name of Jesus. young converts meeting il
now held weekly, where all FREQ TO take part
in bearing their testimony for Christ, as formerly
making their voice to be heard, in circles of gayety
and pleasure. Nearly every family in connection
with our church, rejoices one or more now
born souls. And in some families, where the voice
of prayer was never heard, now the humble suppli-
ants cry ascehds like incense before his throne
"Not unto US, not unto o, Lord, but unto thy
name be all rbe glory" If all heaven is filed with
Joy, over repenting sinner, what may we not
feel, to see our own neighbors and children focIng
TO Jesus!
Never did spend an hour ofdeeper interest, than
one spent in an inquiry meeting, after
meeting commenced. Several impenitent persons
were crying aloud for mercy. The place was aw-
fully solemn with the presence OF God We urged