88 Account of a singular Convulsive Affection. 



but little difference in the summer and the winter 

 months. 



So far from being considered as a disease, either 

 contagious or epidemical, it has been, and still conti- 

 nues to be, recognized, generally, as a favourable reli- 

 gious visitation from the Deity ^ and is designated un- 

 der the general appellation of the Religious Exercise. 



The subjects of this exercise are mostly of the 

 Presbyterian sect of religionists, and are very nu- 

 merous in this county, there being four congrega- 

 tions. And of these, within such ages as are usually 

 subject to its influence, I am satisfied, that one 

 fourth, if not one third, or one half of them, are, and 

 have been afiected, under some one modification or 

 other of the exercise. 



Some few Baptists have also been exercised; 

 but it is remarkable, that I do not recollect to have 

 heard of a single case among the sect denominated 

 Seceders having taken it at their religious meet- 

 ings, although they are very considerable in num- 

 bers ; nor do I remember a single instance of any 

 person having taken it, except those who attended 

 some religious meeting, or society ; and almost every 

 one has, in the first instance, taken it in such meet- 

 ings or society. 



I have known some persons as young as six or se- 

 ven years of age, and others, I thnik, upwards of six- 

 ty, affected : but a great majority are from the age of. 



