Mr. Hallock was always in the practice of preaching funeral sermons, on the day of the funeral, and decidedly in favor of this course, where the parish is small and the population not dense. He was also much attached to those small circles for religious worship, the conference, and the prayer-meeting. For these, he had very peculiar qualifications. To his discernment of this, perhaps, in connexion with his unfeigned humility, may be ascribed the fact, that, in the company of his clerical brethren, he uniformly chose rather to take a part in these meetings than to preach in the house of God. Seldom, during his whole Christian life, did a week pass in which he attended not one or more of them. Very often, in his journal, he makes mention of his high satisfaction, in the conference on Sabbath evening, when his feelings throughout the day had suffered no small depression. He was opposed to any departure from the established order of exercises in public worship, yet, in these more private meetings, he was without form in his mode of conducting the service. And to the endless variety which he introduced, may be ascribed in part, the lively interest felt by those who enjoyed his presence on these occasions. We return to his

journal.

'Aug. 4. Last night, a young woman in the neighborhood could not sleep for concern of mind. In the other part of the parish, the night before, a young man was in like circumstances. O may they be converted. Feel uncommonly well as to body and mind-may I be prepared for trouble, and always mourn and be humble for the pride of my

heart, which is so Heaven-daring, that 'tis a wonder I am out of Hell one moment. Rode to Hartlandtried to preach for Rev. Mr. Gaylord-some freedom -uncommon attention-discoursed with some under concern for their souls-believe the Lord is at work here-O may it go on.

"Aug. 11. Rode with the Rev. Mr. Gillett to Winsted-prayed together by the way-heard him preach.

"Aug. 15, Sabbath. Spent about an hour, this morning, in meditation and prayer, and in repeating my sermons before the Lord. Some life in the first prayer, but not much in the sermon. At noon, felt as if I could not get up to preach, but was carried through with usual freedom-a crowded assembly.In the evening, attended a conference-a poor young man appeared to be under great concern. O what shall I render to the Lord. O may I wear out in his service.

"Aug. 16. Spent the day in visiting. Found some under concern. Though I felt as if I could not preach, yesterday, yet I believe it was blessed. O bless the Lord. Think, that if the Lord does come among us, it cannot be on account of my preaching.

“Aug. 19. I understand, that the dear people of this place have given me a call to stay with them. That God, who exalted Baasha out of the dust, has opened a great door and given me unmerited respect and good will from my fellow mortals. O Lord, make me humble and deliver me from the snare of pride."

To show the entire bearing of these last expres

sions, it may here be stated, that during Mr. Hallock's short engagement at West-Simsbury, he received one invitation to return to Goshen, another to preach at Ware, Massachusetts, and a third to labor at New-Cambridge. He was also at this time under engagement to the people of Lee, where he preached his first sermon,-Rev. Mr. Parmele having suspended his labors on account of the illness which soon terminated his life.

CHAPTER VII.

Freaches in several places.-Some fruit of his labor at Ware, in a revival of religion.-Receives an invitation to settle in the ministry at Ware-another to settle in Goshen.-Declines both, and returns to West-Simsbury.-Severe trials.-Observes a day of fasting and prayer on account of them.-Hesitates to give the people in WestSimsbury an affirmative answer.--Still has a strong desire to be an evangelist.-Answers them in the negative.-Leaves the place.— Doubts the correctness of his course.-Is extremely ill.-A second invitation from West-Simsbury.--He returns. The course of duty not yet plain.-Receives an address from the youth.-His answer in the affirmative.-Ordination.

MR. Hallock now spent a few weeks, partly in visiting several places, and preaching almost daily, where revivals of religion were enjoyed; and partly in fulfilment of previous engagements to supply vacant pulpits. At Ware, on the east side of Connecticut river, as at Goshen and West-Simsbury, the Lord was pleased to send down the Holy Ghost to make his labors effectual. Here, too, he received an invitation to settle in the ministry. A few extracts from his journal, in connexion with this field of usefulness, may not be unacceptable. On the day after his arrival, he writes:

"Oct. 15, Friday. More freedom than common, to-day, in study and prayer. Had some discourse with the young people, this evening.

"Oct. 16. This afternoon, I set apart for prayer; that God would direct me to a suitable portion of his word for to-morrow; that there may be an awakening among the people; and that I may be enabled to preach in the demonstration of the spirit; like

wise to renew my covenant and resolves.-Trust I have had some life in prayer.

"Oct. 17, Sabbath. Spent some time in meditation and prayer, this morning. The people were very attentive. O that I may never forget the mercies of the Lord. Had a very full and attentive conference this evening. Had freedom in discourse, and so had others. Some appearance of an awakening. O may it come on-O may it come on. "Nov. 7. A remarkable meeting, this evening. Some suppose, there were three hundred persons present. Was enabled to preach with freedom to the most affected auditory I ever saw. O Lord, appear and save us for thy great name's sake.

"Nov. 13, Saturday. This forenoon, I set apart for prayer and examination;-to pray for divine help, to-morrow, and for Ware, where the Lord hath come of late. Some freedom in praying for this dear people. If I am not deceived, think I have some evidence of personal religion.

"Dec. 2. Attempted to preach a lecture, this afternoon-a full and remarkable conference. It was sweet music, to hear the brethren converse freely, when a little while ago, you could scarce get a word from them.

"Dec. 4. Had several people to visit me, to talk about their souls. O blessed times! It greatly revives my heart, to see those whom I trust God has made me the happy instrument in winning to himself. O may they finally be presented faultless before the presence of his glory.